EV, Electric Vehicle

Along with all my others considerations in the renewable energy is running vehicles on electric.

Recharging electric vehicles, EV from renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind generators makes this a truly green fuel. The efficiency of full electric car runs about 80% verses less than 30% for a liquid fuel operated car. Running on biofuels would be a first step to renewable fuels, and would be a good idea for long range vehicles.

Most of our driving is short range, commutes to work, and shopping. These short range trips can best be served by full EVs. Hybrids are a compromise that allows people to stay on the gasoline economy, but they are still at best 30% efficient at using their fuel.

Advancements in batteries already have a car reaching over the 100 mile per charge range. With lead acid batteries the range is close to 40 miles, which covers the average trip from home for most Americans.

In considering operating a vehicle on electric only, I have considered converting an existing gas operated vehicle to electric. Such a conversion can cost $20,000 as long as you supply your own labor, up to $40,000 to have someone else do the work for you.

The best ideas I've come across start from the pavement up, and redesign the car to be electric from the start. First is to design only the car you need. If your main use is only as a commuter vehicle, a one or two seater may be all you need. As such a much lighter vehicle can be designed. A three wheel design, allows light weight, with a full enclosure for all weather use. A single wheel motor can be used, and design considerations are then to handle the battery weight and size needed to attain an acceptable range.

Speed is the another consideration. There are many electric vehicles hitting the market that are in the NEV, or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle range. This range is limited to 30 mph roads, and are little more than built up golf carts.

A three wheel vehicle can be designed to have highway speeds and a range of 40 miles.

Here is a You Tube presentation of wheel motors. These have been in development since 1890. When gasoline internal combustion engines won out over electric, this development was placed on hold. The recent resurgence interest in EVs has brought this development back into play.

I consider this to be the best solution as you get rid of the loses of power in a standard drive train. Wikipedia article on wheel motors.