BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 1

Introduction

Many myths have arisen about electric cars. Some are based on real world experience, some are simply mispreceptions, others are downright fabrications.

Technological advances, energy availability and security, as well as environmental concerns have brought about a resurgence of interest in electric cars. This Fasttrack tutorial addresses the most prevalent myths about them.

• Electric Cars Are Slow
• Electric Cars Have Limited Range
• Electric Cars Require Long Recharge Times
• Electric Cars Still Pollute
• Electric Cars Consume More Resources
• Electric Car Batteries Are Problematic

BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 2

Electric Cars Are Slow

Modern electric cars essentially come in two classes: low-speed and highway-capable. The former, called 'neighborhood electric vehicles' are subject to federal mandates in America limiting their speed for safety reasons to 25 mph.

The second class are fully capable of meeting or exceeding local speed limits. In addition, they can often out accelerate a gasoline vehicle because of their high torque electric motors. The much-acclaimed Tesla Roadster has a top speed of 125 mph and a zero-to-60 acceleration time of under 4 seconds.

In 1994 a modified General Motors EV1 prototype set the world speed record for an electric car at 183 mph. This was later improved to 186 mph.

BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 3

Electric Vehicles Have Limited Range

The operational range of an electric car is largely dependent on the type of battery used in the vehicle. Other factors include local geography, outside temperatures and personal driving style. Most modern electric cars are designed to achieve a driving range of at least 100 miles. The Phoenix SUT has a nominal range of 130 miles, while the Tesla Roadster can reach 220 miles. In 1999, the Solectric Sunrise drove 375 miles on a single charge using NiMH batteries.

In actuality, most American commuters drive less than 30 miles a day, easily within the operating range of even a lead-acid battery-powered electric car.

Pure battery electric cars, however, are not meant to be an all purpose replacement for a conventional car or hybrid. Their mission is to provide dependable, community-wide transportation services that aren't dependent on petroleum.

BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 4

Electric Cars Require Long Recharge Times

The time it takes to recharge an electric car battery varies with the depth of discharge, the battery chemistry involved, and the amount of current available. Independent tests of Altairnano batteries in 2007 demonstrated a recharge time of under a quarter of an hour using very high currents and voltages usually found only in industrial settings. Other battery makers have announced similar fast-charge capabilities.

The average recharge time of an electric car can range from three to eight hours depending on available voltage and current.

However, the reality is most passenger cars sit 23-hours in the day, either parked at home or parked at work. This is ample time to recharge any electric car battery, even using common 110v circuits found in most US homes. Higher voltages like those in Europe would mean faster charging times. There are even parking lots that are covered with solar panels that can be used to recharge the batteries in an electric-drive vehicle.

BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 5

Electric Cars Still Pollute

Electric cars do not directly emit pollutants like the hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carcinogens, or carbon dioxide spurred by all internal combustion engines. However, since much of the power grid that recharges an electric car burns large percentages of fossil fuels, they can indirectly pollute.

When comparing the emissions of a conventional gasoline vehicle to that of an electric car on a miles-travelled basis, the EV will always have far less emisisons, even when the local grid is fueled entirely by coal, the dirtest of fuel sources.

More importantly, the electricity that powers electric cars can be created from many diverse sources, including renewable ones like hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, tidal power, solar electric and wind energy.

BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 6

Electric Vehicles Consume More Resources

This myth emerged from a study a number of years ago that contended a GM Hummer consumed less resources than a Toyota Prius over their comparative life times. While the study has been sufficiently debunked, the myth persists.

Battery electric cars are considerably less complex than either hybrids or conventional cars. They consist of a motor, a controller and batteries; and only the motor is a moving part, unlike internal combustion engines.

Additionally, research by both carmakers and independent groups like the Rocky Mountain Institute have demonstrated that automobiles themselves can be made dramatically less complex, as well as safer and lighter.

Finally, batteries -- as well as the rest of the vehicle -- are recyclable. Gasoline and diesel fuel car not.

BUSTED: ELECTRIC CAR MYTHS

SLIDE 7

Electric Car Batteries Are Problematic

Our experience with batteries typically comes from failed laptop and cell phone batteries. We fear that at some point, long before the car is paid for or after the warranty has lapsed, we'll face an enormous repair bill to replace a very expensive battery pack.

Carmakers and battery manufacturers are very aware of this concern and are working towards battery packs that will operate without trouble for the life of the vehicle. They currently warranty hybrid car battery packs for 8-10 years.

Another option under serious consideration is to sell customers the car, but lease the battery; removing concerns about who will be responsible for any future replacement.