The electric car is all the rave these days. And while we have seen a lot of concept cars in the making, many compare it to the route of the Apollo Programs’ Lunar Rover which took years to complete. In the same way, electric cars are still a bit lagging and one derivative is cost. However, most critics feel that pricing structures may be a hindrance, especially if the current economic situation does not improve. For example, would you pay over $15,000 for an electric car?

“What people overlook is that accomplishing ‘big picture’ programs like Apollo require accepting the concept of unlimited spending to achieve the mission,” says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the industry authority Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “Current levels of unprecedented federal spending notwithstanding, electric cars are not an exclusive answer to future transportation challenges and consumers will not be willing to buy them at all costs.”

The primary culprit is not the car. Automakers in the 1990s proved they could produce full-function electric vehicles offering the attributes that most drivers expect, although with limited driving range of about 100 miles or so. What they couldn’t do was replace a gas tank with an advanced battery pack that cost less than $20,000 to $30,000. Extraordinarily high battery cost is why we’re seeing newly-announced battery electric sedans with a retail cost of $45,000 to $55,000.

(Source) Press

Tags: apollo program, apollo programs, automakers, car journal, cogan, Concept Cars, current economic situation, driving range, editor and publisher, electric car, electric cars, electric vehicles, federal spending, future transportation, gas tank, hindrance, lunar rover, sedans, transportation challenges

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When it comes to hitching a ride, people barely notice the state that a driver may be in. And among these include that of “Drink” drivers who may be exposed to potential hazards such as car accidents if they are not careful. But the question remains, would you ride with such a driver when your safety or even your life may be on the line?

“There is no excuse for drink driving and people’s willingness to get in the car with a drunk driver is alarming. By condoning this behaviour they are risking not only their own lives but those of other road users. If you know someone who plans to drink and drive, stop them, persuade them not to drive, even take their keys off them, but before volunteering to drive their car make sure you are insured, because if you’re not you will find yourself breaking the law.”

So eventually, it is not just about looking out for your own safety. You are doing that person a favor as well by pulling him away from potential mishaps in driving. Causes of drink driving range from addiction all the way to irresponsible behavior. Whatever the case may be, it would be best to make sure to make judgment calls before getting on the vehicle with such people. Your life may be on the line if you are not careful.

(Source) Press

Tags: addiction, breaking the law, car accidents, drink driver, drink drivers, driving range, drunk driver, excuse, hitching a ride, irresponsible behavior, judgment, mishaps, road users, willingness

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Perhaps two companies working together can come out and product a new battery product that is seen to become a demand in the coming years as BASF and Sion Power have combined to speed up the cause to accelerate the commercialization of Sion Power’s proprietary lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology, e.g., for the electric vehicle (EV) market and other high-energy applications.

The Sion Power / BASF collaboration targets the development of battery materials to improve Li-S battery life and to increase the energy density and thus extend driving range of future EVs beyond what is currently available with alternative rechargeable battery technologies. Li-S technology already offers significant energy density and weight advantages over those existing technologies.

Improved battery technology is a fundamental requirement for more efficient use of current and renewable energy sources. The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for $2 billion for the development and manufacture of advanced automotive batteries. All major automotive manufactures are vigorously pursuing the introduction of electric vehicles that are environmentally friendly yet provide the range and comfort consumers expect in an automobile, features that cannot be obtained with any currently available battery technology.

(Source) Press

Tags: basf, battery life, battery materials, battery technologies, battery technology, commercialization, driving range, efficient use, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, energy applications, energy density, fundamental requirement, high energy, lithium, rechargeable battery, reinvestment act, renewable energy sources, technology development

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While the entry of plug-in hybrid vehicles has been hailed as the ultimate solution to the growing problems of gas consuming cars as well as remedying the carbon emissions issue, not all motorists seem to be comfortable with the change in transport choices.

While improved fuel economy is the top reason cited for considering a plug-in hybrid, lower operating costs and positive environmental impact also contribute to interest. “With gasoline hovering around $2.00 per gallon, there is no real economic case for plug-in hybrids right now,” said Bryan Krulikowski, Morpace Vice President. “Those interested in plug-ins are also considering the non-economic benefits provided by the technology.”

Given the technology’s high up-front purchase cost, Krulikowski added, it’s not surprising that consideration is strongest among luxury car owners. However, those driving mid-size cars and minivans also tend to be more interested in plug-in hybrids.

The technology faces hurdles beyond purchase price. Among those not interested in plug-in hybrids, the primary concern is limited driving range during all-electric operation. “Consumers expect to drive more than 40 miles using only the electric motor,” Krulikowski said. “Further, the lack of infrastructure to support re-charging these vehicles weighs on consumers’ minds.”

Being able to re-charge the vehicle at home is important to 90 percent of consumers. Among all study respondents, 67 percent indicate having access to an outlet at the location where they park overnight. “That leaves a significant number of consumers who must rely on re-charging locations other than home,” Krulikowski pointed out. On average, consumers say they will pay $5.70 per hour to re-charge a plug-in hybrid at a public location.

(Source) Press

Tags: car owners, carbon emissions, driving range, economic benefits, economic case, environmental impact, fuel economy, hurdles, hybrid vehicles, luxury car, mid size cars, minivans, motorists, plug in hybrids, plug ins, public location, transport choices

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