New Electric Cars Coming

By: Bill Waters
Staff Writer
Published: Oct 19, 2009

Articles - Electric Cars Spark New Auto Revolution

Electric automobiles are coming as auto manufacturers discover ways to store more electric power in batteries. Future transportation is about to be powered by the latest battery innovations. These next-generation batteries are lighter in weight and will provide longer travel commutes than ever before. Some of the EVs (electric vehicles), including the Chevrolet Volt, can already drive at speeds of 40 to 50 mph. However, faster speeds normally drain the life of the battery charge, but technologies are coming that could change all that.

Porsche is working on a prototype to deliver an automobile capable of operating at 80 mph with a longer battery life. The prototype is still a couple of years from production, but it's clear that the automaker is already developing plug-in technologies. Most commuters travel in cities that don't require high rate of speeds, which makes it possible to run completely on clean energy.

Plug-in vehicles are advancing fast as car manufacturers' race to compete in production lines for 2010 and 2011. General Motors Corp has put more effort into its battery-powered car instead of broadening the hybrid line-up. It's obvious that plug-in EVs are the future. This is because GM vows that its plug-in Volt will be a virtue to the automaker's survival. The car also promises a 230 MPG (miles per gallon) rating.

Ford, the only stable American automaker, is also testing battery-powered vehicles. The Ford Fusion is already capable of driving more than 700 miles on one tank of gas. The automaker uses a combination of gas and battery while providing driving technics to help extend mileage. Ford is also testing a fleet of battery EVs.

Nissan is also working on a prototype known as the HEV. The company will use a rear-wheel power train that can deliver twice the power as conventional nickel-metal batteries. The prototype will enter the global market in 2012.

Hybrid vehicles do extend mileage, but they are not EVs. Most hybrids still use a gasoline engine and will use the battery to run the car if it is parked or in idle. Hybrids will also operate the vehicle at lower speeds in an effort to save fuel and extend its mileage.

Plug-in automobiles are about 14 months away. We benefit from cleaner energy and so does our planet. The air quality will be cleaner and our environment will be safer. In addition, we reduce our dependency on foreign oil.

It was fewer than 100 years ago when the first automobile was designed. Within 15 years, gasoline powered automobiles were commonly used. Just imagine what type of EVs we will drive in the next 15 years. Whether we're prepared or not, the plug-in car revolution is coming.