In numerous cities across the country, the personal automobile is the single
greatest polluter, as emissions from million of vehicles on the road add up. Car
pollution is one of the biggest polluters the solution is to have much more
efficient vehicles that produce fewer emissions with every mile. So what would
be the best thing for cars to run off of in the future? Electric vehicles are
the answer to this problem. Electric vehicles or EVs, are vehicles that are
powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine
(Frequently). EVs use electricity as the "fuel" instead of gasoline or
some other combustible fuel. The power for the vehicle is stored in many large
batteries in the bottom of the car, then from there the power goes to a power
regulator where it is changed from DC power to AC power. The engine only has one
moving part, which send the power directly to the wheels. Therefore it does all
the primary functions of a gas engine with no emissions. (Automobile) With
technology like this one might guess who is going to jump on the electric
vehicle bandwagon right away. The major auto manufactures are producing
high-performance electric vehicles, such as General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and
many foreign companies as well, in a wide range of style and sizes. They include
passenger cars, mini-vans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Also there
are some as small as bicycles and motor scooters and as big as busses.
(Frequently) The EV is environmentally friendly (Automobile). Electric vehicles
are today's zero-emission vehicles (Technology). The EV releases no pollutant
because it has no tailpipe. Therefore, making it safe for the environment.
Instead of gas stations, EVs get their "fuel" from electric power
stations. An electric powered engine has many has many benefits over a gas
engine in the comfort department as well. EVs offer a quiet fume-free, smooth
driving experience. Since the motor does not operate when the vehicle is at a
stop, an EV has no "idle" noises (Frequently). EVs provide fast
acceleration by delivering power instantly to the wheels by providing high
torque at low speeds, they give a feel of smooth and quick responsiveness
(Technology). Well-designed EVs like those produced by major auto companies,
travel at speeds equivalent to conventional vehicles and offer all the same
safety and high-speed performance features. The EV also has low operating costs.
The per-mile fuel cost of operating an EV can be less than one-third that of a
gasoline-powered car (Frequently). EV owners also say goodbye to many familiar
maintenance costs, no more tune-ups, oil changes or muffler replacements
(Technology). Another advantage of an EV is the convince of no gas stations. EV
drivers like that "refueling" can be done overnight, easily and safely
at home or at public locations like shopping centers, where electric charging
units have been installed. Electric vehicles are very safe. The EVs produced by
major companies meet all safety requirements. As the EV becomes more popular the
safety record is being safety monitored. To date, findings are positive and have
shown that numerous EV vehicles maximize safety. For example EVs have lower
center of gravity that makes them less likely to roll over. EVs have also less
potential for major fires or explosions. And the body construction and
durability of EVs enhance the vehicle safety in an accident (Technology). A
question that many people ask is "where and how can I buy or lease an EV?"
The dealerships selling EVs are limited at this time, because the industry is
just beginning to emerge. As EVs become more popular, the network of EV
dealerships that sell and service EVs will grow. Several major auto companies
are now making EVs available on a lease basis so that customers will not have to
worry about maintenance and so that they can minimize the risk associated with
the purchase of new technology (Technology). Prices for the first EVs from the
major auto manufactures range from the low $30,000's to mid $40,000's for
purchase, or from $399 per month on up for lease (Frequently). EVs are also
expected to have lower routine maintenance costs, since they have fewer moving
parts that internal combustion engines, and don't require tune-ups or oil
changes, but some EVs require battery pack replacements. With all the pollution
from factories, homes, and automobiles the days of clear skies may be limited.
With all the new technology that has come about on electric vehicles we will cut
back on pollution in leaps and bounds. We all saw movies about cars from the
future and thought they would run on electric and fly, well we might not see
cars flying for some time yet but now we are seeing the electric car coming out
of the movies and into real life

Bibliography
"Automobile Emmisions: An Overview". Office of mobile Sources (20
July 1998). http://www.epa.gov/oms/05-auto.htm (12 Dec. 1999) "Frequently
Asked Questions About EVs". Electric Vehicle Association of America (1997).
http://www.dnai.com/-ev/vehicle/faq4.html (12 Dec. 1999) "The
Technology". Alternative Energy and transportation Site (1999). http://members.tripod.com/-water_engine/intro.html
(13 Dec. 1999)