The Future of Automobiles- Electric Vehicles?

Steam Engine

The world has seen great transformations and substantial development in the automobile industry over the centuries. Automobiles date as far back as the 18^th century. The mid 18^th Century saw the advent of the steam-powered vehicles. The conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles were birthed in the 19^th century. The 19^th century also was the advent of electric vehicles (EV). However, due to the ready availability of petroleum products, the lowering cost of production of ICE cars with respect to others, and the invention of electric kick-starters, the ICE became the preferred automobile type and gained prominence. This caused a decline in the research and production of the steam and the electric powered vehicles. That notwithstanding, the ICE has a disadvantage: it constitutes environmental hazards, which pose serious threat.

In recent times, there is a renewed interest in electric cars because of the environmental challenges posed by the combustion of petroleum in ICE based vehicles. In addition, fossil fuel is not so much of a renewable energy source. Fossil fuel is depleted faster than it is replenished. These coupled with the campaign for clean energy give rise to the need to search out other sources to power vehicles, hence the renewed interest.

The recent breakthrough in the development of the electric vehicles today points to the future of automobiles. We use electricity from various sources to power electric vehicles. The fact that electric vehicles are environment friendly; having zero emission and minimal noise pollution also makes them a preferred technology today.

Tesla Motors, a US company, named after the scientist Nikola Tesla, established in 2003 with its Headquarters in California, has made tremendous contributions to the development of the electric vehicles. The South African born Canadian-American +Elon Musk is the founder and CEO of Tesla Motors. The efforts of Tesla Motors and the likes of Toyota, Nissan, and others have transformed the EV technology from the old skimpy locomotives into the modern sleek and elegant industry today.

Let us take a close look at one among the many fascinating Electric Vehicles today; the Tesla Model S. This is Tesla’s second model after the release of Roadster, which gave Tesla its popularity. Tesla announced the Model S in 2008 but rolled out in 2012. It has already seen strong sales in European and American markets since then. Now, what are the fascinating features about this technology?

The model S simply works with an advanced powertrain placed between the wheels, which saves energy three times more than a gas-burning engine. The internal combustion engine has a conversion efficiency of about 20% whereas the electric vehicle has a conversion efficiency of up to 60%. They have zero emission and no tailpipe. Unlike the conventional car engines with hundreds of moving pieces, this electric vehicle has only one moving piece: the rotor; as a result, this vehicle can attain 100Km/h in less than 6 seconds... Awesome! It takes about 25 seconds to attain that with the gasoline vehicles.

Power storage was one of the challenges that met EVs in the recent past. However, advancement in battery technology has made it possible for EVs to be propelled on a single journey as far as conventional cars running on gasoline can go before needing a recharge. The Tesla model S is equipped with a 60/85KWh Li-ion battery. Lithium ion batteries are notable for their high energy density, and that makes them a favorite in lightweight storage applications. Tesla leverages on this and has achieved high-density storage capacity up to 265 miles EPA 5-cycle certified range, a top speed of 200Km/h, 362-horse power and 325Ib-ft torques. This is a great breakthrough. In addition, stakeholders are already addressing the challenge of the length of time taken to recharge the battery. Superchargers can now charge the battery to full capacity in 40 minutes. In addition, the option of a battery swap in a service center takes only about 90 seconds to complete in a service center as revealed by Tesla motors.

Not to say the least, the design, the interior, and the exterior are no exceptions. They add up to the beauty, elegance, and high performance structure. The smart air suspension and the electric power steering are designed to react automatically to driving conditions to ensure comfort and responsiveness at all speeds. The chassis is made of lightweight aluminum panels with the battery in position to maintain a low center of gravity, giving it the balance it needs. All these synergize to give a user the feel and the comfort so desired.

In conclusion, we can see that electric vehicles are no longer in the debut stage but hold a great stake in the future of automobiles. With no tailpipe to pour out harmful emissions, electric vehicles free the world from the petroleum-burning paradigm. Internal combustion engine powered vehicles and hybrids burn refined petroleum. Electric vehicles use electricity no matter how and where it is generated, be it coal, solar, hydro, geothermal, wind or any other source. As the system, government, and economic policies shift to increasingly efficient technology, these vehicles move with the trend.