Scope: how far can I drive and where can I recharge?

This is probably the biggest drawback of electric vehicle technology today. Not only are today’s EVs limited by range, but there is a minimal current recharging infrastructure for high-speed recharging of EVs and batteries become prohibitively expensive when it comes to increasing your vehicle’s range. If you normally take a lot of long-distance trips, then an electric vehicle may not be the best option. Electric vehicles are currently adapted to the city, as travel distances are small and charging points are more available.

The Tesla has a range of around 240 miles, which is a significant distance, however it is priced quite high around $ 100,000. Less expensive electric cars have a shorter range and top speed and are more suited to urban driving. These are also more affordable and are much lighter vehicles. Many potential EV owners define this as their main disadvantage of current EV technology.

However, it should be noted that large networks of recharging infrastructure are being installed in the countries to offer high current and low time charging solutions. Some of the faster charging options allow for recharge times of 20 to 30 minutes, which is perfect for that coffee and a burger stop. However, recharging through a standard household outlet will take many hours due to the 10 amp single phase limitation of many power points.

Additionally, lithium-nickel and lithium air batteries are currently being developed in Japan and the US, respectively, potentially identifying 3-6 times the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries. Lithium polymer batteries are another good example showing that future battery technology will be far superior to current electric vehicle battery technology and range will be less of an issue as these technologies enter wide distribution across the world. lower cost.

How fast will it go?

This one really depends on how many batteries, what kind of batteries (and really how much you want to spend on the electric car or EV conversion). You will also need a motor that matches your battery and controller combination. Many still think of an electric car as slow, however cars like the Tesla have shown the opposite to be the case in some cases. Fast-accelerating cars will be expensive as they require high-discharge batteries, high-current drivers, and powerful motors. There is also a reward with the maximum speed. If you want a fast-accelerating vehicle, you may need to slow down, which in turn will reduce the maximum speed of the vehicle. In general, gearboxes are not necessary in an electric vehicle, however, as an electric motor can accelerate very high.

Can I get that classic V8 buzz?

Sorry buddy, electric cars are very quiet. You will hear a bit of the sound of an electric motor which is kind of cool (kind of mimics the sound of a jet engine), but the days of a roaring V8 will be over if you buy an electric vehicle.

Are electric cars safe?

There have been concerns of previous lithium ion battery packs exploding or overheating; however, with a battery management system, these problems are gradually being resolved. The biggest risk is the high voltage wiring inside your electric car that traditional gasoline vehicles don’t have. The key is to have accelerometer kill switches and automatic disconnects that isolate the batteries the moment the vehicle is in an accident. Generally, electric vehicles offer greater safety if they are well designed and suitable for the road, since the mass is distributed lower and towards the perimeter of the vehicle, and there is no gasoline or flammable gas on board.

When charging the vehicle, special attention should be paid to recharging methods to avoid electric shock. Done correctly through a well-designed charging point is the key to success here.

Finally, the need for a gearbox is eliminated, allowing the driver to focus on the road and other distractions instead of shifting gears.

Where can I repair it?

Although the service stations that specialize in electric vehicle maintenance are minimal these days, many will surely appear as more electric vehicles enter the market. Fortunately, electric vehicles need minimal maintenance with only one moving part on the transmission side and no gearbox, clutch, oil change, etc. There should be one service point in your city at least and most mechanics will be able to diagnose simple problems or refer you to an electrician to fix the wiring.

In short, are electric vehicles good or bad?

As we have seen, electric cars have many disadvantages, the most important of which is the autonomy of the car. If people can’t drive to their favorite vacation spot 400km away for their long weekend, the number of potential buyers will be reduced immediately. Price and vehicle acceleration are also important issues to consider. Lastly, things like the sound it makes, its appearance, driving ergonomics, and service issues can all contribute to the decision to go for a standard gas guzzler. However, as we see EV technology increase, we will no doubt see many changes that make the EV a clear winner as it overcomes some of these drawbacks.