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Go Electric With You Cars

Wednesday Sep 9, 2009
Carazoo.com asked:


The pollution level is gone so high that it has difficult to breathe fresh air. It is the toxic gases that emits from the industry and the vehicles that spoil our nature making it dry and dead. But now many car-manufacturers are rolling out eco-friendly cars but I always wondered if it is possible to convert regular cars into Electric cars. And with lots of research I got the answer as NO. That is not all the cars can be converted into an electric vehicle. There are electric kits available that will be fitted to only certain models such as Chevy Geo Metro, such as the Chevy Sprint, Pontiac Firefly and the Suzuki Swift which are ideal for conversions too.

 

One of the disadvantages of the electric vehicle is that it lacks speed and power but sources say that the electric kits can offer the speed of between 70 and 75 mph. another drawback we face is re-charging batteries. In some electric-kits, the battery has to be recharged in every 20 to 40 miles, depending on driving habits and battery quality. This kind of driving is suitable only for city drives and not ideal for long drives.

 

For city driving, this would be ideal. However, for lengthy commutes on the highway, this would not be ideal long drives. Converting a car into an electric one is not a cheap affair, it can cost a lot.

Thinking practically, when comparing the cost involved of using an electric vehicle kit, it is always better to opt for the regular car especially if they do a lot of highway driving. But again if you are looking for a purely eco-friendly car fro city driving then you have the right car. In India presently Maini REVA is shining away but now there are companies who are planning to roll out electric cars.

 




EV Secrets - How To Build An Electric Car

Tuesday Sep 8, 2009
Chris Jensen asked:


One of simplest and most functional forms of transportation is the electric cars. The operating mechanism of this kind of car is so simple that they just run on a number of batteries, which are arranged in series with an on/off switch button. The electric motor is responsible for giving life to the car. Aside from its engine features, electric-powered cars are far more economical than other cars using just the conventional fuel. How to build an electric car is easy. Because of its simple engineering engine design, almost everybody can build it given the limited resources. A car frame, the usual wheels, a common car battery, mainstay electric motor, and on/off switch are just the basic parts of an electric car.

Click Here For EV Secrets Instant Access Now!

Before building your electric car, you must first choose the right car to convert.  Small cars are the best vehicles for you to convert because the major problem that many people face in this step is the large space required for the batteries. Cars that are light weight and have plenty of room for batteries will be perfect for conversion.

After choosing the right donor car, you need to know which tools to use and where to find them. Also, you need to have a decent step-by-step instruction to work your way towards your own electric car. Essentially, you have to remove the donor car’s engine gas tank, exhaust, and clutch. Then, you have to install the electric motor and controller, and wire them to the batteries.

Advantages of building your own EV include reducing your maintenance costs, saving hundreds of dollars every month, preventing the emission of gas and toxic fumes to reduce global warming, getting a better engine’s performance, and driving up to 150-200 miles on a single charge.

Indeed, it is quite feasible to know how to build an electric car. Converting your car to run on electricity is a great way to save money on gas and protect the environment at the same time.

Click Here For EV Secrets Instant Access Now!




How to Buy a Pre Owned Car

Sunday Sep 6, 2009
The Internet Car Guy asked:


You are already making a wise decision by deciding to buy a pre owned vehicle, the problem is, you just don’t know how to buy a pre owned car and save thousands of dollars on your car purchase. Here are some sure fire ways to save you money on your next pre owned car:



Before shopping for a pre owned car, think about your driving habits, your needs, and your budget

Learn about car models, options, and prices by reading newspaper ads, both display and classified

If you finance the cost of the car, consider how much you can put down, your monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the annual percentage rate. Make sure you understand all aspects of the loan agreement before you sign any documents, including the exact price; the amount you’re financing; the finance charge; and the total sales price

The Federal Trade Commission requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every pre owned car they offer for sale. Private sellers don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. The Guide tells you: whether the vehicle is sold “as is” or with a warranty; percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty; that spoken promises are difficult to enforce; to get all promises in writing; to keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale; the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for; and to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy

Examine the car using an inspection checklist. You can find these on Internet sites that deal with used cars

Test drive the car under varied road conditions-on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic

Ask for the car ’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop

Hire a mechanic to inspect the car for mechanical soundness as well as safety

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.




The Unknown History of Electric Cars

Thursday Sep 3, 2009
Hilal Abdelwali asked:


Believe it or not, the electric car was invented a long, long time ago. In 1900, electric cars outsold both gasoline and steam vehicles because electric cars did not have the vibration, noise and dirtiness associated with gas vehicles.

But soon afterward with the discovery of Texas crude oil that reduced the price of gasoline, the invention of the electric starter in 1912 that eliminated the need for a hand crank, and the mass production of internal combustion engine vehicles by Henry Ford the electric vehicle went the way of the horse and buggy.

Back in the early 1920s when vehicles were becoming more popular, gasoline was very expensive. It also was hard to start a gasoline engine, you had to turn and turn and turn a crank in front of the car to get it to start.

They did not have a key to start the car like we do today. Gasoline vehicles were also noisy and put out lots of smoke. The cars either had no mufflers, or the mufflers did not do a good job. So, electric vehicles were a big hit. At one time there were 50,000 of them on the roads and streets of the United States.

So when the electric car was invented, it seemed to be the wave of the future and that was hundreds of years ago! Now that we have moved into the twenty first century, new electric cars are being invented that have become a new wave of the future.

Totally electric cars produce absolutely no pollution and are environmentally friendly like never before. Many car companies have invented hybrid electric cars that can give you longer traveling time by allowing you to switch from complete electric power to gasoline power. While not as completely pollution free, this type of electric car was invented for those people who needed to travel long distances but did not want to drive a completely gasoline powered vehicle.

As soon as the modern electric car was invented, it started a buzz among those who are passionate about the environment and keeping our world safe and healthy. But many of the large car companies are finding that producing the car and meeting the strict safety standards of the U.S. government has been difficult.

Ever since the electric car was invented, it seemed to be the answer to a lot of people prayers. The electric car is environmentally friendly and can meet the needs of the average person actually quite easily.




Electric cars - the future is here

Wednesday Sep 2, 2009
Kristine Reeves asked:


First, you must understand that Bigeneric is a biology term long before it was ever heard of in the motorcar industry, which fundamentally means a blend between two species. The identical goes for the auto industry, a Crossbred motorcar is one that blends two typecasts of Cars. The technology of mixing two typecasts of Motorcars is to produce a more fuel-effective  car.

Crossbred Motorcars combine a petrol hopped-up internal burning engine with electric motorcar motors to power the  motorcar. In order to make a more fuel efficient auto as well as one that is friendly to the world has become a major effort but not without troubles. Thus, the cause for practices two typecasts of engineerings to work aboard one another to create a  car that will be fuel efficient as well as help in keeping the earth a pleasant space to live.

The measures that essential be met for an acceptable motorcar is one that can sustain up with traffic as well as being fit to drive a positive distance of at least a few hundred miles ahead fueling or reloading. This is why the gasoline-powered automobiles are so frequent; however, they are detriment to the environment and are often expensive to maintain. Thus, the cause inquiry began to find an alternative fuel to power motorcars. Are there positive options?

electric motorcar Motorcars have been studied and created as an choice to gasoline; however, the majority, at this time, does not have the capabilities in distance before needing recharged. The recharging procedure was time consuming and prolonged trips were pretty much out of the question.

The Crossbred car is a one that combines or utilizes the engineerings of both gasoline Motorcars and electric motorcars, thus the electric and gasoline hopped-up engine. The bulk of Hybrid Motorcars use a petrol engine to power a generator that keeps recharging the battery of the electric motorcar motorcar. This means you do not have to stop ever so many miles to reload the battery as you would with a pure electric motorcar.

Today, there are all kinds of hybrid cars on the market by many manufacturers. Manufacturers of Hybrid automobiles for this year take on Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Saturn, and Toyota.

Cases of the modes of motorcars you can find by producers take on the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Ford Escape, GMC Yukon, Honda Civic, Lexus GS450H, Lexus LS600H, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, Saturn VUE, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, and the Toyota Highlander Bigeneric, to name a few.




Will Ford Produce A Fully Electric Car Instead of Hybrid Cars In The Near Future?

Wednesday Sep 2, 2009
Hilal Abdelwali asked:


While the Ford Motor Company is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, they have long been reluctant to get into the electric car market. However, they did manufacture, market, and sell an electric car in an attempt to meet the consumer demands for a cleaner car that will produce less pollution and emit no greenhouse gases. Ford responded with their own version of the electric car.

The Think City electric car was produced by Ford several years ago, and many people took advantage of this pollution free, energy efficient vehicle. However, the United States has very strict standards when it comes to the safety of the vehicles on Americas roads. Unfortunately, the Think City electric car did not meet those rigorous standards so Ford ceased production and actually crushed the cars when they were returned at the end of customers leases. There are still some Think City cars out there, but they are no longer being marketed by Ford.

Ford has, however, started exploring and implementing the production of hybrid electric cars that run mostly on battery power and have the ability to switch over to gasoline power. In fact, there are many of these electric vehicles on the road today. Ford is a leader in the industry and they did not want to limit their production of electric vehicles to just cars. You can now find electric Ford trucks, SUVs, and mini vans.

Electric cars made by Ford are now mostly of the hybrid version, but there also are Ford brand electric cars that you can find overseas. Because other countries do not have as stringent safety standards, people in countries like England and France have taken the advantages of the electric car and are driving them en masse.

Some people are disappointed that Ford has made the move from a totally electric car to a hybrid vehicle, but without being able to meet safety standards, the companys hands essentially were tied. It was not cost efficient for them to take the electric cars already on the road and meet the set standards, so they had to do what they could to meet the demands of their customers for a more environmentally friendly vehicle.

Being an industry leader in the car field, Ford is doing what they can to meet the requests of their customers for an electric car. Perhaps in the future, a fully electric car with the Ford name on it is possible. But for now, Ford enthusiasts will have to settle for hybrid versions.




Do You Have The Proper Tools to Build An Electric Car?

Monday Aug 31, 2009
Hilal Abdelwali asked:


There are many places that you can find electric car conversion kits. What is an electric car conversion kit? Well, it is a set of equipment and parts that will allow you to make your gasoline powered car into an electric car. Many specialty car places carry electric car conversion kits or you can find them readily available online.

You will first have to make sure that having an electric car will fit your needs. Before you go out and spend a lot of money on an electric car conversion kit, you will want to be sure that an electric car will mesh with your lifestyle. There are a lot of things to consider before you go green.

The average conversion for an electric car has a realistic range of 30 to 100 miles in everyday driving conditions depending on the type of batteries you have and the weight of the vehicle. If your commute is more then 35 miles one way in very hilly terrain an electric car may not be a good idea. However, if your commute is on average terrain and is about 20 miles each way an electric car is perfect. If you are a two car family and one car is usually used for short trips you may want to consider an electric car.

You will want to have easy access to be able to charge your car. When you charge an electric car, you will plug it in at night and then be good to go in the morning. Do you have an acceptable electrical outlet in or near your garage? If so, then an electric car will be very good for you.

Do you have the proper tools to build an electric car? With conversion kits available today most people with basic hand and power tools can do the work themselves. Some tasks can be contracted out such as welding. The only special tools you will need are a torque wrench, cable crimpers, and an engine crane, all of which can be rented.

However, if you are not really good with engines and mechanics, once you get your electric car conversion kit, you may want to contract the services of an experienced mechanic. These people know all the components of a car and are able to accurately determine where changes need to be made in order to convert your vehicle to an electric car.

Once you know that you want to make the change, go out and buy your electric car conversion kit. Then, once it is done, you will know that you are doing your part for the environment as well as for yourself.




A quick look at the world of electric cars

Wednesday Aug 19, 2009
Carazoo.com asked:


The concept of electricity as a fuel for vehicles has been one of the most interesting ideas since a long time. It gained high significance following the fluctuating petrol and diesel prices and increasing awareness about environment among the people. The environmentalists have been vehemently supporting electricity as an alternative fuel. Thus, electric vehicles in general and electric cars in particular are popular throughout the world. Consequently, many electric vehicles have been manufactured and are being widely used across the world.

The demand for personal automobile, especially cars is increasing day by day following the availability of car finance and rising income of the people in India. In this situation, the most innovative idea of a car that runs, not on the conventional fuel like petrol and diesel, but on electricity is more than welcomed.

An ideal electric car for India is a basic, simple and reliable vehicle designed specially for local conditions using cutting edge technology and which is modular to incorporate and absorb newer technologies. The electric cars with a top speed of 40-60 kmph and a range of 50-80 km generally cover the city mobility requirements in India.

Here’s a quick look into the world of electric cars in India.

Reva

Maini Reva is India’s first electric car launched in 2001. A highly economical and environment friendly vehicle, Reva is an affordable car with the lowest running and maintenance cost. The hassles of servicing, getting the components checked and repairs will be things of the past with the Reva. There is no engine, clutch, radiator, exhaust system or carburetor. Thus the maintenance is easy and inexpensive. Reva’s Energy Management system (EMS) diagnoses and rectifies the problem of over discharging and helps in better maintenance. Further, Reva has safety features like steel space frame, side impact beams, dent-proof ABS body panels, a low voltage system, and a dual-braking system. Reva is available in REVAi Standard, REVAi AC and REVAi Classe models. The non air-conditioned base variant delivers 80 km on a full charge, while the other two air-conditioned variants will give about 60 km. Cute and super compact Reva which comfortably seat two adults and two kids offered in six colours.

Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster is a high performance all-electric sports car manufactured by the electric car firm Tesla Motors and is the first car produced by the company. Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. It has 92% average efficiency and 85% at peak power.

The Tesla Roadster was developed with design assistance from Lotus Cars, who supplied the basic chassis development technology from the Lotus Elise. Launched on 19 July 2006, series production of the Tesla Roadster began on 17 March 2008. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list. Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes.

ZENN

ZENN (Zero Emission, No Noise) is a two-seat battery electric vehicle manufactured by ZENN Motor Company designed to qualify as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. It has a range of up to 40 miles (64 km) and does not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). The ZENN is a three-door hatchback with a standard 110-Volt outlet plug-in, completely rechargeable in approximately 8 hours from empty. A storage space of 30 cubic feet is available.

ZAP electric cars

The California-based ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) manufactures and sells Alias, Xebra Sedan, Xebra Solar Panel, Xebra Truck, ZAPTRUCK XL and ZAPVAN SHUTTLE electric cars. ZAPVAN Shuttle is the first 100% electric passenger van, exclusively from ZAP. Designed for utility and large capacity, this 5-passenger vehicle quickly converts to an all-cargo configuration as well and features larger slider doors on both sides.

Chevrolet Volt

GM’s Chevrolet is planning to bring out Volt, which will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that drives a genrator to provide electric power. The Volt, expected to be launched in 2010, promises to go deliver beyond 40 miles and will be one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM history.

Fisker’s Karma

The California-based Fisker Automotive’s Karma uses Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid technology, developed exclusively for Fisker Automotive by Quantum Technologies. A fully-charged Karma burns no fuel for the first 50 miles. After venture further, the gasoline engine turns a generator to charge the lithium ion battery. Once the 50-mile electric range has been exceeded, the car operates as a normal hybrid vehicle. This balance of electric and gas range makes it entirely possible that Karma drivers who charge their car overnight and commute less than 50 miles a day will achieve an average fuel economy of 100 mpg (2.4L/100km) per year.

TH!NK City

TH!NK City is a modern urban car with zero local emissions and an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car. A Norwegian model, TH!NK City is an innovative, sophisticated, high-tech compact electric vehicle that can travel up to 112 miles on a single charge. The car is designed, engineered and produced to have the lowest possible carbon footprint with recyclable plastic body panels and a fully recyclable interior. U.S. production is expected to start in 2010, with the first-year volume of 2,500 units being available to pilot and demonstration fleet projects.




DIY Electric Car - Save Fuel Cost by Using Home Built Electric Car

Tuesday Aug 18, 2009
Will Yap asked:


Many conventional car owners are fascinated by the idea of driving an electric car and they would like to know how it works. Generally, electric vehicles (EV) are quite simple. Instead of burning fossil fuel to generate force, EV uses the power of magnetic induction to produce torque from the electric motor. The more electricity flowing through the motor, the more force it will generate. Ever since the price of gasoline reached a new height, running a car has become an expensive ordeal. It is understandable that many car owners are expressing their interest on electric car. What would be the process of retrofitting a car into an EV? This article will provide some useful information on the subject.

If you want to modify your car to run on electricity, it would cost you upwards of $4000 to get it done in professional workshop. If you really want to save money, you can actually do the conversion process yourself at home. Generally, the retrofitting process involves removing the internal combustion engine, the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines and radiator. The entire system is to be replaced with an electric motor and lead acid batteries. Imagine replacing all the components that has fluid running through it and changing it with wires connectors.

The existing drive train of the car such as the transmission, drive shafts and clutch system can still used. The electric motor will be coupled to the transmission and drawing power from the batteries. The number of batteries needed will depend on the horse power of the motor and the weight of the car.

If you do not have any knowledge on the electrical and mechanical system of a car, all these information may not make any sense to you. In this case, you can ask someone who has some car maintenance skill to assist you. To start the conversion process, you should first get a good step by step modification guide. Most good quality guides are available online.




Discover The Latest Developments In Electric Cars

Tuesday Aug 18, 2009
Shaun Parker asked:


Cars pollute, kill the planet and generally are not that green are they not? Here is the latest news from the world of the eco-friendly electric cars trying to prove the car hater wrong. The limited edition Micro-Vett electric 500 is an electric, eco version of the famous Fiat 500. This little green-mobile has a maximum speed of 60mph, a range of 70 miles, and takes 6-8 hours to charge.

Transmission is manual 5-speed but there is an automatic option. It weighs around 1050kg, has four seats, and standard kit includes a radio, CD, MP2 player, Bluetooth and USB, air con, remote central locking, ABS with EBD, 15-inch alloy wheels, drivers airbag, drivers knee airbag, passenger and window airbags. You can also pay extra if you want auto climate control, an electric sunroof, reverse parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a metallic paint finish to your motor. As with many electric cars price unfortunately is on application. But if you have to ask, you clearly cannot afford.

Lotus introduces an electric car that ROARS! The wonders of modern technology, a car that glides seamlessly along with hardly any noise at all. Well that is great if you are the driver or the passenger, but the quiet hybrid or electric cars of today are not so good for pedestrians as people simply do not hear them coming. Lotus has decided to create a technology to bring that oh so thrilling sound, the roar of a well tuned engine, to eco conscious drivers.

The car manufacturer explains that its safe and sound hybrid technology simulates the growl of a combustion engine, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion. It has already put the system into a Toyota Prius, which is one of the most popular hybrid cars on the market. The system produces a pitch and frequency designed to help pedestrians identify the speed and distance of the car. Lotus claim their technology increases pedestrian safety, while retaining the environmental benefits of electric cars.

Shown off at the 2008 motor show, the Lighting car is designed to turn all the heads. Why because it is fast and it is electric. The company claimed the Lightning GTS, which is built in the UK, claims the Lightning can hit 60mph (97kmph) in under four seconds. Instead of one single motor, each wheel has its own giving the most effective power.

Special batteries are used to give the car the power when it needs it rather than a constant speed and you will be able to do a fast charge in around 10 minutes to get you back on the road. The CEO of the company said they are trying to change the perception of what people expect from electric cars. The car will cost around 120,000GBP when it goes on sale so it is up against some real supercar competition.