Electric Car:

An electric car is a vehicle powered by electrical energy. There are several approaches to designing such cars, one of which involves replacing the original internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This is the easiest way to transition from gasoline to electricity while retaining the car’s other components. The motor receives its power from rechargeable electric storage batteries. Electric cars differ from mechanical vehicles in that they are designed for personal use, whereas mechanical vehicles are typically used for industrial purposes or public transportation.

The design of electric cars depends on an electric motor, an electric control system, and a powerful, rechargeable battery that is lightweight and affordable for the consumer. Electric vehicles are considered more environmentally friendly than internal combustion engine cars, as they produce no harmful emissions.

As of 2009, the development of electric cars has primarily focused on small, short-range vehicles due to the need for heavy and expensive batteries. These cars typically require batteries equivalent to around 6,000 lithium-ion cells—the type used in mobile phones. Car manufacturers are striving to develop new, more affordable batteries, with goals to reduce battery costs to below $20,000. However, most prototype vehicles have a range of under 200 kilometers. Significant efforts are underway, supported by major auto manufacturers and governments, to improve battery technology based on lithium-ion technology, such as Li-Tec batteries. Some of these have succeeded in withstanding 3,000 charge cycles, theoretically enabling the vehicle to travel up to 300,000 kilometers. The current challenges include increasing the car's range beyond 200 kilometers per charge and reducing the 8-hour charging time.

In 2010, Germany began a program to test electric cars by importing them for use in government and corporate fleets. Safety concerns remain regarding high-voltage systems (around 650 volts) and heavy batteries (about 120 kg for small cars), especially in the event of collisions. Moreover, generating electricity using fossil fuels doesn't significantly reduce CO₂ emissions—producing 20 kWh of electricity can emit 120 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Thus, it is crucial that electricity for EVs comes from sustainable or nuclear sources.

Development of the Electric Car

While internal combustion engine cars progressed rapidly during the 20th century, electric car development lagged. The invention of the transistor in the 1940s sparked a revival, with a company in 1947 producing the first electric car using transistors—the Henney Kilowatt. Despite its success, high production costs led to its discontinuation in 1961.

On July 3, 1971, the first electric vehicle driven by humans on the moon—the Lunar Rover—was used during the Apollo 15 mission. Built by Boeing, it had four DC motors connected to each wheel and was powered by silver-zinc potassium hydroxide batteries, each rated at 36 volts.

1990s: Renewed Interest in EVs

General Motors introduced the EV1 in 1999, with a 160 km range and a NiMH battery. The 1973 oil crisis renewed interest in EVs to reduce dependency on Middle Eastern oil and to protect the environment. California passed regulations requiring that 10% of all cars sold in the state by 2003 be environmentally friendly. However, high prices (two to three times that of traditional vehicles) discouraged adoption, leading automakers to refocus on improving gasoline engines.

Developments After 2000

Experimental electric vehicles after 2000 could reach speeds of 210 km/h and ranges of 400 km, but their high costs and long charging times (8 hours) limited popularity. Major automakers began producing more advanced electric cars post-2005, but battery prices and weights remained high. A lithium-ion EV battery is equivalent to about 6,000 phone batteries, making it very costly. Governments in the U.S., Japan, and Germany began funding research and development to improve battery technology and reduce prices, investing billions of dollars in the effort.

• The U.S. provided about $2 billion to support domestic automakers.

• Germany invested approximately €5 billion to improve batteries and produce eco-friendly cars, aiming for 1 million EVs on the road by 2020.

China, having missed out on a century of traditional car development, seeks to leapfrog into the electric vehicle market. With experience in lithium-ion battery production for phones, China aims to mass-produce affordable EVs. In 2010, China partnered with an American car company to introduce electric cars to the U.S. market. With a vast domestic market and low labor costs, China has strong potential in this field, aiming to reduce oil consumption and industrial pollution.

Developments in 2010

Japan spent a decade developing hybrid vehicles that run on batteries for up to 200 km and switch to gasoline afterward. China, relying on lithium-ion battery expertise, aims to enter the global EV market with low-cost solutions.

European automakers are focusing on hydrogen fuel cells due to the high cost, weight, and long charging time of lithium-ion batteries. Fuel cell cars can refuel in just 3 minutes with 4 kg of hydrogen, providing a 400 km range. However, building the hydrogen infrastructure will delay mass adoption. Meanwhile, Western companies are still investing in lithium-ion technology, often in collaboration with East Asian nations.

The next generation of electric vehicles, starting in 2010, differs from earlier hybrids. They are equipped with new lithium batteries supporting full-electric models like:

• Toyota’s new EV (12–17 miles range without gasoline)

• Chevrolet Volt (up to 240 miles of electric driving in cities)

• Nissan Leaf (scheduled for 2010–2011, up to 367 miles range)