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Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact of Electric Cars

If a country has a good mix of power sources, those that generate higher carbon emissions like coal are usually placed on standby mode to generate electricity when the demand is low. Otherwise, hydro and nuclear power stations are primarily used to generate electricity.

Author: Peter Clarck
Date: Mar 18, 2013 - 7:49:27 AM

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With the current information, we can now measure how much CO2 is emitted from an electric car and a combustion engine car, allowing us to conduct a true comparison of the environmental impact of the electric car and petrol/gasoline/diesel powered car. Most electric cars can be driven between 3/2 and VA miles (6-12 km) with just one kilowatt-hour of electricity, depending on their model and make.

If a country has a good mix of power sources, those that generate higher carbon emissions like coal are usually placed on standby mode to generate electricity when the demand is low. Otherwise, hydro and nuclear power stations are primarily used to generate electricity.

The United Kingdom is able to provide detailed information on its power usage every five minutes from its national power grid. This allows for easy identification of the amount of power that is being produced and which power source is being utilized as the generated electricity is being used.

With this information in hand, you will be able to determine the best charging time for your electric car so that your car’s carbon footprint is reduced. The carbon footprint in the U.K. will vary during the night and day; it is about 290-350g/kW for one kilowatt-hour of electricity at night, while late afternoon sees a surge up to 550-600g/kW. Most countries register a drop in electric usage between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Therefore, this is thought to be the best time of the day to recharge your electric car in order to reduce your car’s carbon footprint.

Another important aspect to consider is the car batteries’ impact on the environment; starting from the construction of the batteries to the end of their life.

Today, you will find two main battery technologies that are used in electric cars: lead acid and lithium-ion. Smaller and lower powered electric cars work best on lead acid batteries, while the larger sized, higher powered vehicles use lithium-ion batteries. The Nickel Metal Hydride batteries that are currently used in the Toyota Prius are seldom found in fully electric vehicles.

Lead acid batteries are expected to be replaced a few times during the electric vehicle’s life, whereas lithium-ion batteries have to be replaced only once, depending on the type of technology employed. Some car manufacturers such as Mitsubishi are confident enough to state that their batteries do not need replacement during their vehicle’s lifetime.

To compare the performance of various batteries, assume the lifespan of a car to be 12 years. A lead acid battery operated car is assumed to record 50,000 miles (80,000 km), while a lithium-ion battery operated car will record 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

These figures can generate an estimated CO2/km number that will show the impact electric car batteries have on the environment.

Due to the different characteristics found in different battery types, two varying distances are used:

• Lead acid batteries tend to be used in electric cars that are small and speed restricted, the type normally used for suburban or city driving

• Lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more powerful and are used in faster electric cars that are made for longer ranges

Peter Clark is an energy and water management specialist guiding others to save energy and water. Check Solar365.com if you like to know more about electric cars .

View all articles by Peter Clarck

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