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ELECTRIC VEHICLES |
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Though
the first Electric Vehicle was built in 1892,manufacture was stymied with the arrival of
the internal combustion (IC) engine. Gasoline driven vehicle were faster and cheaper with
a greater range. Ready availability of petroleum products resulted in a cheaper with a
greater range. Ready availability of petroleum products resulted in a further drawback to
the growth of Electric Vehicle (Evs). Though interest was rekindled In Evs in the mid
1970s with petroleum products becoming scarce, the EV industry did not grow as research
revealed that EV technology would be prohibitively expensive. It
was only a decade later that the world started taking Evs seriously. This was because of
growing concerns of fast depleting natural oil resources, environmental concerns and the
need to satisfy demand for vehicles without aggravating pollution problems. Today,
it is a concept whose time has come! EV technology is gaining ground and popularity
rapidly. In this century, electric vehicles are bound to be the order of the day. With
depletion of oil reserves and a world characterized by smog, noise an all kinds of
Pollutants, governments and communities are awakening to the several benefits of EV
Technology, Zero emission vehicles that are noiseless with just the faint hum of the
motor. Vehicles that can be charged to home or at work, saving drivers the need to queue
at gasoline stations. Vehicles that can draw electricity even at night when consumption is
low, making more efficient use of our Power Plants.Evs are easier to service and maintain,
and are ideal for “stop-start” city driving conditions. The absence of gears and
clutch make them extremely reliable and safe and easy to drive and maneuver in our
congested cities With
the Innumerable advantages of EV's, companies in the developed countries have spent huge
amount to develop electric cars that can travel longer distances, providing a high level
of comfort. All major automakers such as GM, Ford, Toyota Peugeot, Chrysler and Nissan are
currently selling Evs in low volumes. In spite of
this technology being available now the cost of electric vehicle to suit driving
requirements in these developed countries is prohibitively high. On the other hand, India
is ready and well suited for the introduction of Evs today with the existing technologies
available, In view of the vast distances separating our cities there are very few who
undertake inter city travel in their own vehicles, Besides, within city distances are
small. As a result, the range of Evs is not a
limiting factor for its use. Studies show
that the potential for Evs is more attractive in India, Brazil and China, in that order;
their advantages arise from the combination of urban congestion, high pollution levels and
large city car markets. India stands out for its mechanical hardware availability and low
manufacturing cost. Other advantages for India are its low labour cost, low production
start up cost, less present investment in IC engine capacity and the potential of large
domestic markets. |
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