The Evolution of Automobiles - Statistics Project Example

?Automobiles the Evolution from Fossil Fuels to All Electric Vehicles Cars are a large part of life, as we know it in the modern world. Understanding the changes from the first cars manufactured through mass production of cheap vehicles to the modern ideal of hybrid and electric technology can allow us to prepare for the changes that may occur in the near future as well. The following assignment will look at the cars evolution from fossil fuels to the more advanced hybrid and electric approaches of today. Working hypothesis Electric vehicles are more efficient uses of our energy production then purely fossil fuel driven vehicles. Currently there are several very efficient models of car being offered by American and foreign auto makers. Some of these vehicles are capable of higher then 60 mph and ranges exceeding 150 miles between charges, making them efficient day use modes of transportation for the daily commuter. Variables Some variables include, 1. Fuel for the power plants used to recharge the vehicles 2. Installation of power plants for fast charge stations in less developed areas 3. Cost and environmental hazards represented by the batteries and components 4. Cost of additional research and retooling the manufacturing plants, necessary to streamline and convert the auto industry These variables can see fluctuations in price based on a variety of influences, and while utilizing electric vehicles will reduce the emissions factor of current fossil fuel based automobiles they still require power and as a result the currently accepted manner of power are the modernized coal plants which burn fossil fuels. Additionally solar power requires large amounts of silver, and currently this is an item that is seeing a rise in use but a reduction in production and mining. Additional means of reclamation may be needed to fill the shortfalls in silver usage. In 2009 silver demand was 919 million ounces, but mine production was only 591 million ounces meaning that the additional amount had to be received from silver scrap, which means better means of recycling need to be introduced to keep up with future demands. (World Silver) Retooling the auto industry has high costs as well, Ford spent 550 million dollars to retool their Michigan plant to make the new Electric Focus, and this is just one plant of one manufacture. (Merva) Methods and Materials Electric vehicles use several batteries to power their functions and motors. The old type of battery made from lead and acid was inefficient, heavy and toxic to the environment. New technologies are pursuing the lithium-ion battery technology, The benefits of lithium-ion technology is that they can be smaller and lighter than previous battery technologies, have a higher energy output and hold a charge much longer than other battery types. The drawbacks to this approach are that they are more expensive to manufacture, and generally have a much lower life span over the course of use. (Li-ion battery facts) The electric motor that provides the movement is hooked to the battery and consists of two stationary, oppositely charged magnets sitting in a steel drum, this is the field magnet. Then the arm that is placed between or in the center consists of copper wiring wound around and around the steel rod. When the batteries are connected the armature begins to rotate due to the two opposing sides of the electromagnet being powered and pushing and pulling as the power is fed into it. Some motors use brushes that keep the charges continually reversing and the motor running; however in newer more efficient motors there is a computer control that allows this to occur. (Team planet green) Additionally the vehicles must be lighter and have more efficient gearing so as to conserve energy and extend the distance that the vehicle is able to travel making them more beneficial to the average consumer. Pictures, results and Data Discussion on the pros and cons Even with the higher costs that may be necessary in the beginning the overall reduction in emissions and cleaner energy use will make up for that in the long run. In looking at the negatives of electric vehicles the three main arguments are. Cost effectiveness of the vehicles from design to purchase and use. Cost effectiveness of installing a network of electric charging centers. Potential cost and environmental factors of batteries and new battery technology, however, the benefits were also very clear. Reduced carbon emissions; which equals cleaner air and assists in better health of humans and the planets ecosystems. Cost effective long term usage after initial startup costs. Electric cars are quitter as well lending to a reduction in noise pollution. Reduced fossil fuel usage allows for increased length of time to innovate and invent new better methods of energy generation. Overall, the result is that electric cars are the future at this time. By using electric cars and advancing that technology we can help the entire planet and the human race. References Li-ion battery facts,. "Li-ion Battery FAQs Frequently Asked Questions about Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Batteries." Green Batteries. Responsible Energy Corporation, 2011. Web. 3 Mar 2011. http://www.greenbatteries.com/libafa.html Merva, Z. "Ford will spend $550-million to retool Michigan Assembly Plant for next-gen Focus." AutoInsane.com. N.p., 2009. Web. 3 Mar 2011. http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/05/07/news/hybrid-green/ford-will-spend-550-million-to-retool-michigan-assembly-plant-for-next-gen-focus/ Team planet green,. " Understanding the Electric Car Motor A closer look at how electric car motors work, part of a special feature on Electric Cars." Planet Green.com. Discovery Communications, 2011. Web. 3 Mar 2011. http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/understanding-the-electric-car-motor.html World Silver,. " World Silver Supply and Demand, Demand and Supply in 2009." The Silver Institute,. The Silver Institute.Org, 2011. Web. 3 Mar 2011. http://www.silverinstitute.org/supply_demand.php Read More