The New Electric Vehicles: A Clean & Quiet Revolution

With rising fuel costs, more and more people and are looking for alternatives. One such alternative that is gaining popularity, especially with the do-it yourself types, are the electric vehicle kits. Anyone familiar with automobiles can now use these kits to convert traditional gas powered vehicles to one powered by electric current.

However, converting a traditional Gas powered vehicle into an electric vehicle can be a very daunting task. Only those who are the very mechanically minded should try this. To convert the vehicle will require extensive modifications to nearly all-mechanical parts of the car. Everything from the engine to the radiator, heater and air-conditioning, to the gauges on the panel. On top of that, the electric cars have to be recharged on a regular basis, which means having to purchase or use the services of recharging station. Solar power could be another potential source of power for the electric vehicle.

Can any car be converted into an electric vehicle?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Not all cars can be converted into an electric vehicle. However, and the most common electric vehicle kit seems to be the Chevy S-10 pick up kit. For examples to follow just do a search online for Chevy S-10 pickup Electric conversions. Other cars that are good candidates for conversion are the Chevy Geo, especially from 1989 to 1999. These cars are good potential candidates for an electric vehicle kit conversion. Cars similar to the Chevy Geo Metro, such as the Chevy Sprint, Pontiac Firefly and the Suzuki Swift are also ideal for conversions too.

Are there downsides to using an electric vehicle kit?

Going back a few years, many people associated electric powered vehicles with slowness and a lack of power. But as usual, thanks to technology, significant advances in the electric vehicle have changed all that. With these electric vehicle kits some cars can reach top speeds of between 70 and 75 mph. nonetheless, converting to electric power still has its drawbacks.

The biggest drawback it is of course the need for recharging the batteries. As an example, the Chevy Geo Metro kit must be recharged every 20 to 40 miles, depending on driving habits and battery quality. For city driving, this would be ideal. However, for lengthy commutes on the highway, this would not be ideal.

The Chevy S-10 with an electric vehicle kit installed will run a little longer on a single charge. On a single charge, the S-10 should last between 40 and 60 miles. Again this depends upon the driving habits as well as the size and quality of batteries. Some S-10 models can be equipped with solar powered panels which would in reduced in the need for charging, at least when driving during daylight hours.

Converting vehicles with electric vehicle kits is not a cheap affair. Most conversion kits seem to cost between $8000 to $10,000. And this does not even include professional installation as well as the cost of the batteries, not to mention access to or the purchase of a charging station.

Quite frankly, with the cost involved of using an electric vehicle kit, it probably wouldn’t be very practical for the average consumer, especially if they do a lot of highway driving. However, that being said, it probably would be ideal for a back yard mechanic who loves to tinker with cars and has a few bucks to throw around and wants to impress his beer-drinking buddies.

• Quick…and easy!
• Built-in battery charge indicator lets you know when it’s ready for use.
• Solid red light: Charging Flashing green: Quick charge complete-ready for use!
• Solid green: 100% charged Flashing red: Error-wrong or dead battery.
• Read the enclosed instruction booklet for important information before use

Product Description
The Power Wheels Quick Charger gets your Power Wheels vehicle up and running in just two hours. One quick charge energizes your battery to 80%; charge to 100% life at least every other session. Indicator lights let you know when it’s time to ride: solid green means you’re fully charged, flashing green means you’re 80% charged, red means it’s not charged yet. For use only with the Power Wheels 12-Volt Rechargeable Battery, sold separately…. More >>

Fisher Price Power Wheels 12V Charger

Vauxhall Welcomes Government Subsidy for Electric Vehicles
LUTON, England, February 25, 2010 — Vauxhall today welcomed the announcement made by Lord Adonis and Pat McFadden in relation to the grant subsidy available for electric vehicles.

Read more on The Auto Channel

Product Description
Was the electric car ever a viable competitor for the petrol one? This book examines the relationship of technology, society and environment to choice, policy and outcome in the history of American transportation.Amazon.com Review
The electric vehicle of historian David Kirsch’s title is an old technology that seems ever on the verge of making a comeback. In the late 1890s, the electric engine competed with steam- and gasoline-driven engines to become the… More >>

The Electric Vehicle and the Burden of History

Product Description
Published by the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, Electric Vehicle News is focused on individuals and organizations interested in the development, manufacture, sale, or use of electric vehicles and their components…. More >>

Electric Vehicle News

• Hop on and hit the trail Sporty ATV styling, built-in footrests, cute cargo rack on the back and awesome Barbie graphics
• Designed especially for toddlers, with easy push-button operation for simple stop and go
• Rides low, so it’s easy for them to get on and off by themselves, too
• Backed by Power Wheels 1 Year Limited Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

Product Description
Take your toddler for a test drive on the Lil’ Quad. This sturdy and safe Power Wheels ATV has built-in footrests and a convenient cargo rack on the back for toting around toys. Designed especially for toddlers, the Lil’ Quad rides low so it’s easy for little ones to get on and off by themselves. Sturdy and fun to drive, this ride-on moves forward at 2 mph maximum. Use on hard surfaces and grass. Measures approximately 26.25″ x 13″ x 16.38″. Requires 6V rechargeable… More >>

Fisher-Price Lil’ Quad

Evehicles, E vehicle Technology, electric vehicles from bicycles to Porsches to boats E vehicle Technology, evehicletechnology.com, is the first step in a journey of a thousand miles. My interest in electricity and magnetism goes back to my youth and my interest in active and passive solar and wind technologies goes back to my young adulthood. My schedule coupled with my ongoing interest in electric technologies applied to vehicles, dwellings and ultimately the integration of both has set the wheels in motion. Of course frustrations with our energy policies and the threats of increased fuel prices or decreased supplies has heightened my sense of urgency. Read more: evehicletechnology.wordpress.com

Clean Skies News talks to Tony Posawatz, Director of Chevy Volt at General Motors, about the present and future of electric vehicles. General Motors is debuting the Chevy Volt in three regions in the United States – California, Michigian, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region.

Product Description
While the classic battery electric car continues to make only a small impact on the automobile market, other types of electric vehicle, especially hybrids, have made significant and promising improvements. Moreover, small battery electric vehicles such as bicycles and mobility aids are also developing well. Presenting more than 160 diagrams and pictures, this book explains the science and technology behind these important developments, and also introduces the issues… More >>

Electric Vehicle Technology Explained