Is a "plug-in electric" car different from a "hybrid electric" car?
The only difference between a plugin electric car and a hybrid electric car is the fact that a hybrid car runs off of two motors. In a hybrid, there is some risk of fire because the brakes generate electricity that then powers the electric motor.
The problem with an all electric car, also called a "plug in" electric car, is that it can't go for many miles without a charge (they now talk about 40 miles), and if the charge runs out, the batteries take hours to charge, so the driver is out of luck.
Yet somehow in this day and age, you can drive a whole round of golf without the battery running low. My suggestion is to make small cars the size of golf carts that had the range of a golf cart. These golf cart sized cars would be perfect for city dwellers. In fact, I could see myself driving to work every day on a small golf cart, assuming it was enclosed and could travel 40 miles per hour. That is because electricity is cheaper than gas for powering automobiles, and because I live in a city and have a short commute.
The problem with an all electric car, also called a "plug in" electric car, is that it can't go for many miles without a charge (they now talk about 40 miles), and if the charge runs out, the batteries take hours to charge, so the driver is out of luck.
Yet somehow in this day and age, you can drive a whole round of golf without the battery running low. My suggestion is to make small cars the size of golf carts that had the range of a golf cart. These golf cart sized cars would be perfect for city dwellers. In fact, I could see myself driving to work every day on a small golf cart, assuming it was enclosed and could travel 40 miles per hour. That is because electricity is cheaper than gas for powering automobiles, and because I live in a city and have a short commute.
Tags: car, golf cart, plug-in car, plugin electric
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jerry on -
I want to commute to work in a plug-in electric car. 25% cheaper then gasoline and a LOT less of a carbon footprint.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Kelly on -
How far do you drive in one round of golf? I'm pretty sure it's less than 40 miles. If you live in a city and have a short commute wouldn't the environmentally friendly solution be walking or taking public transportation? The only cities that even require driving are those like Los Angeles or Denver which were developed after the car was invented and are extremely spread out. The idea of driving a golf cart across Los Angeles is ridiculous! Even if you could somehow have enough electrical power and time to crawl across the city at 40 mph to get to work you would probably be murdered....even if somehow this cart was enclosed.
I live in southern CA and am likely getting a hybrid. They are the only green solution until electric "plug in" cars are much cheaper and match the performance of a gas car. City dwellers who drive short distances mock those who can't afford cars or actually commute to work. I just don't think we'll ever see a car just for cities take off in the market. People live in urban areas for the purpose of not needing to travel anywhere, so the concept just doesn't make sense. It will be interesting to watch how electrical cars keep unfolding, though!
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