The New Allure of Electric Cars: Blazing-Fast Speeds

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130909104656.htm

Sept. 9, 2013

Electric cars and their efficiency were discussed at the recent 246^th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society. The switch to electric cars has been one anticipated for close to a decade now, and perhaps we’re getting closer than ever. Many believe that typical combustion engines are superior in every way when it comes to electric vs. gas, however this is a complete misconception. John E. Waters, an electric vehicle pioneer of the American Chemical Society said “Experimental electric cars already have achieved sustained speeds of more than 180 miles per hour, and established world speed records above 300 mph. Electric cars have inherent advantages in efficiency and torque over gasoline-powered vehicles. Energy storage-to-torque on an EV platform is above 90 percent efficient, compared to less than 35 percent for internal combustion engines. I have no doubt that battery-powered race cars will be attracting race fans in the immediate future."

Although Waters talks about electric engines in racing cars, there are certain advantages to this. To begin with, the racing industry has an estimated number of 90 million fans in the US alone. The racetracks are often used to test new electric cars, which the public is invited to witness. Public interest ensures the success of these new cars in the future market, seeing as this technology has been accepted and embraces by racing fans across the nation.

Waters explained that one of the main reasons why electric engines are superior is simply because they utilize energy much more efficiently than a typical combustion engine does. This allows electric engines to reach incredible speeds. The third law of thermodynamics is the inherent cause for the lack of efficiency in combustion engines. The law states that energy goes from a concentrated form to a dispersed form, meaning that energy is lost in each transfer. In a typical gas powered car, there are many transfers for the energy to go through before actually getting to the wheels. This leads to a significant loss of energy. In en electric car the transfer of energy to the wheels is more direct, although still going through a simplified gearbox. An electric car can provide up to 15,000 rpm compared to a gas combustion engine which typically only reaches up to 6,000 rpm in consumer cars. The speed however is not what is remarkable about these cars, although they can reach incredible speed; it is the torque, which seems to stand out the most. This allows electric cars to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

A definite down-side to these racing cars, however, is that they can only last around 10 minutes of a sustained speed of 150 mph on an oval racing track due to the aerodynamic drag created at those speeds. This has actually raised discussion about changing the racetracks so that electric cars can actually charge while racing.

I truly believe electric cars are the future, and this article restores my hope that these cars will soon be a part of every day life. To think that these cars can compete with the top of the line racing cars is extremely appealing. These cars are paving the road for a sustainable future.