Are Electric Cars Really Greener? Green Cars Facts
Eco-friendly Electric Car Is a Myth: 14 Facts About Electric Cars
Today, electric vehicles are one of the most promising trends in the automotive industry. The popularity of plug-in vehicles is growing rapidly. Dozens of electric passenger cars from Tesla, Nissan, Kia, Porsche, and other manufacturers have already passed the test of time. About 30 new cars are due to be released over the next 3-5 years.
However, while we hear about electric cars on every corner, much about them remains unclear. The experts of a cheap writing service have prepared a few facts that give us a new perspective on this wonder of technology.
Electric cars yesterday and today: 14 interesting facts
There are more than 10 million electric cars on the roads today. Consumers are becoming more and more comfortable plugging in instead of filling up on fuel. Recent surveys conducted by global statistical agencies showed that 71% of drivers are thinking about buying an electric car in the future. Here are other interesting facts.
Fact #1.
The first electric car was created in 1832, almost two centuries ago. Scottish craftsman Robert Anderson developed the first prototype, a crude invention that ran on a single charge, but was nevertheless an electric vehicle. The author improved the original concept in 1842, applying a more elegant design. And the car with a rechargeable battery appeared only two decades later – thanks to Gaston Plante.
Fact #2.
Almost half of the electric cars in the world are in China. Why there and not in the U.S. or any other developed country? The reason is banal: electric cars need a well-developed infrastructure – special charging stations, quality roads, and, importantly, low production costs. China has all of the above qualities, and in addition, a huge population and ease of doing business.
Fact #3.
The fuel efficiency of electric cars is on average 80% as compared to 14-26% for gasoline-diesel versions. When traveling the same distance in similar conditions, using an electric car is at least three times cheaper than a gasoline car. However, charging at home can potentially lead to expensive electric bills.
Fact #4.
About 57% of consumers avoid electric cars because they fear unexpected discharge, but only 5% of owners have ever encountered it. The number of “victims” is much lower than those left in the middle of the road without gasoline.
Fact #5.
Electric cars are not 100% environmentally friendly, they just don’t dump pollution directly on the road. The electricity used to charge them comes from power plants – that’s where fossil fuels are burned to convert energy into electricity. However, the harm that power plants do to nature is much less compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Fact #6.
Electric cars have few moving mechanical components that are subject to rapid wear and tear, and there is no conventional engine that requires maintenance and oil changes.
Fewer components that may need to be rebuilt or replaced mean two things. First, there is less chance of a major breakdown causing the machine to fail; second, there is less time and money spent on maintenance and repairs.
Fact #7.
The electric car makes less noise. This is a game-changer for the automotive industry. It is predicted that electric cars could cut overall road noise pollution in half by as early as 2023.
Fact #8.
Quick and easy battery recharging: just plug your car into a quick charging station and wait 30-40 minutes. While you drink a cup of coffee and flip through the news on your smartphone, the energy will replenish up to 80%. In the case of home charging, the owner plugs the car into a regular outlet overnight and goes to rest. A full charge occurs in 8-12 hours.
Fact #9.
In many “clean” electric vehicles, the space under the hood (empty due to the lack of a traditional internal combustion engine) is used as a front trunk.
Fact #10.
Some electric cars are designed for leisurely driving, others are similar to sports cars. They accelerate and drive much faster than gasoline or diesel “brothers”: a simple press on the gas pedal causes an instant burst of power and torque without any delay. Among the best “sportsmen” are Tesla and Porsche products.
Fact #11.
Once on a special road surface, electric cars can be charged like modern telephones – wirelessly. This involves a number of innovative projects, including the installation of charging panels along certain sections of the roadway, in parking lots, and in any other place where vehicles are allowed to pass and stop.
Fact #12.
The most expensive part of an electric car is the battery, and it is the battery that currently supports the high price of electric cars. Fortunately, as demand and scale of production increase, its cost is steadily creeping down.
Fact #13.
One advantage of the widespread use of electric models is that their fuel cells can continue to produce electricity even when the car is not running. Consequently, the energy of such a car can be used to power its owner’s home.
Fact #14.
There are many celebrities who have moved from conventional cars to electric cars. Among them are Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jaden Smith, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Pierce Brosnan, Justin Bieber, Dustin Hoffman, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and other famous faces.
In their common opinion, it’s a good way to help the long-suffering nature in some way. In addition, driving an electric car requires no compromise in performance or pleasure. Many electric models are perfectly equipped to drive as fast and comfortable as their best internal combustion engine counterparts.