An electric car is an automobile that is propelled by one or more electric motors, using electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries or another energy storage device. Electric motors give electric cars instant torque, creating strong and smooth acceleration. They are also around three times as efficient as cars with an internal combustion engine.
The first electric cars were produced in the 1880s. Since 2008, a renaissance in electric vehicle manufacturing has occurred due to advances in batteries and energy management, concerns about increasing oil prices, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several national and local governments have established tax credits, subsidies, and other incentives to promote the introduction and adoption in the mass market of new electric vehicles depending on battery size and their all-electric range.
Electric cars are significantly quieter than conventional internal combustion engine automobiles. They do not emit tailpipe pollutants, giving a large reduction of local air pollution, and, can give a significant reduction in total greenhouse gas and other emissions (dependent on the method used for electricity generation).
As of September 2015, there are over 30 models of highway legal all-electric passenger cars and utility vans available for retail sales, mainly in the United States, China, Japan, Western European countries. By mid-September 2015, about 620,000 light-duty electric vehicles have been sold worldwide out of total global sales of one million plug-in electric cars sold since 2008. The world's top selling highway-capable electric car is the Nissan Leaf, released in December 2010 and sold in 46 countries. Global Leaf sales passed the 200,000 unit milestone in December 2015, and the Tesla Model S, released in June 2012, ranks second with over 107,000 units sold worldwide. In this series, we cover stories covering the development of electric vehicles around the world.
Electric Car Series
How electric car racing could one day challenge the spectacle of Formula One
May 25, 2017 13:30 pm UTC|
Insights & Views Business
Motor racings most glamorous event, the Formula One Grand Prix in the glittering tax haven of Monaco is just around the corner. It is 67 years since drivers first took on the famous, twisty roads through the principality...
Electric Car Series
India Aims For Complete Electric Car Domination By 2030
May 04, 2017 11:36 am UTC|
Technology
The world might be heading towards a more electric car-centric mindset, with more car companies producing excellent examples as a good indication, but India wants to be ahead of every other country in this regard. As a...
Electric Car Series
Another Electric Flying Car Will Be Market-Ready This Year
Apr 25, 2017 23:56 pm UTC|
Technology
As yet another sign that the age of flying cars is on its way, a new contender in the electric flying personal vehicle has arrived. Called the Kitty Hawk Flyer, it was made by a company that was actually backed by Larry...
Electric Car Series
The Most Affordable Electric Vehicle In The Market
Apr 19, 2017 07:43 am UTC|
Technology
Right now, Tesla is the biggest name in the electric car business, which is fuelled by the fact that it is now the most valuable auto company in the US. However, its vehicles arent exactly the most affordable options,...
Electric Car Series
Tesla Competitors Are Coming Out With Impressive Offers One After Another
Apr 12, 2017 14:39 pm UTC|
Technology
At the moment, Tesla is the king of electric supercars that even surpass what some gas models can offer. Its Model S is faster, more efficient, and more stylish than most mid-range vehicles. On that note, a crown comes...
Electric Car Series
How electric cars can help save the grid
Mar 22, 2017 08:26 am UTC|
Insights & Views Technology
A key question amid the consternation over the current state of Australias east coast energy market has been how much renewable energy capacity to build, and how fast.
But help could be at hand from a surprising source:...
Electric Car Series
Shell Started Offering Electric Charging Stations, Big Change For Big Oil
Feb 07, 2017 03:53 am UTC|
Technology
Fossil fuel is on the decline in terms of use and interest among consumers, and companies in the oil industry know this. Thats why its not a big surprise that Shell has started offering charging stations for electric...
Economy
Japan Posts 7.7% Growth in Machinery Orders
In a striking development that looks set to invigorate Japans economic prospects, a key gauge of capital spending in the country has seen its most significant jump in over a year. According to Cabinet Office data released...
A sustainable future begins at ground level
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a call to action in global partnership. By 2023 it appears that our progress has been far from satisfactory in achieving these...
Politics
Who will Trump pick as his running mate?
Being second in line for leadership of the most powerful country in the world is not an easy job. But for Mike Pence, vice president under Donald Trump, things were even harder than usual.
As insurrectionists descended...