Charging station

Revolution of Electric Cars

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Electric cars have made a large debut into the going green movement. The idea that global health should be a top priority has spurred growth electrically. Additionally buying an electric car should theoretically save the driver money due to the advertised overall savings in gas.

Many countries have gone all in on the green revolution. Airports in the United States have started to install charging stations in the extended stay parking areas, and other countries are beginning to develop research funding for the development of electric batteries and other research targeted at electric cars.

Part of what makes electric vehicles so popular among those who have gone green is the reduction in pollution. The dramatic reduction in fuel emissions could mean improvement on global warming.

Only recently has finding electric vehicles gone from the difficult task for the elite to something where everyone can find cars for sale. Most dealerships will have new cars, and because of their rise in popularity finding quality used electric cars is also possible. So, next time you are shopping for a used car consider the electric option. Looking for used Ford for sale could turn into a greener you!

Critics have argued that global warming is a flawed idea due to the stay in local climate temperatures. However it is more important to view it as a global idea. Global warming is not a temperature rise in a focused area. Instead, it is a temperature rise across the entire planet. For anyone who has ever lived with roommates the difference in one degree could mean the difference between comfortable and freezing.

Filed Under: Auto Technology and Performance Tagged With: Charging station, Electric car, Ford Motor Company

Electric Cars Spell Extinction for gas Stations

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Now may be the time to buy them flowers or a nice card. Tell them how much you’ve appreciated their service all the times you ran into the convenience store to grab a few snacks while your car was filling up with gasoline. Or if you’re from an older generation, express your gratitude for filling it up, and wiping down the windows, for you. No matter how you do it, say goodbye to your local gas station attendant. Why? Because with the proliferation of the electric car there is no longer going to be a need for gasoline, and in turn, no longer a need for gas stations. In the near future, gas stations will be replaced by electric car charging stations.

Electric car charging stations have already started to make a presence in some major cities across the globe, from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv. Unlike the large space taken up by gas facilities, electric car charging stations are small, free standing devices much like a light pole or street sign, with an extension cord. They line the sidewalks or street corners. Drivers can pull right up and plug right in. Since the technology hasn’t significantly lowered the charging times for vehicles, yet, many are located along parking spaces for electric car drivers to park and refuel as they go about their business.

Electric car charging stations tap right into the city’s electric grid. Hence, there is no need to store energy like gas stations that need to store their gasoline on site in large containers. In addition, electric car charging stations can even be placed in someone’s home. The same electricity that is supplied to city streets is generated by the same companies that supply it to residential areas. It only makes sense to have electric car owners charge up at home. As an electric car owner, you could make the case that you are now your very own gas station attendant.

Filed Under: Auto Fuel Technology Tagged With: Automobile, Charging station, Electric car, Electric vehicle, Electrical grid, Filling station, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv

Rules to Follow When Charging Your Electric Car

With the release of more lines of electric cars from the American automotive industry, a demand is growing for charging stations across the country. Initially, there will most likely be a limited installation of charging stations in cities to meet that demand until electric car sales increase further. So, before charging stations are located on every street, there are sure to be drivers clamoring to use them at relatively the same time. This make it imperative that the pioneers–first ones on the road–of electric cars to adhere to a few rules of etiquette to make the charging process easier for all.

The first thing all electric car drivers should be conscious of is how far they anticipate driving and if their battery can cover the distance, before they decide to plug into a charging station. Knowing this information beforehand can keep drivers from unnecessarily hogging a station from someone who may need it more. Another thing to be aware of is of what kind of vehicle you are driving: is it a plug-in hybrid or completely electric? While it is admirable for hybrid drivers to not want to tap into their gasoline, it shouldn’t be at the expense of drivers that rely solely on electricity.

Once an electric car has finished charging, it’s polite of the driver to relocate the vehicle to a proper parking spot. Leaving a car at the charging station may guarantee a great parking space, but it is extremely rude to fellow drivers. Newer electric cars are capable of alerting drivers that they’ve finished charging–with a text message, for example.

During and after using a charging station, drivers should consider the safety of others–both fellow electric car drivers and passerby. The extension cord reaching the vehicle from the station should not be obstructing any walkways when in use to prevent pedestrians accidentally tripping over them. Also, when finished, they should be hung up in their proper place.

Filed Under: Auto Safety Technology Tagged With: Automobile, Charging station, Electric car, Electric vehicle, Energy, European Union, Technology, Transportation

Electric Cars can be Operated Electronically Too

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The advanced lithium-ion batteries just may not be the coolest thing about the electric cars that will be hitting the roads soon. Future electric car drivers will feel very futuristic when they install their own charging station in their home. But, one futuristic item that they may own now will be very beneficial to an owner of an electric car: the smartphone. Why? Well, electric cars will be smart. That is, they will be highly connected to communication systems. So, someone with a smartphone will be able to engage their electric car with only a tap of the touchscreen.

Software applications have already been in the works for smartphones to interact with upcoming electric cars set for release including the 2011 Nissan Leaf, 2011 Chevy Volt and the 2012 Smart For Two Electric Drive . The most intriguing feature of the apps will be the ability to remotely find out the charging status of the electric car. Plus, app users will be able to schedule charges without leaving the couch–if it’s already plugged in, of course.

These apps will also be able to relay information and alerts to the car’s owner including how full or how low the battery’s charge is, the estimated time of when the car will be finished charging and if the charging cord has been unexpectedly unplugged. The last feature is certainly important considering charging cords do not lock into place, creating a potential problem later if the battery is found to have never been charged. Stats on the car’s performance and condition will also be accessible on smartphones.

Following in the foot steps of remote car starters, apps for electric cars will also provide the capability of turning on the heat or air. Drivers will have the luxury of getting into the temperature of their choice without the wait. And geeks will not have to worry, cause all of these apps will be found on both the iPhone and Android.

Filed Under: Auto Engine Technology Tagged With: Android, Charging station, Chevy Volt, Electric car, Electric vehicle, iPhone, Lithium-ion battery, Nissan Leaf

Businesses Look to Capitalize on Charging Stations

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The scenario is common for most Americans. You travel a long distance to go shopping, whether at a mall or a large chain store, and end up burning a lot of gas during the commute, which then necessitates a stop at the gas station. But what if your car refilled as it sat in the parking lot all while you shopped? That is the thinking from many retailers that are looking to accommodate electric car drivers as shoppers.

Some large retailers have started looking into installing charging stations in their parking lots. Somewhat ironically, the electronics retailer Best Buy is getting serious about the idea, and will place charging stations in select stores in three different states. Although, it isn’t much of a stretch for a company that has already supported greener alternatives with electronics. In fact, it has incorporated electric cars to its Geek Squad contingent which extensively travels for tech support projects.

Working with the EV Project that is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, 12 Best Buy stores will be refueling electric cars by 2012 in Arizona, California and Washington. The stations will be Level 2 and supply around 30 Amps at 240V. The retailer also hopes to gain the support of Eco-friendly customers through its electric car promotion.

If anyone is looking for a catch, they can possibly point out that the service will not be free. The charging stations being installed by Best Buy will be networked online and to smart phones, so a person’s vehicle information can be relayed to the stations. Consumers can then pay with credit or arrange for pre-pay services. Based on the business created from this pilot project, Best Buy intends to extend the service to more locations.

Other enterprises are soon to follow suit, from additional retailers to banks to government buildings. And if the charging options become so ubiquitous, one can only imagine so will the electric cars.

Filed Under: Careers in Auto Technology Tagged With: Best Buy, Charging station, Electric car, Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation, Electric vehicle, Geek Squad, United States, United States Department of Energy

Eliminating Concerns of Electric car Driving Ranges

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One of the most common arguments from car buyers for not purchasing an electric car is their concern about the driving ranges possible on a single charge. While it is true that electric cars cannot go as far as cars can go on a tank of gasoline, about 200-250 miles, the majority can reach over 100 miles and meet the daily demands of the average driver. However, this still doesn’t allay the fears for some potential electric car buyers who wonder about traveling greater distances and possibly having to worry about finding a charging location.

Fortunately, there are multiple solutions being tested for conquering and ultimately eliminating these concerns for future electric car owners. One solution is the idea of exchanging batteries. Think of it like a toy car. The used battery pops out, and you put a new one in and start playing all over again. In this scenario, cars can park on an automated platform that will take out the used battery and put in a fully charged replacement. This way drivers will not have to wait for the battery to charge and can just continue on their way.

A second solution is being installed in some newer electric cars already. They are informally called range extenders. Simply, they are gasoline-powered generators that can engage once the car battery has emptied and start running the motor. Obviously, some electric car owners dislike the idea, but it has its undeniable advantage as a very reliable Plan B.

Another solution already in the works, and perfect for drivers on a long journey, are faster charging stations. These fast-charging stations implement much higher voltage than their counterparts, thus decreasing the time it takes to charge; in some cases in as little time as half an hour. Picture these appearing at a rest stop near you.

Ultimately, as car markers look to advance the batteries in their electric cars, the issue of driving range will end.

Filed Under: Auto Technology and Performance Tagged With: Automobile, Charging station, Electric car, Electric vehicle, Energy, Nissan Leaf, Technology, Transportation