Electric and Hybrid Cars: Public Perception
As the world becomes increasing aware of environmental concerns and sustainability, people are turning to alternative forms of transportation to help contribute to environmental sustainability.
The History of Electric Transportation
Ever since Scotsman, Robert Davidson, built the first electric locomotive in 1838, the world has long been fascinated by electric-powered transportation methods. In fact, at one time it was believed that electrical automobiles would become more popular than their gas counterparts.
Before the invention of combustion engines, electric automobiles greatly out-numbered gas ones. In the early 1900's electric cars even held many land speed and distance records. Although the combustion engine made gasoline the power source of choice for vehicles, advances in electric powered motors have created clean, environmentally friendly trains, cars, and other alternative sources of transportation.
The Hybrid
While a "battery electric" car runs purely on electricity, a hybrid car combines aspects of both electric and conventional automobiles. Using an on-board rechargeable storage system and a fuelled power source for propulsion, hybrid cars are becoming a very popular choice.
Is One Vehicle Better Than the Other?
When considering the purchase of an alternatively powered vehicle, you may find yourself wondering which is better, an electric car or a hybrid?
The answer is unclear because both cars have their advantages and disadvantages. In the end, your choice will have to reflect your own unique preferences.
The chief problem with storage batteries for electric cars is that they don't hold much energy for their weight. In fact, gasoline contains 100 times more energy per pound than an electric battery does. This means that even with today's advanced technology, an electric car would have to carry several thousand pounds of batteries in order to drive as far between charges as a conventional car can drive between fill-ups.
Hybrids, on the other hand, do not face the same problems of short driving spans that electrical cars do. However, they do still consume gasoline, which is one of the main reasons that some people still choose an electric car over a hybrid. It is important to note that although they do run on gas, hybrids are much more efficient in their usage than a conventional vehicle.
The Continental Divide
European countries can count themselves as leaders in the world in terms of accepting the new transportation technology. For example, electric and hybrid cars are far more popular in Europe than North America. Some believe that this lack of popularity in Canada and the United States is due the cars' inability to meet the demands of the average North American commuter.
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