Why did someone convert this Porsche into an electric vehicle? Read on for some surprisingly sensible reasons.
What does it take to get the average American driver to seriously consider an electric vehicle? Paying $3 per gallon and above for gas is a good start. Increasing the availability of affordable electric vehicles could do it, too. Maybe it would also help to wean us gently away from gasoline by flooding the market with gas/electric hybrids.
All of these conditions finally seem to be happening at once, causing a perfect storm of education and motivation towards electrically powered vehicles.
Paul Burkey and the other members of the Oregon Electric Vehicle Association (OEVA) have been waiting awhile for this storm to brew. OEVA is a nonprofit association of electric vehicle enthusiasts who work very hard to educate people about the benefits of electric vehicles, and pool their resources to support other electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts.
What We Should Know About Electric Vehicles
Educating the public about how electric vehicles work has not really been a problem for Paul and his associates. The two main hurdles have been countering inaccurate “conventional wisdom.” First, the misconception that electric vehicles are unappealing little golf carts with pretensions of coolness. Second, that electric vehicles just aren’t practical.
The idea of all EV’s being nerdmobiles falls flat when you realize that many of the electric vehicles on the road today began their lives as gas-powered vehicles but were converted. Consequently, if you want a Dodge Omni or VW Beetle as your electric vehicle, you could certainly have one, but you will find just as many Fiats, Porches and Fieros which have been converted to run on electric motors.
And electric vehicle practicality? If you commute 100 miles a day or if you routinely haul heavy equipment, an electric car may not meet your needs. According to Paul, however, “Most people go less than 40 miles in a day, and most of that is stop and go driving. Electric vehicles are actually better at conserving power under these conditions.” Taking into account the inefficient way most of us drive, a gasoline engine is actually the less practical power plant.
Support Your Local EV Enthusiasts
Sometimes the OEVA acts as an information clearinghouse for its members. They often field questions from new EV owners about what sort of electrical outlet is required to charge their vehicles. Paul contacted Nissan, the car company which will be unveiling its first all-electric car this fall, and found out that they recommend a regular dryer-type outlet.
In other instances, some members have knowledge, but lack equipment. EVs often require specialized tools that aren’t always cheap. OEVA has a tool lending library where members can borrow club-owned tools or donate spare tools to the cause. It’s nice to have friends in electrified places!
The Future of Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles are still the exception on America’s roads, but the movement is accelerating. Gas/electric hybrids are becoming more and more popular among urban and suburban drivers. The Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt, two all-electric vehicles, will both be available in dealerships this fall.
Paul predicts a possible change in home building standards. “I believe that homeowners will insist their garages be wired with electric outlets for use with electric vehicles” he says. Builders, take note. Homes of the future should accommodate cars of the future.
Comments on this entry are closed.