Essay 4 Rough Draft So Far ... Not complete

Why Not Buy An Electric Vehicle?

            Many people don’t realize that electric vehicles have been around since the early 1900’s and when they were first introduced they were serious competitors with the steam and combustible engine vehicles of their day (Anderson).  Experimenting with EV (electric vehicle) technology took a back seat with the onset of the depression and then World War II; and with the prosperous post-war economy, Americans were not focused on saving energy.  In the 1950’s, the US interstate highway system was created and electric cars could not meet the needs of distance travelers, especially since oil and gasoline were so abundant and inexpensive at the time.  It wasn’t until after the mid 20th century that people began to think about electric cars again as a possible solution to the growing concern over air quality, then again around the millennium when air pollution’s role in global warming became evident (Anderson).  Recently, the oil crisis and more federal money made available to sponsor EV and hybrid technology research has brought the long awaited arrival of electric automobiles being produced and sold by major automobile makers and purchased and driven by the general public – a present day reality.      

            Despite the many profound technological advances in EV technology, many people are still hesitant to invest in an electric car.  Meanwhile, the hybrid vehicle, a seemingly more marketable option, has become a growing trend.  Electric vehicles do have a following, however.  Some forward thinking consumers who have the environment’s best interest in mind have gone electric and the concept has been catching on across the U.S. and even more so in other countries around the world, primarily in Europe.  Despite the myths, the electric car is an up-and-coming, feasible alternative to the gas-powered vehicle.  Unbeknownst to most American consumers, there are many advantages of owning a modern electric vehicle including their contribution to a healthier planet, convenience, overall cost effectiveness, and even great style – definitely an option worth serious consideration when shopping for a new vehicle.

Perhaps the biggest argument against EV technology is the convenience factor, including limited range and power and the lack of an infrastructure that supports the public’s access to charging an EV battery.  Admittedly, the biggest challenge facing the EV industry has always been the limited distance some electric cars can be driven before their batteries need to be charged, compared to gasoline powered cars and even hybrid vehicles that only need a fill-up once or twice a week.  Commuter cars such as the Honda Civic can go for an average of about 330 miles before the gas tank hits the empty mark (2011 Honda), and the Chevy Aveo can go for about 350 miles (2011 Chevy).  While it’s true that Nissan’s new EV, the LEAF, requires recharging after traveling about 100 miles, the cost to charge its battery three or four times to travel the same 350 miles would still only be a fraction of the price of the gas, ,and can be as simple as plugging in overnight while everyone is asleep, just like a cell phone.  Some high end EV models, such as the Tesla Roadster, can go for 245 miles per charge (“Go Electric”).

Europe is the leader in providing infrastructure to support electric vehicles so far (Williams), but it is catching on here in America too.  In Houston, Texas, for instance, NRG Energy recently introduced a network of 150 public charging stations at various retail and business locations throughout the city and Houston suburbs (Knepp).  People can top off while shopping at Walgreens or Best Buy.  A third of the stations are capable of fully charging an EV in 30 minutes.  Others may choose to charge up while at work.  NRG Energy is offering its customers a deal – for just $49 per month, on a 3-year contract, the company will provide a 240-volt home charging station plus unlimited access to network stations and includes unlimited electricity (Knepp).  In Michigan, over 5,300 charging stations will be installed, some solar powered, with the release of the new Chevy Volt; and Chevy plans to open 1,500 new charging stations at Chevy dealerships across the U.S (“Michigan…”).

Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Section 2 – Earth Friendly:  1) Battery recycling (refute).  2) Coal burning to provide electricity (refute w/still less pollution/global warming effect than gas). 3) New gas car technology closing gap and improving their emissions output etc (refute w/limited fossil fuels available and dependence on foreign oil).

Paragraph 1.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Paragraph 2.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Section 3 – Cost-Effectiveness:  1) High initial cost (refute).  2) Cost to charge (refute).  3) Cost to maintain (refute).

Paragraph 1.  Opponent argument.  Refute. 

Paragraph 2.  Opponent argument.  Refute. 

Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute. 

Section 4 – Style.  1) Look (refute).  2) Joy/Speed (refute).  3) Functionality for work & play (refute). 

Paragraph 1.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Paragraph 2.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Paragraph 3.  Opponent argument.  Refute.

Conclusion Paragraph.  “This an exciting time for developing new, cleaner technology for a positive approach to transportation and energy” (Anderson).  Cars have fascinated us since the 1800’s and have been used for work, leisure, prestige, and entertainment (Anderson).  Cars have been “interwoven into our society” and “both support and are shaped by the energy industry” (Anderson).  “Styles reflect personality and the versatility of our functional needs.”

Works Cited

"EPRI-NRDC Definitive Study: PHEVs Will Reduce Reduce Emissions If Broadly Adopted." California Cars Initiative for Plug-In Hybrids. Ed. Healther L. Hansen and Clay Perry. 19 July 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. <http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/797.html>.

Knepp, Rex. "NRG Energy Announces Electric Car Charging Network for Houston - Houston Energy Industry | Examiner.com." Detroit Examiner.com. 19 Nov. 2010. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.examiner.com/energy-industry-in-houston/nrg-energy-announces-electric-car-charging-network-for-houston>.

Anderson, Curtis D., and Judy Anderson. "The Birth of the Automobile Industry." Introduction. Electric and Hybrid Cars: a History. Second ed. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2010. 3. Print.

"Nissan LEAF Electric Car." Nissan Cars, Hybrid, Trucks, Crossovers, SUVs | Year-End Sales Event | Nissan USA. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index#/leaf-electric-car/index>.

"Chevrolet Dealer Locator Is a Seattle Chevrolet Dealer and a New Car and Used Car Seattle WA Chevrolet Dealership." Chevrolet Dealer Locator | Local Area Chevrolet Dealers. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.chevydealer.com/MiscPage_D?cs:a:i=lslp_banner_chevyvolt&gclid=CLeJsPu8raUCFQo65Qodc1X5aw>.

"Go Electric." Tesla Motors | Premium Electric Vehicles. 14 Oct. 2010. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://www.teslamotors.com/>.

"2011 Honda Civic Coupe Overview - Official Site." Honda Cars - New and Certified Used Cars from American Honda. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. <http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-coupe/>.

"2011 Chevy Aveo Compact Car Family | Hatchback & Sedan | Chevrolet.com." 2011 Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans | Chevrolet. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. <http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/open/default/family/aveo.do>.

Williams, David. "London 'to Become Europe's Electric Car Capital' - Telegraph." Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph Online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. 9 Nov. 2010. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/green-motoring/8120310/London-to-become-Europes-electric-car-capital.html>.

"Michigan to Get 5,300 Charging Stations for Electric Cars." PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. 13 Oct. 2010. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-michigan-5300-stations-electric-cars.html>.