Transcript Myth: Electric Cars are the Next Big Thing

Myth:
Electric Cars are the Next Big Thing
Presented by:
Royle Juusola
Electric Cars
• Pros
– Inexpensive Refueling
– Quiet
– No emissions at point of use
• Cons
–
–
–
–
–
Recharge Rates
Battery Life
Energy Density
Mass
Battery Safety
Source: Mail Online
Batteries
• 2009 DOE Energy Storage Report
– Cost
– Abuse Tolerance
– Life
– Performance
Energy Density
Energy Density (Wh/kg)
Lithium-Ion-Polymer
Lithium-Ion
Lead-Acid Battery
NiMH
Nickel-cadmium Battery
Taco Bell Bean Burrito
Natural gas
Firewood
Coal
Ethanol
Diesel oil (DERV)
Petrol
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
Data Source: MacKay, Taco Bell
Questions
• What are some disadvantages to electric cars?
– Batteries
• How does the energy density of a battery
compare to hydrocarbon energy sources?
– Very poorly to say the least
Works Cited
• Bryce, Robert Power Hungry: The Myths of ‘Green’ Energy
and the Real Fuels of the Future, New York: Public
Affairs. 2010
• MacKay, J.C. Sustainable Energy – without the hot air ,
Cambridge: UIT Cambridge Ltd. 2009,
http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/sustainable/book
/tex/cft.pdf 19-March-2011
• "Full Nutrition Information: All Items." Taco Bell Calories
and Nutrition Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar.
2013.
• "Jeremy Clarkson Sparks New BBC Row over Top Gear
Electric Supercar Test 'failure'"Mail Online. N.p., n.d.
Web. 22 Mar. 2013.