To a great extent, the transportation sector is dependent on petroleum fuels (petrol/diesel). A rise in diesel). A rise in diesel price means that the end user pays more for services and goods.

A hike in bus fares will definitely affect all commuters. To break this nexus we have to look for alternative sources of energy for our vehicles. Now, major auto manufacturers are producing high performance electric vehicles as a viable,cost -effective and cleaner alternative. Electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. Electricity is used as "fuel instead of gasoline or some other combustible fuel.

The electric motor converts electricity, usually from a battery pack, into mechanical power to turn the wheels. The term electric vehicle usually refers to a fully equipped road-worthy car or truck that runs on electricity stored in batteries. Although electric vehicles have been around for over a century, its benefits have been realized only in the 90s. A growing concern about urban pollution, noise related shoes and so on have titled the balance towards electric vehicles. EV's have come a long way since Scotish Inventor Robert David son first demonstrated basic EV principles nearly 160 years ago. In 1892, the first four-wheel battery EV had a four horsepower motor and a maximum speed of 14 miles per hour. It could run for 13 hours on a 10-hour charge.

Today some EVs have a range of up to 235 miles and can be recharged in about 3 hours at 220 volts and a 8 hours using 110 volts. In the 1900s, battery powered EVs comprised 38% of new vehicle sales. Steam powered cars accounted for 40% of total sales, while gasoline cars made up 22%. By 1912 there were approximately34,000 battery powered EVs on the road, with a range of 25-50 miles and a speed record of 66 miles per hour. Despite this initial success EVs could not compete with the technological breakthroughs and rapidly expanding refuelling networks of gasoline run vehicles.

By 1940, the last EV manufacturer in the U.S. was out of business. In the 70s when the Arabs imposed an oil embargo, General Motors announced its intention to commercialize atleast one EV model. But this Interest waned, as gasoline became abundant and cheap. In 1976 (in U.S.A) the Congress passed the Electric Vehicle Act and created the Electric Transport Department. Researchers began looking at Evs as a way to reduce Import dependence. In the 80s concern over smog (much of it caused by exhaust fumes), encouraged car manufacturers in explore new sources of fuel. In 1990 Evs were back on the road. General Motors unveiled an EV called impact.

This became very popular and was a forerunner of things to come. At the turn of the millennium Evs are growing in demand globally. Major car manufacturers such as Honda, General Motors, Toyota and Ford make Evs. EV charging stations are being set up in mails and hotels. Who go electric? Well, its noise free clean driving: EVs emit no exhaust, no poisonous carbon-monoxide, no air pollution, no noise pollution, no talls of oils or fluids.

Since the motor does not operate when the vehicle is at a "stop" signal, an EV has no "idling noise. In a moving parts less than 35 compared with over 1500 for a gasoline powered vehicle. Fewer parts means less maintenance, making it simpler to operate it is more reliable too as there is less it is more reliable too as there is no condensation from heating and cooling systems to cause rust and damage the power system.

The 'per mile' fuel cost of operating an EV can be less than 1/3rd that of a gasoline power car. Initial pricing is comparable to gas powered vehicles. EVs are also said to have a longer shelf life of Evs (95 years or more). With lower maintenance costs, some reports show EVs total cost of purchase and operation to be put1/10th that of comparable gas equipment. EVs provide fast acceleration by delivering power instantly to the wheels.

By providing high torque at low speeds they give a fell of smooth and quick responsiveness. Motors and speed controllers with high efficiency designs yield a greater utilisation of stored energy. They are zero emission vehicles, with no tallpipes, emitting no pollutants. EVs get their fuels from electric power stations. Power plants using fossil fuels do have emissions, these are typically much lower than emissions from the comparable use of gasoline powered vehicles. Power plants which use renewable energy sources like wind. Solar and hydropower cause no air pollution. The main operating components of an EV can be grouped into five systems: Energy System Power System, Drive Train, Charger System and Auxilliary Systems.
"Energy system: EVs store energy in batteries until It's needed to power the motor. A battery controller monitors and governs the operation of the battery pack. In a "series" hybrid Ev, a small internal combustion engine generates electricity on board to recharge the battery. Fuel cells, another technology being developed, generates electricity through a chemical process on brand.
"Power Systems:
The motor controller regulates the flow of electricity and is the main component of the Power System.
"Drive Train: This is an electric motor that coverts electric power into rotational, mechanical power, which is delivered to the wheels through a transaxle, propelling the vehicle.
"Charger Systems:
The charger converts AC electricity from utility power lines to DC current to restore power after being depleted. "Auxiliary Systems:
All systems in the vehicle such as power brakes, steering, CD players etc run primarily from battery stored electricity.

Several EV features maximise safety EVs tend to have a lower centre of gravity that makes them less likely turn turtle. There is less chance of fires or explosions. Plus the body construction and durability of EVs enhance vehicle safety in a collision. Every major automaker in the world is now investing in EV development as well as improvements in other car parts such as heaters and typres This will result in cleaner and more efficient vehicles of the future.

On the anvil Chrysler has produced about 50 prototype" minimvam EVs, the most advanced of which are powered by nickel metal hydride batteries with driving ranges as high as 250 miles. Ford has developed the Ecostar. (General Motors has announced plans to produce and EV this year based on the impact and called EV - 1. Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan etc are all geared up to manufacture Evs).

Today's emerging transition to EVs powered by batteries and fuel cells is a switch for better, achieving greater energy efficiency, emission reductions and simplified operations.

- Sharada Prahlada Rao