Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
can hold two adults and two children (227 kg). The driving range is 80 km
with a charge time of 80% charge in 3 hours and 100% in 6 hours. A high-
torque, separately excited DC motor of 13 kW peak output power is used.
Microprocessor-based battery management is used with 48-volt, 200 amp-
hour EV tubular lead acid batteries. The wheel base is 1710 mm with a curb
weight of 754-kg.
The Tesla Electric sports car combines ithium ion battery technology
with a unique battery pack design that is light and recyclable and is capa-
ble of delivering enough power to accelerate the Tesla Roadster from 0 to
60 mph in under 4 seconds. The battery stores enough energy for the ve-
hicle to travel about 220 miles without recharging, with a 135 mpg equiva-
lence. It has a two-speed transmission.
The Quaranta is a concept hybrid gas/electric vehicle with solar as-
sist. The electric portion is made by Italdesign Giugiaro. The roof is a solar
panel that charges the batteries and provides energy for the climate con-
trol system. The all wheel drive, mid-engined car accelerates from zero to
62 mph (100 kph) in 4.05 seconds and tops out at 155 mph. This is a three-
seat high performance sports car.
In hybrid vehicles electric motors are paired with small combustion
engines. Electric power is used for low speed city driving and combus-
tion switches in for hills and highway passing. Power systems that run on
compressed gases such as propane, methane, or hydrogen are possible but
range may be limited since distribution systems are not in place and each
station pump could cost $30,000.
So-called synthetic fuels could be used directly in engines or to gen-
erate electricity from fuel cells for electric motors. Other combustion en-
gines such as the sterling motor could also become options.
The proper maintenance of roads can improve mileage 5% but funds
are often spent elsewhere. Combustion engines operate best at about 45-
MPH but traffic patterns are generally too slow in cities or too fast in the
country.
A HYDROGEN FUTURE
The road to hydrogen vehicles and a hydrogen fueling delivery sys-
tem may take many paths. Today, it may seem unlikely that market forces
alone will result in the installation of thousands of hydrogen fueling sta-
tions across the country. But, this is exactly what happened with our pres-
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