All-Battery electric vehicles

Friday, January 7, 2011

(Electric Drive Transportation Association)

A typical Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is powered entirely by electricity from the utility grid. Current Battery Electric Vehicles have a range of 80 to100 miles or more. Because the batteries are recharged from the utility grid and from regenerative braking to power an electric motor to propel the vehicle, BEVs produce no tailpipe emissions.

In addition to the recent release of mass-market passenger BEVs, other types of battery electric vehicles in widespread use today include low-speed, neighborhood electric vehicles, airport ground support equipment, and off-road industrial equipment such as fork lifts.

Advantages of battery electric vehicles (BEVs):

Zero tailpipe emissions (no CO2 or other pollutants)
Use of cleaner electric energy produced through advanced natural gas and coal gasification technologies
Energy security by displacing imported petroleum with domestic generated electricity
Overnight battery recharging (by plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet or a higher voltage charging unit)
Recycled energy from regenerative braking
Lower fuel and operational costs
Possible use in secondary markets for used batteries and reduced waste

Challenges:

Improving battery technology: lower costs, increased energy density, extended durability
Possible need for public recharging infrastructure
Extending mileage range