Electric Drive Vehicles

 

     Electric cars run partially on electricity. Unlike conventional vehicles that use gas or diesel-powered engines, electric cars and trucks use an electric motor powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell. Not all electric vehicles work the same way. Plug-in hybrids offer both gas or diesel engine and an electric motor: the motor is powered by a battery that can be recharged by plugging in. Other EVs forgo liquid fuels entirely, operating exclusively on electricity. Still others power an electric motor by converting hydrogen gas into electricity. Conventional hybrid vehicles also have an electric motor, but aren’t considered EVs as they can’t be plugged-in. Electric cars in terms of air pollution and greenhouse gasses is that more safe and efficient option. Though they can be very pricy, the cost is often reduced through federal and state incentives. Just 2 months ago, I was at an electric vehicle fair event with Communities for a Better Environment. We were a booth at the event advocating one of our programs which help low income families afford clean and electric vehicles. In order to switch from a toxic to healthy community, electric cars could be the start of something great.