Hybrid-Electric Vehicles and Electric Transportation

Electric vehicles and hybrid-electric vehicles are vehicles that obtain all or part of their propulsive force from electric motors. These vehicles can be divided into the following broad groups.All-electric vehicles: Many all-electric vehicles draw power from stationary wires, including electric trains, subways, and trolleys. Other all-electric vehicles draw power from on-board batteries or capacitors. Examples of these vehicles include battery-powered automobiles, lift-trucks, golf carts, boats, and wheelchairs.
All-electric drive hybrid-electric vehicles: Hybrid-electric vehicles are electric vehicles that also carry an electric generator. The most traditional hybrid-electric vehicles are diesel-electric trains. Hybrid-electric trucks, buses, and automobiles have also been developed. Diesel engines, gasoline engines, fuel cells, and solar cells have all been used as on-board sources of electric power. These vehicles may include batteries or another energy storage system, and additional energy can be added to the storage system when the vehicle is connected to a stationary source of electric power. An all-electric drive hybrid-electric vehicle with sufficient energy storage can also operate as an all-electric vehicle when the generator is turned off.
Electric-assist hybrid-electric vehicles: Electric-assist vehicles have an electric motor to supplement power to another propulsive source when needed. Examples include electric-assist automobiles and bicycles. Transportation is critically important to U.S. energy supply and security concerns as it accounts for nearly 2/3 of all U.S. oil consumption and is almost 97% dependent on petroleum-based fuels. Petroleum consumption reduction is critical to global sustainability and long-term energy security.Electric and hybrid-electric transportation uses less fuel for a given amount of service than other vehicles with the same capabilities. In addition, these vehicles use all fuel sources more efficiently than non-hybrid combustion vehicles.
This technology represents a significant improvement over a conventional internal combustion engine and greatly reduces U.S. dependency on oil imports.Electric vehicles and hybrid-electric vehicles cause less air pollution for a given amount of service than other vehicles with the same capabilities. Electric vehicles and hybrid-electric vehicles operate more cleanly than other comparable vehicles as they age, and the catalysts in hybrid-electric vehicles' exhaust systems deteriorate more slowly. Significant penetration of electric drives into the mass vehicle market can lead to improved air quality and better public health.Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles and electric transportation systems have the potential to be a major export, and the United States should establish and maintain a major market share. As the standard of living improves in developing countries, there is an increased demand for vehicles of all types. Environmental concerns will make the higher efficiency and reduced emissions of electric and hybrid-electric transportation essential in these countries.