1Write a list of all the things that electricity can be used for in a car. Examples include: lights heater fan radio horn air conditioning sun roof central locking electric windows windscreen wipers and washers navigation system 7Je Electric cars 5

Examples include: They are good for lots of stopping and starting. They are quiet (especially early in the morning!) They cause no pollution (exhaust fumes). 7Je Electric cars 2Why were electric motors used in milk floats? Give as many reasons as you can. 5

Level 7 answer to the following effect: The electricity used to charge batteries has to be generated somewhere. Most of the electricity in this country is generated in fossil-fuelled power stations, which are located outside built-up areas. There have been improvements in cleaning up the waste gases from these in recent years, but they still give out large quantities of carbon dioxide. (Level 6 for simpler but valid explanation) 7Je Electric cars 3What do you think Sue means by saying that electric cars ‘only move the pollution’? (Hint: think about where the electricity to recharge the battery comes from.)

Possible answers include: Most customers say that battery-powered cars aren’t powerful enough. Their range before the batteries need recharging is too short for most people. There aren’t enough facilities for recharging. I have also mentioned that the costs of buying and running a battery-powered car need to be worked out and compared with those for a conventionally powered car. 7Je Electric cars 4 a Why do you think most cars still use petrol or diesel engines?

Possible answers include: Subsidise electric cars Encourage companies to make sure there are far more places to recharge Encourage the development of cars with longer ranges, more power, etc. 7Je Electric cars 4 b What could the government do to persuade more people to use electric cars? 6