Love your car, but hate paying for gas? Consider investing in an electric car. Almost all the same features: the trendy car designs, the accessories, and the thrill! Plus, no gas and no noise. Presentation by: Sithara Thukalan

Electric Cars can save money. Saving money: Instead of gas, batteries are used to fuel electric cars. Battery prices are currently high, ranging from $2,000- $30,000, but as more competition arises the prices will decrease. Even with the current battery prices, batteries are more cost-effective than gasoline. Since gasoline prices constantly fluctuate and is reported that prices will continue to rise, a battery pack is a better solution since it can last between 3-4 years and will only cost you about $2,000, which is a couple of thousand less than pumping gas for 3-4 years.

Electric Cars can save America. Saving America: If there was no need for gasoline to fuel vehicles, then America could save millions. One main foreign issue for America is their dependence on oil and if this was decreased then America would no longer have to do business with the middle east and could use the money on matters to benefit the public.

Electric Cars can save Earth. Saving Earth: With electric cars there is no emission so there is cleaner air. Global warming becoming more of a scare and automobiles contribute to global warming. Also there will not be such a high demand for oil so there will be less land destruction.

Inside an electric car… An electric car starts out as a regular gasoline-powered car with modifications. Things that are removed: the gasoline engine, muffler, catalytic converter, tailpipe, and gas tank, clutch assembly. Parts that are added: an AC electric motor bolted to a transmission with an adapter plate, an electric controller to control the AC motor, a battery tray with volt lead-acid batteries in the floor, electric motors to power things such as : water pump and power steering, a vacuum pump for power brakes, a electric water heater to provide heat, a charger to charge battery, and a volt meter to indicate how much charge is left.

The Performance. Average Electric: The average range: 50 mi (80 Km) and this requires about 12 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Goes from 0-to-60 mph in about 15 secs. The battery weighs about 1,100 pounds (500kg) and it lasts three to four years. Top speed: about 75 mph

Performance. Cont’d. Ferrari-like (ex: Tesla roadster): Goes from 0-to-60 mph in about 3.9 secs. On a full battery charge, it is able to go 221 miles in mixed city/highway driving. The battery pack used can last more than 100,00 miles Able to operate in weather extremes. Top speed: 125 mph

So why are Electric Cars not popular? The batteries are expensive. More of a hassle to take care of. Charge stations must be installed around the globe just like gas stations are installed. Like the Model-T, which was unpopular at first, electric cars will become popular after further research is conducted. With the scare of global warming this is a positive alternative for future transportation and government officials recognize this. So, in the near future gasoline- powered vehicles will slowly be replaced with electric-powered vehicles. However…

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