While the increase in the world population also increases the depletion rate of the resources, it also paves the way to new issues related to basic elements such as settlement, transportation, and feeding. Especially in the systems established based on limited resources, innovative solutions are being created that will provide renewal and differentiation. Transportation is also one of the problems that arise with the increasing population, and with the increase in the number of people, the number of vehicles entering traffic is increasing daily.
Needs create new inventions
The fact that oil reserves will be depleted in the near future and the amount of harmful gases released by existing combustion engine vehicles to the environment have led people to look for alternatives over time. At this point, the electric vehicles have become a solution to the effects caused by vehicles with internal combustion engines. With the electricity used as fuel, a quieter, more environmentally friendly and more economical transportation means is provided. Although the popularity of electric vehicles has increased particularly in the 20th century, the history of electric vehicles dates back to 18th century. Electric vehicles, which also started to be used for commercial purposes during the period when they first appeared, were temporarily discontinued and leaving their places to internal combustion engine vehicles due to their short ranges. However, the oil crisis that began to occur in the 1970s made electric vehicles become an agenda item again.
In the 1980s, as the environmental friendliness of electric vehicles are started to be understood, the governments also began to increase their interest in these vehicles and offer economic support in this field. With the battery technologies that have been developed in the 90s, the vehicle companies began to accept the idea of producing electric vehicles and began to add these models into their existing product ranges. In combustion engine vehicles, the operation of the vehicle depends only on the internal combustion engine. The energy sources of these vehicles are the types of fuel such as gasoline and LPG in their fuel tanks. The number of internal combustion engine vehicles in the automotive market is much higher than that of hybrid and electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are produced by using more than one power source.
With the electricity used as fuel, a quieter, more environmentally friendly
and more economical transportation means is provided.
Hybrid vehicles use batteries and several fuel types used in internal combustion engines as their sources of energy. The batteries used in hybrid vehicles do not require charging from an external source. The vehicle charges itself by generating electricity with its on-board system during braking. An important benefit of this system is that the wearing of brake pads and discs can be reduced by up to fifty percent. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, only work with an engine. Batteries and super-capacitors are used for energy supply. Battery types with different voltage and energy densities have been developed for use in electric vehicles. The service life of the batteries, as well as their performance can vary depending on the working locations. Developments and innovations in battery technologies play a decisive role on the performance of electric vehicles. The electric motor is used as a generator so that the batteries in the vehicle can be fed and charged. Fuel and maintenance costs are much less compared to conventional vehicles. In electric vehicles, a second battery or an additional energy source can be used to support the main battery. In this way, the uphill performance of the vehicle is increased. Electric vehicles operate quietly, since only an electric motor is used. Although electric vehicles have not become widespread so far due to their short ranges, the big companies have started to produce more efficient and capable vehicles by working on the technologies used in this field. In a near future, electric vehicles will reach the potential to compete with conventional combustion vehicles.
Advantages of Electric Vehicles;
Simple structure: Combustion engines, which are used widely, have complex structures. The valves open/close, the engine ignites, the pistons move, the crankshaft performs its rotation etc. All this complex structure leads to a decrease in the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Only 30 percent of the fuel in the vehicle can be converted into motion energy. On the other hand, the structure of electric vehicles is extremely simple. They do not contain as many parts as in combustion engines. They have only the rotor in motion.
Lower tax rates: Electric cars are a little more expensive than conventional cars. However, thanks to the incentives provided, the tax rates are quite low. Accordingly, their overall costs can be reduced to levels that can compete with combustion engine vehicles.
Quiet operation: Electric vehicles operate quietly, since only an electric motor is used.
Low maintenance costs: Battery maintenance accounts for a large part of the overall costs of electric vehicles. Combustion engines contain hundreds of parts that may need maintenance, while electric vehicles consist of only five moving parts.
The Main Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles;
Charging times are long: Electric vehicles require an average charging time ranging from 4 to 8 hours
Their range is short: Electric vehicles can be used in a short range of around 100 – 250 km. However, in order for these ranges to be extended in the near future, manufacturers are working on new technologies.
It is difficult to find a charging point: Due to the fact that charging points have not yet become widespread, the use of electric vehicles can be challenging in daily life. However, as the number of electric vehicles in traffic increases, the charging points will also become widespread.
Battery rents are high: In most electric vehicles, it may be necessary to pay a battery rent to the manufacturer monthly after purchasing the vehicle.
