This document introduces electric vehicles, highlighting three main types and their applications in various transportation modes. It discusses the environmental benefits of electric vehicles compared to internal combustion engines, particularly in terms of CO2 emissions. The document notes the challenges electric vehicles face, such as limited range due to battery energy density, and the economic factors affecting their operation in different regions.

1. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
A brief introduction to the benefits of electric vehicles and
growing presence within the private transport industry.
By Zoe Powers

2. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
When it comes to electric vehicles, 3 main kinds exist;
3. There are those that are directly powered from an external power source
4. There are those that are powered by stored electricity originally from an
external power source, and
6. There are those that are powered by an on-board electrical generator;
• e.g. an internal combustion engine (as with a hybrid electric vehicle)
or a hydrogen fuel cell.

3. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles include;
• Electric cars
• Electric trains
• Electric lorries
• Electric aeroplanes
• Electric boats and
• Electric motorcycles and scooters

4. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
Because of the efficiency that electric engines have when you compare them to
a typical combustion engine, even when the electricity used to charge vehicles
comes from a CO2 emitting source, e.g. as a coal or gas fired powered plant, the
overall net production of CO2 from an electric car is typically one third to one
half that of the combustion vehicle.
Pretty amazing.

5. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
The internal combustion engine (ICE) is the dominant propulsion method for
motor vehicles but electric power has remained commonplace in other vehicle
types, such as trains and smaller vehicles of all types.
Many electric designs have limited range, due to the low energy density of
batteries compared to the fuel of internal combustion engine vehicles.

6. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
In 2003 the Energy Information Administration estimated there would be
55,852
full-electric vehicles in 2004, with an annual growth rate of 39.1% (excluding in
this estimation electric hybrids).
In the current year, 2012, it would seem the growth rate hasn’t quite continued
as forecasted in the West, but certainly China has a lot of development in play
regarding elelctric powered vehicles and other types of sustainable transport.

7. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
In the USA in states which have a tiered electricity rate schedule, fuel for
electric
vehicles today costs owners significantly more than fuel for a comparable gas-
powered vehicle.
Since electric vehicles use whatever electricity is delivered by their electrical
utility/grid operator, electric vehicles can be made more or less efficient,
polluting and expensive to run, by modifying the electrical generating stations.

8. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
It is also possible to have hybrid electric vehicles that derive electricity from
multiple sources.
One such popular hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Prius – the flagship car in GLH’s
green courier range.
To find out more about our green car services or to discover how we can help
with reducing your company’s carbon footprint, visit us as www.glh.co.uk or
call us on 020 8444 2468.
Thank you

9. An Introduction To
Electric Vehicles
A brief introduction to the benefits of electric vehicles and
growing presence within the private transport industry.
By Zoe Powers