The future of the battery-powered electric car -- CNG

Journal Article · · Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment; (United States)

OSTI ID:5056449

Kritzler, G A

There has been much talk, since the recent passage of the Energy Policy Act, of having Alternate Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) replace the more than 200 million gasoline and diesel powered vehicles in this country. This is an effort to improve the environment. Additionally, a normal vehicle using compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel weighs an average of 2,500 pounds; whereas, the same vehicle powered by batteries will weigh about 5,000 pounds. Therefore, Electric Vehicles (EVs) will require special suspension, brakes and support brackets. If tax dollars are to be spent to clean up air pollution, they should not be spent on EVs at an average cost of more than $5,000 each. First, solve the problems of cost, battery life, range, equipment performance and safer materials of construction. Government would spend tax dollars more wisely by purchasing natural gas vehicles. The US should be setting the example and be showing the rest of the world how to go about solving this ongoing dilemma. The sensible way is to begin by using the alternate fuel of choice -- CNG, and in some sections of the country methanol and/or ethanol -- but definitely not battery-powered electric vehicles.

• OSTI ID: 5056449
• Journal Information: Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment; (United States), Journal Name: Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment; (United States) Vol. 13:3; ISSN 1048-5236; ISSN SEENEJ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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