Reference no: EM133342376
Assignment:
Vehicles have come a long way from the Model T in the early 1900s. Each year the car industry comes out with new styles and incorporates new technologies. In recent history, the automotive world has shifted its focus to fuel efficiency and using different fuel sources. As the world tries to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the global community is looking toward a future with a completely new type of car. What will the cars of the future run on?
Most transportation and fuel experts agree that the future of automobiles is in the battery-powered electric vehicle. Although there are already hybrid and electric cars on the roads today, newer models of electric vehicles come to the market each year, with increasingly better specifications for things like miles per charge and minutes to charge the battery. The demand for electric cars has also precipitated the demand for easy and convenient charging options. Read more about electric cars here:
- U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (n.d.) Electricity. Fuel economy.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (n.d.) How do all-electric cars work? Alternative fuels data center.
While the future of electric vehicles is looking strong, there are other alternatives to gasoline and diesel fuel that are either in use or under development. For this unit you will research both electricity and other alternatives to gasoline and discuss the pros and cons of these with your classmates. You can conduct your own research to find credible sources on this topic, or get started with these references:
- U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (n.d.) Alternative fuels. Fuel economy.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (n.d.) Alternative fuels and advanced vehicles. Alternative fuels data center.
Use your research to complete the following components of this unit's discussion:
1. Conduct research on electricity as a fuel for vehicles.
- What are the pros and cons of electric vehicles? Include at least two of each.
- Why do you think that electric vehicles have been slow to be adopted?
- Do you think that the negative consequences and downsides of electric vehicles can be addressed? What do you think needs to be done to address these concerns?
- Have you seen an increase in electric cars where you live? Explain.
2. Conduct research on two other alternative fuels of your choice.
- What are the pros and cons of each of these alternatives? Include at least two of each.
3. Which of the presented alternatives would you choose for the future of your city or state?
- What kind of infrastructure (e.g., changes to fueling stations, roads, homes, or businesses) would be necessary to make this fuel readily available? Have you seen any of this infrastructure implemented in your city or state? Refer to the Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator for information.