Category: Vehicles

Introduction

In the past decade, the automotive industry has undergone several changes. One of the key transformations has been the embracement of electric cars by manufacturers as a mitigation strategy against climate change. Some of the reasons for this revolution include the falling costs of raw materials, increasing battery capacity, lower greenhouse emissions, reliability, improved resale value, and cost-effectiveness. Electric vehicles (EVS) have been touted as the future of the automobile industry, primarily due to their minimal impact on the environment and low cost of maintenance. They offer an environmentally-sustainable alternative to the internal combustion engine (ICE) that has been cited as a main cause of air pollution. The major difference is their source of power: electric vehicles are powered by batteries while ICE vehicles are powered by energy from the combustion of fossil fuels. The cost of maintenance and safety levels vary significantly.

The Environmental Impact

The major difference between the two types of vehicles is the source of power. EVs run on energy supplied by batteries whereas ICE vehicles are powered by energy from the combustion of fossil fuel in the engine (Emadi 2015). Carbon emissions are the major cause of global warming, and they have been on the rise in the European Union in the past decade (Athanasopoulou, Bikas, & Stavropoulos 2018). Vehicles cause air pollution as they release greenhouse gases and other toxic substances. EVs and ICEs cause environmental pollution differently: the former pollute the air through substances released during the manufacturing process while the latter release toxic gases that lower air quality.

Electric cars are environmentally friendly because they are powered by energy derived from batteries. Therefore, the release of greenhouse gases is avoided. Critics have argued that EVs indirectly cause air pollution in cases where the electricity used to charge them is generated from coal power plants. Moreover, the manufacture of batteries and related products emits toxic substances that contribute to the challenge of climate change (Hausfather 2019). Studies suggest that emissions are higher during the production of EVs when compared to the manufacture of ICE vehicles (Athanasopoulou, Bikas, & Stavropoulos 2018). However, innovative technologies have been developed to mitigate the challenge. The source of the electricity does not discount their contribution to environmental conservation due to lower emissions. For example, Tesla has erected charging stations that are powered by solar energy (Dell, Moseley, & Rand 2014). The development of innovative infrastructure and battery manufacturing methods ensures that emissions are minimised during production.

The transportation sector is one of the major sources of global warming emissions. Estimates reveal that a passenger vehicle produces approximately 4.6 metric tonnes of carbon dioxides annually (Athanasopoulou, Bikas, & Stavropoulos 2018). This amount is dependent on the car’s fuel economy and distance covered. A report released by the European Environment Agency (EEA) revealed that greenhouse emissions are lower in electric cars than in petrol and diesel cars (Hausfather 2019). At street level, ICE vehicles release other gases that lower the quality of air. Electric vehicles are manufactured using toxic raw materials (copper and nickel) that pollute the ecosystem (Dell, Moseley, & Rand 2014). The pollution caused during the extraction and processing of these materials can be mitigated through the implementation of reuse and recycle practices. Emissions in the EU have risen by about 28% since the 1990s (Dell, Moseley, & Rand 2014). This is an indication of the need to reduce oil consumption in order to meet long-term climate goals.

Safety

Petrol and diesel are highly flammable and toxic substances that pose safety risks when accidents happen. The absence of these products in electric vehicles improves their safety levels as the dangers associated with them are eliminated. The lack of a combustion engine reduces the risks of fire and explosion (Dell, Moseley, & Rand 2014). Electric vehicles have safety issues too. For instance, lithium-ion batteries are relatively unstable, with regard to voltage and temperature. Overheating may lead to malfunctions that could cause thermal runaway. In that regard, the risk of fire, electrolyte leak, or an explosion is high in case of technical malfunctions. Overheating can be caused by overcharging, the presence of foreign particles in the cell, and battery deformation (Emadi 2015). These challenges have been mitigated through the production of improved materials and the use of active electrode materials that are more stable. The hazardous traction voltage is insulated from the rest of the vehicle, thus improving the vehicle’s safety.

EVs and ICE vehicles seem to have similar levels of passive and active safety. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, traction control, active head restraints, blind spot detection and rear view cameras are examples of additions that enhance safety (Reif 2014). However, EV manufacturers have improved safety by including new technologies. For instance, they include crash detection sensors that activate airbags and disengage the traction voltage from the battery in order to prevent crashes (Emadi 2015). Battery packs are put in crash-protected boxes in order to minimise deformation and short-circuits. The inclusion of fuses and contractors monitor and balance the voltage of batteries to increase vehicle safety (Dell, Moseley, & Rand 2014). It is difficult to provide such protection to the combustion engine. Fires and explosions have been reported in many crashes involving ICE vehicles.

Total Cost of Ownership

Car ownership is associated with certain unavoidable purchase and maintenance costs. Surveys have shown that buying an electric vehicle over an internal combustion vehicle could have long-term benefits as the cost of maintenance is lower. A study conducted by the International Council for clean Transportation (ICCT) suggested that electric cars are cheaper to own in five European countries than ICE vehicles.

Purchase

Electric vehicles are more expensive than conventional ICE vehicles. However, prices are projected to fall in the next decade as the price of battery manufacturing and raw materials decrease. Projections show that the cost of EVs will fall to those of ICEs between 2025 and 2030 (Bullard 2019). The popularity of electric cars has soared in the UK as the government implements measures to mitigate global warming. For example, the sales of electric cars increased by 37% in 2017 while those of diesel cars declined by 30% (European Environment Agency 2018). EVs are affordable because of government subsidy. For instance, the price of Nissan Leaf starts at £21,500 after factoring in a £4,500 subsidy (Bullard 2019). Pure electric cars have a £5,000 subsidy that is aimed at increasing sales (Bullard 2019).

Fuel Cost

Surveys indicate that electric vehicles are cheaper to run that ICE vehicles because of the availability of a wide range of electricity sources. For instance, the Tesla Motor Company has constructed charging stations that are powered by solar energy in different locations (Bullard 2019). Owners of Tesla cars use these facilities free of charge. Moreover, car owners who use renewable sources of electricity spend less compared to those who use gasoline (European Environment Agency 2018). Electric vehicles are cheaper because even though the electricity used increases the home electric bill, technological advancements have led to lower prices and the availability of alternative energy sources (Carrington 2019). Electric cars have lower fuel costs due to the decreasing prices of electricity and advanced systems. In the United Kingdom, the annual fuel cost of electric cars in 2015 was 10% lower than that of ICEs (European Environment Agency 2018). The mass production of electric cars will make them cheaper and more affordable than the conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Maintenance Costs

The ownership of any vehicle is associated with universal expenses such as insurance, structural repair, and tyre changes. However, owners of EVs avoid the repeated costs associated with the combustion engine maintenance. It may be said that ICEs are more costly to own because of the expenses that accrue from the purchase of coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid (Carrington 2019). The major maintenance cost for EVs involves battery replacement (European Environment Agency 2018). In many cases, manufacturers offer warranties for defective batteries. Moreover, many governments offer car rebates and incentives that are aimed at encouraging more people to buy electric vehicles (Carrington 2019). It appears that buying an electric vehicle is an intelligent fiscal decision as the tax credits offered render its ownership affordable. For example, electric vehicles are exempt from registration tax in Norway.

Conclusion

The introduction of electric cars is perhaps the most revolutionary change to take place in the automobile industry in the 21st century. Many governments are offering rebates and incentives in order to encourage more car owners to bur electric vehicles. Internal combustion engine vehicles release gases that are a major cause of pollution. Scientists believe that electric cars will play a key role in mitigating the global challenge of climate change. Studies have shown that electric cars emit fewer air pollutants that ICEs, and therefore, friendly to the environment. Moreover, they can be charged using renewable energy. It can be concluded that electric vehicles are cheaper and friendlier to the environment when compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

References

Athanasopoulou, L., Bikas, H. and Stavropoulos, P. (2018) ‘Comparative well-to-wheel emissions assessment of internal combustion engine and battery electric vehicles’, Procedia CIRP, 78 (1), pp. 25-30. Web.

Bullard, N. (2019) ‘Electric car price tag shrinks along with battery cost’, Bloomberg, April 12. Web.

Carrington, D.P. (2019) ‘Electric cars are already cheaper to own and run, says study’, The Guardian, Web.

Dell, R.M., Moseley, P.T. and Rand, D.A. (2014) Towards sustainable road transport. London: Elsevier.

European Environment Agency. (2018) Electric vehicles from life cycle and circular economy perspectives: transport and environment reporting mechanism report. Web.

Emadi, A. (2015) Advanced electric drive vehicles. New York, NY: CRC Press.

Hausfather, Z. (2019) ‘Factcheck: how electric vehicles help to tackle climate change’, Carbon Brief, Web.

Reif, K. (ed) (2014) Fundamentals of automotive and engine technology: standard drives, hybrid drives, brakes, safety systems. New York, NY: Springer.

Question 1: What is the role of the peer group in car purchase?

Nowadays, buying a car is one of the most common activities in the modern world. Despite being a definer of one’s socioeconomic status and reflection of one’s financial prosperity, consulting a group of peers when purchasing a car may help avoid some mistakes. Using the assistance of a friend when buying a used car is critical.

In the first place, he/she will help see whether all the obligations are followed by both parties. Alternatively, a friend or relative may provide all the necessary support and increase the buyer’s effectiveness in the negotiations process. Overall, peer groups can minimize the financial losses and select a car, which complies with all the needs and preferences of the buyer.

Question 2: Why are there so many websites offering help with buying used cars?

Nowadays, buying a car is challenging, as it requires a substantial financial investment and is one of the most important conveniences that help people to navigate around the city. Nonetheless, not all people can afford new products, and the used ones are gaining popularity. Overall, it could be said that the factors highlighted above underline that purchasing a car is a difficult decision to make.

This purchase is associated with many risks and threats and involves a high level of responsibility. It could be said that these matters create favorable conditions for the intensified competition and attract more and more companies to assist the potential customers in the buying process of the used cars.

Question 3: How might the average person reduce risk when buying a car?

It is evident that buying a car is a complicated process. In the first place, any buyer has to understand the main features of the preferred model. Alternatively, to reduce the risks, one can use Top Gear’s and Yahoo’s advisory services and guidance and consult the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club.

These services will assist in selecting the right time, place, and date to buy a car and propose relevant techniques, which will ease the process of negotiations. Lastly, using the help of a friend or relative will offer support and help select the most suitable car model.

Question 4: Why is used car purchase so risky?

As it was mentioned earlier, buying a car involves an extended variety of risks. Nevertheless, the used-car market is more challenging. In the first place, it requires making a significant financial investment. Alternatively, not meeting the expectations of the buyer and the inability of the seller to comply with obligations are other major challenges.

At the same time, the buyers can make mistakes in negotiations and apply wrong decision-making techniques, which will question the relevance of the purchase. Overall, a combination of these factors helps understand the potential reasons for the presence of high risks when purchasing cars or any other types of vehicles in the goods market.

Question 5: What would you expect the purchase process for a car to encompass?

In the first place, the purchasing process has to start with conducting research about the desired car model and potential sellers. Using Top Gear’s website or any governmental services will help find the trusting stores and locations and provide guidance for the documentation and negotiations’ procedures.

After that, listing and contacting all the suitable sellers will assist in selecting the most relevant deals. Negotiations can be viewed as the next step in buying a car since this process can decrease the financial expenses. Using the help of a friend or relative will assist in seeing whether all documentation and car’s features meet the requirements highlighted by its owner.

Introduction

Over the years, various types of cars have been developed. Manufacturing companies have designed and different types of cars to meet various consumer needs. However, there are three types of unique cars that have been marketed to meet specific consumer needs.

Economy cars

Characteristics: price and functionality

Unique characteristic: Low price

Example: Toyota corolla

Sports cars

Characteristics: Price and functionality

Unique characteristic: enhanced handling and speed

Example: Porsche

Luxury cars

Characteristics: price and functionality

Unique characteristics: Enhanced comfort and safety, status symbol.

Example: Mercedes Benz S-Class

Unique Cars

There are numerous classes in which cars may be classified, however complete classification is hard to pin down as a car may fit into a range of classes, or not entirely meet the requirements of any class. Cars can be classified according to their size, performance, price, shape and mechanical specifications. There are generally three unique types of cars common to modern consumers: economy, sports and luxury cars.

The most common type of car common in the market is the economy car. The economy car is designed and marketed in such a manner that the consumer can acquire it at a price much lower than the average cost of a new car.

Economy cars vary with respect to profitability, size, performance and production numbers. During early production, most cars produced were expensive and could only be afforded by rich. However, production companies realized that they could boost up their profits by manufacturing affordable cars for the general population. The Model T car produced by Ford in 1908 became the first economy car to be sold in the world. The first major characteristic of economy cars is that they have low prices.

Economy cars are also usually small and the features of the car usually depend on the year of manufacture. They usually have the compulsory safety features such as safety belts but they may lack convenience features such as GPS systems and air conditioning. An example of an economy car is the Japanese Toyota Corolla which has sold more units than any other car in the world.

The second type of unique cars is the sports car. Sports cars are vehicles designed to have better performance and power than normal cars. Many sports cars are designed for two passengers, have two doors and have sleek bodies. Originally, sports cars had small bodies however contemporary sports cars vary in size with many manufacturers increasing their seating room in order to enhance practicality.

These types of cars are designed to do extremely well at maneuverability, acceleration, braking and top speed. The main distinguishing feature of sports cars is that the handling characteristics of these cars have been greatly improved. The driver is usually able to keep the car in control even under very difficult conditions.

While a powerful engine is not a prerequisite, most sports cars do contain powerful engines. Sports cars are relatively expensive; much more expensive than economy cars and other typical cars common in the market. The Porsche Company is an example of a manufacturing company that has been linked with the production of unique sports cars designed to meet specific tastes and needs. As compared to other cars in the market, sports cars are intended to emulate sporting performance.

The final type of unique cars common in the market is luxury or comfortable cars. These cars are designed to boost ease and comfort. These cars usually are geared for luxury and contain features that aim to achieve this goal. Luxury cars usually contain innovative equipments, greater performance and features designed to convey prestige or brand image.

The principal characteristic of luxury cars is that they are designed for comfort far above typical cars. They usually contain features such as leather seats, custom dashboards, and anti-lock brakes. Modern luxury cars also offer better handling and performance but this is secondary to comfort and safety. Luxury cars are highly expensive and are usually targeted at wealthy buyers and collectors.

The style of construction and technological features of luxury cars are such that they convey high class. As compared to the other cars common in the market, luxury cars are intended for comfort and to convey prestige and status of the owner. Mercedes Benz is a company that has been linked with the production of luxury cars including the Mercedes Benz S-Class model.

Cars have evolved over the years to become an essential part of human life. There have been many types of vehicles designed over the years however three types of vehicles stand out in the contemporary market.

Economy, sports and luxury cars are vehicles designed for a particular group of consumers and vary in terms of price, functionality and embedded features. Consumer power, taste and preferences are essential elements in deciding the type of car one will buy and it is for these reasons that most manufacturers seek to design and produce these three types of vehicles.

Introduction

Ethanol-85 powered cars burst into national and international prominence in 2003 when U.S Congressman Zach Wamp first pumped the new fuel from an alternative fuelling station. It was touted as the best alternative to gasoline and petrol to power cars without causing high emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thereby heavily contributing to global warming. But when the initial hype about the possibility of reducing global warming died down, it soon became apparent that the wonder fuel came with a literally heavy price tag – greatly exacerbated fuel bills, ushering in a scenario where saving the planet began to be weighed against paying a lot more for fuel (Ellis).

This led to the spawning of alternative suggestions involving the use of ethanol not by itself by as a combination with other fuels. The suggestions did not consider bio-diesel fuel because car producers do not extend warranty protection in case of utilization of a blend that contains true bio-diesel in excess of 5% in it. For example, Ford allows the use of bio-diesel blend at, but not exceeding 5%, and Volkswagen declared in March 2005 that they endorse the use of biodiesel blends up to the 5% mark (Ellis).

The first suggestion

The first suggestion recommends merging the advantages of diesel and hybrids by coming up with a diesel-fuelled hybrid. There is no doubt that this suggestion constitutes a viable proposition in nations that levy much lesser tax on diesel as compared to gasoline. However, it does not make sense in the majority of other countries where fuel consumption of diesel and gasoline engines are nearly on par with each other (Ellis).

The second suggestion

The second suggestion, which is more practical, envisages a dual strategy. On the one hand it involves the upscale of present hybrid offerings into ‘flexible fuel hybrids.’ On the other hand, it assumes total backing from producers that all new hybrid models will be powered by a mixture of gasoline and E85. It is estimated that such a move on the part of producers would add only around $ 200 to their manufacturing costs. This suggestion is backed by the following argument. Assume a specific figure as the present yearly U.S consumption of gasoline. Take a 25% cut out of it on account of ‘aggressive hybridization’ chiefly in city driving. Take another 25% cut on account of superior aerodynamics and engine downsizing chiefly in freeway driving. Take another cut on account of plug-in electric drives and assume that the nation can go on sourcing at least a quarter of its gasoline internally. The overall result is an ethanol objective of less than 25% of present gasoline consumption to enable the U.S to become ‘gasoline independent’ once more. A recent joint report by the U.S Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy declared that this amount of ethanol can be comfortably produced without in any way compromising on the present food production capacity of the country (Ellis).

The second suggestion is further strengthened by the fact that E85 already exists, and U.S Congress, in response to the dangers of global warming, Peak Oil, and Energy Insecurity, has added ethanol pump-priming to the new Energy Policy Act thereby assuring the nation that extra pumps would be rapidly operational. In addition, as cellulosic ethanol would be used, its assurance of a ‘one gets you seven’ ratio is equal to an almost ideal carbon dioxide score. For example, the Ford car branch in Sweden proudly publicizes the fact that their flex-fuel Ford Focus models powered by E85 emit only 32 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer as compared to the diesel powered Toyota Prius model that generates 80 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer and the gasoline powered Toyota Prius that generates 104 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer (Ellis).

E85 hybrids

E85 hybrids can realistically capture their intended huge slice in the mass market of vehicle fuel presently dominated to a great degree by gasoline and to a lesser degree by diesel, if two conditions are in place. First of all, agriculturists in the U.S have to make a conscious and commendable effort to expand production of cellulosic feedstock. Secondly, car manufacturers, marketing intermediaries and oil companies must work together to cut the ‘hybrid price premium’ currently in the range of $ 3,000+ to a range lesser than $ 1,000. Japanese carmaker Toyota is one car producer that is concentrating on making this happen as soon as possible (Ellis).

Conclusion

The study of E85 hybrids being the next big step in developing a competitively priced as well as environmentally friendly vehicle fuel is an example of continuing education, which involves the chance and procedure of acquiring new knowledge or skills that is vastly broader in scope to what is learnt during traditional school years. Knowledge and skills acquired in continuing education are an extra bonus to our acquired schooling knowledge , serving to propel us forward in our careers. Continuing education is a must in the modern world of today that is characterized by quick changes and technological advancements that necessitate a highly intelligent, knowledgeable and self-confident workforce.

Reference

Ellis, Chris. “E85 Hybrids: The Next Big Step.” Business Week magazine. 2006. Web.

I think electric vehicles are the future of the automobile industry, even though they share only a small part of the total automobile market now. Despite being in a developing state today, they are more reliable, ecological, and flexible compared to the internal compulsion engines (ICEs), which use gasoline and similar products. However, many issues prevent them from conquering the automobile market: they require frequent recharge and consume a lot of electricity. While people often prefer gasoline cars over electric ones, I believe the future is on the side of EVs, as their advantages are vivid, and the disadvantages will be overcome with technical progress.

Recent studies show that the popularity and robustness of EVs have risen, and this tendency is continuing. Electric vehicles are safer, more flexible, and easier to drive, in addition to their higher ecological value (Un-Noor et al. 1225–27). Public charging facilities are an important part of the EV industry, as they need to be recharged regularly. The power of charging stations and batteries’ capacity is constantly increasing, and the refueling frequency was close to the ordinary internal compulsion engine in 2018 (Gnann et al. 326).

It means that the worktime of EV batteries and gasoline cars’ engines became similar, and ICEs lost their advantage. While before, the capacity of the electric battery was expected to be quite low, the situation is changing as more advanced batteries are developing (Un-Noor et al. 1239–40). Thus, electric vehicle issues are continuously solving, and future electric cars may be even more productive than gasoline ones.

The main current problem, however, is the large price of EVs and their service compared to ICE. It is much easier to simply pour the fuel into the car than create an electric battery that can be recharged. Electric vehicles were popular at the beginning of the automobile industry despite being slow and expensive, similar to all cars in those times (Un-Noor et al. 1218). The quickly developing internal compulsion engines replaced them due to the low fuel prices and larger velocities. Despite today’s EVs conquering the market again, they are quite heavy for the power infrastructure and require smart recharge stations, which do not load the system much (Un-Noor et al. 1268–69). Social acceptance of buying EVs depends highly on the recharge stations’ availability, and while some countries provide privileges for electric car purchasing, people still accept gasoline cars better (Gnann et al. 315; Un-Noor et al. 1276). Still, as one can see, this situation will change as EVs become more and more developed.

As I would need a car for traveling in urbanized and semi-urbanized areas, I would buy an EV. There are enough charging stations in cities, and if I need to travel for a long distance, which will probably be rare, I can use additional batteries. The advantages of electric cars, along with their ecological clearness, are their robustness, safety, and high flexibility. In my opinion, as EV technologies will continue to improve, electric cars will become much better than today. Therefore, buying such a car is also an investment in the future.

One can see that EVs are a robust and useful tool. Despite having issues, such as high prices, overreliance on charging stations, and large loads on power infrastructure, those problems are solving actively. Batteries’ power and capacity are constantly rising as technical progress continues, and smart charging stations enable them to recharge quickly and without a high-power load. I would certainly buy an EV, as I believe it is the best choice for city travel, and their technologies will be developing actively. Despite being unreliable for traveling long distances, the situation is constantly improving, and the future of EVs is certainly bright.

Works Cited

Gnann, Till, et al. “Fast Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles: Today’s Situation and Future Needs.” Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, vol. 62, 2018, pp. 314–29. Web.

Un-Noor, Fuad, et al. “A Comprehensive Study of Key Electric Vehicle (EV) Components, Technologies, Challenges, Impacts, and Future Direction of Development.” Energies, vol. 10, no. 8. 2017, p. 1217. Web.

Car accidents happen daily and can significantly change the life of a person. Accidents occur without warnings and sometimes result in death. Everyday, unforeseen, innocent victims are killed in car accidents. It is important to note that anything can cause a car accident (Transport Canada par. 1).

The first cause of car accidents is impaired driving. Many drivers drive their cars while under the influence of drugs, making the road very dangerous for other innocent users. Drugs affect the decision making part of the brain, this includes the response time. Drugs include: cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, counter medication and other drugs.

The second cause of car accidents is the use of mobile phone while driving. When drivers are using cell phones, their attention is divided leading to lack of focus, causing sudden lane changing, severe increase or decrease of speed and likely fender splurge. It is critical to state that the use of mobile phones do not only endanger the lifes of drivers, but also other motorists and pedestrians (Robertson 40).

The third cause of car accidents can be attributed to aggressive drivers. Some drivers can actually drive stupidly or race, normally considered “sporty”.

Drivers moving at a high speed make them more vulnerable to crashing because high speed cars have high possibility to swerve harder within a short time leading to lose of control. Other general causes of car accidents include the presence of high numbers of vehicles and continuous expansion of road networks and increased number of emigrants from different parts of the world with different driving habits and cultures which are not similar to a given local driving requirements and conditions.

Effects

Car accidents cause both tangible and intangible effects to the economy because it has medical, social and economic effects on a person. Some of the tangible costs consist of: insurance costs, damage to car which include the repair and replacement cost and medical treatment which includes the resources used at the scene and pre-hospital care because some of the victims need long-term care due to the residual disabilities and administration costs.

Intangible costs consist of suffering, grief, pain and the danger of being involved in a car accident. In economical terms the cost of car accidents to the economy is usually estimated to be 3% of the Gross Domestic Product of any country in the world.

The annual costs of car accidents to the economy are estimated to be billions of USD and it is more in countries that import medicines and vehicles. Car accidents have direct effects on the social and physical environment due to the medical burden or death. This makes family members to be financially vulnerable (Transport Canada par. 10).

Conclusion

Car accidents are unavoidable; however, many causes of these disastrous occurrences can be preventable. There should be a compulsory use of safety belts for all the drivers and passengers. Also, a firm punishment should be imposed to those violating traffic rules such as ignoring crossing signals, excess overspeeding and unsafe overtaking. Therefore, it is clear that errors and negligence are the major causes of accidents.

In addition other factors like poor road construction, poor road users and corrupt law enforcers also cause road accidents. Finally, more information is needed on the various factors that lead to car accidents in order to develop effective measures that can alleviate more accidents.

Works Cited

Robertson, McCormick, Injury Epidemiology. World Bank, New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print

Transport Canada: About Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) 2007. Web.

Introduction

Driving is a life skill that every person should acquire. Proper driving reflects on the overall approach to life. Driving is a fundamental aspect of life; it influences the overall behavior of the person. Learning car control techniques and tips apply to how an individual can have a broad outlook on life.

Driving encompasses lessons which one has to learn, to drive safely (Green Life). It is important to acknowledge that driving is a skill that once you have acquired, you will use it for the rest of your life. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right instructor and allow sufficient time to take the instructor‘s advice. Traffic offenses’ amount not only to the violation of traffic laws, but also a violation to other people’s rights and when an individual drives carefully it means being a law-abiding citizen and shows his or her belief to protect lives (Crabtree).

In driving a personal car, it is less stressful and comfortable as it avoids synchronization of the various means of public transport. To overcome the obstacle of reckless driving, other aspects of life have to be attained and taught as well, which has a positive effect to not only the person but the entire community in general. Careful driving enables individuals to exercise their rights and become role models in society.

Private driving is convenient for; it is not organized on predetermined programs. Parents also use the time they take in a while driving to connect with their children due to their busy schedules (Ellaway et al.). Given these key factors, it is clear that driving a personal car is beneficial compared to public transport.

Discussion

Flexibility and Convenience

Driving a personal car is convenient and flexible for the user. It reduces the use of public transport systems, which is designed to work according to schedules or timetables. Sometimes, these plans can be canceled or be delayed, thereby distracting prior arranged activities of a person.

Similarly, it saves time that could have been spent walking to the bus stop or train station or waiting at bus stops. With new residential areas and employment opportunities emerging away from the major cities, most people have resorted to driving because public systems do not extend beyond defined city boundaries (Crabtree). Additionally, workers who may be required to work late hours to meet deadlines can only do so if they can drive themselves around.

Eases the Demand for Coordination

Personal driving eases the effort of planning how to move from one destination to another, especially if there is heavy luggage to be transported. When driving public vehicles, a lot of coordination and planning is mandatory if a person is required to use more than one bus or train (Green Life).

Personal driving will reduce the coordination of the various modes of transportation and aid in achieving more by going to different places. In the same way, people who live far away from modern services can only depend on private driving to obtain services.

Privacy and Comfort

Driving a private car provides privacy and comfort; this is difficult to come by in a public driven vehicle. Various public systems service providers do not make enough revenue to cover their costs. Consequently, driving a public vehicle is dirty and smelly due to poor maintenance. It becomes congested and overcrowded during peak hours, making the drive uncomfortable.

In a private car, family or friends have the liberty of discussing confidential matters without the fear of another person eavesdropping on their conversation (Ellaway et al.). Parents can connect with their kids or help them with their homework in the middle of their busy schedules. One can also choose the music they like, control the temperature, drive at a comfortable speed, and adjust the seats to suit their height or body weight. There is no fear of theft or losing personal items.

Convenient for Children, Elderly and Disabled

Driving is faster and convenient for children, disabled, elderly, or ailing people. It is not advisable for a parent to take the bus or train with a baby.

Private means of driving offers a convenient opportunity for people with disabilities to go to work school or run critical errands since their cars can be customized to suit their various needs and give them a sense of independence and self-determination (Ellaway et al.). The elderly and ailing will avoid the stress found in public transport system. Correspondingly, an expectant mother, cannot rely on a public driven vehicle; she requires private vehicles for emergencies.

Conclusion

Driving is the skill that is carried out by the subconscious part of the brain. It is a life skill that is essential in developing different aspects of life, which enables one to make appropriate decisions in real-life conditions. This involves applying and realizing the brakes, accelerating, and having full control of the car (Green Life).

Driving your car is beneficial because it is more convenient, flexible, comfortable, and private. It is possible to run errands and accomplish most of the set plans because it is not dependent on timetables and schedules. It also reduces time wastage since private driving has no designated stops. Private driving is important because driving public transport is emotionally and physically exhausting.

Works Cited

Crabtree, Vexen. “Transport is Good. The Advantages of Pooled Transport.” 2007. Web.

Ellaway, Anne, Macintyre Sally, Rosemary Hiscock and Ade Kearns. “In The Driving Seat: Psychological Benefits From Private Motor Vehicle Transport Compared To Public Transport”, 2003. Web.

Green Life. “Reduce Global Warming: Take Public Transport.” 2009. Web.

Introduction

We live in a fast paced world with constant need for movement to various destinations, which warrants use of motor vehicles for fast and convenient transport. From ancient times, vehicles powered by energy from hydro-carbon sources have been used to meet the need for locomotion.

Incidentally, fossil fuel is non-renewable, has fluctuating prices and pollutes the environment. This has prompted the emergence of alternative sources of power for motor vehicles, which are fairly eco-friendly and relatively cheap. For the most part, electric cars offer a near perfect answer to this dilemma. Nevertheless, like all manmade machines electric cars have some disadvantages.

Definition

Electric cars are motor vehicles whose engines are powered by electricity, unlike vehicles with internal combustion engines which use fuel. There are three types of electric cars: those that are powered explicitly by external electric sources, those that have rechargeable batteries and those that have built in generators to provide power for thrust (Gilles 202). Furthermore, electric cars are not necessarily powered by electricity generated by fossil fuel. Renewable sources of energy like solar and wind can also be used to generate electricity for propulsion.

In electric trains, the power is transmitted via overhead cables and then stored in batteries. On the other hand, electric cars are plugged into power sources for a few hours to charge the batteries that store energy used for propulsion (Piana 288). However, people are yet to fully embrace electric cars because they are still on a trial phase and the requisite infrastructure, like power recharge stations along highways, are scanty.

Benefits of Electric Cars

The most noteworthy attribute of electric cars is their eco-friendliness. They boast of having zero emissions of carbon dioxide, thus minimal environmental pollution. This is contrary to cars with internal combustion engines, which emit close to 20% of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (Scoulos 162).

According to Scoulos, “Batteries could gradually become an overall less polluting fuel source in the long term, if more electricity is generated by non-carbon, renewable energy sources” (161). Furthermore, it is cheaper to operate an electric car compared to a conventional car, because it is cheaper to charge a car battery than refuel a tank. Additionally, electric car owners are accorded various privileges, like parking fee waivers in public places, due to the eco-friendly nature of their cars.

Moreover, electric cars loose just about around 10% of their energy through heat, which makes them energy efficient compared to their conventional counterparts that lose up to 80% of their energy (Scoulos 163). On the same note, electric cars have silent engines thus they produce minimum noise compared to conventional cars, which produce irritating noise. In addition, since electric cars can be powered by energy from innumerable sources, including renewable sources, the depletion of fossil fuel cannot render them redundant (Piana 289).

Disadvantages of Electric Cars

Unfortunately, electric cars are not suited for long journeys and off road excursions. This is because they have less torque and can only attain a maximum speed of 55 miles per hour, which is significantly lower than that of a normal car.

In addition, electric cars are yet to be accorded the much needed infrastructural support, like charging and servicing stations along highways, to address contingencies that might crop up in the course of a journey. In fact, most mechanics find electric vehicles paradoxical because they are a rarity and interaction with them is limited to big cities (Gilles 201).

Additionally, electric cars are dependent on batteries that store charge which can only supply enough power for a limited number of hours. As a result, a full tank of a conventional car can give a driver more mileage than a fully charged battery of an electric car. Gilles states that “A Key problem that prevents their widespread use is that they have a somewhat limited range between recharges (less than 100 miles), and recharging requires several hours at best” (201).

In this regard, electric car owners have to operate within a given radius where they are confident of getting a power source and a service station. This confines them to established cities with the aforesaid facilities. In addition, since electric cars are noiseless they are prone to accidents because people with visual disability cannot hear them when approaching crossing zones.

Conclusion

In this age of global warming and economic recessions that inflate the prices of virtually everything, the use of eco-friendly and cheaper sources of energy to power machines has become paramount. Electric cars therefore play a pivotal role in the preservation of the environment since they have minimal emissions.

However, it is incumbent upon manufacturers of electric cars to carry out aggressive marketing in order to popularize these vehicles. Furthermore, the public needs to be sensitized on the advantages of embracing technology that reduces green house gas emissions. Moreover, there is a need to improve the speed of electric cars and power retention capacity of batteries, to charm the users of conventional cars to switch to electric cars.

Works Cited

Gilles, Tim. Automotive Services: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair. Stanford: Cengage Learning, 2003. Print.

Piana, Valentino. Innovative Economic Policies for Climatic Change Migrations. Gainesville: EWI, 2009. Print.

Scoulos, Michael J. Mercury, Cadmium, Lead: Handbook for Sustainable Heavy Metals Regulation. New York: Springer, 2001. Print.

Technical progress in the automotive industry has led to the fact that the car has ceased to be a luxury item today and is an indispensable attribute of most people’s lives. However, because of the interest in increasing vehicle capacity and the spread of machinery, more and more road accidents began to occur. The reasons for them are different, and the consequences of accidents also differ; therefore, it is possible to describe the most common causes of crashes on the roads and the effects that they have.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving causes accidents quite often and the fact that many cases are fatal is sad. When sitting at the wheel in the state of alcohol intoxication, the driver puts at risk not only his or her life but also the lives of pedestrians and other road users. Laws against drunken drivers are toughened annually; nevertheless, it does not stop some people from violating them. Various cases of death through the fault of such drivers occur quite often, and the consequences of these disasters can be utterly unpredictable since drunk people often do not realize what they are doing when sitting at the wheel.

Lack of Driving Experience

Those people who do not have much driving experience quite often become involuntary participants in road accidents. The consequences of crashes can be different: it can be both a minor damage to someone else’s vehicle and a serious disaster. The fact is that the lack of experience is often a severe problem in situations that require immediate solutions. The person who has spent many years at the wheel has a good chance of reacting to an unexpected obstacle and avoiding a crash. At the same time, an inexperienced driver can inadvertently provoke a traffic accident and become its culprit. Therefore, the less experienced the driver is, the higher the risk to get into a crash.

Excessive Self-Confidence in Personal Driving Skills

In addition to the lack of experience, excessive self-confidence in personal driving skills and disregard for simple safety rules can also become the causes of accidents. As a rule, it applies to those people who have been driving for a long time and believe that they do not need to worry about their lives. An unfastened seat belt, the absence of a fire extinguisher and other violations can lead to irreversible consequences, and not only the perpetrator of a road accident but also a pedestrian or other driver can suffer. It is important to remember that it is essential to be vigilant on the road and not to assume that a significant driving experience is a complete guarantee of safety. Sometimes, excessive self-confidence can lead to dangerous consequences.

Excessive Speed

One of the frequent causes of accidents is the excess of the speed limit. This violation is dangerous because the person driving at high speed can not respond timely to the threat that has arisen. In this case, the damage from the crash while driving fast will be significantly greater than that from slow driving. The effects of accidents caused by such violations can be severe, and it is crucial not to allow speeding.

Conclusion

Thus, the most common causes of accidents are drunk driving, the lack of driving experience or too much self-confidence, as well as speeding. The consequences of an accident can be extremely severe both for drivers themselves and for people around them. The compliance with traffic rules will help to avoid accidents and be safe.

Introduction

The auto industry has been undergoing changes since the first car was invented in 1871. Most of these changes are designed to help improve the efficiency and comfort of cars. Because of the increasing cost of gasoline and diesel, most of the latest developments in the performance of cars have been directed at the creation of alternative forms of power for the machines.

These investigative and development processes have led to the emergence of electric cars as possible replacements of gasoline/diesel-powered cars. This essay seeks to offer a comparison of electric and traditional fuel cars.

To this end, the initial part of the paper shall dwell on the similarities and differences of the two types of cars. Afterwards, the merits and demerits of each of the two systems shall be provided before a conclusion is drawn regarding which of the two systems is better in terms of efficiency and convenience.

Similarities and differences between electric and gas cars

Electric cars and traditional gas-powered vehicles look similar from the outside. They generally have similar wind-resisting shapes and share common features such as side-mirrors and indication systems.

Their interiors are also generally similar, each being equipped with a steering wheel, driving pedals and regular car seats. However, this is where the similarity stops. When one moves to the engine system, the first revelation is that electric cars only have one moving part-the motor [1].

The motor is powered by a fitted rechargeable battery pack and it propels the drive train causing the car to move. Gasoline cars, on the other hand, are powered by internal combustion engines, which derive power from the combustion of gasoline/diesel. Unlike electric cars which come with a huge battery pack, gas-powered cars have a fuel tank, which mostly goes under the car, behind the back seat.

The internal combustion engines also require some electric power to start hence the reason why the cars using these systems are fitted with small batteries connected to spark plugs and whose intention is to ignite the fuel. Their engines are very complicated and have hundreds of moving parts, starting from the pistons to other minute rotator valves regulating the inflow of fuel into the engine.

Gas-powered engines release emissions, which are let out to the air through an exhaust/tail pipe. In contrast, electric cars do not release any emissions, and are, therefore, not fitted with tail pipes. On the body of the vehicle, electric vehicles are fitted with a recharge socket, into which fits a special electric plug. Gas-powered cars have a pipe that connects to the tank with an opening fitted on the body of the vehicle for easy access.

Pros of electric vehicles/ cons of internal combustion engines

Electric cars have a number of advantages over traditional internal combustion engines [2]. Top on the list is the fact that these vehicles are very energy efficient. Electric vehicles convert approximately 60 percent of the energy stored in the battery packs to power that runs the wheels. Petrol-powered cars only convert approximately 20 percent of the energy contained in the fuel to energy driving the wheels.

Another advantage that electric cars have over internal combustion engines is that they are very environmentally friendly. Electric vehicles do not emit any gaseous discharges like those powered by traditional. If the power used to charge them is obtained from power plants run by wind, solar and water, the entire process from power-generation to usage in driving is 100 percent clean [3].

Electric vehicles are also better in performance than those powered by internal combustion engines. The cars powered by electricity run quietly and have a better and stronger acceleration rate than those that run on petrol and diesel. They (electric cars) are also cheaper to maintain because they have very few moveable parts. Finally, electric vehicles contribute greatly to a reduction in energy dependence.

For many years, car users have had to depend on a limited number of sources of energy to power their engines. This has had the drawback of paralyzing the transport industry once the supply of oil goes down. The entry of electric powered vehicles comes in to bridge this gap making socio-economic systems run efficiently.

Pros of internal combustion engines/ cons of electric vehicles

Internal combustion engines also have some significant advantages over electric vehicles. Top on the list is the fact that gasoline/diesel powered engines have a long driving range. A traditional vehicle once filled up with fuel can travel over 300 miles before the need to refuel. Electric vehicles when fully charged can only drive for anything between 100 and 200 miles before they are recharged [1].

This makes the internal combustion engines safer to use when going for long-distance journeys and more so in remote areas where there is an irregular penetration of electricity supply. The second advantage that tradition cars have over electric vehicles is that the recharge time for the latter is very long. Normally, it takes anything between four and eight hours to fully recharge the battery pack of an electric car.

Even an average quick charge, which fills up 80% of the battery pack, takes at least 30 minutes [3]. In contrast, it takes less than five minutes (depending on the capacity) to fill up a car with petrol or diesel. The battery packs that supply the driving power for electric cars require a considerable amount of space in the vehicle and are generally quite heavy.

This causes the vehicle to dedicate a considerable percentage of the generated energy to the battery weight. The batteries also need to be replaced after periods of use. Unfortunately, these batteries do not come cheap. In addition, finding a replacement can be a challenge especially in countries where the use of electric vehicles has not been well embraced.

Summary and Conclusion

This essay had set out to offer a comparative analysis of electric vehicles and traditional gas-powered cars. A list of similarities and differences was offered before the discussion delved into the strengths and weaknesses of each of the two types of vehicles. It has been shown that the two types of cars have similar body and cabin designs.

However, their differences come in their engines and associated features such as battery packs and fuel tanks. Electric cars have also been indicated to be more efficient and cheaper to maintain than traditional petrol/diesel powered cars.

The traditional vehicles have the advantage of going long distances without the need to refill and take a short time to fill up. In conclusion, it should be noted that even though electric vehicles appear to have more strengths than traditional vehicles, it might take time before their use becomes common. This is because it will take some time for the installation of recharge stations and maintenance stations.

Reference List

D. Sandalow, The Electric Vehicle and the Burden of History. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 2000.

D. Sperling and D. Gordon, Two billion cars: driving toward sustainability. New York: Oxford University Press, New York, 2009.

S. Boschert, Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America. Canada: New Society Publishers, 2006.