Category: Vehicles

An electric car is a general term that is used to refer to all varieties of highway-capable automobiles, which are propelled by electricity. The source of electricity can either be on-board rechargeable batteries or other electric energy generating and storage device. An electric car that is powered by on-board solar panels is specifically referred to as a solar car. While the one that derives its electricity from a gasoline generator is called a hybrid car. Similarly, cars that derive power from the on-board battery pack are more specifically referred to as battery electric cars/vehicles (BEC/V). In the recent past, the term electric vehicle has been used specifically to refer to lithium-ion battery-powered plugin electric cars.

Most commercial electric cars are fitted with one or more low power electric motors capable of providing instant torque for better performance. These cars also have a much better acceleration as compared to the conventional gasoline engine cars. Electric cars are also significantly quieter and are environmentally friendly since they don’t emit any tailpipe pollutants, as is the case for gasoline cars. These cars are thus considered the future solution to the problems of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Electric-powered vehicles also provide independence from the volatility of oil prices and the occasional gasoline price fluctuations, which occurs as a result of a disruption in the supply of oil from producing countries (Gabe 71).

In terms of energy efficiency, electric vehicles are more efficient than gasoline-powered cars in converting the stored energy to propel the car. Gasoline-powered cars are relatively inefficient at converting on-board-energy and only utilize about 15% of fuel energy to move the car. In addition to their strength in energy efficiency, electric-powered vehicles do not consume energy when not in motion. Most electric cars are also fitted with a regenerative braking system that recaptures for reuse as much as one-fifth of the energy that is used during braking (Kane 52).

However, electric cars have many hurdles to overcome if they are to compete effectively with the internal combustion engine cars. In terms of price, electric cars are astronomically expensive compared to internal combustion engine cars. Batteries alone cost a fortune, and yet their range is limited. Energy experts agree that for electric cars to be economically viable, battery manufacturers must find a way of building units that can last 15 years, improve their storage capacity, and cut the costs by about a factor of four.

No such game-changing breakthroughs have been achieved so far by any of the electric vehicle manufacturers despite huge financial support from the government (Chao 56). The units being sold by Nissan, General Motors, Tesla, and Fisker remain disproportionately expensive. General Motors’ hybrid electric Chevy Volt, for example, is sold for a staggering $40,000. Nissan Leaf retails at $30,000, yet it is less capable than most car models that are powered by gasoline.

The continuous decline of global oil prices and the subsidization of fossil fuels through tax breaks is another stumbling block that is hindering the widespread adoption of electric cars. Huge government financial assistance and tax waivers are provided to oil exploration and refining companies. This makes gasoline to be relatively economical to use for car owners. And as long as tailpipe emissions have no priced harm, few buyers will be willing to spend a dime on transitioning to electric cars. A survey conducted in 2010 shows that although more than three-quarters of Americans were willing to buy electric cars for the sake of the environment, none was ready to pay more to own the cars (Michael 64).

The cost of maintenance of electric cars is another factor hindering mass transition from internal combustion engine cars. True, electric vehicles have fewer mechanical moving parts to break and therefore require less servicing. However, these cars are incredibly complex machines that require regular maintenance and expensive replacements. Battery charging infrastructure and charging time is another major shortcoming for electric cars. The batteries must be recharged periodically, with each recharging taking several hours. Although fast charging is available as an option, it usually takes at least 30 minutes, which is still a lot of time compared to the time it takes to refill a fuel tank.

There are also serious concerns over safety issues and the risk of fire associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are highly vulnerable and are easily prone to thermal runaway if they are overcharged (Jim 40). The batteries can also rapture and in extreme cases, even explode when overheated. In fact, several fire incidents involving electric cars have been reported since the start of commercial production of plugin electric cars in 2008. Incidentally, most of these high-level fire accidents are almost entirely related to thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery packs.

Clearly, the future of electric cars doesn’t look promising, considering that the government’s financial support and funding are unlikely to increase. Things are also likely to get tougher for traditional electric car companies following the introduction of Google’s hugely successful self-driving cars (Smith 79). Google’s vehicles are expected to be more affordable and will liberate the cars from its driver. But as the experts have observed, the improvement of the battery performance range, charging time, and storage capacity will be the key to unlocking the full benefits and economic viability of electric cars.

Works Cited

Chao, Philippe. Electric Car Industry in the Slow Lane. New York: McGraw-Hill Press Publishers, 2010. Print.

Gabe, Muler. Energy Efficiency of Electric Cars. London: Foundation Press Publishers, 2011. Print.

Jim, Witkin. Building Better Batteries for Electric Cars. New York: Witkin Press Publishers, 2013. Print.

Kane, Laurent. Understanding the Electric Vehicle Landscape. Washington: McMillan press Publishers, 2013. Print.

Michael, Westbrook. The Electric and Hybrid Electric car. London: Mechanical Engineers Press Publishers, 2013. Print.

Smith, David. Electric Cars: The Sound of Silence. San Francisco: Auto-Mobile Discovery Publishers, 2012. Print.

Introduction

An electric car is an automobile that uses an electric motor to generate electricity that is used to run its various components. Electric cars originated during the early years of the 19^th century (Anderson, & Anderson, 2005). However, lack of certain features that characterized combustion engine cars led to low popularity and the consequent disappearance of electric cars. They were very expensive and could only travel for short distances. Historical records reveal that the fist electric car was made in 1837 by Robert Davidson, who used galvanic batteries as the power source (Hunter, 2014). Rechargeable batteries were later incorporated into the engine systems of the cars beginning in the year 1859 (Anderson, & Anderson, 2005). Electric cars run on electric energy that is generated by energy storage devices such as batteries. In recent years, high oil prices and technological advancements have resulted in increased demand for electric cars.

How an electrical car works

As mentioned earlier, an electrical car runs using electric energy generated by energy storage devices such as rechargeable batteries. An electric car’s powertrain comprises three major components that include an electric motor, a controller, and rechargeable batteries (Hunter, 2003). The engine includes a battery pack that is made by joining numerous smaller cells.

The battery supplies power to an electric motor that runs the differential, which turns the wheels (Hunter, 2003). In addition, the motor recharges the battery as the car moves and brakes. An electric car also possesses electrical devices that convert the electric current from one form to another (Hunter, 2003). An example of these devices is the onboard charger that recharges the battery by converting electric energy from direct current to alternating current and vice versa (Hunter, 2003). The electric motor performs a function similar to that of a gasoline engine.

Types of electric cars

There are four major types of electric cars that have different engine composition. They include the hybrid electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, extended-range electric vehicle, and the battery electric vehicle (Anderson, & Anderson, 2005).

Hybrid electric vehicle

Hybrid electric vehicles possess electric batteries and small combustion engines that play different roles. For instance, the electric motor improves the car’s acceleration. The battery is charged by the combustion engine and also during the process of braking (Hunter, 2014). It cannot be charged from an electric outlet. An example of this type of electric car is the Ford Fusion hybrid.

The plug-in hybrid vehicle

A plug-in hybrid vehicle includes a combustion engine as well as an electric motor (Hunter, 2014). However, the vehicle can be charged from an electric outlet to boost the power capacity of the batteries. Many plug-in hybrid vehicles operate up to a certain acceleration speed using the electric beyond which the combustion engine kicks in. Examples of this type include Toyota Prius, Cadilac ELR, and Opel Ampera.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are the most reliable type of electric vehicles because they can be charged in three main ways that include regenerative braking, plugging to an electric outlet, and from the action of the combustion engine (Anderson, & Anderson, 2005).

Extended-range electric vehicle

An extended-range electric vehicle possesses an electric motor, an engine and a battery. Each of these components plays a different role. In these cars, the wheels are powered using the electric motor only. The only role that the combustion engine plays is to charge the batteries. An example of this type of car is the Chevrolet Volt shown in the image below. An extended-range electric car is less reliable and less efficient that the other types because only one engine component can turn the wheels.

Battery electric vehicle

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) possesses batteries that are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric outlet. Unlike other electric car types, BEVs do not have combustion engines. They have very large batteries that enable them to travel long distances without running out of power (Anderson, & Anderson, 2005). An example of a battery electric vehicle is the Nissan Leaf.

Advantages of electric cars

Electric cars have four main advantages that include energy efficiency, high performance, low dependence on oil, and environmental conservation (Boxwell, 2010). Electric vehicles are very efficient because they convert more energy into power compared to combustion engines. Another aspect of their efficiency is the ease of charging. Charging an electric car is very convenient and easy because it involves plugging them into an electric outlet. They have high performance because their motors provide high acceleration and do not produce noise (Boxwell, 2010). In addition, they are very cheap to maintain. Electric cars do not have any tailpipe emissions thus making them environmentally friendly (Hunter, 2014). They play an important role in reducing global warming.

Disadvantages of electric cars

The main disadvantages of electric vehicles include limited range, long refueling time, high prices, and limited varieties in the automobile market. Many electric cars have very limited distance ranges of less than 100 miles due to their heavy weights and short-life batteries (Boxwell, 2010). This means that they are inappropriate for long distances. On the other hand, it takes a lot of time to recharge the batteries. This is a challenge especially to drivers who need to recharge their batteries while travelling. For instance, it takes one hour to add electric power that can run the car for 20 to 25 miles. The production costs of electric cars are very high. Therefore, they are expensive and unaffordable to low and middle income earners (Boxwell, 2010). However, this challenge is compensated for by low maintenance and lease costs. Finally, they limited varieties. Customers have few choices available in the automobile market (Hunter, 2014). Research is underway to develop more efficient and reliable cars that will be affordable to people in different economic classes. In future, the cost and weight of electric cars are projected to decrease significantly. Hybrid cars can be improved by developing cheap and light batteries that can store power for longer periods. These improvements will bring the cost of production and the price of electric vehicles down.

Conclusion

Electric cars run on electric power generated by motors that form part of their powertrain. The cars originated during the early years of the 19^th century. However, they did not grow in popularity because of their low distance range, high cost of production, and high purchase prices. Electric cars are divided into four classes depending on whether the car is powered using a motor only or suing a combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine. The battery supplies power to an electric motor that runs the differential. Electric devices convert electric power into various forms needed to run the car in various situations. Advantages of these cars include energy efficiency, high performance, reduction of dependence on oil, and environmental conservation. Disadvantages include limited range, long refueling time, high costs of purchase, and limited varieties in the market.

References

Anderson, C. D., & Anderson, J. (2005). Electric and Hybrid Cars: A History. New York: McFarland.

Boxwell, M. (2010). Owing an Electric Car. New York: Greensteram Publishing.

Chevy Volt: Chevy Volt Review. (2014). Web.

Electric Cars. (2014). Web.

Howard, B. (2012). Will High-Mileage Nissan Leafs Need Costly Battery Replacements Soon? Web.

Hunter, N. (2003). How Electric and Hybrid Cars Work. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.

Hunter, V. (2014). Electric Vehicles. New York: Barb Gates.

Executive Summary

The research covered the current state of smart vehicle technology (intelligent vehicle and autonomous vehicle). It shows that the technology is still under development and further research is necessary to improve outcomes and performances. However, it would be difficult to assess and determine the safety and reliability of smart cars because such tests require more time and miles to accomplish, which are simply impossible to attain. Meanwhile, uncertainties about smart vehicle technology will persist, but the superiority of the technology over average human drivers will ultimately determine smart vehicle usability as an alternative.

An Overview of Smart Vehicle Technology

In this technology research paper, autonomous vehicle (AV) and intelligent vehicle technology have been classified under smart vehicle technologies. Smart vehicle technology provides the opportunity of significantly transforming transportation. It is observed that installing this technology in the vehicle is most likely to lessen cases of auto crash, energy use, emission, and reduction of costs associated with owning a vehicle. Smart vehicle technology can easily be understood under the five-part continuum developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with superior benefits of technology delivered at the next level of classification (Anderson et al., 2016). When the human driver has absolute control over the vehicle, then this is level 0. Level 1 is characterized by the automation of a single function. Level 2 is based on multiple automation of several functions, but the human driver is required to stay alert at all times (Anderson et al., 2016). In level 3, there is adequate automation of driving activities to allow the driver to perform other different roles safely (Anderson et al., 2016). In level 4, the technology allows the car to drive itself without the involvement of a driver (Koopman & Wagner, 2016).

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper was to evaluate the emergence of the smart vehicle in society, its safety and reliability issues, and potential system hacking and faltering that could emanate from software upgrades or patches from manufacturers.

Structure

The research was structured into various parts, including methodology; problem formulation and elaboration; a brief review of literature; and discussion of possible operations management; and conclusion.

Methodology

This research involved a review of available literature on smart vehicles’ emergence to present state, safety, reliability, and potential challenges.

Problem Formulation and Elaboration

Innovative smart vehicle technology is the way of the future, but the safety and reliability debate has persisted. Many firms involved in smart car developments are reluctant to release the safety and related accident data associated with autonomous cars (Keating, 2015). It is currently difficult to determine if accidents involving autonomous cars are related to technology failure or fault of human drivers. Critics have also raised concerns about reliability.

That is, it remains unknown how reliable smart cars are. Further, threats of hacking have also raised concerns for smart car technologies. Evidence suggests that hackers have been able to disable some smart vehicles remotely, raising concerns of possible wireless disabling of such vehicles. It is feared that smart vehicles that would attain level 4 status could be easy to hack while on the road. Further, user awareness requirements as to the limitations and faltering of the vehicle operating system related to the requirements to upgrade and patching of any software systems installed are not clearly understood. Overall, smart vehicle technology currently faces a myriad of challenges.

A Brief Literature Review

The Emergence of Smart Vehicle in Society

For several decades, futurists had envisioned the possibility of self-driving cars with potential social and economic benefits to users (see appendix). The first known attempts to build autonomous cars started in Japan in 1977 (Forrest & Konca, 2007). However, recent research has focused on the periods between 1980 and 2003 to demonstrate the developments of vehicle automation, which referred to highway automation or special roads for ‘dumb vehicles’ and the other development focused on smart vehicles using normal roads (Anderson et al., 2016). Between 2003 and 2007, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) advanced research in smart vehicle technologies.

The more recent developments are characterized by the involvement of traditional auto manufacturers and Silicon Valley technology giants. Google has developed and tested an autonomous, driverless car to demonstrate the actual application of the smart vehicle technology (Anderson et al., 2016). Uber also has joined the trend. Between 2013 to present times, other manufacturers, such as Audi, and Toyota now focus on developing such autonomous cars. Meanwhile, Ford Smart Mobility will launch the self-driving car in 2021 while Nissan has a plan to sell smart vehicles by 2020. Smart vehicles are expected to reduce road congestion and save lives by eliminating accidents related to human errors.

Current State of Smart Technology

Google has tested its autonomous cars over 500,000 miles with no crashes related to the automation, although accidents have been reported (Anderson et al., 2016; Keating, 2015). Smart vehicles are fitted with advanced sensors that collect information about their environment, and they rely on increasingly complex algorithms to analyze sensor data and control the car. Computational capabilities are utilized to run these features in real-time.

The technology is based on the model of ‘sense-plan-act’. Various systems are deployed (sensors, laser illuminating detection, and ranging (LIDAR), radar, high-powered cameras, and learning algorithm software) to complement and counteract weaknesses from other systems (Keating, 2015). It is perhaps making sense of the collected data that remains the major obstacle in delivering ultra-reliable autonomous vehicles. For localization, smart vehicles rely on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial navigation systems (INS) (see appendix), but the challenge of somewhat inaccurate occurrences persists.

Smart vehicles currently require back-up systems to ensure that any adverse effects of failure can be quickly mitigated. However, such back-up systems may be difficult to develop. Attaining this level of reliability is difficult, but ‘shared driving’ between autonomous cars and humans is considered. For safety, however, it could be nearly impossible for human drivers to abandon other tasks and engage the vehicle in a matter of seconds to avert potential catastrophes (Wright, 2016). Besides, communications between vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure are not clearly defined. Safety and software update issues also hinder the development of autonomous vehicles. Legal requirements for smart vehicles to operate on the road are not available. Hence, the lack of legal provisions currently hinders the development of this technology (Keating, 2015).

Safety and Reliability

Evidence suggests that it could be difficult to determine safety and reliability of smart vehicles until they are driven for over “hundreds of millions of miles and sometimes hundreds of billions of miles to demonstrate their reliability in terms of fatalities and injuries” (Kalra & Paddock, 2016, p. 10), which would take hundreds of years to drive. Hence, this is an impossible task to accomplish if the goal is to determine the performance of these cars before they are allowed for public use and, thus, uncertainty will always persist.

Management, Measures, and Techniques Relevant to the Topic

The most vital aspects of management, measures, and techniques related to smart car technology performance. Hence, vehicle safety, reliability, protection from hacking, and software upgrade remain major performance indicators.

Approach Methodology/Presentation/Body of Discussion

It is generally acknowledged that smart vehicle technology will dominate the future. However, the current state of technology and available evidence suggest that autonomous vehicle developers and testers cannot address safety and reliability concerns immediately (Kalra & Paddock, 2016). The technology still grapples with a software upgrade, safety, reliability, and legal requirements among others. Results suggest the requirement for substitute ways to enhance technologies and support actual applications during testing for formulating sound laws. Further, the technology should evolve to support smart vehicles. Hence, software upgrades, safety, reliability issues remain primary concerns for potential users and other road users. Overall, it is observed that a more systematic strategy than a simple cycle of “system-level test-fail-patch-test will be required to deploy safe autonomous vehicles at scale” (Kalra & Paddock, 2016, p. 1).

Conclusions

A smart vehicle is touted as the future of driving. However, the current state of technology does not allow the safety and reliability of such cars to be determined. The technology is now defined by persistent uncertainties. Nevertheless, further research is most likely to improve outcomes and assist in better comprehension of inherent uncertainties. Software testing and deployment will have to be improved while protecting cars from hacking threats. Additionally, policymakers will have to formulate regulations and laws that support smart vehicle technology to advance its social welfare benefits to users. Once the smart vehicle technology has demonstrated superior performance than average human drivers, then self-driving cars should be permitted.

References

Anderson, J. M., Kalra, N., Stanley, K. D., Sorensen, P., Samaras, C., & Oluwatola, O. A. (2016). Autonomous vehicle technology: A guide for policymakers. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation.

Forrest, A., & Konca, M. (2007). Autonomous cars and society. Web.

Kalra, N., & Paddock, S. M. (2016). Driving to Safety. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation.

Keating, L. (2015). The driverless car debate: How safe are autonomous vehicles? Web.

Koopman, P., & Wagner, M. (2016). Challenges in autonomous vehicle testing and validation. Web.

Wright, E. (2016). The legal challenges for autonomous vehicles. Web.

Summary of business problem

A big city is an excellent platform for the promotion of the mass market. It reveals plenty of opportunities for the prospect success and productive operation. The business problem of the research consists in the fact that catalyzing early adoption of a clean vehicle, in other words, plug-in hybrid and battery-only electric vehicles might be rather advantageous in the case of the considered stimulus and dense battery-charging networks.

Scope of problem with identification of key concepts

It seems appropriate to focus on key aspects of the business problem. The research represents reasonable results. In particular, it was stated that by 2015, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles along with battery-only electric vehicles could embrace 16 percent, 9 percent, and 5 percent of new-car sales in New York, Paris, and Shanghai respectively. The above tendency remains even in nowadays financial situation and restrained society charging facilities.

As a matter of fact, the clean vehicle would be a proper and timely decision for the large city with its high degree of environmental pollution. The urban transport sector is an integral part of the economy. In terms of importance, it could be compared with the human circulatory system, where the role of blood vessels is given to transport links, and blood is the flow of traffic that moves elements necessary for the efficient functioning of the economic mechanism. However, the urban transport causes plenty of contaminants that are harmful to the atmosphere. Precisely speaking, carbon dioxide emissions are the principal problem that needs to be addressed by means of the mentioned product. This step would contribute to the development and expansion of the electrical transport.

Outline of research plan using the research jigsaw

Speaking of the outline research plan, it is important to pay attention to research jigsaw. The following outline illustrates the key components of the plan.

1. The environmental analysis to determine potential opportunities and threats for the company. Among them, one might note the level of the environmental pollution and investigation of the electrical transport market.
2. The organization mission and its tools to achieve the goal.
3. Determination of the method of the research.
4. Quantitative confirmation of the necessity and advantages of the proposed product. It includes the study of several markets comprising of Shanghai, Paris, and New York.
5. Qualitative verification of the clean vehicle effectiveness.
6. Considerations concerning LaPulse, French-owned organization. It is important to assess the volatile market environment including changing demographic conditions, ease of market entry, distribution of incomes, and the level of competition in the industry.
7. Thorough research of changes concerning the global extent that might affect the organization’s prosperity developing a strategic partnerships strategy that would promote the company’s expansion to the emerging market of the UK.

Brief summary of team performance

The team collaboration was on the highest level. All the team members tried their best to meet the deadlines. It is also important to note that every team member demonstrated his or her professionalism and perfect skills.

Money cannot buy happiness; however, they can create an environment that stimulates happiness. Owning a dream car creates happiness among people. Based on the taste of an individual, dream cars are considerably expensive because they provide owners with more than transportation. Notably, expensive cars epitomize swagger and flamboyance, which take priority over their effectiveness and expediency. In short, expensive cars present the owner’s lifestyle. This essay paper reviews the ten most expensive cars in the world.

The most expensive car across the globe is Maybach Exelero. It is a 2004 design that costs $8 million in the market (Pyne, 2015). A twin-turbo V12 engine powers this model. Notably, Maybach Exelero was designed following a request of Fulda Reifenwerke. Lamborghini Veneno is the second most expensive car in the world with a market cost of $4.5 million. This model has a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour. So far, there are only 3 manufactured and sold pieces of Lamborghini Veneno in the world (Web Desk, 2015). Lykan Hypersport, a 2002 brand designed by W Motors, takes number three as the most expensive car. In the market, this brand costs $3.4. Like other expensive cars, Lykan Hypersport is a limited edition model. As noted by Pyne (2015), a turbo flat-six 3.7 engine (by Porsche) powers this car. The maximum speed of Lykan Hypersport is 385 kilometers per hour.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sports is the fourth most expensive car. It costs $2.4 million. The maximum speed of this model is 408.47 kilometers per hour (Pyne, 2015). Notably, Guinness World Records recognize Bugatti Veyron as the fasted car ever. Lamborghini Reventon takes position five as the most expensive car in the world. The car has a high speed of 221 miles per hour. In position six is Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster which costs $1.85 million in the market (Web Desk, 2015). This car model has a top speed of 349 kilometers per hour. Besides, it has an acceleration speed of 0-60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds.

The seventh most expensive car across the globe is Aston Martin One-77. This car model costs $1.85 in the market (Pyne, 2015). The maximum speed of the car is 354 kilometers per hour. Besides, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds. At position eight is the car model Zenvo ST1, which costs $1.8 million in the market. Notably, a 6.8-liter engine powers this model. Considerably, Zenvo ST1 boasts of a top speed of 375 kilometers per hour. So far there are only 15 pieces that are already sold to handpicked personalities. The ninth most expensive car is Koenigsegg Agera R, which costs $1.6 million (Ascani, 2014). This model can attain a maximum speed of 418 kilometers per hour; however, one has to sign a waiver to unlock the full speed since the car is electronically confined to a speed of 378 kilometers per hour (Web Desk, 2015). The tenth and last expensive car in the world is Pagani Huayra. It relies on a twin-turbo V12 engine manufactured by Mercedes. The car model can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a period of 3 seconds.

Overall, these most expensive cars are characterized by high speed, high acceleration rate, and limited editions. Basically, their average speed is approximately 300 kilometers per hour. On the other hand, these cars can reach a speed of about 60 miles per hour in a few seconds. On editions, only a few units are manufactured and sold to specific personalities. In retrospect, these attributes create swagger and flamboyance among the owners.

References

Ascani, C. (2014). The 12 most expensive cars at the New York auto show. Mashable. Web.

Pyne, S. (2015). Top 10 most expensive cars in the world.Business Insider. Web.

Web Desk. (2015). Top 10 most expensive cars in the world.The Express Tribune with the International New York Times. Web.

Introduction

The policy proposal “Removing Regulatory Barriers for Vehicles with Automated Driving Systems” examines the future of automobiles with automated driving systems (ADSs) and why new considerations should be accepted to promote this modern technology. The benefits and drawbacks of innovation have attracted the attention of many policymakers, engineers, and politicians. This paper gives a detailed analysis of some of the issues revolving around the policy.

Public Comment on the Proposal

The emergence of modern technologies has led to the production of superior vehicles that support people’s transportation needs. The proposed policy seeks to promote new guidelines to accommodate the production, safety, and use of driverless vehicles. Firstly, this move will encourage more innovators and engineers to produce superior vehicles that can improve the way people move from point A to B. Secondly, the power of technology is something that cannot be ignored by any government (“Removing regulatory barriers,” n. d.). The acceptance of the new technology will create the best environment for producing superior automobiles that conform to every testing, compliance, certification, and verification process.

Moreover, the production and use of these cars will result in reduced accidents and traffic jams.

Experts have also acknowledged that fully automated vehicles have the potential to support various environmental conservation initiatives (“Removing regulatory barriers,” n. d.). That being the case, existing regulatory barriers such as the failure to recognize the effectiveness of driverless cars and the absence of evidence-based testing procedures should be removed in an attempt to support this new technology.

Environmental Implications: Positive and Negative

Many analysts believe strongly that self-driving vehicles will have numerous impacts on the environment. Current technologies in vehicle manufacturing have been associated with reduced fuel consumption. These autonomous cars will, therefore, minimize carbon emission and protect the environment. Heavy traffics and jams are associated with increased gasoline consumption. The proposed technology will minimize such jams, thereby reducing carbon emissions (Greenblatt, 2015). On top of that, the technology will maximize road usage and at the same time minimize the need to construct more highways. Chances are high that these gains will protect the natural environment. Eco-technology will also minimize most of the materials required to produce targeted cars. These aspects show that the proposed technology will not only increase safety but also protect the natural environment.

On the other hand, autonomous cars might result in the need for advanced features such as televisions and gaming tools. These attributes are likely to make such vehicles unsustainable and inefficient. Such resources might put much pressure on the natural environment. Greenblatt (2015) believes that driverless cars might encourage people to travel frequently. Physically impaired, elderly, and underage persons will need such services. Moreover, these needs will affect the sustainability and efficiency of such cars. Increased demand for self-driving cars might inflate the need for natural or fossil fuels. This means that the negative environmental implications of the technology are equally important and must be analyzed from a critical perspective.

Concluding Remarks: Personal Opinion

I believe that there is a need for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise every existing law and policy in an attempt to accommodate this innovative idea. The important thing is to develop appropriate standards for compliance, testing, and certification of these vehicles. The collaboration of different stakeholders will result in better standards and address every existing barrier. When the existing obstacles are removed, companies such as Uber Technologies and Google Incorporation will be empowered to produce advanced cars that fulfill every requirement. They will also be willing to minimize emerging negative environmental impacts.

References

Greenblatt, J. B. (2015). Automated vehicles, on-demand mobility, and environmental impacts. Current Sustainable/Renewable Energy Reports, 2(3), 74-81. Web.

Removing regulatory barriers for vehicles with automated driving systems. (n. d.). Web.

Abstract

The automobile industry is one of the complicated industries because consumer preferences differ distinctly and the purchasing trends are often unpredictable. To enhance understanding of the automobile industry, this paper investigated attributes that attract sport car owners by interviewing 10 sport car owners in the streets of New York. Simple closed-ended questionnaires designed with a Likert scale were useful in collecting responses from participants. The results show that men consider engine size, car price, car speed, and exterior design, while women consider the interior design and brand reputation.

Significance of the study

It is important to understand that different consumers have different preferences for products or services offered in any market (Marc & Barbara, 2013). Both consumers and manufacturers of automobile sports cars may benefit from this analysis. By establishing the attributes that attract sport car owners to purchase certain racing cars, the manufacturers can tailor certain attributes of cars to a specific gender, and thus, enhance their sales volume. For the businesspersons, manufacturers, distributors, and assemblers of sport and racing cars, analyzing the attributes would make them understand the most desired sports car features.

Review of Literature

A considerable body of literature reveals that the consumption trends are changing dramatically as the automobile industry undergoes a transition. Georgano (1985) analyzed the transition in the automobile industry from the elegant limousines of the 1930s to big and small cars in the 1960s. The Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) industry emerged in the 20^th century, with most cars made for racing events emerging from these innovations and spreading instantly across the world (Ahuja, 2011).

The developing notion is that car preferences have changed in the automobile industry. With the increasing technologies that have shaped production techniques, the sports car automobile industry is receiving mixed views from consumers (Giucci, 2012). Many luxury car buyers experience anxiety while making purchasing decisions.

Among factors that influence the decision-making of consumers in the purchasing of sports cars are the brand reputation, the reliability of the vehicle, the driving performance, safety attributes, design, and the car price (Ahuja, 2011). In the year 2000, the United States consumer survey showed that 30% of consumers have remained more concerned about the fuel efficiency of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), 23% others claimed that the car price is an important factor, and 27% stated that the interior of exterior appearances matters on the purchasing of SUVs (Marc & Barbara, 2013). Moreover, 19% of the respondents claimed that the brand reputation of a car matters, while the remaining 1% was unsure about their purchasing habits.

Methodology

The study mainly focused on the main attributes that attract car owners to purchase sports cars. The study employed closed-ended questionnaires with Likert scales to collect quantitative data. The analysis entailed the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software in performing cross-tabulation and chi-square test (Dallas & Grimmer, 2007). In the selection of 10 participants, 5 women, and 5 men, the study used a purposive sampling method to ensure that all participants are sport car owners.

Research/Findings

Gender * Car Price

Gender * Car Speed

Gender * Brand Reputation

Gender * Interior Design

Gender * Exterior Design

Discussion

Car price stands as one of the elements that influence the purchasing decisions of consumers regarding a sports car. Based on the SPSS findings, 60% of men agree, while 40% strongly agree, meaning that most men consider price in purchasing sports cars. The Pearson Chi-square value is -0.119, which indicates that gender is insignificant in influencing purchasing decisions based on price. Car speed is also an attribute that sport car buyers consider. Cross tabulation reveals that the majority (100%) of the men claim that car speed is a key feature, while only 80% of women agree with this notion. The chi-square value is -0.040, which means that the attribute of car speed varies according to gender.

Buyers also consider the engine size, as the results indicate that 80% of men consider engine size, while only 40% of women consider car engine size. The chi-square value is -0.119, which means there is an insignificant gender difference in the preference of engine size. The results reveal that there is a significant difference in preference to attribute of brand reputation according to gender. Over 80% of men disagreed that brand reputation is a considerable attribute of a car, while exactly 100% of women agree that brand reputation is essential.

Notably, marketers believe that the interior design of a car attracts sport car owners, especially female car owners. From the results, only 20% of the male sport car owners considered interior design, while all women (100%) claimed interior design is an important factor in their car selection. In contrast, cross-tabulation shows that all men (100%) agree that the exterior design of a sports car influences their purchasing decision, while 80% of women disagreed.

Recommendations

From the analysis of car attributes that influence decision of buyers, the most important feature that sums up almost everything is the engine size. Consumers consider the influence of engine size on fuel efficiency, car speed, and performance of the sports car.

Limitations

Few people within the streets manage to acquire Sport Utility Vehicles due to their maintenance costs. This notion was a reality because the greatest limitation to the study was to find SUVs car owners since they are scarce and belong to the high class, hence, uneasy to approach them.

References

Ahuja, P. (2011). Luxury cars: a new definition of necessity in India. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management Studies, 1(2), 1-11.

Dallas, H., & Grimmer, M. (2007). The mix of qualitative and quantitative research in major marketing journals (1993-2002). European Journal of Marketing, 41(1/2), 58-70.

Georgano, G. (1985). Cars: Early and vintage: The Golden Era of Coachbuilding: 1886-1930. London: Grange-Universal.

Giucci, G. (2012). The Cultural Life of the Automobile: Roads to Modernity. Texas: University of Texas Press.

Marc, P., & Barbara, C. (2013). An exploration of factors influencing car purchasing decisions. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 41(10), 738-764.

The growing force behind environmental protection and the large spike in gasoline costs in the recent past has skyrocketed the availability and popularity of hybrid cars. As a result, major automakers have made several hybrid models which are now available in the market, and they are sold immediately because of their various models and therefore hit the car dealers more often. However, according to a recent study, most of us are not willing to pay a premium when it comes to buying these vehicles.

This is because anyone can buy a 1988 Honda CRX and have a car that gets hybrid gas with a guarantee that the 1988 Honda CRX although as old as it might be may not be as reliable or last for a long time as the newer car but when considering to base one’s decision on gas mileage strictly it would be better and a less expensive option than going for a hybrid (www.go.ucsusa.org 2005: pp. 3-5)

The recent rampant complains about gas prices is enough to put an army of Eyesores to shame to an extent that even some Americans have started to put their money where their mount is, they have established various organization which offers incentives to car poolers’ and they are encouraging employer rewards for all conscious commuters, as a result, mass transit systems are expanding, hybrid vehicles have become more and more popular to an extent that most manufacturers are even planning to increase significantly the number of hybrid models in near future.

The number of hybrid car models in 2003 tripled, as a result, in addition, various government levels have begun to offer incentives to hybrid ownership, and this trend is likely to accelerate as an alternative for fuel and hybrid research continues to develop. However, ecologically there is no question that it is the best consistently available model out there, but what really matters to Americans is about money, whether or not buying a gas-electric hybrid is financially beneficially (www.go.ucsusa.org 2005: pp. 5-7)

Most times we appear to do our part to protect the environment but in the real sense all of us are for burning less fossil fuel, this is because hybrid cars are paying too high, even financial experts support that hybrid drivers are paying very high premiums for a vehicle which only offers marginally better fuel efficiency than other economy cars already on the road. There is also another consideration, the government has started to roll back tax incentives for these cars, which means in the near future, approximately $21000 tax reduction will increasingly be phased out by the end of this year 2007.

This has negative implications, they will be in fact be more and more expensive and therefore for those people looking after their pockets, there is no gaining that will be there for them any time soon from now. I, therefore, suggest it is wise for them to wait until when the power trains of hybrids’ have been improved and bring prices into an alignment to other regular models (www.edmunds.com 2005:pp.1-2).

Although some other hybrid cars are cheap when compared with others like Cadillac Escalade when compared with economy cars, which are their counterparts, there are more expensive at the dealership where you will have to pay 25% to 30% more and therefore not much will be saved. Analysis from consumer experts shows that when the 2003 Honda Civic hybrid model which gets 36 miles per gallon and sells approximately $21000 is compared with Honda Civic EX, which gets 29 miles per gallon and sells at around $18500 excluding the tax break although this varies according to the income, it actually takes 1.5 years in gas savings to pay back the extra money you initially laid out, with the hybrid, however, with tax break it will take even four years to break.

In addition, there is even more bad news, hybrid depreciates faster than other models. Edmund.com reports that the reason for this sad news is that automakers are improving the hybrid power train very fast; therefore, it is unlikely that any driver in a few years in the used car market will want to purchase a hybrid with early technology.

To make matters easier for them, the IRS no longer wants to subsidize hybrid cars. In fact, in 2002, it gave the owners of hybrid vehicles a $2000 tax break on all new purchases, this was actually meant to encourage the citizens to buy hybrid cars, and therefore, protects the environment, at the same time decrease America’s dependence on oil from the Middle East, and in January next year tax incentive will start to shrink, in fact, it will be phased out completely by the end of this year, 2007.

According to their plan, the $200 deduction was to be cut at 25%, 50%, and 75% in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. However, there are some signs of survival because the energy bill that is being debated by the senate energy would deliver two tax breaks worth $3500 for all fuel-efficient vehicles, and as a result, experts estimate that hybrids could qualify up to $2,000, however, the passage of this bill in its current form is not certain (www.edmunds.com 2005:pp.2-4)

Nevertheless, it is still unknown the cost of the new hybrid SUVs, the Ford Escape and the Lexus RX Hybrid, and the exact amount of their gas mileage. All the same, some expert market analysts indicate that they are to be priced somewhere in between with other lightweight trucks, in addition, they also offer a much better fuel economy. Therefore, there would not be any reason to own one if they could at least achieve both goals.

Although consumer reports like Shenhar are skeptical of Ford’s plans to release their ford escape the first quarter of next year, where it claims that it will get an astonishing 35-40 miles per gallon with a power of a V6 – like engine because they don’t understand how a heavy SUV will get the same mileage as the 2003 Toyota Prius according to their test. Some even argue the possibility of for example the Lexus or ford SUV’s capability to achieve the expected superior fuel efficiency against owning a first-year model of any new car, it is therefore according to them to wait for at least a year for this to be worked out first(www.hybridcars.com 2005: pp.1-2).

But this does not mean that when driving anywhere, to feel guilty of polluting the environment, it actually means that you can a close hybrid fuel consumption that has got several small cars with efficient engines with manual transmissions because models like Honda Civic Hybrid can get 36 miles per gallon, while the 2003 Prius can get 42 miles per gallon although the 2004 Model has not yet been tested. But a Toyota Echo with a manual transmission gets up to 38 miles per gallon, it is therefore considerably cheaper with an average cost of $10,000.

However, in the real sense, any driver can increase the fuel efficiency of any car if he chooses a manual transmission over an automatic one. This is accounted for the fact that an average stick-shift vehicle can get up to 17% to 18% better gas mileage than an automatic one. But if you need a larger space car, it is better to consider a Wagon rather than an SUV, because on average a Wagon gets mileage between 24% to 25% range, while an SUV gets in the range of 19% to 20%. Nevertheless, they are also safe compared to SUVs; this is a very important consideration for anyone hauling priceless cargo (www.hybridcars.com 2005: pp.3-6).

Work cited

Compare Prices and Read Reviews on 2001 Toyota Corolla at Epinions.com, Inc. (2005). Web.

Hybrid Incentives. USCUSA.org. Union of Concerned Scientists (2005). Web.

Reasons Not To Buy a Hybrid (2005). Hybridcars.com. Web.

Introduction

Buying a car can be an intimidating task, regardless of whether a person is a first-timer or not. There is quite some valuable information one needs to know before making that final decision to buy a particular car.

Main text

The most important thing that a person must decide first is whether he/she wants a used car or a new car. If the person is looking to buy a used car, a background check is very important. This will include knowledge of the number of preceding owners, previous mechanical problems and accidents and finally, past maintenance of the car. A used car can give a person a great deal as the car may be well maintained and still be in an excellent condition.

Used cars can be located easily from dealers, used car websites and even from new car dealers. It’s important to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car to check for any damages. One should take time to read the paperwork before signing any document to avoid hidden buying conditions which might be problematic in future. It is also important to make sure that all finances are ready for the purchase.

If a person decides to buy a new car, it’s important to determine if he/she can actually afford it. Besides the cost price, another cost that might have a great impact on a person’s finances includes; Insurance cost, repair and maintenance, registration and licensing and fuel. After determining that one can afford the car, it’s now time to decide the type of car he/she wants. This is largely influenced by your lifestyle and the purpose for which one is buying the car.

Price determination is a key factor to consider before making the final deal, it is important to compare prices from different dealers and consult widely from recent owners of that particular car one wants to buy. This is to ensure that a person gets the best deal. A new car costs a lot of money; in this case it’s important to determine whether one will be buying the car from personal savings or from a bank loan. It is at this point in time that one needs to make sure that all financing processes are through and that the money is available for the car purchase.

Test drive is another important step that should never be overlooked. Arrange with the dealer to have a test drive one week before making the final decision. Ask for all available literature and manuals to read prior to purchasing. This gives you ample time to decide and ask any question that one might be having in regards to the car that he/she want to buy.

Summary

Finally, after the person is certain that he/she is are ready to buy the car, it’s now time to put the pen to paper. Check and counter-check all the documents and make sure that any agreement is put down in writing before signing any document. Sign on the dotted line on all required documents. Finally, hand over the cash or cheque, as the dealer hands over the keys. The final step is driving the car home.

Introduction

A hybrid car is a normal, fuel-efficient automobile, but it has two motors – one is electric, and the second I gasoline-powered. There are several reasons why two motors are more effective. Electric motors, for example, use no energy during idle and use less energy than gas motors when the speed is low. Gas motors, on the other side, are more efficient at high speeds and produce more power. In addition to technical advantages, hybrid cars are safer for the environment and significantly reduce gas dependence.

Benefits

Hybrid cars represent the new technology and, as everything new, hybrid cars are more complex in mechanics and more expensive. A hybrid car has two motors and additional systems responsible for motors’ management plus a rather heavy battery and regeneration system. These systems must be properly inserted to work together safely. Despite the technical complexities, hybrid cars are more reliable because they are controlled by computers.

Hybrid cars are fuel-efficient. Reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, and less powerful gas engine reduce fuel expenditures. Thus, owning a hybrid car will save money due to decreased fuel expenditures. Moreover, hybrid cars ensure better mileage because of reduced engine size. In addition, hybrid cars make roads safer as manufacturers encourage them to drive slower to economize fuel expenditure.

Furthermore, hybrid cars offer several green advantages. In large cities, for example, hybrid cars will reduce pollutions and make a significant difference because they produce insignificant emissions during traffic jams. Hybrid automobiles are cleaner than gas-powered cars with lesser greenhouse gas emissions; they are reliable and comfortable. In addition, people who decide to buy a hybrid car enjoy tax benefits. The future of hybrid cars appears to be bright as rapid technological developments improve engine efficiencies. Moreover, batteries in hybrid cars do not need to be charged by external sources. Battery packs and other costly items are backed up with special warranties. Finally, hybrid cars reduce the dependence of humanity on fossil fuels.

Facts and Data

Philip Dunn argues that hybrids are more gasoline efficient than all cars:

• hybrid cars get 48 to 60 mpg (20% better than a fuel-efficient gasoline-powered car),
• manufacturers offer strong guarantees (8 years or 80,000-mile warranty),
• motors and batteries in hybrid cars do not require maintenance over the life of the automobile,
• brake pads last longer than ones in normal automobiles,
• hybrid cars reduce emissions by 25%.

According to the article titled “Pros of Hybrid Vehicles,” hybrid cars have multiple advantages since they attribute technical and economic benefits. Despite the country and the owner, gasoline savings are significant as the oil prices tend to increase rapidly. Economic advantage is evident as gasoline savings may be redistributed for other purposes. Moreover, the governments give reductions and tax credits to citizens who decide to buy hybrid cars. Hybrid cars are efficient and much friendlier to the environment. M.A. Bartell notes that hybrid cars are rather small in size. For example, Toyota Prius is considered to be a middle-size sedan that can hardly be comfortable for a family of four people. As gas prices continue to rise, the demand, as well as choices of hybrid cars, will expand. Hybrid cars are more efficient in speed compared to normal cars. For example, Lexus RX 400h can accelerate much faster than a gas-only car.

One of the potential drawbacks of the hybrid car is its high price. The cost of a hybrid car is generally $5,000 higher than a similar conventional automobile. Nevertheless, the post-purchase savings offset the initial expenses; some hybrids are sold with upgraded stereo systems, for example. Driving a hybrid car means less expensive and less frequent visits to the gas stations. Maintenance costs are not much different, and hybrid mechanics can be handled by regular specialists. Moreover, oil changes are less frequent while the warranty is much longer. In addition to cost savings, hybrid cars help to save the environment. In any case, the decision to buy a hybrid car depends on the lifestyle of the drive as well as his environmental and financial considerations. Bartell notes that most of the current drivers of hybrid cars are women and high-income learners, the buying trends will change, and hybrid cars will gain more attention.

Conclusion

The research reveals that hybrid cars have numerous benefits. While the decision to buy a hybrid car is a matter of personal preferences and income considerations, hybrid cars will become popular in the nearest future. As gas prices are steadily increasing and the concern over environmental pollution becomes a matter of emergency, people will pay more attention to hybrid cars and associated benefits. Hybrid cars have proved to be more efficient than normal cars. In summary, the future of hybrid cars is bright as more and more people will realize the benefits of innovative technologies.

References

Bartell, M.A. “Gas Price Influence on Hybrid Car Sales”. CarSeek, Web.

Dunn, Philip. Hybrid Cars. 2006. Web.

“Pros of Hybrid Vehicles”. Web.