According to information presented by Hoover’s titled "Automotive Service & Collision Repair" the United States automotive service and repair business was $85 billion dollars. This business goes from large companies to the guy that repairs cars in his back yard. The collision part of this business will not be hit as severely by a switch to electric vehicles because drivers will still have accidents.
What Repairs Go Away with Electric Vehicles The internal combustion engine guarantees a revenue stream for the automobile repair business. Almost every part of the engine will need service at some point. Spark plugs go away with a battery powered car and without spark plugs there is no need for a tune up. Oil changes for vehicles have created an entire industry built around one function, changing oil on automobiles at regular intervals. Cars also need a new oil filter when getting an oil change, which will be gone also. The list of services required on a traditional internal combustion engine powered car that goes away is staggering and range from shorter term periodic maintenance to parts that begin to fail with long term ownership. Drive belts, radiator hoses, batteries and fuel filters are periodically replaced due to wear or failure. If you keep your car for an extended period of time you will eventually need to replace long term items such as fuel pumps and gaskets. An Army Of Mechanics There is a virtual army of mechanics that are trained in schools, by apprentice and by watching others that know how to repair vehicles built around internal combustion engines. The weight of that fleet of mechanics, parts supply system and business structure built on the back of fossil fuel burning engines will be a formidable force. Everything connected with the traditional industry will have an interest in the current form of the auto repair business staying around as long as possible. What Is Left With Electric Cars Electric vehicles will still have tires, suspension pieces and electronic systems that need troubleshooting. Electric and gas engine combination vehicles will still have internal combustion engines, but they will be used much less than in a gas only vehicle. Even if electric vehicles are wildly successful it will take decades for them to replace traditional fuel engine vehicles. There are so many applications for internal combustion engines that electric power has yet to touch such as heavy duty use on farms, construction sites and hauling. The two automotive technologies may find a peaceful coexistence where each finds its best fit. For more information, click here.
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Nissan Leaf Electric Car owners can look forward to being able to drive, park, and charge, as thousands of EV vehicle charging stations are being installed in six states across the US. Installation of the eTec electric vehicle charging stations began in 2010. Recovery Act Investments in Clean Energy In August of 2009, eTec, a subsidiary of ECOtality, Inc., was awarded a $99.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to begin the project of installing up to 15,000 charging systems in Arizona, California, Tennessee, Oregon, Washington, Texas and District of Columbia. The funding is part of a larger commitment made by President Obama in 2009, in which he announced $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designed to create green jobs, reduce greenhouse gases, and develop other green transportation projects. Efficiency Standards for Cars and Trucks In May 2009, Believing that a nation that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century, President Obama announced the first ever joint fuel economy/greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks. The installation and deployment of the Level 2 (220V) home charging systems, is estimated to create over 5,500 new jobs over several years. The eTec charging station project, which began in August 2009, has three years to complete its mission. The charging stations will serve not only Nissan Leaf owners but Volt and other EV and hybrid car owners as well. NissanUSA says they’re encouraging a public EV charging network that will span the entire country. On the Leaf, the on-board navigation system will help you locate public charging stations. The Leaf comes equipped with CARWINGS. Research, statistics and analysis will be conducted on the first group of slightly over 5,000 delivered Leaf 100% electric cars. Researchers will analyze the vehicles performance, battery life and retention, driving conditions, and other factors. The early analysis is expected to result in future improved battery life, and increased access to EV (electric vehicle) charging stations across the country. How Does the Leaf Electric Vehicle Charging Work The in-car system displays the battery power, status, and geographic location of charging stations. The home charging dock installed with your purchase, will be your primary charging station. The cost to charge your vehicle at home is estimated to be between fifty cents to $1.50 per day. Public charging stations may be free, or use a refillable subscription card to pay for public charging. The Fast Charging, or Level 3 stations, re-charge vehicles in approximately 15-30 minutes, rather than the estimated 7 hours the in-home Level 2 charging stations might take for a full charge. For The EV Project, the fast chargers will initially be installed in high-density cities in each of the initial launch states. EV Chargers will also be installed in major transportation corridors so drivers can recharge between major cities. All chargers will be compatible with other electric cars besides the Volt and Leaf. Oregon Gets Greener With Public Charging Stations Portland, Oregon and San Diego, California were selected as part of the first group of cities to receive public charging stations. Portland, one of the first cities to see the fast charger installations, is a perfect match for the new vehicle technology. Already boasting one of the greenest transportation systems in the country with its abundant public transit system, Portland mayor Sam Adams said of the award, "While our neighbors to the north in Washington and to the south in California have their own successes to celebrate, I believe Portlanders will come out on top in the race for EV greatness.” Portland plans to install over 500 public-use charging stations, and then expand charging stations to other cities in Oregon. While those who drive 100% electric cars have to give greater consideration to where and how far they intend to drive, Volt and other hybrid drivers have more choices. Charging for those drivers is more of an option as they can conserve battery life with their gasoline optional cars, also called “extended-range” electric cars. It is estimated there are about 117,000 commercial gasoline stations serving about 250 million cars and light trucks, in the United States. The potential to increase electric cars presents an opportunity to have a real effect on green house gas emissions by reducing |
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Hi, my name is Ed and I am proud owner of Nissan Leaf. I hope one day to marry a rich girl, who can buy me a Tesla. ArchivesCategories |