The airwaves have been buzzing about the 2013 hybrid drive electric car. In an age where gas prices continues to soar upward, many motorists are looking to replace gas and diesel fueled cars. Electric cars promise zero emission, quiet, clean, eco-friendly, stylish good looks, high-tech amenities, and aerodynamic engineering and driving performances. To prepare for the addition of electric cars on the streets of our city, the downtown business district has added additional charging stations.
Energent technology provided an interactive LCD screens that monitor
information and provides feedback on driving style. Volt for example is programmed with 4 driving
modes: Normal mode --enable Volt to drive like a conventional car but with more
efficiency; Sport mode-- provide aggressive feedback and heighten response;
Mountain mode—provides a power reserve for climbing long, steep grades, a newly
added feature, Hold mode—holds battery charge in reserve.
Regenerative braking is another feature that captures some of
the energy lost during braking and converts it to electricity stored in the
battery.
Mobile apps also allow the driver to control and customize
many other features of Volt. OnStar
Remotel Link apps allow the driver to check charging status, battery level, and
charging mode via smartphones. Text and
email alerts the driver to when the battery is fully charged or if there’s a
charge interruption.
Automobile technology has evolved since the gasoline engine (1870) and the diesel engine (1890). The electric car is yet another emergent technology. George, P. E. (2011). “Top 10 Improvements in Engine Design”. HowStuffWorks.com. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/10-improvements-in-engine-design.htm
