Electric Motors for Cars: Understanding the Pros and Cons

With gasoline prices increasing by the day, it has become imperative to look for alternative methods of transportation and using electric motors for cars is one of them. An electric car can be defined as an alternative fuel automobile that uses alternative methods of propulsion rather than the internal combustion engine which is the more conventional approach. These alternative methods used by an electric car are the electric motors and motor controllers for propulsion. These electric vehicles are specially created and adapted to be used on the road. 

A New Technology

Although a new automotive technology, electric cars are fast becoming popular all over the world. Being quite different from conventional cars, the electric cars are set on batteries by which the electric motor in the car is provided electricity. This leads to transmission from the engine which further spins the wheels. The batteries that are used to power these vehicles are the Lithium-ion batteries. However with recent advancements in technology a new type of rechargeable battery, the lithium titanate battery has been developed which charges faster than the conventional lithium ion batteries.

However as with any product there are pros and cons to the use of electric motors in cars.

Advantages of Electric Motors in Cars

• Reduced emissions: Probably the most important advantage of using electric motors in cars is the reduced level of pollutants that are spewed in to the environment. Cars using electric motors are 100% emission free and also free of pollution by-products. As these cars draw their power from batteries, hydrogen fuel cells or are solar powered, there is a complete saving of air pollutants being spewed.
• Compact and lightweight: The electric cars using electric motors are more compact and lightweight in comparison to the conventional cars. Because of this, the electric motored cars are equally as efficient if not more so than gas engine cars.
• Economical: As mentioned the greatest advantage of an electric motor driven car is the drop in the fuel costs. Electricity being more economical than gasoline surely provides a more economical option.

Shortcomings of Using Electric Motors in Cars

Although there are advantages to using electric motors in cars, they are not free from having their drawbacks. These drawbacks are:

• Long recharge times: The electric motors are provided electricity by the batteries. These batteries need to recharge after a while. This constant recharging takes a lot of time. Also while the battery is being recharged, the car cannot be used.
• Expensive costs: The cars with electric motors tend to have more expensive costs associated with them. This is no doubt more so when the car breaks down outside of the warranty coverage. Also, as not all workshops are equipped to handle electric cars, getting them repaired can be a difficult task.

All though there are advantages of using electric motors in cars, there are certain drawbacks as well. However, the good news is that with the increase in the manufacturers' understanding of electric technology, efforts are being made to manufacture more reliable and durable parts so that there are lesser break downs and lower prices. Electric cars are the future and constant efforts are being made to upgrade the existing technology to popularize electric motors for other vehicles like trucks and buses as well.