A recent online poll of readers conducted by the Philadelphia Inquirer found that the majority of those polled (49.1 per cent) would purchase an electric car.
Many polled said that they wouldn't buy an electric car, but they would buy a hybrid (29.7 per cent), and only 21.2 per cent said they would buy neither.
At the same time, more than 33,000 American buyers have signed up for GM's new electric car, the Volt, which is scheduled to launch with all mechanical and design issues ironed out on schedule in 2010.
But what about in Bermuda?
Smart cars, electric scooters, electric vehicles and hybrids have still not gone mainstream here.
This is unfortunate because Bermuda continues to struggle with traffic congestion, traffic emissions, and high fuel costs.
Alternative vehicles such as these certainly respond to these issues. In order to relieve your fears about these products, here are some of the most frequently asked questions of Consumer Affairs:
I've seen micro cars on the road- they're small and seem ideal for Bermuda's roads. Are they hybrid or electric?
Actually, neither. Though two-person cars (considered "micro" or "mini" cars) are awfully cute and ideal for Bermuda's narrow streets and limited parking, they are currently sold with a gas engine in the U.S. and Canada, with the smaller, more fuel efficient diesel engine being sold in Mexico, Europe and other World markets.
However, as a gasoline-engine car, they are the most fuel-efficient gasoline-engine car for sale in the U.S.
According to the EPA, the their fuel efficiency is lower than some hybrids, though they cost about half as much as a hybrid in the U.S.
Currently, an electric mini car should be available in a couple years.
I see more and more retailers selling electric scooters and they appear to look the same or even better than some gas-engine scooters. What are their pros and cons?
Electric motorcycles and scooters are rising in popularity because of higher gasoline prices and some consumers' interest in reducing traffic emissions and noise pollution from gasoline-engine bikes.
Battery technology is gradually improving making this form of transportation more practical.
Advantages of electric over gasoline power include reduced fuel costs (approximately 75 per cent less cost to run an electric scooter), they are nearly silent, there is no exhausted gases at point of use, they can be recharged at home, and they require less maintenance activity (no oil changes).
They have shorter driving range before requiring refueling (though electric scooters get about 45-55 km per charge, which is more than enough to go from one end of the island and back).
They have a lower maximum speed, though they reach Bermuda's maximum speed limit.
What are electric cars and do they make sense in Bermuda?
Electric cars utilize electric motors and motor controllers instead of an internal combustion engine. The electric power is usually derived from battery packs in the vehicle.
They are promoted in Bermuda by the Government waiving duty on all electric vehicles.
A main reason for this is that they are zero emission vehicles, meaning they produce no emissions while being driven (and they produce no noise).
Batteries must be periodically recharged, most commonly from the power grid (at home or using a street or shop recharging point, which are currently not available in Bermuda), which is in turn generated from a variety of domestic resources; in Bermuda's case, our incinerator.
Home power can be generated from alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic solar cell panels or wind generators to alleviate concerns regarding global warming.
What are hybrid cars and do they make sense in Bermuda?
The easiest way to explain hybrid cars (otherwise known as hybrid electric vehicles) is that they can be propelled by either gasoline or electric power, depending on how charged they are.
Specifically, they combine a conventional propulsion system (as in your gas powered car) with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS).
Unlike electric cars, they operate in a charge-sustaining mode.
Hybrids achieve better fuel efficiency than conventional cars by prolonging the charge on their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking. Many reduce idle emissions by shutting down the engine at idle and restarting it when needed.
As with any new vehicle, consumers need to verify at the point of sale that the dealership maintains a local warranty and that the vehicle can be fully serviced in Bermuda by mechanics qualified in electric or hybrid technologies. Conduct your own research by examining consumer reports, go online and talk to owners of these vehicles before you buy.
Laura Semos is the education officer for Consumer Affairs.
Reader Comments
Posted: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Comment by:
PAS
"Advantages of electric over gasoline power include reduced fuel costs (approximately 75 per cent less cost to run an electric scooter)"
Considering current BELCO fuel adjustment charges, is this true in Bermuda. I would guess not.
Posted: Monday, October 13, 2008
Comment by:
Mike Brace
Laura, I found your article fresh and forward; thank you! We at EV World.com are more and more optimistic about the ‘quite revolution’ that is sweeping the world and your article cannot help but make Bermudians far more enlightened than many of your neighbors, including the US. We hope that as more and more main-stream publications (such as yours) shed the light and help people understand what lies ahead we can all breath a little easier know that soon we will all have the chance to make a difference, not only by going ‘green’ whenever we do something as simple as driving to work, but also by keeping more and more of our money home instead of sending it abroad. It’s a win-win story and we thank you for helping to get the word out!
Posted: Friday, October 10, 2008
Comment by:
Letariatpro
It would be nice to see the Government lead the charge, moving all GP cars to electric or hybrid at least, followed by busses, bikes, and other Govt. vehicles.
