EV Perspective LLC

The basic technology that drives most automobiles today, the in-cylinder, four-stroke internal combustion engine (ICE), is well over a century old. At their peak, these engines yield a maximium of 35%-40% efficiency, with an average efficiency closer to 20%. Most of the energy in a gallon of fuel is wasted. Where does this lost energy go? It is converted to heat which eventually ends up in the earth's atmosphere. Engineers have added increasingly complex fuel, ignition, exhaust, cooling, and electronic control and diagnostic systems over the years, only marginally increasing the engine's efficiency while adding to its weight, cost, and complexity.

Along with the excessive heat which is released, the ICE also releases a number of polutants into the atmosphere. A perfectly-designed engine should release only carbon dioxide and water, but even today's engines -- after more than a century of development -- are far from perfect. Increasingly complex and expensive emissions controls systems have been added over the years, only marginally reducing the harmful polutants while again increasing weight, cost, and complexity.

Electric motors, on the other hand, can achieve 75%-90%+ efficiency, with very little energy lost in the form of heat. Less heat and virtually no pollutants are released into the atmosphere. An electric powertrain is very simple, primarily consisting of one or more electric motors, a system of electronics for controlling motor operation, a battery, and a charging system. Pound for pound, an electric motor also produces much more torque than an ICE, thus providing superior performance.

Not only is the internal combustion engine dying, but so is the transportation industry as we know it. Fuel prices, environmental concerns, and global economics have turned the largest automotive companies upside down. More people than ever are now turning to smaller, inexpensive vehicles and mass transit. It's now more important than ever for those of us who represent vehicle and parts manufacturers, service providers, government agencies, educational institutions, retailers, and driver communities to stay informed on the rapidly evolving world of Electric Vehicles.

This is why we built EV Perspective. Our mission is simple: To get people excited about Electric Vehicles and to help move the industry forward. It is the premier community for Electric Vehicle enthusiasts.