Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Protect Your Surroundings With Zero Emission Electric Cars



There is a common belief among the great people "There is no point of living a life of a human being if you have not done something remarkable." The biggest problem of the present time is the environmental pollution. To solve this issue, a number of people throughout the globe have come forward to create awareness for our mother nature. Going green does not mean that you have to start doing green acts. For this, there is a need of shift in consciousness. This shift makes you distinguish choices that you make is whether in favor or against the type of world you wish to see. Avoid using certain things as it will surely make you achieve your dream world. Your wisdom will be stored in your efforts towards saving the environment.

The idea of protecting our surroundings and reducing the pollution levels around us is not limited up to campaigns, socialists, environmental activists and other people who have a soft corner for the environment. There are several automobile manufacturers who seriously understand the problem of environmental pollution and have started thinking ecologically. Everyone blames automobiles for emitting greenhouse gasses that have majorly affected our surroundings. To vindicate themselves, several auto manufacturers have started introducing battery operated vehicles to save our planet earth. These battery operated automobiles are also known as Electric Cars.

Electric cars are well projected transport solution that has left gas pumps behind. These cars present the gasoline-free survival of tomorrow with the must-haves of today. To be precise, an electric car is a means of transportation that runs using one or more electric motor employing electrical energy amassed in energy storage devices or batteries. One can experience smooth and powerful acceleration in these cars as the electric motors used in them give immediate torque.

Nissan Leaf is one of the leaf-shaped automobile that works on the concept of battery operated cars. It gives the toy like impression to the people due to its lumpy style. This car is absolutely affordable with zero emission features. Among electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt is predicted as the first step of the American Automotive Industry towards the plug-ins market. It is truly an American Car that makes the country people feel wonderful. Another famous name in this category of cars is Ford Focus EV which gets charged up within 3 hours.

There are several benefits associated with these electric cars. These zero emission vehicles not only offer you ease in driving but also make you fulfill your promise of preserving nature. The several other benefits include:

Silent: The best feature of this electric car is its silent nature. There is no ignition takes place as a result of which no sound is produced. This feature in cars will lead to the formation of "Silent City".

Trouble-free Preservation: As there are no or few moving parts, the electric car maintenance is quite easy. These vehicles are less prone to damage and hence, no frequent oil changes are needed.

Hale and Hearty Surroundings: Electric cars do not affect the environment in any way as these are free from harmful gas emissions.

Tax Benefits: Government is also making efforts in encouraging people to go for these vehicles as those driving electric cars are given tax benefits. Even tax credits are offered to those who buy hybrid or electric cars.

Fuel Efficiency: These cars help in keeping the rates of petrol and gasoline down as their demand will be reduced. These vehicles are battery operated. Hence, there is no need of buying gasoline which will also contribute in their preservation for the future generations.

Know the Complete Details to Make Your Own HHO Generator



The technology associated with the HHO generator is not something which is very new or has been recently introduced. However, it can be said that this very innovative concept a short time ago gained in acceptance and its popularity witnessed a steep rise. In current times, there are a significant number of effective power generation options available in the market. However, it is the simple mechanism of the HHO generator and the manner in which they can generate gas from water and use it to power car is surely an innovative way to save fuel and improve the vehicle's efficiency.

How using HHO generator plans for cars can help saving money-

In almost every country the price of the gas has significantly increased in last few years. It is estimated that the reducing amount of gas will significantly push their price further in the coming years. This is the reason people are looking for alternatives using which they can keep riding their vehicle and also reduce the fuel expenditure. Apart from that, there has been growing awareness among people about the use of green technologies using which they can reduce the pollution emission of their vehicle and make their environment a more safe and beautiful place. All the reasons can be attributed behind the growing preferences of the HHO gas generator and why they are going to get more popular in the coming times.

Basics Details about the HHO Generator-

The mechanism of the HHO gas generator is quite simple and neat. It starts by making appropriate use of vehicle's battery using which it produced electric charge in the water. It is due to this charge given to the water, due to electrolysis, it gets broken into two parts. One broken part is known as 2 parts of the hydrogen atom and the second part is known as 1 part o the oxygen atom. It is this gas, which is highly combustible in nature, is then released in the combustion chamber of the vehicle's cylinder. Once when the gas is induced in the inner chamber of the cylinder it is made to explode with the help of the normal fuel air. It is this explosion that is known to propel the vehicle in its usual manner.

Build your own HHO generator-

There is no doubt that building HHO gas generator is a very simple and easy task. Any person with a little help and assistance can build a HHO generator. It is to encourage the people to build their own set of generator, a large number of agencies are offering easy to make your own HHO gas generator kits to the customers. Along with these kits, they even provide detailed instructions using which any one build an efficient and effective generator for themselves.

How Can You Build A Basic Bicycle Generator



A basic bicycle generator can be a really simple and fun project for newcomers and amateurs to the world of electronics and inventions. In this article, we will describe two different types of generators. The first one is for a pedal bike. It can be mounted onto the bike wherever you go. The other is for a stationary bike. With this one, you can easily charge a battery or power a small TV.

Acquire a Motor - The first step is to acquire a DC motor for bicycle generator. This can be acquired from an old computer or printer. Motors are present in almost every electronic item. You can even go online and buy a new motor at an affordable price. Once you have acquired or bought a motor, you need to take off o-rings and plastic gears.

Mount the Motor - The next step is to mount the motor onto the back tire of the bicycle. This will allow the tire to turn the shaft of the motor. You will also need to put a sort of disc to the arm of this motor. This will allow it to touch the tire. It is always better to use big rubber discs as they provide good friction. The turning will cause voltage to easily come across the leads on this motor.

Basic Procedure for A Stationary Bicycle - First, let us talk about a stationary bicycle. If you are trying to build a stationary bicycle generator, you will have to build a stand too. This will make sure that your back tire is elevated. You should use a multimeter or voltmeter to measure the voltage your motor is producing when you are pedaling. Usually, this will be enough to power a small TV or charge a 12 volt battery.

The next step is to attach a voltage regulator to the leads of the motor, reaching whatever equipment you want to charge or run. If you don't use a regulator, batteries can explode. For those of you who don't know, voltage regulators are small chips. They can be easily soldered onto a circuit. It is quite simple and easy to acquire a schematic for every voltage regulator. You can get them at an electronics store or online.

Once you have used a voltage regulator with motor for bicycle generator, you can feel free to run any compatible appliance. You can get around 100 to 200 watts of power. However, you need to use the right kind of motor.

Basic Procedure for A Moving Bicycle - On the other hand, if you are trying to build a generator on a moving bicycle, you just have to mount the battery holder near the back tire. It will be better if you mount it just above the tire. This way, you will not have to use long connecting wires. You also need to make sure that the wires are tight and don't get caught up in the tire. The rest of the steps are the same as a stationary bicycle generator.


Thank you for reading my articles!

Electric Vehicle Connectors



Green is no longer just a color; it's a movement rooted in environmentalism and sustainability. As people around the world have realized that we need to protect the planet if we want it to stay healthy and beautiful for future generations, more and more products have entered the market to push the green movement forward. Electric cars are one of those developments, giving consumers the choice to be more environmentally friendly in their everyday transportation. Although most Americans own and use gas-powered cars, electric vehicles are growing in popularity and as their technology progresses, they will become even more convenient and appreciated. Electric vehicle connectors are an integral part of this new form of transportation; the cars need them to power up. But before we get into specifics, let's look at the basics of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles are a type of automobile that uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. Unlike gas-powered cars, they are fueled by electricity, which can come from a variety of sources (fossil fuels and nuclear power, but also renewable sources like tidal, solar, and wind power). They require less maintenance because they don't have as many parts as traditional vehicles, and they offer tax benefits. Electric vehicles are also easy to charge at home, run on renewable energy, and emit no pollution from their tailpipes. There are many benefits to owning an electric car, but like most things, they come with disadvantages too. Electric vehicles can take several hours to charge and aren't able to last on long road trips. They will also increase the demand for electricity and there are very few models currently available.

Charging up an electric vehicle is easy, but it will require some patience. The most convenient (but also expensive) option would be to purchase a charging station for home use. If you charge your car overnight, it will always be ready for the morning commute.

To make the process of charging an electric car more convenient, national societies and commissions work together to establish industry standards for electric vehicle connectors. The common connector for the United States is the J1772 combo plug, which was chosen by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It allows for AC and DC charging, is 43mm in diameter, and contains five pins. Designed for single phase electrical systems with 120 V or 240 V, electric vehicle connectors use a 1 kHz square wave at +/- 12 volts on the pilot pin (to detect the vehicle, communicate the maximum allowable current, and control the charging process). These connectors will often be located outside, so it is important that they are able to withstand environmental concerns like wind, rain, and heat. They are also equipped with many safety features like shock protection, connector pins located on the inside (so humans have no physical access), and pins that have zero voltage when not in use.

Technological advancements and growing popularity are helping consumers see electric vehicles as a viable alternative to their gas-guzzling automobiles, but it will take a while longer for them to truly compete. Right now, electric cars are just a great alternative for environmentally conscious drivers looking to make a change.

The Motorized Bicycles: How to Get One



A bicycle with a motor is commonly referred to as a motorized bicycle. This type of bicycle has a motor attached to it is used to assist the rider when peddling. These motors are electrically run. The motors on the bicycles can be small to assist the rider to propel the bicycle on tough terrain. Larger electric motors propel bicycles for longer distances. The electric power on these bicycles is supplied by rechargeable batteries. Bicycle with motor for sale are available in very few countries like Germany and China.

Building a motorized bicycle is a project you can do on your own in a few simple steps.

1. First, find a bicycle that is in good condition. This is because the motor will add-on an extra load on the bicycles. The bicycle should also have a carrier. This is where the batteries will be tied.

2. The second thing you should have is a battery pack and batteries. A bicycle with a motor requires batteries with 24 or 36 volts. The battery pack should have a charger to charge the batteries whenever they are low.

3. When buying a motor for the bicycle, it is essential to be strictly buying the required motor. The motor should have a bicycle chain sprocket. Most bicycle motors come without a sprocket. This type of motors requires a lot of modification to fit the sprocket and may break down after a short period of time. The sprocket size on the electric motor should also match the one on your bicycle.

4. Another piece of equipment needed for the bicycle is a throttle. A 1/aluminium steel plate and a single speed bicycle chain.

5. After collecting all the equipments needed, you can connect them to the bicycle. Connect the throttle to the controller. The motor is also connected to the controller. Using wires connect the batteries to the controller.

6. After connecting all the parts, turn the throttle to check if the motor is spinning. If it works the motor is ready to be fixed on the bicycle.

7. The motor is fixed on the bicycle triangle frame. The motor is aligned with the sprocket so as to power the bicycle. The controller is mounted to the bicycle frame from which it runs the electrical system.

8. Test the motor again before fastening the structure. If it runs, it means everything is fine. If not, carefully double-check the connection to ensure it is correct.

9. The throttle is attached to the handlebar and the battery pack is tied to the carrier.

10. Test the bicycle again to find out whether you can pedal and use the motor without any problem.

These bicycles are currently very costly and it would save you a lot of money if you are able to build one for yourself. You can engage your local mechanic to assist you with connecting the motor. The motor bicycle is still classified as a bicycle hence a rider should adhere to rules and safety measures that are stated for bicycle users. You should also be careful when riding by keeping the safety of other commuters in mind.

A Brief History of Electric Cars



While many people believe that electric cars are a fairly new invention, the electric vehicle or EV has been around for nearly two centuries. The first EV dates back to the 1830s. Several different models were built across Europe and America. Several versions were created as batteries improved. By the late 1880s, UK and France supported major development of electric vehicles. Camille Jenatzy of Belgium invented the fastest EV, which was clocked at 100 km per hour. Switzerland, which lacked the natural fossil resources of other nations, also supported the electrification on its railway system, reducing its dependence on foreign resources and helping to advance the technology even further.

In America, the first electric car was not developed until the late 1800s. The first EV of note was a wagon that held up to six passengers. William Morrison and A.L. Ryker designed this vehicle, and it is considered to be the first practical electric vehicle. Innovations in electric cars rapidly increased by the early 1900s. By the turn of the century, America was quite prosperous, and automobiles of all kinds were becoming much more popular. The first hybrid electric motor/combustion engine was made in 1916. These vehicles had an advantage over their competitors for a number of reasons. They were less noisy, and they did not have the smell and vibration associated with gar-powered vehicles.

EV's were quite successful in America through the 1920s. However, by the late 1920s and early 1930s, gasoline had begun to dominate the market. With the discovery of crude oil in Oklahoma and Texas and the development of the improved road infrastructure in America, gas-powered automobiles became much more affordable and popular. They could also now travel much farther and faster than their competitors. By the late 1930s, American electric cars had practically disappeared.

By the 1960s and 70s, the notion of alternative fueled vehicles and foreign oil independence became more known, but there was not much available on the market until the 1990s. With clean air legislation being passed by American government, a few major automobile manufacturers began announcing that they would be introducing some electric models into their lineup. Since the early 2000s, interest in electric and hybrid cars has increased. Automakers have slowly been moving away from fuel inefficient vehicles.

Since the end of the first decade of the 2000s, more manufacturers have been introducing entirely electric cars. Due to the increase in the cost of gasoline and the growing awareness of the importance of environmental consciousness, EV's have become far more popular, and it is likely that they will become even more popular in the near future.

Six Most Economical and Best Selling Hybrid Cars



If you are planning to go green, then you should take that passion and apply it to your automobiles too. Nowadays, you will find multitudes of fuel efficient cars that consume less fuel than regular ones, thus help in conserving the environment. These hybrid cars are equipped with a gasoline engine and an electric motor. But going green does not necessarily mean skipping out on style and exterior. As manufacturers now have started to combine both, hybrid cars are selling like hot cakes.

Here is my list of the most popular and top notch hybrid cars. The following six best selling hybrid cars have many luxury features too, which make them so attractive and expensive of course.

Toyota Prius Hybrid:

It is definitely not as large as the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (mentioned later), but Escalade's sales are nothing as compared to the selling power of Prius. Actually, Prius is the number one selling hybrid car in the market. Green loving people adore it for its excellent fuel economy and exterior design which has become its signature style. The latest version is larger and more comfortable and also has solar panels on the roof (which do not ruin its overall look if you are concerned about that). The cheapest of all on the list, it has an attractive price of $24,200.

Cadillac Hybrid Escalade:

This fabulous car is a perfect example of how you do not have to skip out on the bling to save the environment. It is the world's first full size luxury hybrid SUV and hence has a whopping price of $73,850. I would not skip out on this one if I were you because it has features that are totally worth the price. It has a powerful V-8 engine and can seat up to eight passengers. Its high tech interior features include: an ultra-sonic rear parking assist, a rear camera vision and music control that automatically adjusts to background noise. It comes with a 25% enhancement on fuel economy when evaluated to the standard Escalade. Obviously, it does not save as much fuel as the standard smaller sized hybrid cars, but if you are looking to combine luxury, space and utility and a more environmental friendly vehicle, then I would highly recommend the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

Lexus LS600h

For those of you who would like to opt for a smaller yet equally luxurious car as the Cadilac Hybrid Escalade, this one is for you. It is the largest and most luxurious car produced by Toyota (which is Lexus' parent company). It is different and unique in both, external and internal aspects. The electric motor can power the car at slower speeds to save gas and provide a power boost to the gas engine fuel economy at its best. I would recommend this if you want to combine a thrilling ride with green driving. Its interior is equally beautiful with a combination of sleek leather and wood. Every Lexus vehicle has a Remote Touch Interface (RTI), but this particular 12.3 inch version is more eye catching than the road. It even has a rear seat entertainment system with an underarm cool rest for cool beverages. Obviously, with all these extravagant features the price of this car is $119,910 which exceeds that of the Escalade.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

If you are looking for a family vehicle that can hold a large number of people as well as luggage and is environmental friendly, then Toyota's Highlander Hybrid is the perfect fit for you. It can seat up to seven people as well as having plenty of space for luggage, sports equipment etc. It has a sophisticated powertrain with a 3.5 liter V6 engine accompanied with two rather than the usual one, electric motors. It gives you up to 37 percent more fuel economy. It is also quite strong externally and is able to weather rough conditions and uneven dirt roads without a hitch. Internally, as mentioned before, it is spacious with adequate leg room. It is equipped with the latest technology like, a "Display Audio" multi-media system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and Toyota's Entune service, which offers apps like Bing search services, iheartradio.com and Pandora music. The price $46,370 in my opinion is quite reasonable and affordable considering all the features it has to offer.

Honda Civic Hybrid:

Honda Civic hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrid cars in the market, therefore it automatically earns a place on this list. It is not very different from the standard Civic model which makes it difficult to distinguish. Its gas electric powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline-four that teams up with electric motor to give 110 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The exterior is the same as Civic but the latest model has been upgraded with slightly different features and a better interior too. The air vents have been revised and the cabin has been made more sound proof. Overall, the driving experience is also quite enjoyable; it is easy to handle and accelerates well. It is priced at a fair $24,360. However, lately its price has been trumped by the cheaper Honda Insight.

Toyota Camry Hybrid:

Another Toyota car on the list, which is hardly surprising considering Toyota offers some of the bestselling and popular hybrid cars. Similar to Highlander Hybrid, this all in one type also provides excellent performance and a comfortable and spacious interior. The engine is a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle inline four-cylinder gasoline combined with an electric motor. The car is available in two trim grades: the LE and the XLE. The former has all the basic features such as A/C, keyless entry, cruise control etc. The XLE is a more advanced version with extra interesting features such as a 6.1 inch touchscreen and a leather strapped steering wheel with audio control. Contrasted to the standard Camry, on the whole, there is a 26 % enhancement in fuel economy. The price is reasonable at $26,140 and the XLE version costs $1530 more.