Electric+Cars+(Matthew+Steven+Pestotnik)


 * What is it**?[[image:http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/features/2006/who-killed-the-electric-car/03-large/who-tesla-electric-car.jpg width="351" height="242" align="right" caption="Shown above is one model of an electric car. This model, made by Tesla can go 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a 244 mile range.  This car sets the bar for all electric cars, but it also proves how advanced electric cars are and it defies any notions that electric cars are not fast since this one reaches up to 120 mph (Tesla Motors, 2009). "]]


 * Throughout the world, many companies are starti ng to design and produce electric cars. An electric car is an alternative fuel automobile that uses electric motors and motor controllers for propulsion, in place of more common propulsion methods such as the internal combustion engine (electric car).
 * These cars are being built to address problems that gas cars cause. Would it not be nice to just plug your car in at night instead of having to gas it up every week? Would it not be nice to not have to go and change the oil on your car? Would it not be nice to know that you are saving hundreds of dollars on gas? These are just a few questions that give reason to the beginning of electric cars.

media type="youtube" key="OmOW0z__AMI" height="344" width="425" In some countries such as Israel (as shown in video above), governments are beginning to allow the mass production of electric cars. This is perfect for smaller countries that do not use cars as much as compared to the United States. Although, it is said that some large cities such as New York may begin to use electric cars. These electric cars are being perfected every day to be regular vehicles on the road. These cars will not only start an automobile revolution, but they will also address many problems and become a great factor in helping out society and the world (Bringing the electric car to the world, 2008 January 27).


 * What problems will the Electric Cars address?**


 * Electric cars will address many problems that gas powered cars cause. Electric cars similar to hybrid cars are a renovation because of gas powered cars. Electric cars are financially much more affordable. The average cost of gas for a week compared to the average cost to power your car for a week cuts the costs in almost half. This will save you thousands of dollars a year. Also, you will be able to charge these cars at your house so no service stations will be needed (Cost of electric vs. gas-powered vehicles, 2008).
 * Electric cars are 100% emission-free. So, there is no pollution into the atmosphere which addresses many problems having to do with global warming and the ecosystem (What are the advantages of electric cars over hybrid automobiles, 2009).
 * Since the cars are electric, they are also very quiet, thus a decrease in sound pollution.
 * Many of the electric car models also have a lot of torque, so you can accelerate faster. Electric cars are more efficient and less pollutant when compared to gas and hybrid vehicles (electric car facts,2009).


 * When is it useful?**


 * Electric cars are useful whenever you would use you regular gas powered car for travel. Although, instead of driving a gas guzzling monster, you will be driving an eco-friendly vehicle. They are ideal for everyday travel and driving will be encouraged more since these new cars are so environmentally friendly.


 * What nutrient cycle does it effect?** [[image:http://www.eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/images/carboncycle_sm.jpg width="324" height="324" align="right" caption="Shown above is the carbon cycle (Carbon Cycle)."]]


 * Electric cars effect the carbon cycle the most. A main reason electric cars are so important is because they do not emit the fossil fuels/greenhouse gasses that gas-powered cars do. By not emitting and burning all of these fossil fuels, the carbon cycle is not as harmed (electric car facts, 2009).
 * When gas-powered cars burn so many fossil fuels, they unbalance the whole carbon cycle. When the gas-powered cars release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, it traps heat. When this greenhouse gas is trapped, it causes the global temperature to rise. This is a main reason why gas-powered cars are so harmful.


 * Is it a viable solution to protect the biosphere?**


 * Yes electric cars are a viable solution to protecting the biosphere. As mentioned, these cars are emission free, which will protect the atmosphere and in turn not kill the ozone.


 * Possible consequences?**
 * "Power plants may need to produce more power for the higher demand. Although, these power plants can use clean energy such as hydro, solar, or wind energy" (Cost of electric vs. gas-powered vehicles, 2008).
 * The batteries used to power these cars contain toxic elements or produce toxic emissions which may cause problems with transporting and discarding. Safe ways to recycle these batteries needs to be addressed (Electric cars and alternative options).

 **Works Cited**

(n.d.). //The Carbon Cycle//. Retrieved from http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/images/carboncycle_sm.jpg

(2008, January 27). //Bringing the electric car to the world//. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmOW0z__AMI

(2008). Cost of electric vs. gas-powered vehicles. //Assorted Tips//, Retrieved from http://assortedtips.blogspot.com/2008/01/cost-of-electric-vs-gas-powered.html

(n.d.). //Electric cars and alternative options//. Retrieved from http://cr.middlebury.edu/es/altenergylife/electric_car_page.htm

(2009). Electric Car Facts. //Articlesbase//, Retrieved from http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/electric-car-facts-787082.html

(n.d.). Electric Car. //Wikipedia//. Retrieved (2009, October 18) from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_car

(2009). //Tesla Motors//. Retrieved from http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/perf_specs.php

(2009). //What are the advantages of electric cars over hybrid automobiles?//. Retrieved from http://www.allabouthybridcars.com/suv-hybrid-autos.htm