Electric Cars: The Answer to Rising Gas Prices?

It is no secret that gas prices in the United States are becoming outrageous- with no end in sight! As gas prices continue to climb higher and higher many people are turning to new sources of fuel to drive their vehicles. At the forefront of this alternative fuel is the "electric car". The concept around the electric car is pretty simple; a high-power battery instead of gasoline fuels the car. However, the electric car has its imposing limits. There has been much debate over whether the electric car is the answer to the gasoline crisis in America.

Supporters of this new electric vehicle believe that switching to these vehicles will help the economy relieve its dependence of the perishing oil supply. Some proponents believe that the electric vehicle has not been implemented because manufacturers are scared that they will lose profits; however, some site the popularity among consumers of the hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, which run on both electricity and a small amount of gasoline. Some believe that switching over to completely electric vehicles in the near future will also be possible for consumers and manufacturers.

However, opponents believe that it is just not feasible for America to run on solely electric vehicles. Electric cars only have the power to go a maximum of one hundred miles before they need to be recharged and opponents site that the average consumer drive many more miles than that on a daily basis. Some are also concerned about the performance of electric vehicles because they lack the acceleration power of internal combustion engines found in gasoline powered vehicles. Many believe that the concept of the electric car is promising, but that it fails to deliver the power necessary to make the switch.

The electric vehicle has provided a sense of hope to consumers that help for the rising gas prices is on the horizon. However, there is another concept for an alternative fuel vehicle that is taking shape. This alternative fuel comes in the form of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). These vehicles are powered by an electric motor, but also have fuel cells to create the electricity for the motor by using hydrogen fuel. Fuel cell vehicles are currently being tested for their durability and ability to withstand the amount of power the average American consumer desires in their vehicles. It is very possible that by 2012 FCVs will be available for purchase.

So, is an electric car the vehicle that will save you at the pump? Well, that depends on your needs. They can be helpful for people who do not due a lot of daily driving and do not frequent interstates. However, for those consumers who travel more than 30-50 miles a day, they may be disappointed with the lack of power an electric vehicle provides.

However, for those of us who cannot benefit for the current technology that the electric car provides - Don't worry! There may be help on the horizon in the form of Fuel Cell Vehicles and the development of hydrogen fuel. So although our wallets may be hurting now, that might be only temporary!