Th!nk Outside of the Box

Mar 06

2008

Posted by Angela Baker in Thnk, emissions, electric vehicle, electric car

In today's world of eco-friendly inventions, the electric car is getting its fair share of exposure. Not only are gas prices at an all-time high right now, but the fuel emissions that emanate from petroleum juiced engines cause a breakdown in what we desire to be clean air. An electric car emits absolutely no emissions due to the lack of a tailpipe, as well as zero evaporative dischargefrom a fuel system.

The invention of the electric vehicle has been around for a little while, and the sophistication of the design keeps getting better. Options include anything from a car that affords the driver a short trip to the local grocery store, to the types that look like your run of the mill vehicle and allows for a considerably longer excursion.

So, beside the characteristics already mentioned, what are the benefits of owning and driving an electric vehicle? Let's reiterate the fact that electric cars do not emit poisonous toxins into the air we also have to breathe. If more people drove these types of vehicles, we could, as a whole, reduce the carbon dioxide levels in the air. For those who don't know what the effects of carbon dioxide are, let me tell you. Quite simply, carbon dioxide adds to the global warming effects we currently experience because of the years of exposure the air has succumbed to from the many different toxins being emitted.

In addition to the advantages we will obtain if we reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the air, we will also reduce some of the cancer risks that we, unfortunately, currently see a great deal of. Beside carbon dioxide, a toxic pollutant called benzene is seen in petroleum. Benzene has many ill effects. On top of a recognized cancer risk, benzene can cause breathing disorders and dizziness when an individual encounters a high level of contact. An increase in electric vehicle drivers will allow for the levels in the air of this impurity to be diminished.

As stated above, many electric cars have been, and continue to be, marketed for ecological purposes. In fact, GE has invested a total of $24 million into its new Th!nk electric car. GE will be revealing this vehicle for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show, which started March 6^th and will go until March 16^th. Weighing in at only 350 kilograms, this car will likely be able to see speeds of around 85 MPH.

The dynamic of the engine will charge the battery, allowing the Th!nk to travel about 280 miles before having to be recharged. GE alleges that the car will go from 0-60mph in eight seconds.

Obviously the Th!nk is not going to be entering into any drag races or the Indy 500, but it is well equipped for the necessities of city driving. The main advantage, as with all eco-friendly cars, is the lack of toxins that are being sent up into the air. One more option to make the world a greener place!