Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Introduction2

Research Questions3

Hypothesis3

Significance of the study4

Literature Review4

Historical Background4

Electric & Hybrid Vehicles5

Theoretical Framework6

Theoretical Background of EVs6

Theory of Operation7

Quantitative Research Methods8

Qualitative Research Methods9

Discussions10

Conclusion11

Annotated Bibliography12

References15

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Introduction

The research on hybrid vehicles is to study the characteristics and properties of the new type of vehicles that are intended to take over the transportation system in order to meet the requirements of the modern age. These vehicles have a different working phenomenon then the conventional vehicles. They use an advanced mechanism to achieve a greater efficiency. This research will help to create a better understanding of Hybrid and electric vehicles. The study will help to discover the properties, implications, advantages, limitations and hurdles in the adaption of these vehicles.

The demand for private transport and mobility has a deep relation with national income and development (Dargay and Gately, 2007 and WBCSD, 2004). The increase in the rate of demand of private vehicle is directly proportional to the national income increase, and this has created a relationship between growing income and emission (Schipper and Fulton, 2003). The need for transport vehicles had a significant increase in the last few decades. More and more vehicles become a part of our transportation system daily. This increase in demand of personal vehicles has induced a great demand for the fuel used by these vehicles. Most of these vehicles use petrol, compressed natural gas or diesel as fuel. Hence the increase in transportation vehicles has mounted the demand of these natural fossil fuels. As we know that the sources of natural fuel are limited so, only a limited requirement of fuel can be fulfilled for a limited amount of time by the existing reserves, this thought gives birth to the idea of alternative fuel. The massive combustion of fossil fuel also creates hazardous gasses as a by-product of the combustion reaction carried out in the combustion engines. So the alternative fuel required for the transportation vehicle should be environment friendly and renewable or synthetically producible, as well.

After a long journey to find the right alternative fuel the experiments and observations designated electricity as a feasible alternative fuel for vehicles. The development of a vehicle using electric energy as a fuel resulted in what is known as EVs or Electric Vehicles. EVs reduce reliance on petroleum, and they are able to store energy from an easily reachable source of electricity that may be domestic and relatively economical. EVs encompass the potential to unchain innovation and produce new and advanced industries that will increase job opportunities and develop economic prosperity. EVs are also vital for the countries who are seeking to decarbonize the transport and vehicle sector (Gerstenfeld A., et. al. 2010).

Research Questions

What are the environmental and economical advantages of EVs and HEVs over conventional vehicles?

Is the efficiency of these vehicles greater than conventional vehicles; what is the market condition of these vehicles?

What are the technical limitations; Is the electric grid structure ready to support these vehicles?

Hypothesis

H1: EVs and HEVs provide economical, environmental and operational advantages over ...