Beatrice Lang
The term all-electric is often used to describe vehicles that run solely on electricity and produce zero exhaust emissions. These vehicles are also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and have an electric motor powered by batteries that can be charged by plugging the vehicle into a socket. The all-electric range has been increasing over the years, with the average range for BEVs in 2021 being 216.9 miles, up from 78.9 miles in 2010. The term all-electric can also be used more broadly to refer to a system or product that is powered entirely by electricity, such as an all-electric house or an all-electric airline.
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What You'll Learn
Electric cars
There are several types of electric cars. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have an average range of 150 to 400 miles per recharge, and this range has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2010, the average range for a BEV was 78.9 miles, while in 2021, it was 216.9 miles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can also operate as EVs but can function as gas-electric hybrids when the battery charge is low. The all-electric range for PHEVs is typically between 20 and 40 miles, but they can travel much further in charge-sustaining mode, which uses both fuel combustion and battery power. The all-electric range for PHEVs has also increased over the years, from an average of 20.5 miles in 2012 to 38.5 miles in 2021.
Some companies that have ventured into the electric car market include Jaguar, which offers all-electric E-types, and Xpeng Inc., a Chinese electric vehicle maker that hosted the global launch of its X9 minivan in Hong Kong. Rolls-Royce is also researching an all-electric product.
For those considering purchasing an electric vehicle, there are several factors to consider, such as charging options, range needs, and how EVs compare to gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of performance and cost. "Range anxiety" is a common concern among prospective EV owners, but becoming more informed about EV ranges and battery preservation can help alleviate these concerns.
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Electric planes
Electric aircraft are powered by electricity, which is most commonly supplied by batteries. They are seen as a way to reduce the environmental impact of aviation, providing zero emissions and quieter flights. The use of electricity for aircraft propulsion was first experimented with during the development of the airship in the 19th century. Electrically-powered model aircraft have been flown since at least 1957, preceding the small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones used today.
The first crewed free flight by an electrically-powered plane, the MB-E1, was made in 1973, and most crewed electric aircraft today are still experimental prototypes. However, some companies have already made significant strides in the development of electric aircraft. For example, the Lange E1 Antares, the world's first serially produced self-launching, manned electric aircraft with EASA type certification, completed its maiden flight in 1999. Since 2004, more than 100 aircraft of this type have been delivered, totalling more than 165,000 electric flight hours.
In addition to battery-powered aircraft, there is also growing interest in hybrid-electric aircraft, which use multiple energy sources in flight to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. For example, Siemens and Diamond Aircraft have partnered to develop a multi-engine hybrid-electric aircraft with lower fuel consumption and decreased noise pollution. By 2019, the number of known electric aircraft development programmes was nearly 170, with the majority aimed at the urban air taxi role.
The aviation industry is actively working towards decarbonisation, and electrification is seen as a key technology to achieve this goal. Companies like Airbus are investing in research and development to advance hybridisation and electrification technologies for aircraft, helicopters, and urban air vehicles. With continued advancements in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, the future of aviation looks set to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
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Electric appliances
Electric vehicles, for instance, cars, trucks, and airplanes, are also gaining traction. Electric cars, such as the Kia e-Niro, are powered by batteries and produce zero exhaust emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol or diesel engines. Electric car engines are also quieter and offer a smoother driving experience. Additionally, electric vehicles have an all-electric range (AER), which refers to the maximum distance they can travel using only power from their onboard battery pack. This range is typically between 150 and 400 miles for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and 20 to 40 miles for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The popularity of electric appliances extends beyond transportation. Electric machines are being used for high-speed packaging and medical markets, such as Negri Bossi North America's Nova eT series. Furthermore, the concept of an 'all-electric' home is becoming more prevalent, with some people opting for electric heating systems and heat pumps instead of traditional gas furnaces.
Overall, the trend towards 'all-electric' solutions reflects a global shift towards more sustainable and efficient energy usage, as well as the improved performance and convenience offered by modern electric appliances.
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Electric heating
Electric Infrared Radiant Heating
This method uses heating elements that reach high temperatures. An example of this type of heating is a radiant heater, which operates silently but poses a risk of igniting nearby furnishings due to the focused intensity of its output and its lack of overheat protection. In the United Kingdom, these heaters are sometimes called "electric fires" because they were originally used to replace open fires.
Convection Heating
Convection heaters use a heating element to heat the air in contact with it by thermal conduction. Hot air is less dense than cool air, so it rises, allowing more cool air to flow in and take its place. This sets up a convection current of hot air that rises from the heater, heats the surrounding space, cools, and then repeats the cycle.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use an electric motor to drive a reversed refrigeration cycle, drawing heat energy from an external source such as the ground or outside air and directing it into the space to be warmed. This method is more efficient than direct electric heating but requires more expensive equipment and plumbing. Heat pumps can also be operated in reverse for air conditioning, discharging hot air or water outside or into the ground.
Electric Underfloor Heating
Electric underfloor heating systems use heating cables embedded in the floor, supplied with current either directly from the line voltage or at low voltage from a transformer. The heated cables warm the flooring by direct conduction and switch off once the desired temperature is reached, as set by a thermostat. The warm floor surface radiates heat to colder surrounding surfaces, which absorb the heat and reflect any unabsorbed heat to cooler surfaces.
Water Heating
For domestic or industrial hot water supply, permanently installed heating elements in an insulated hot water tank can be used, controlled by a thermostat to regulate the temperature. Electric showers and showerheads are also available, using an immersion heater that turns on with the flow of water.
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Electric vs hybrid cars
Electric cars and hybrid cars are two types of vehicles that use electricity to function. However, they differ in several ways, including their power sources, environmental impact, cost, and maintenance.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by electricity stored in batteries, which means they produce zero tailpipe emissions and have no reliance on gasoline. The absence of an internal combustion engine results in fewer moving parts, reduced need for maintenance, and instant torque for brisk acceleration. The main environmental advantage of EVs is their lack of smog-forming emissions and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, depending on the source of electricity used for charging. However, the electricity used to charge EVs may come from power plants fuelled by coal or natural gas, which can impact their overall environmental footprint. Additionally, EVs may have higher upfront costs compared to hybrid cars.
Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor, allowing them to run on both gasoline and electricity. This provides hybrid cars with the flexibility to fall back on gasoline power when needed. Hybrids have smaller batteries and emit some gases due to their internal combustion engine. While they have a lower environmental impact than traditional gas-only cars, they still rely on fossil fuels and create harmful emissions. Hybrids have varying levels of electric power usage, depending on the type, such as mild hybrids, series hybrids, or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). PHEVs offer extended electric-only driving ranges and can be recharged both at home and on the go, making them a transitional option for those considering switching to EVs.
When choosing between an electric and a hybrid car, factors such as driving needs, access to charging stations, upfront cost, and environmental considerations come into play. Electric cars offer a more environmentally friendly option with lower long-term costs due to the elimination of gasoline expenses. In contrast, hybrid cars provide a balance between traditional gas-powered vehicles and EVs, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact without completely relying on electric power.
In summary, electric cars and hybrid cars each have their advantages and suit different use cases. Electric cars excel in environmental performance, reduced maintenance needs, and smooth driving experiences, while hybrid cars offer a transitional option with the flexibility of using both electricity and gasoline.
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Frequently asked questions
"All-electric" refers to something that runs solely on electricity, such as all-electric cars, which do not use a conventional petrol or diesel engine.
Examples of all-electric vehicles include the Kia e-Niro, Jaguar Classic E-types, and the Tesla pickup truck.
All-electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly than conventional cars as they produce no exhaust emissions. They are also more economical for city driving as they can be powered by an electric motor at low speeds.
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