In the twentieth century the automobile – perhaps more than any other invention – profoundly changed the way we live. The Ford Model T, then the dominant design, accounted for ¾ of all cars in America in 1912. Wheels, an engine and bodywork were sufficient to broaden our horizons, expand our opportunities and dramatically redefined our definition of community. The freedom and mobility that came with the new technology changed societies. This is true in the developed economies of North America and Europe as well as in the developing nations of the world. It is in the latter, the automobile is arguably of even greater benefit to society, playing a key role in helping economies start up the difficult road toward prosperity and an improved quality of life.
And once society has achieved value it won’t easy let go of it! However, alongside these benefits, we also have to witness the emergence of global environmental issues such as global warming and the dwindling of natural resources since the latter half of the 20th century until today. It is an undeniable fact that the automobile has been one of the elements inflicting environmental impact on the earth besides industry. Since society cannot or is not willing to step back, we must strive by all means to achieve a harmonious balance on earth. A greener car is a better idea. It is a new twist on familiar technologies, like gasoline and diesel power. Moreover, it is new technologies – like fuel cell and hybrid. Nevertheless, it is not easy to achieve this. Automakers made progress in reducing tailpipe emissions and making vehicles cleaner, supporting standards for cleaner fuel, increasing vehicles safety features, improving fuel efficiency and diversity, and building vehicles with less production waste and higher levels of recycling, but nevertheless the motor vehicle industry is facing a period of change and challenge.
Global consolidation and alliances among companies continue to occur.
Companies are fiercely competing for business and on environmental, vehicle safety and energy efficiency advances.
Technological advances are occurring at a faster pace than ever before.
Regulatory hurdles are set higher and higher.
Partnerships with government and allies flourish.
Consumers are demanding new features and enhanced performance as they choose new vehicles.
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Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Early dominant design engines.
- 2.1 Four-Stroke Otto Engine
- 2.2 Diesel Engine
- 2.3 Wankel Rotary Engine
- 3. Current Environmental Vehicles.
- 3.1 Electrical Vehicles
- 3.1.1 Technical analysis of 'battery powered electrical vehicles'
- 3.1.2 Analysis of battery-powered EVs
- 3.1.3 Acceptance
- 3.1.4 Technical analysis of fuel cell powered electrical vehicles'
- 3.1.5 Analysis of fuel cell powered EVs
- 3.1.6 Acceptance
- 3.1.7 Short analysis of photovoltaic
- 3.2 Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
- 3.2.1 Technical analysis of ‘AFVs’
- 3.2.2 Analysis of ‘AFVs’
- 3.2.3 Acceptance
- 3.3 Hybrid Electrical Vehicles
- 3.3.1 Technical analysis of ‘HEV’
- 3.3.2 Analysis of Hybrid Electrical Vehicles
- 3.3.3 Acceptance
- 3.4 Fuel Availability and Development
- 3.4.1 Decrease of fuel availability
- 3.4.2 Increase of emissions
- 3.5 Acceptance of Alternative Fuels in Different Countries
- 3.5.1 Europe
- 3.5.2 North America
- 3.5.3 Asia
- 3.5.4 South America
- 3.5.5 Increasing demand for natural gas and natural gas resources
- 3.5.6 Reasons for that situation
- 4. Paradigm shift needed - how automakers can help
- 5. Conclusions.
- 6. References.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper examines the challenges and advantages of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), considering both present and future implications. It aims to analyze the current state of environmental vehicle technology, weigh the pros and cons of different fuel types, and explore potential obstacles to adoption from both consumer and automaker perspectives. The paper investigates why certain countries promote AFVs more aggressively than others, explores efficient natural gas resource utilization, and examines how societal factors influence the adoption of new technologies.
- The evolution of engine technology and the emergence of dominant designs.
- The environmental impact of automobiles and the need for sustainable alternatives.
- A comparative analysis of different types of environmental vehicles (EVs, AFVs, HEVs).
- The role of government policies and consumer acceptance in driving technological change.
- The challenges and opportunities related to fuel availability and development.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the profound impact of the automobile on society, emphasizing both its benefits (increased mobility and economic growth) and its negative consequences (environmental damage and resource depletion). It establishes the central problem: the need for a balance between the societal benefits of automobiles and the pressing need for environmental sustainability. The chapter introduces the concept of a "greener car" as a solution, acknowledging the challenges faced by automakers in this transition.
2. Early dominant design engines: This section delves into the history of automotive engine technology, examining the characteristics and impact of three early dominant designs: the four-stroke Otto engine, the diesel engine, and the Wankel rotary engine. It likely explores their respective efficiencies, environmental impacts, and market penetration, providing a historical context for the current push toward alternative fuels.
3. Current Environmental Vehicles: This chapter forms the core of the paper, providing a comprehensive overview of various types of environmentally friendly vehicles. It analyzes battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell-powered electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. Each sub-section likely examines the technical aspects, performance characteristics, market acceptance, and environmental implications of each type of vehicle, presenting a comparative analysis. The section on fuel availability and development likely explores the challenges of securing sustainable and efficient fuel sources for these vehicles, and the section on acceptance across different countries examines the factors influencing adoption rates in various regions.
4. Paradigm shift needed - how automakers can help: This chapter likely analyzes the necessary changes in the automotive industry to facilitate the widespread adoption of AFVs. This may include discussions of technological innovation, marketing strategies, collaborations with governments, and overcoming regulatory hurdles. It likely focuses on the role automakers play in driving the paradigm shift towards environmentally sustainable transportation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Alternative fuel vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, environmental impact, sustainable transportation, fuel availability, engine technology, consumer acceptance, government policy, paradigm shift, automotive industry, Otto engine, diesel engine, Wankel engine, natural gas, emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Environmental Vehicles
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of environmental vehicles, exploring their history, current technologies, challenges, and future prospects. It analyzes different types of vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), examining their technical aspects, market acceptance, and environmental impact. The document also discusses the role of automakers, government policies, and consumer behavior in shaping the transition to more sustainable transportation.
What types of vehicles are discussed?
The document covers a wide range of vehicle types, including:
- Battery-powered electric vehicles
- Fuel cell-powered electric vehicles
- Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs)
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
For each type, a detailed analysis is provided, encompassing technical specifications, performance, market acceptance, and environmental considerations.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
Key themes include the evolution of engine technology, the environmental impact of automobiles, comparative analysis of different environmental vehicle types, the influence of government policies and consumer acceptance, challenges and opportunities related to fuel availability and development, and the necessary paradigm shift in the automotive industry.
What is the historical context provided?
The document explores the history of automotive engine technology, focusing on early dominant designs such as the four-stroke Otto engine, the diesel engine, and the Wankel rotary engine. This historical perspective helps to understand the current push toward alternative fuels and the challenges involved in transitioning to more sustainable transportation.
What is the role of government policies and consumer acceptance?
The document examines the significant impact of government policies and consumer acceptance on the adoption of environmental vehicles. It analyzes how different countries promote AFVs with varying degrees of aggressiveness and explores the reasons behind these differences. The influence of societal factors on the adoption of new technologies is also investigated.
What are the challenges related to fuel availability and development?
The document addresses the challenges associated with securing sustainable and efficient fuel sources for environmental vehicles. It discusses the decreasing availability of traditional fuels, the increase in emissions, and the increasing demand for natural gas and its resources. The reasons behind this situation are also analyzed.
What is the role of automakers in the transition to sustainable transportation?
The document emphasizes the crucial role automakers play in driving the paradigm shift towards environmentally sustainable transportation. It explores the necessary changes within the automotive industry, including technological innovation, marketing strategies, collaborations with governments, and overcoming regulatory hurdles.
What are the conclusions of the document?
While the specific conclusions aren't detailed in the provided summary, it's implied that the document concludes by summarizing the findings from the comparative analyses of different vehicle types, the impact of government policies and consumer behavior, and the necessary actions by automakers to facilitate the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles.
What keywords are associated with this document?
Keywords include: Alternative fuel vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, environmental impact, sustainable transportation, fuel availability, engine technology, consumer acceptance, government policy, paradigm shift, automotive industry, Otto engine, diesel engine, Wankel engine, natural gas, emissions.
- Quote paper
- Jens Unger (Author), Nina Moos (Author), 2002, Challanges and advantages of alternative fuel vehicles, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/10941