Thursday, October 22, 2009
1. Before you go to the first dealer, try to arrange financing with your bank, credit union, or other financial institution. Compare finance charges to find the best deal.
2. Know beforehand what the total cost will be, including price, down payments, the interest rate and monthly payments.
3. When you are ready to actually go look at cars, take someone with you whose experience and judgment you trust.
4. Do not sign any documents until you have read and understand them. Make sure there are no blank spaces, all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included, and the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out.
5. If you are required to make a deposit, ask whether it is refundable and under what circumstances, and make sure the information is also included in the contract (the contract may be your only receipt).
6. Before buying a used car, have your own technician inspect it. A used car may have major mechanical or structural problems; replacement parts may be hard to find; the seller may misrepresent the car's mileage or condition; and warranty coverage may not be available.
7. The "three-day cooling off period" for canceling a contract does NOT apply to new or used car purchases. Many consumers think that it does apply, but it does not. As of July 1, 2006 the "Car Buyers Bill of Rights" offers the "option" of a cooling off period of 2 days for a fee.
8. For used cars, a dealer is required to make sure the car is in safe working order before it leaves the lot. This means the car must have brakes, lights, etc.
2. Know beforehand what the total cost will be, including price, down payments, the interest rate and monthly payments.
3. When you are ready to actually go look at cars, take someone with you whose experience and judgment you trust.
4. Do not sign any documents until you have read and understand them. Make sure there are no blank spaces, all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included, and the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out.
5. If you are required to make a deposit, ask whether it is refundable and under what circumstances, and make sure the information is also included in the contract (the contract may be your only receipt).
6. Before buying a used car, have your own technician inspect it. A used car may have major mechanical or structural problems; replacement parts may be hard to find; the seller may misrepresent the car's mileage or condition; and warranty coverage may not be available.
7. The "three-day cooling off period" for canceling a contract does NOT apply to new or used car purchases. Many consumers think that it does apply, but it does not. As of July 1, 2006 the "Car Buyers Bill of Rights" offers the "option" of a cooling off period of 2 days for a fee.
8. For used cars, a dealer is required to make sure the car is in safe working order before it leaves the lot. This means the car must have brakes, lights, etc.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor (or motors) powered by rechargeable battery packs. Electric motors have several advantages over internal combustion engines (ICEs):
* Energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels-internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.
* Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
* Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.
* Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
EVs face significant battery-related challenges:
* Driving range. Most EVs can only go about 100-200 miles before recharging-gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refueling.
* Recharge time. Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours. Even a "quick charge" to 80% capacity can take 30 min.
* Battery cost: The large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times.
* Bulk & weight: Battery packs are heavy and take up considerable vehicle space.
However, researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight, and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.
* Energy efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels-internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.
* Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
* Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than ICEs.
* Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.
EVs face significant battery-related challenges:
* Driving range. Most EVs can only go about 100-200 miles before recharging-gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refueling.
* Recharge time. Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours. Even a "quick charge" to 80% capacity can take 30 min.
* Battery cost: The large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times.
* Bulk & weight: Battery packs are heavy and take up considerable vehicle space.
However, researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight, and cost. These factors will ultimately determine the future of EVs.
Labels: Electric Vehicles
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