People are beginning to make changes in their lives as a result of increased awareness of environmental concerns and sustainability. As a result, people are turning to alternative forms of transportation to help bring about change. These alternative forms of transportation will help contribute to environmentally sustainability.

The History of Electric Transportation: A Pioneering Endeavour

Ever since Scotsman, Robert Davidson, built the first electric locomotive in 1838, the world has long been fascinated by electric-powered transportation methods. There was a time, in fact, that it was widely believed that electric motors would become far more popular than their gas counterparts. Electric automobiles greatly out-numbered gas automobiles before the invention of combustion engines. The first land speed and distance records, in the early 1900′s, were even held by electric cars. Although the combustion engine made gasoline the power source of choice for vehicles, there have been several advancements in electric powered motors that have created clean, environmentally friendly cars, trains, and other alternative sources of transportation.

The Hybrid: Car of the Future?

While a "battery electric" car runs purely on electricity, a hybrid car combines aspects of both electric and conventional automobiles. Hybrid cars are becoming a popular choice because of their unique way of conserving and using energy. A Hybrid vehicle uses an on-board rechargeable storage system and a fuelled power source for propulsion – and as a result, helps save the planet while getting you to your destination.

Is an Electric Car better than a Hybrid? Or Vice Versa?

When considering the purchase of an alternatively powered vehicle, you may find yourself wondering which is better, an electric car or a hybrid? It is difficult to give the gold medal to one car over the other because both cars have advantages and disadvantages over the other. Ultimately, you choice in car will depend on the type of lifestyle you lead and your own unique preferences. The main disadvantage associated with storage batteries for electric cars is that they do not hold much energy for their weight. Gasoline, in fact, contains 100 times more energy per pound than its rival electric battery. As a result, even with the advancements in today’s technology, an electric car would be required to carry several thousand pounds of batters in or to drive as far between charges, as a conventional car can drive between fill-ups. Hybrids, on the other hand, do not face the same problems of short driving spans that electrical cars do. Hybrids, however, do still consume some amounts of gasoline. This is the main reason most people – those looking to make the most positive impact environmentally – choose the electric car over a Hybrid. It is important to note that although they do run on gas, hybrids are much more efficient in their usage than a conventional vehicle.

Europe Versus North American Transportation: The Continental Divide

European countries are world leaders when it comes to accepting new forms of alternative transportation. Hybrid and electric cars, for example are much more popular in Europe than in North America. Many experts agree that this lack of popularity in North America can be contributed to the fact that most hybrid and electric cars can’t meet the demands of the average North American commuter.