Electric cars represent a viable option to end our reliance on oil. We can generate electrons and send their energy directly into batteries that power efficient electric motors. Unlike engines, motors do not generate friction or heat, and provide over 90% efficiency. We can minimize greenhouse gases, save drastically on powering our automobiles, and jumpstart a sustainable, powerhouse industry.

Challenges We Face

• The total US installed generation capacity is approximately 1000 GW
• There are approximately 200 million cars in the United States
• By the year 2020, if 10% of US vehicles will be some form of PHEV or PEV
• If each PHEV or PEV has a storage capacity of 30 kWh
• Vehicles are in use an average of 1 hour/day
• (10%) * (200*10⁶ vehicles) * (30 kWh) = 600 GWh

600 GWH is both a threat to today's utility and an opportunity. If not utilized properly, it will drive up the peak demand and may cause grid instability. If used wisely, these vehicles can become a distributed energy storage device (DESD) for the utility and hence can be dispatched to lower the peak demand, delay the construction of new power plants.

Beside significant challenges in the area of PHEV and PEV management, there is also a significant challenge in developing cheaper, lighter and better batteries. The energy density in the battery must be further improved. In addition, the power electronics technologies that interface the battery with the grid and the motor must be further improved to increase efficency and reduce weight.