Electric cars are increasingly talked about in the media. In this unit, we will look at why they are gaining popularity, the theory behind how electric vehicles work, and you will make and refine your own drag racer.
To help us understand the present (and to look to the future) we must first look at the past. Many people think that electric cars are a 21st century idea, but this isn't the case.
Go online, and see if you can find the first commercially produced electric car.
Badge It - Silver
Draw a basic timeline of the history of the electric car, including significant dates.
State the sources of your information and try to use more than one site.
Add pictures and short explanations to your timeline of what happened at each point.
Learn It
Go online and investigate the use of fossil fuels and climate change.
Look at the impact on the environment that burning oil and gas is having on the environment.
Badge It - Gold
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the electric car. Explain each point.
Some clues? How efficient are electric motors compared to ICE (Internal Combustion Engines). What is regen braking? What is the range, i.e. how far can you drive?, of electric vs ICE car. What is the average commute, journey to work, in the UK? What are the prices of EVs vs. ICE cars? Compare Vauxhall Astras. How is Lithium, for the batteries, and Crude oil mined/extracted? What are the environmental consequences of both?
Badge It - Platinum
Investigate future developments of the electric car and explain how this could be applied to your Drag car.
Go online and investigate the current developments in electric vehicles look at:
Hydrogen power - Toyota Mirai, Kawasaki motorcycles, Caterpillar Heavy machines.
Solar power - Aptera
New battery technology - Nano Diamond Battery, Sodium-ion, Solid-State, Lithium-Sulfur and Niobium - there are lots to choose from!
