The impact of green technology in the auto industry

Posted on 04. Jul, 2012 by Cara in Uncategorized

Leading motor manufacturers have turned their attention to green vehicles.

Let’s look at some of the technology being used.

Electric Vehicles use an electric motor in replacement of the conventional internal combustion engine. A battery pack is also required to generate enough electricity to propel the auto.  Electric cars are lighter and smaller, and produce no gas emissions at all.

Hybrid Vehicles usually combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, to reduce gas emissions without compromising performance. The internal combustion engine and the regenerative braking systems recharge the batteries which is a huge advantage over electric vehicles.

Fuel Cells Vehicles use a device which converts electrochemical energy to generate energy from an electro-chemical reaction. Only a few of these vehicles have been produced due to the high cost of the production of hydrogen.

Ethanol Vehicles use a fuel ethanol, produced from sugar cane. Ethanol is used worldwide as it is so cost-effective.  Bioethanol is safe for the environment because the carbon dioxide emitted by bioethanol cars is neutralized by the fuel crop, absorbing an equal quantity of carbon dioxide while it grows.

Click here for more information on The Eco Motor Show at Sandton Convention Centre from the 25^th – 28^th July 2012.