The Evolving Role of Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

摘要

Electric vehicles (EV) have enjoyed a resurgence of interest from environmental mandates and technology advances. Several major automotive manufactures have electric vehicles for sale or lease. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are becoming a popular compromise to address EV battery limitations and to enhance fuel efficiency. A HEV recently entered the marketplace with the introduction of the Toyota Prius in Japan in 1997. Significant advancements and market penetration for EVs and HEVs are expected in the future. Energy efficiency and environmental compatibility are the major forces driving the interest in EV and HEV product development. Infrastructure impacts are of concern. The issues and status of EV and HEV developments will be discussed. The engineering and competition experiences with the two student built University of Tulsa HEVs will be summarized.