We all have used batteries in the course of our everyday lives, whether consciously or unconsciously. With gadgets and technology, we often completely forget that batteries are everywhere. Until they stop working, that is! It’s a little different with larger high-powered batteries. They are used and recharged and require maintenance. With the coming of the electric vehicle as a viable driving alternative, the conversation must soon turn to the realities of the electric vehicle battery. Of immediate concern are capacity, size and weight.
Now this article has as its focus the size of electric vehicle batteries. For example, a standard vehicle battery is measured in inches (9 x 12 x 7). The car battery market is well established and at the present time, size is inextricably tied to capacity. The real issue is power for acceleration and maintaining speeds above 10-15 mph which require lots of amperage (Amps). So, in the case of electric cars, more capacity means more amps and more amps require more electric vehicle batteries. This is where size plays a part; it’s about the space needed for sufficient battery storage.
Size is not the only challenge with the use of electric vehicle batteries. With our existing technology, with size comes weight and this further complicates electric vehicle efficiency. Having a car full of batteries leaves little room for people, additional payloads and everyday shopping items. We’re already used to golf carts; now we’re seeing the two seater electric vehicles coming into its own in urban areas. We haven’t solved all the problems yet, but the process has finally begun – people are now considering driving electric vehicles, battery issues aside. Alternative lifestyle isn’t just for hippies anymore.
People are changing their opinions, with growing concern about environmental impact, economic sustainability and the rising cost of dependence on oil-based fuels. All these factors are playing their part in what could become a great national transformation. Hybrids are bridging the gap while an old industry reinvents itself. Eventually the electric vehicle battery issues will resolve themselves. Meanwhile, take a quiet stroll and think about what a quiet, peaceful ride in the fresh air would be like. You never know, we might even enjoy slowing down to stop and smell the roses.
When you need to jack your car up to change a tire, it may not always be under ideal conditions. Regardless of whether you’re on the side of a highway or in the relative comfort of your own garage, the process of lifting a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds entails some risk. By following a few simple procedures, you can minimize any hazards to yourself and your vehicle.Know Your JackMost vehicles come equipped with a small scissor jack. This jack will be functional enough for an emergency tire-change on the roadside. Before you’re in an emergency situation, familiarize yourself with your specific jack and how it works.Secure the AreaWhen possible, ensure that vehicle is parked on a level surface. Make sure that the car is secure. The emergency brake should be firmly set. Vehicles with automatic transmissions should be in “park,” while ones with manual transmissions should be left in gear. Wedge bricks or blocks to the front and back of the tire on a diagonal from the tire to be lifted.Pick Your BattlegroundDetermine an appropriate place to set the jack. A common novice mistake is to set the jack under a bumper or body panel. These areas aren’t designed to hold the weight of the entire car; they can break under the strain and allow the car to fall. The jack must go under the vehicle’s frame, otherwise known as the chassis. Most cars are designed with a specific location for jack placement. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual.Keep it SteadyMake sure that the jack is placed on a stable, even surface. If the ground is rough or covered with gravel, place a broad, sturdy board underneath the jack. This is especially important with small, factory-provided tire jacks, which may very have narrow bases.Proceed with CautionCrank the jack up slowly. Although you may be in a hurry, take your time. Be careful to not have any part of your body underneath the car, so as not to be injured if the vehicle should fall. Once the car is lifted enough for the tire to clear the ground, push on it a bit to verify its stability on the jack.Lower the VehicleNow that the tire has been changed, bring the car back down just as you jacked it up: slowly and with care. Once again, no part of your body (or anyone else’s) should be underneath the vehicle. If there are other people present or assisting, have them step back away from the car and out of the way. Finally, remove the blocks from the chocked wheel.By working at an even pace and using common sense, you should be able to raise a vehicle, change its tire, and lower it again safely. Keep in mind that these instructions only apply to lift a car to change a tire, not to any kind of repair work that requires you to get underneath the car; for that, further precautions will be necessary.