The following article provides information regarding electric cars and their uses. It covers a range of topics, from the economics of electric cars, to their performance. Electric cars originated as early as the 1800's and have progressed significantly since then. They have become more and more efficient, and are better representing the future of transportation. Additionally, they have a much better impact on the environment than other internal combustion cars. Further, it is said that the cost of an electric car is significantly less. These cars also have impressive performance, for those who require that, and the article talks about the efficiency and practicality of these cars. Electric cars have developed to have a significantly larger range, and even better charge time. The article also discusses the safety and future of such cars, noting that the sale of electric cars is continuing to increase, and safety features are constantly progressing.

Notes

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With regards to the cost of electric cars, more specifically long term, the price is set to decrease exponentially over time. The price of the electricity required to run the battery is one of the most important factors, and as shown by a 2020 report, it is set to drop to around $100 per kilowatt-hour.[1] This makes the cost of operating an electric car extremely viable for the future.

Literature Review (Assignment 6)

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1.     Provide the title of your article

- Electric Cars

2.     What are the key ideas?

- The key ideas of the article are to teach and spread information regarding electric cars, explain their history and uses, as well as to show how viable they can be for future use. Further, the article discusses costs and specific efficiencies/risks of using such a vehicle.

3.     What are the main problems addressed/ identified?

- The main problems addressed/identified in the article are the environmental impact, cost, and safety risks. As shown by the article, the environmental impacts of electric vehicles is far less than that of internal combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, the cost of owning an electric vehicles is shown to actually be less than that of a traditional gas vehicle, even after the initial cost differences. One of the most important ideas discussed is that of safety. The article goes into detail pertaining to such issues, stating that one of the major concerns is of fire from the batteries. It even goes into detail regarding psychological issues revolving around electric vehicles.

4.     Why your chosen topic was worth undertaking?

- This topic was worth undertaking because of the importance of electric cars, and their increasing relevance on the road today. As people move away from gas powered vehicles, towards electric vehicles, important facts and details regarding these vehicles will become more and more important. This article does a great job of showing and explaining some useful information, and could also use some improvements to make it even better.

5.     What are the technological standpoints?

- The technological standpoints of this article are that of electric vehicle innovations and future use. For instance, technological innovations have been made to electric vehicles that increase their efficiency, and also increase their sales worldwide. This comes in the form of increased battery efficiency, and even energy recovery under braking. Further, as mentioned before, the cost of electric cars is going down, making them more viable for everyday people to buy.

6.     What are the ethical standpoints?

- The ethical standpoints are those of the impact to the environment. Reducing the impact on the environment in key, and electric vehicles helps to reduce that significantly. While some may be opposed to electric vehicles, they are shown to have several key advantages, including, cost, efficiency, and impact on the environment.

7.     What are the societal standpoints?

- The societal standpoints are similar to those of the ethical standpoints. People recognize the need for a change, and while some people may be reluctant to this change, it is certainly an important aspect to look into. Also, the sales and relevance of electrical cars is increasing constantly, showing society's outlook on them.

8.     Which audience is influenced by the article?

- The audience influenced by this article is likely everyone who reads it, but more specifically, future generations. As time goes on, and electric cars become more popular and common, the future generations will likely be more and more invested in their abilities and uses.

Article Contribution (Assignment 7)

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The following section, while containing a decent amount of information, lacks some important notes regarding the initial setups. The first section talks about the initial purchase price of an electric vehicle, and that it is most likely more than that of a conventional gas powered vehicle. However, it does not go into detail as to why that is. The main factor going into this is the cost, is the fact that electric cars cost more on average to purchase, due to the price of the battery. As the battery of an electric car is one of the most important aspects, it is usually the main cost of the vehicle. For instance the price of a Tesla Model 3 battery can range from $3,000 to $7,000 alone.[2] A study done in 2018 shows that the average price of a new electric vehicle in the United States was $35,742.[3] In the same study, it showed the price of an electric car in 2019 went from $64,300, down to $55,600. Additionally, the price of a gas powered vehicle went up to $36,600. So while this does show that the initial purchase price of an electric car is higher, it also shows that the total cost is going down. On the other hand, gas powered vehicle prices are actually rising. Additionally, a separate section in the article speaks with regards to the price of owning electric vehicles. However, it does not mention the fact that, while an electric car may not need expensive gas, it does require electricity, which could cost varying amounts depending upon the area. Naturally, an electric car must be charged to run, thus electricity costs will likely go up for owners. Data suggests that in order to fully charge an electric vehicle's battery, with a range of 200 miles, it would cost around $9.00.[4] When taking into consideration how much a person drivers on average per year, this could drastically change the cost. A separate study shows that the average cost to charge an electric vehicle for a month in the United States would be around $21.60.[5] However, it is important to note that his changes dramatically depending upon location. This can be seen in a study conducted in February 2021, wherein the average cost in the United States for someone to charge their vehicle was double in states such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, than it was in others like Texas, Nevada, Colorado, and Tennessee.[5] While these figures are for the United States, it provides a rough estimate for those curious about the costs of an electric vehicle. Electricity costs also vary around the world, so it will likely differ for many people. There is also the price of installing a charging station to consider, which is required to charge the car itself. This cost will also vary depending upon the make and location, but it is estimated to be around $2,000 on average in the United States, to have one installed in one's garage.[5] Overall, the average cost of purchasing and owning an electric vehicle long term is less than that of a conventional gas powered vehicle, especially when considering the fact that electric vehicles also have less mechanical parts that need to be repaired or replaced.

Peer Review (Assignment 8)

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(Peer-reviewed ParkerL7's article)

Peer Review Response (Assignment 9)

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I did not have anyone peer-review my article, so I have edited it myself. I have cleaned it up a bit, and made the sentences flow together better, while also making some other changes.

General Improvements/Style Change (Assignment 10-14)

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(Under the Economics Section (When referring to battery costs))

 
BMW i3s all-electric car, sport trim, San José, Costa Rica

- For instance, the price of a Tesla Model 3 battery, in the United States, can range from $3,000 to $7,000 alone.[2]

(Under the Economics Section (When referring to purchasing costs))

 
Hyundai Ioniq Electric, San José, Costa Rica

- Studies have shown that the cost difference between gas and electric cars is getting smaller however, as a study done in 2018 shows that the average price of a new vehicle in the United States was $35,742. Compared to the following year, the price of the average vehicle went up to $36,600.[6] In a similar study, it also showed the price of an electric vehicle went from $64,300 in 2018, down to $55,600 in 2019.[3]

- (For reference globally) A study shows the average cost to purchase an electric vehicle across 43 different markets around the world was $29,493, or €25,939.[7] This includes places such as the United States, China, Israel, Turkey, and several countries in Europe.

(Under the Economics Section (When referring to operating costs))

 
Electric car charging point and bays at Park Parade south car park

- Data suggests that in order to fully charge an electric vehicle's battery, with a range of 200 miles, it would cost around $9.00.[4] It is important to note however, that depending upon how much one drives on average per year, this could drastically change the cost. A separate study shows that the average cost to charge an electric vehicle for a month in the United States would be around $21.60.[5]

- The price for electricity can also change the costs greatly. This can be seen in a study conducted in February 2021, wherein the average cost in the United States for someone to charge their vehicle was double in states such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, than it was in others like Texas, Nevada, Colorado, and Tennessee.[5] It is important to note that these figures are only for the United States, so they will again vary globally.

- Overall, the average cost of purchasing and owning an electric vehicle long term is less than that of a conventional gas powered vehicle, especially when considering the fact that electric vehicles also have less mechanical parts that need to be repaired or replaced. Fewer parts means that it will generally require less repairs over time. However, insurance costs can also be greater due to an increased cost of electric specific parts.[8] So while there are fewer parts that need to be fixed, the cost per part is typically more expensive, requiring a higher insurance cost.

(Under the Economics Section (When referring to purchasing costs)/Under charging station)

 
Electric car charging station, Asda, Middleton, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Taken on the afternoon of Sunday the 3rd of May 2015.

- This cost for a charging station will also vary depending upon the make and location, but it is estimated to be around $2,000 on average in the United States, to have a charging station installed at one's home.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Batteries For Electric Cars Speed Toward a Tipping Point". Bloomberg.com. 2020-12-16. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  2. ^ a b "The Cost of a Tesla - Costs of the Tesla Models, Maintenance & more". EVANNEX Aftermarket Tesla Accessories. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
  3. ^ a b Research, Hearst Autos (2020-04-13). "How Much Is an Electric Car?". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
  4. ^ a b "Alternative Fuels Data Center: Charging Plug-In Electric Vehicles at Home". afdc.energy.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Kurczewski, Nick. "How much does it cost to charge an electric car? We do the math". MarketWatch. Retrieved 2021-03-18.
  6. ^ Coren, Michael J. "The median electric car in the US is getting cheaper". Quartz. Retrieved 2021-04-08.
  7. ^ Ltd, Motionlab Marketing (2019-10-11). "Electric cars cost double the price of other cars on the market today". JATO. Retrieved 2021-04-14.
  8. ^ "Best Car Insurance for Electric Cars Both New and Used – Auto Insurance Nerds". Retrieved 2021-04-08.