As plug-in cars are entering the market it is and opportune time to ask how will this effect home design. Several questions come to mind. What about charging? How can I use green power? How does cold effect batteries? What new possibilities do plug-ins afford to home design?
Charging is the most basic need of a plug-in. Ranges are about 100 miles requiring a full charge for most driving. True, charging stations are popping up in many metro areas with more being planned. So, how will you charge your car? A plug-in car can simply plug into a standard 110 v outlet. Long charging times will make many homeowners want an upgrade to 220 v or a dedicated charging station or two. Plug-in an expensive electric car to just any outlet maybe trigger some thoughts of computers frying in electrical storms or questions about miswired polarity and grounds. Surge protection and line conditioning should be considered. Nissan Leaf requires an approved specialist to design, install and check their charging station. Something to be considered for all plug-ins.
The plug-in car is one of the most compelling reasons to consider alternative power. PV solar, wind power and hydro-electric offer a sustainable source of power. Although the initial costs of these systems maybe high, early adopters will be driven by their eco-conscience to be trail blazers. As more people shift plug-in cars and alternative-energy will become more commercially viable.
Temperature has an effect on the ability of a battery to store power. With every degree drop, available power drops too. Hot climates may have the advantage of being more carefree for plug-in owners. A semi-heated garage in moderate and cold climates are a consideration.
Americans love their cars. Cruising up and down streets, going to the drive-in/thru (to combine eating with driving) and planning our communities around them. Parking for cars is a requirement at home, work, shopping and entertainment. At home you at the very lest have a parking space. A carport protect from the sun and snow. A garage offers even better protection and a place to work on your love the car.
The 80's show Vegas starring Bob Ulrich as a Vegas PI who parked his classic Corvette in his living room behind a short wall. Now this brought to mind one big building code violation which we happily overlooked in order to enjoy the show and to fantasize about the Vette. The flammability of gas and the carbon monoxide of our beloved kept us separated from our cars by a one hour separation wall. Will the microbus instired EV VW "Bulli" really be eco mannered enough for us to camp in our livingroom? What about a sexy Tesla next to the couch? We can dream can't we?
See the Bulli and other plug-ins at Electric Volkswagen Microbus Becomes Reality in New Concept PluginCars.com
Charging is the most basic need of a plug-in. Ranges are about 100 miles requiring a full charge for most driving. True, charging stations are popping up in many metro areas with more being planned. So, how will you charge your car? A plug-in car can simply plug into a standard 110 v outlet. Long charging times will make many homeowners want an upgrade to 220 v or a dedicated charging station or two. Plug-in an expensive electric car to just any outlet maybe trigger some thoughts of computers frying in electrical storms or questions about miswired polarity and grounds. Surge protection and line conditioning should be considered. Nissan Leaf requires an approved specialist to design, install and check their charging station. Something to be considered for all plug-ins.
The plug-in car is one of the most compelling reasons to consider alternative power. PV solar, wind power and hydro-electric offer a sustainable source of power. Although the initial costs of these systems maybe high, early adopters will be driven by their eco-conscience to be trail blazers. As more people shift plug-in cars and alternative-energy will become more commercially viable.
Temperature has an effect on the ability of a battery to store power. With every degree drop, available power drops too. Hot climates may have the advantage of being more carefree for plug-in owners. A semi-heated garage in moderate and cold climates are a consideration.
Americans love their cars. Cruising up and down streets, going to the drive-in/thru (to combine eating with driving) and planning our communities around them. Parking for cars is a requirement at home, work, shopping and entertainment. At home you at the very lest have a parking space. A carport protect from the sun and snow. A garage offers even better protection and a place to work on your love the car.
The 80's show Vegas starring Bob Ulrich as a Vegas PI who parked his classic Corvette in his living room behind a short wall. Now this brought to mind one big building code violation which we happily overlooked in order to enjoy the show and to fantasize about the Vette. The flammability of gas and the carbon monoxide of our beloved kept us separated from our cars by a one hour separation wall. Will the microbus instired EV VW "Bulli" really be eco mannered enough for us to camp in our livingroom? What about a sexy Tesla next to the couch? We can dream can't we?
See the Bulli and other plug-ins at Electric Volkswagen Microbus Becomes Reality in New Concept PluginCars.com
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