2009 3
rd
International Conference on Power Electronics Systems and Applications
Digital Reference: K210509135
Electric Vehicle Development: The Past, Present & Future
Lixin Situ
Hong Kong Automotive Parts and Accessory System R&D Centre 78 Tat Chee Ave. Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
E-Mail: lixinsitu@apas.hk
Abstract - A vehicle is consider Green when it more
environmentally friendly than the traditional petroleum
combustion engine, in which includes any nontraditional
vehicle like, HEV, Plug In, EV, Fuel Cell, Bio fuel etc. that
improves fuel economy. The development of electric vehicle
has been over a hundred years but failure to gain the public
acceptance in various stages due to various reasons which
explained. While EV was never mass produced, Hybrid
electric vehicle gains the momentum in recent years. Ford
has launched its second generation of HEV and GM also
announced the debut of the Volt in 2010. Comparing to the
regular HEV, Plug in is the new trend in hybrid auto
development due to extend travel range in electrical mode
and a possibility of a zero emission as long as travel distance
is less than charging threshold. However, more recently, an
electrification trend in automotive industry has been evolved
and will revolutionize the industry. With the correct policy
and government help and advancement of electric vehicle
technology, the prospect of Electric Vehicle will be bright
and the focus point of future development.
Keywords – electric vehicle, hybrid, plug in, green, history
I.
I
NTRODUCTION
As associated with energy independence and
environmental issue, alternative fuel vehicle, especially
Electric and Hybrid electric vehicle has become part of
the government policy all over the world. The united
State mandates a stricter fuel economy standard. China
issued a new energy vehicle policy to accelerate &
subsidize the deployment of electric this year and set a
goal of 500k for 2011. Hong Kong also set a clear vision
for EV application in the near future.
As for the auto industry, a silent green resolution is
undergo significant transformation after gasoline price
rose significantly to exceed US$2 level and market
demands for such vehicle. The industry introduced more
fuel efficient HEVs and less polluted vehicles to the
market. As Oil price surged rapidly during the last few
years, the phenomenon has pushed pure electric vehicle
development regaining traction among automakers and