In my last blog post, I wrote about some facts on pure electric car or electric vehicle (EV). In this post, I thought of writing on the subject of introducing electric cars in Malaysia.

If EVs were to be introduced in Malaysia, it has to fulfill 2 criteria:
i. Has to be able to provide or travel at least 50 miles (known as Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle) and 90 miles (known as Highway) cars.

ii. And it should be available in the market within span of 3 years.

As readers might be interested in how electric cars functions or operate, permit therefore, to allow me to illuminate to readers how an electric vehicle functions. Basically, how does an electric vehicle operate?

Electric vehicles are said to be powered by an electric motor, either A.C. or D.C. the electric car is said to drive its power from an on board battery pack acting as an “emergency store”. Normally, most electric vehicles use batteries which are “nickel metal hydride” variety or “lithium-ion” type.

The said batteries can be charged rather easily by simply connecting the vehicle to a mains power supply. It is usually charged overnight to achieve a full charge. However, most modern electric vehicles also feature a modern contraption which is known as the “regenerative braking system”. This allows a battery to be charged or “topped” up when a vehicle’s brakes are applied.

Current electric vehicles found in the U.K. are usually smaller 2 seater cars. They are not only smaller but are also lighter. 4 seater models are also being introduced into the market.

Electric cars in the U.K. presently can achieve top speeds of 25 – 40 mph. They can travel up to 40 – 100 miles range per charge. Such electric vehicles are therefore suitable and good for city driving.

Huge savings can be obtained through its usage. Traffic in general is low speed, around 25 – 45 mph as shorter distances are travelled.

Electric cars are zero emission vehicles. In general they get various tax exemptions. Electric vehicles have no need to fill up petrol. To say that electric vehicles produce no emission at all is a fallacy indeed. In fact, emission are produced during generation of electricity needed to charge the battery of a car. However, this problem can be overcome with what is called a “renewable energy supplier”.

Speaking of electric cars, mention should by rightly made regarding “green cars”, which will be available in the world market very soon. Some model of vehicles which will be available soon include:-
i. Pininfarana Nido

ii. MG Zero

iii. Audi e tron

iv. BMW Active E

v. Renault Fluence

vi. Electric Mini E

vii. Fiat 500

viii. Porche 911

ix. Nissan Nuvu

x. Tesla S

xi. VE E-up

xii. Toyota 1 Q EV

xiii. Saab 9-3 e Power

xiv. Subaru Stella

xv. Reva NXR

In the United Kingdom, one has to make a mention of the “G-Wiz”, a small, electric car that is currently crating a sensation in the U.K. The G-Wiz is said to be the best selling vehicle in the U.K. today.

In the U.K., the G-Wiz is given free road tax, low insurance, free parking and no congestion charge in London. Readers might wish to know the vital statistics of the G-Wiz which includes:-
i. It is 100% electric

ii. Can travel up to 48 miles range

iii. Can go up to 50 mph

iv. Recharging time 2¼(80%) to 8 hours (100%)

v. It has a 2 year full warranty

vi. Is available in 2000 colours and designs

vii. It has lead acid and lithium-ion(L-ion) battery options

Who knows the above G-Wiz, might very well be introduced into Malaysia very soon. It is hoped that Malaysians will be given the opportunity to enjoy driving the above green or electric cars soon and also enjoy all the benefits it provides.

For this to happen, the G-Wiz should first of all be imported into our country by a “franchise” holder, a large company which has the intention of promoting the use of electric cars in this country.

Besides describing about electric cars or vehicles, this article should rightly be talking about “hybrid” cars as well. Hybrid cars generally use a combination of 2 power sources.

The most common “hybrid” cars in the Malaysian market today, use both electric motors and petrol combustion engines. Batteries charge and act as a storage device to power an electric motor, which works when the vehicle is travelling a low speed or in dense traffic. It is therefore ideal for city or town driving.

The petrol engine, which is usually, a small, efficient unit then powers the car when more power is required, such as at high speeds, allowing the combustion engine to operate at its more optimum efficient speeds. A number of manufacturers have announced plans for diesel-electric hybrids. It is expected to be available as soon as 2008.

Toyota Prius

The combustion engine of a hybrid car is used to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, therefore hybrid cars need not be plugged in to an external power supply. This combination of battery power and internal combustion engine, produces less pollution and CO2, as no gases are released when the electric motor is running.

In Malaysia today, examples of hybrid cars are models from Honda motors called the Civic and the Prius from the popular Toyota motors. Both are said to cost well over RM120,000 to RM135,000.

For readers knowledge, both my brother in-law, Mr. Ooi, who owns a Honda hybrid and my son in-law, Kin, who recently bought a Toyota Prius hybrid and he was lucky to get ownership of it prior to Japan being hit by the 9.0 earthquake followed by the disastrous tsunami together.

Both Mr. Ooi and Kin are very happy with their hybrid cars so far. Should the two gentlemen were to meet again at a later date, I am quite certain that the subject of hybrid cars will still remain a hot topic on their agenda.

For over more than 2 years, this blog has been writing only or conventional cars which run on internal combustion engines. No article has yet be penned upon electric cars.

To be able to write upon the above type of cars infact, is not an easy matter. Trying to understand or comprehend how electric cars work in itself, is already a difficult task, what more, to attempt to write an article on it, is I believe something that is not easy to achieve.

Nevertheless, irregardless of whether it is difficult or otherwise, at some point or other, an attempt to write an article on electric cars has to be done sooner or later.

While other countries like the United Kingdom, the United State of America, Australia, China and other European countries have taken concrete steps to introduce electric cars into their domestic market, our country, Malaysia, appears to be taking a retrospective stance towards electric vehicles.

I hold the above opinion, as very recently, the Minister of Transport Malaysia, Datuk Kong Cho Har, announced to the general public, that steps are being taken to decide as to whether electric bicycles will be allowed to be used in Malaysia or otherwise.

From the look of things, it is very probable and likely, that electric bicycles might see its own demise in this country very soon. The general public eagerly awaits the government’s decision with bated breath on this subject.

Electric vehicles or E.V. or better known as “green vehicles” is currently extremely popular, especially in the U.S and the U.K. According to Mr. Brian Wayne, who is the president of the Electric Drive Transportation Association of America, America is preparing itself for the advert of electric cars. Mr. Wayne suggests that the world should keep an eye on China, especially where electric cars are concerned.

How in America coping with the introduction of electric vehicles readers would like to know? Infact, the country is coping well with it. In America, there is a yet another company, Southern California Edison, which is said to possess one of the largest establishments of “plug in” programmes to cater for electric vehicles.

Concerning electric vehicles, it is imperative that, we keep in view that many people consider its efficiency being measured via miles per gallon. With this in view or consideration, readers would wish to know, how is electric cars’ performance as compared to conventional fuel driven vehicles?

It is believed that it approximately costs 1/5 of the expenditure of conventional vehicles. It is believed to cost 2 – 3 U.S. cents per mile for electric cars, while conventional cars using petrol works out to 12 – 14 U.S cents.

Besides the Southern California Edison Company, another establishment in America, the Duke Energy is said to be establishing similar preparations to prepare itself for the introduction of electric vehicles into that country. They are said to possess some 3,000 utilities in the country to provide charging facilities for electric vehicles.

Experts say the introduction of electric vehicles might create a problem. The problem is none other than what is called “transformer” overloading. Should a cluster of electric vehicles, with fast charging facilities be concentrated on one area, it is said to be able to cause problems to transformers.

But establishments providing electrical supplies to electric vehicles in America are of the opinion they are aware where the above problem will occur and they believe they will be ready for it.

Besides the United States of America, it is believed that China, is also adopting a rather aggressive stance towards the introduction of electric vehicles. China it seems, look at electric cars and vehicles not only as an “economic” imperative, but also as “commercial’ opportunity for it to leap frog over the rest of the world, especially in the field of electric vehicles.

For readers’ information, China is said to currently produce more than 20 million electric bikes per year. In China today, it is said there are some 250 million electric bikes on the roads.

Driving the “auto” car forward is exactly the same as a manual car. First, ensure the gear is in Neutral or “N”. The gear should not be in “P” (Parking). This will also not start the car either.

Assuming that you have managed to start the car, move the gear to “D” (Drive) position to drive forward. Step on the accelerator lightly. The car should move forward gently.

The difference between the manual car and the “auto” is this. When driving the “auto” car, your right foot which is used to accelerate the car, should be able to react slightly faster than when driving a manual car.

This is because, should you accelerate too fast, the car will launch or move forward dangerously. Your right foot should then be able to flip over quickly to the brakes to control the car.

As the car moves forward and gain momentum, the “auto” car will automatically change gears by itself as you drive along.

Likewise, if you should release the accelerator, the gears would change back to the lover “revs” (revolution) this slowing down the speed of the car.

Initially, you are bound to experience some teething problems when you begin using the “auto” car. As time goes by, I’m certain you’ll get over it. You should then be able to enjoy driving the automatic vehicle.

A few things one should take note of the “auto” car though. An “auto” car need a strong, good battery to start it. A weak battery would probably not be able to do the job.

So effort to either “jump start” the car and “push starting” the vehicle will probably end in failure.

Therefore, maintain the car battery in good condition. You are advised to change the battery as soon as you see signs it is getting weak.

Hopefully with good car maintenance on your part, you should then have no problem with an “auto” car.

When stopping the “auto” car, remember to move the gear back to position “N”. If you’re parking overnight, you are advised always to move the gear back to “P” or Parking position.

When waiting at “traffic lights” or if you’re stopping for a while only, move the gear to “N” ideally.

With part I of this blog teaching you how to “reverse” and this post instructing you how to move the “auto” car “forward”, this driving blog has finally managed to teach you how to drive an automatic car eventually.

Good bye and take care!

The latest Malaysian government’s announcement has created a “buzz”. The motor industry is excited. So are the driving school people. What are they excited about? The use of “automatic” cars, of course.

Automatic cars are already in use in Malaysia. But the percentage is rather low. For your information, the automatic car is branded as “the lazy man’s car”.

This article will not concentrate on the question of “should we or shouldn’t we” introduce the use of automatic vehicles, especially for tests and driving school usage!

Being such a “hot” topic today, it’s only appropriate the subject of “how to use an automatic car” be tackled by the writer.

Basically, an “auto” car is no different from “manual” cars. Steering is still there. The foot control / mechanism perhaps , the absence of the “clutch”. However, the usual 1 – 5 gears and reverse gear “stick” in manual cars are absent.

So how does one go about teaching a person who knows nothing about “auto” cars how to drive it?

I do not drive an “auto” car. Anyway, attempts will be made the best he can to impart this knowledge to you.

First and foremost, one should understand the automatic gear system. Understand that it has, like the manual model, gears to be dealt with. N is for “neutral” or free gear. P, well is for “Parking”. R is still “Reverse”. Well, what about D? D isn’t for donkey, but “Drive”.

Some automatic cars have D1, D2, D3 and D4. You need not be confused over them. All you have to remember is “D” means drive. O.K? Are we ready?

Here goes then. Unless the car is in N or P, the engine cannot start or “ignite”. So step one is put the gear in N. To do this, press a “knob” with your left thumb and move it to N position. Important that you understand this before we proceed any further.

Unlike manual cars (my own driving tutor used to advise me) a driver should always step on the foot brake. This prevent the car from “darting” or “shooting” or “launching” forward suddenly.

When in position , next the vehicle is ready to “start” or “ignite”

Having managed to start the car, put the gear into “R” (Reverse) and with your right foot safely on the brakes, to control the car. Now release the brakes slowly.

You do not have to accelerate at all. Just by releasing your brakes slowly, the vehicle should move safely and gradually backwards. Viola! That’s how the Reverse is accomplished.

But remember, you have to release the brakes slowly and control it, if and when it’s necessary. For me, it has been quite a tiresome thing to teach you how to reverse an automatic car in this short article.

About how to move “forward”, it will be left to be explained in another article later. So, be patient. Blog in some other time! Bye bye!