Week 4, INTRO: Sustainable Car Project

Intro: An internal combustion engine car (consuming petrol or diesel, etc.) uses the energy from the ignition of fuel to push pistons in the motor’s cylinders downwards, which then turns the crankshaft to drive a transmission to transfer the power to the vehicle’s wheels. The engine changes linear piston motion to rotary motion with counterweights for the engine to run smoothly. Because of this design, diesel or petrol engines don't have high efficiency (usually around 20% to 40%) and vibrate noisily, produce harmful fumes and CO2 into the atmosphere. “The efficiency by which they do so is measured in terms of "thermal efficiency", and most gasoline combustion engines average around 20 percent thermal efficiency. Diesels are typically higher--approaching 40 percent in some cases.” (Green Car Reports, 14th April 2014). Because of the poor efficiency and workings of these engines, fossil fuels produce harmful gases into the environment and contribute to the global warming effect. CO2 released causes the greenhouse effect to be enhanced, leading to more heat retention on the earth which has a massive impact on the climate such as rising sea levels, weather patterns and habitual losses. This is a major issue in the coming years and needs to be solved for the safe and healthy future for the earth and everyone on it! CO2 and other harmful gases are released into the environment from internal combustion engine (i.c.e) cars. As transport has a major part of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. CO2). “Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector make up about 20 percent of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions each year.” (Ministry of Transport NZ, 20/12/2018). This is definitely something that can be improved upon in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. A more environmentally friendly vehicle for transport is the key to a more sustainable future for New Zealand and all countries in the world. The Electric Car: If we were to remove the internal combustion engine and replace it with an electric engine, the efficiency can be dramatically increased to as much as 90% in the motor, and about 60% overall let alone no more dirty gases are produced in the environment. This is especially great as New Zealand electricity is around 80% renewable, the car no longer takes consumables like petrol, but instead cycles electricity through its battery many times in its life. This is definitely in my opinion the way of the future, especially when battery technology gets a kick in efficiency, less cost and greater capacity.

Attached is my brainstorm for the project: