Towards the Use of Electric Cars

Abstract

In this chapter, the historical development in the use of electric cars is described within a global content as occuring in five evolutions or waves, since 1835. The last two waves are described in more detail through the following case studies, the French VEL car and the Norwegian THINK car. They each had their own series of setbacks including. Problems in electro-chemistry, which have caused important limitations, as they have through the whole history of electrical cars. Unintended consequences in the form of increased human toxicity, freshwater eco-toxicity, freshwater eutrophication, and metal depletion, from potential increases in the future number of electric vehicles, are explained. Finally, a critical view on the policies for promoting the use of electric cars is presented. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.