Battery Operated Vehicles Gaining on the Gas Guzzlers

Are we hearing the death throes of the internal combustion engine? Will the whine and purr of electric motors replace the muffled roar of gas powered vehicles?
Seems every time we turn around electric ATVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles are sneaking silently up on us, especially as battery technology improves, and the cost of gas jumps over $4 per gallon in some parts of the country.

The plus side of battery operated vehicles

Electrics are not just better for the environment, but today’s battery operated vehicles really do have some distinct advantages:

Lighter and quieter
Electric ATVs and motorcycles run on smaller motors and use lighter batteries, which makes them a lot lighter than their gas-powered counterparts. Electrics are also a lot quieter. So If you're off-roading through a park, you can actually enjoy the peace and quiet as you explore nature.  And while die-hard outdoor enthusiasts may not like your tires ripping through the landscape, they won’t be able to complain about air pollution or noise as you pass by.

Instant torque
Electric vehicles out-accelerate their gas counterparts in the low-end power curve. Electric energy moves through their motors at the speed of light, so there’s no lag time between the twist of the throttle and power to the wheels. Torque is instantly transferred to the drivetrain. In fact, electric ATVs and motorcycles have three times the amount of torque compared to the gas-powered vehicles. Perfectly suited for heavy pulling, hauling or steep climbing.

Low maintenance

Electrics simply have fewer moving parts, which means less repairs, reduced maintenance chores and lower operating costs. An electric ATV or motorcycle needs no oil changes, and you don’t have to replace hoses, filters, or exhaust systems.

No more $4/gallon gas
Finally, no more trips to the gas pump with an electric ATV or motorcycle. Just plug them in to charge the battery and go. Some electric ATVs can run an average of 2.5 hours on a single charge. If you do a lot of desert off-roading, there’s even a solar charger, so you can charge your ATV  with free power from the sun.

Zero pollution
Gas-powered ATVs emit as many pollutants as four cars in one hour (there are no pollution controls on ATVs).  Clearly, the environmental impact of electric ATVs and other battery operated vehicles is next to nothing. It could be argued that the pollution is just pushed up the supply chain to more coal-burning plants, but with electric you have the option of buying your power from additional sources like wind and solar, unlike gas, where petroleum has to burn to get your vehicle moving.

More manufacturers getting juiced on electrics
More manufacturers are getting into the game. Brammo, a top manufacturer of electric motorcycles, makes bikes that can exceed 100mph. Not bad for a motorcycle that doesn’t use a drop of gas. They even make motorcycles designed for racing. Other jumping on the electric off-road bandwagon include Polaris and Barefoot Motors. The recent EV Taiwan & Motorcycle Taiwan exhibition saw a 25% increase in exhibitors, indicating the surge in popularity of electric vehicles. The Hong Kong government is even replacing its gas-powered motorcycles with Brammo’s electric ones.

Yep, electrics are taking off
Battery operated motorcycles, ATVs, and other electric vehicles are seeing an increase in popularity, with new technology creating better-performing vehicles. As fuel prices and environmental concerns increase, the move to electric vehicles will continue to gain more traction.

George Zeed lives in Grants Pass Oregon and works for ImpactBattery.com. An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, he writes about topics related to all kinds of recreational vehicles and accessories. He is also the "go to guy" for information when shopping for items like motorcycle battery chargers and solar panels

Make your Valentine’s Day More Cheerful with Eco-friendly Gift Ideas

With the upcoming Valentine's Day, you can celebrate the romantic time of year with full of joys and happiness. And if you want to make this valentine memorable, then pick the eco-friendly valentine's gift for your partner. It proves to be the most inspired and innovative gift that you are probably wondering how to make this day for your special someone. It is the season of love and you can also show your love for your planet and environment as well. You can easily impress your partner with your eco style valentine gift idea.

To Being Eco Friendly Will Show you Responsible Human Being.
A green gift will be a unique and original idea that you can give to your loved one.  Presenting Eco-friendly gifts can be fun, practical and shows you as an environmentally conscious and responsible human being.  These gifts can create your Valentine's Day different, special and memorable and shows your care about the nature as well. In fact, you can shop eco-friendly gifts through various online shopping stores or local market as per your liking. This Valentine's Day will become more eco friendly if you choose different kinds of products that are eco friendly, organic or natural.

Show Your Love By Your Creativity and By Going Green
There are so many items that one can gift this Valentines Day. You can offer some special greetings cards made from different seeds, stones, herbs, flowers and beads carrying some romantic messages or lines. For the internet lovers or tech-savvy persons, you can send an e-card on their mail account if you want to avoid using paper. If you planning to purchase perfumes or fragrances, then instead of opting for expensive ones you can select products that are specially made from essential oils and extracted from plants, flowers, shrubs, bushes and roots. Regardless of costly gifts, you can buy some Organic eating products as they are healthier and also helps you to maintain the environment as well. Even you consider gifting jewelry to your valentine, but you must ensure that the jeweler is qualified for fair methods and environmental standards.

Make This Valentine Different!!
Other gift choices available are bags made from re-cycled paper, handmade artifacts, natural makeup kits or an organically grown flowers bouquet. When you personalize your gifts items with some natural thoughts, it will help you to put your efforts to protect the environment and natural resources. Apart from the above stated eco-friendly valentine gifts, you can plant a tree in the name of your beloved and to honor their love. It will be a perfect green gift which shows your innovation and sincerity towards the environment. If you have some time then you can plan for a romantic candle-light dinner and save energy. For that you can light candles that are made from natural beeswax or vegetables that are recyclable and smoke-free too.

Jamith Peterson loves to soak into bubbling and warm bath after a tiring day but hates to come out of the warmth to experience the chill outside