Surprise: Electric Vehicles are Already Driving Huge Distances Across America

Electric Vehicles: A Revolution on American Roads

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way since the first commercially available EV hit the market in the late 1990s. Today, EVs are becoming more common due to their environmentally-friendly nature, low operating costs, and improved technology, allowing longer driving distances. EVs are already driving huge distances across America, with more and more drivers taking them on long-distance road trips. 

Suppose you are an automotive trainer or educator looking to incorporate EV training into your curriculum. In that case, Switch Vehicles offers an innovative and hands-on approach to learning that can prepare students for the ever-evolving automotive industry.

Top Five Long-Distance Road Trip Routes for Electric Vehicles in the United States

Despite the increase in EV sales and use, concerns still need to be addressed about the infrastructure supporting EVs, particularly regarding long-distance travel. However, the good news is that the infrastructure in the United States is rapidly improving to support EVs, making long-distance trips more manageable than ever before. 

Here are the top five long-distance road trip routes for EV owners in the United States:

  1. West Coast Electric Highway: This route stretches 1,350 miles from the Canadian to the Mexican border, with over 40 charging stations.
  2. Electric Vehicle Southern Alliance: This route covers over 500 miles across the Southeast, with charging stations in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
  3. Charge Across America: This route spans 3,000 miles from New York City to Los Angeles, with charging stations along the way.
  4. Midwest EVOLVE: This route covers over 6,000 miles across eight Midwestern states, with charging stations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
  5. Charge NY: This route covers over 500 miles across the state of New York, with charging stations located every 30 miles or less.

Improving Infrastructure for Long-Distance Travel

While the EV charging network is still growing, it is rapidly expanding to accommodate long-distance travel. More and more charging stations are being installed in convenient locations such as rest stops, shopping centers, and hotels, making it easier for the owners of electric vehicles to travel long distances without worrying about running out of charge. In addition, charging technology is also improving, with some EVs now capable of charging up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

In conclusion, the electric vehicle industry is growing rapidly in the United States, and people are beginning to embrace the convenience and environmental benefits of owning an electric vehicle. With the development of better infrastructure to support long-distance travel and more training programs for automotive technicians and students, the future of electric cars is bright. 

Preparing the Next Generation of Automotive Technicians

As EVs become more popular, the automotive industry must keep up with demand by providing adequate repair and maintenance services. More automotive technicians and people in the automotive industry are obtaining more EV repair and maintenance training to meet this growing demand. 

Switch Vehicles is leading the way by offering EV assembly kits that help train students from high school to university levels, providing hands-on training while building electric vehicles.

Switch Vehicles EV Assembly Kits and Training

Switch Vehicles offers EV assembly kits that give students everything they need to build their own EV. When you purchase a Switch Vehicle, you get an entire program that can be used over and over again. The Switch Lab™ program includes the following:

VEHICLE

  • 96 Volt Lithium-ion battery
  • AC Drive System
  • Permanent Magnet Motor
  • Chassis
  • Required wiring
  • 2 seats and seatbelts
  • Lights
  • Windscreen

CURRICULUM

  • Build Your Own Electric Vehicle (BYOEV) Textbook
  • Class lectures
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Homework assignments
  • Homework review
  • 2-year Curriculum Club Membership (includes project challenges, community forum, and step-by-step assembly instructions)
  • PowerPoint lessons

KITS

  • Relay Lab Kit– Teaches students about relays, switches, contactors, and how to make and terminate wires properly. This is our most popular lab kit.
  • Measuring Tools Kit – Students learn how to use 10 measuring tools.
  • Enviro Battery Kit – Students learn how batteries work using food and beverages, lights, and buzzers.

Wind Tunnel Kit – Students use CAD and 3D printing to make the Switch chassis more aerodynamic. Ideal for Engineering, Physics, and auto programs to learn about the coefficient of drag.

TOOLS

Switch Vehicles offers safety, imperial, metric, and insulated tools to ensure schools have everything they need to safely and effectively assemble and disassemble the Switch.

TRAINING

Our train-the-trainer workshop provides 36 hours of hands-on professional development experience, preparing instructors to teach and assemble the Switch. 

Make The Switch For Your CTE & STEM Programs

Switch Vehicles is one of the companies leading the way in EV education and training with their comprehensive curriculum and assembly kits for building electric vehicles. By offering hands-on training opportunities for students from high school to university levels, Switch Vehicles is helping to prepare the next generation of automotive technicians and engineers for the future of the electric vehicle industry.

If you are an automotive trainer or educator looking to incorporate electric vehicle training into your curriculum, consider contacting Switch Vehicles. The comprehensive program and assembly kits provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about electric vehicle technology while gaining valuable hands-on experience building and maintaining their electric vehicles. 

By investing in the education and training of future EV professionals, we can continue to drive the growth and innovation of the electric vehicle industry in the United States and worldwide. The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love. It makes learning complex topics fun and exciting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

Journey to The Road, Part 2: LITHIUM

Journey to The Road, Part 2: LITHIUM

 

In our previous blog, we talked about the journey of oil, how it’s pulled from the earth, and how it ends up running automobiles all over the world. In this blog, we will look at the production of lithium and its journey to the end users on the road.

 

What is lithium, and why is it important to batteries?

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is highly reactive and flammable. Lithium is one of the lightest metals and is used in various applications, including the production of ceramics, glass, and aluminum, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry.

Lithium is essential to batteries because of its unique chemical properties. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and widely used in a range of devices, from mobile phones to electric cars. They work by using a lithium-ion to shuttle between the battery’s two electrodes, typically made of carbon and lithium cobalt oxide. The lithium ions move from the carbon electrode to the lithium cobalt oxide electrode when the battery is charged. The lithium ions move back to the carbon electrode when the battery is discharged. This movement of lithium ions creates the flow of electrons that produces the battery’s electrical current.

Lithium is an ideal material for batteries because it has a high energy density, meaning it can store a lot of energy in a small space. Lithium-ion batteries are also lightweight and have a long lifespan, making them well-suited for use in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles.

 

How is lithium extracted from the earth?

Lithium is primarily extracted from brine deposits and hard rock minerals. The extraction method used depends on the type of deposit.

Brine deposits are the most common source of lithium. These deposits are found in salt flats, or salars, which are large, flat areas of land where water has evaporated and left behind salt and other minerals. The brine in these deposits contains high concentrations of lithium, along with other minerals such as potassium and magnesium. To extract the lithium, the brine is pumped to the surface and concentrated in evaporation ponds, where the water evaporates, leaving behind the minerals. The remaining brine is then further concentrated, treated with chemicals to remove impurities, and processed into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.

Hard rock minerals, such as spodumene, are another source of lithium. Spodumene is a type of mineral that contains high concentrations of lithium, and it is mined using conventional open-pit mining methods. The ore is then crushed and processed to remove impurities and concentrate the lithium. The resulting concentrate is then roasted at high temperatures to convert the lithium minerals to a form that can be leached with chemicals, producing lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.

Both brine and hard rock mining have their own advantages and disadvantages. Brine extraction is generally less expensive and less damaging to the environment, but the process can be slow and the purity of the lithium can vary. Hard rock mining, on the other hand, is faster and more reliable, but it can be more expensive and requires more energy to extract the lithium.

 

How does lithium get manufactured into a battery?

Manufacturing a lithium-ion battery involves several steps, including preparing the anode and cathode materials, assembling the cell, and adding the electrolyte.

  1. Preparing the anode and cathode materials: The anode and cathode materials are typically made of a variety of metals and chemicals, including lithium cobalt oxide, graphite, and other compounds. These materials are mixed with a binder and coated onto a thin copper or aluminum foil. The coated foils are then dried and cut into strips.
  2. Assembling the cell: The anode and cathode strips are alternated and separated by a layer of porous material, which serves as a separator. The entire assembly is then rolled up tightly and placed inside a cylindrical or prismatic cell casing. The casing is then filled with an electrolyte solution.
  3. Adding the electrolyte: The electrolyte is a lithium salt solution in an organic solvent, such as ethylene carbonate or dimethyl carbonate. The electrolyte is added to the cell through a small casing hole, which is then sealed.
  4. Formation: After the cell is assembled, it undergoes a process called formation. This involves applying a voltage to the cell, which drives the lithium ions from the cathode to the anode and back again. This process prepares the battery for its first use and can take several hours or days to complete.
  5. Final assembly: Once the battery is formed, it is typically packaged in a protective case, and the leads or terminals are attached to the anode and cathode foils. The finished battery is then tested to ensure it meets the required capacity, voltage, and energy density specifications.

Overall, the manufacturing of a lithium-ion battery is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the finished product is reliable and safe for use.

 

How do lithium batteries get to the end consumer?

Lithium batteries are manufactured by specialized companies and then distributed through a complex network of suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers before they reach the end consumer. Here is an overview of the process:

  1. Production: Lithium batteries are produced by specialized manufacturers with expertise in creating the battery chemistry, design, and performance. The manufacturers produce large volumes of batteries, which are then sold to distributors and retailers.
  2. Distribution: Once the lithium batteries are produced, they are typically distributed through a network of suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers. The distributors may sell the batteries directly to manufacturers, who incorporate them into their products, such as smartphones, laptops, or electric vehicles. Alternatively, the distributors may sell the batteries to retailers, who then sell the batteries directly to the end consumer.
  3. Retail: Retailers that sell lithium batteries include electronics stores, hardware stores, online retailers, and specialty battery stores. These retailers typically stock a range of battery sizes and chemistries to meet the needs of different customers.
  4. Transportation: Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials and are subject to strict transportation regulations. When batteries are transported, they must be packaged and labeled according to the regulations, and carriers must comply with special handling and safety procedures.
  5. Disposal and recycling: At the end of their useful life, lithium batteries can be disposed of at authorized recycling centers or collection points. Recycling lithium batteries is important to prevent environmental contamination and to recover valuable metals that can be reused in new battery production.

Overall, the distribution of lithium batteries is a complex process that involves specialized manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, as well as strict regulations for transportation and disposal. The goal is to ensure that lithium batteries are safely and efficiently delivered to the end consumer.

 

How do lithium batteries benefit electric vehicles?

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in electric vehicles (EVs), and they provide several benefits for these vehicles, including:

  1. High energy density: Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, which means they can store a lot of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. This is important for electric vehicles, as it allows them to have a more extended driving range while keeping the battery pack size and weight manageable.
  2. Fast charging: Lithium-ion batteries can be charged more quickly than other types of batteries, allowing electric vehicles to be recharged more quickly. Fast charging is becoming increasingly crucial as EV infrastructure improves, allowing drivers to spend less and more time on the road.
  3. Long lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have a long lifespan and can last many years with proper maintenance. This is important for electric vehicles, which are a significant investment for most consumers. A long-lasting battery pack ensures that the car will continue to provide reliable service for many years.
  4. Low maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries require very little maintenance compared to other types of batteries. They do not need to be topped up with water and do not require regular equalization or other maintenance procedures.
  5. Environmental benefits: Electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries produce no tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to air pollution. They also have lower lifecycle emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles, even when considering the emissions associated with battery production.

Overall, the high energy density, fast charging, long lifespan, low maintenance, and environmental benefits of lithium-ion batteries make them an ideal choice for electric vehicles. As battery technology continues to improve, electric vehicles will likely become even more attractive to consumers, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.

 

Make The Switch.

The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love. It makes learning complex topics fun and exciting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

 

How Much Do Muscle Cars & Teslas Have In Common?

Photo by capitalstreet_fx06 on Pixabay

Muscle cars are a big part of the American love for cars. “Popping the hood” to see powerful engines underneath is not only fun in some quarters, but it’s also absolutely titillating. 

And why not? Internal combustion is a series of perfectly-timed explosions in an engine. The image of fuel-burning, internal combustion engines dragging down a strip is unlikely to go away any time soon, despite our constant edging towards the collapse of the ozone layer from a century of poor emissions control.

On the opposite side of the spectrum are electric cars. Considered by many to be tethered to their electric chargers, electric vehicles are still working to gain momentum in the car enthusiast community. One brand has been working very hard to change this stigma: Tesla.

Teslas, although reasonably priced, are still seen as muscle cars to many car lovers. They might not appear to have much in common with a Dodge Charger at first glance, but consider these elements:

The Cool Factor. Teslas are state of the art — even when you ignore their electric status. You’d be hard-pressed to name another car brand that has as many bells and whistles, from the key to the car (a little Hot Wheels-sized model of the car itself) to the touchscreen operations. 

The Power. Teslas have a surprising amount of pickup for a non-internal combustion vehicle. To have a car available that eradicates the stigma of “golf cart'” thinking is excellent for all kinds of electric vehicles. It’s doubtful that EVs could race a muscle car effectively and win, but they’d be in the running — which is all the power most drivers need.

The Beauty. Although some people mock the Cybertruck, few would pass up a chance to drive one. Tesla builds exquisite cars with lots of wow to them, with a high dosage of sleek lines and luxury in the mix.

These three elements make Teslas on par with muscle cars, but then, there’s The Environmental Responsibility. Sure, some will argue that the construction of each Tesla leaves a significant carbon footprint, but driving one for years erases that footprint. And it gets drivers off of dependency on foreign oil — something we should have done way back in 2008 when Detroit collapsed. GM brands continued refining internal combustion and gave Tesla a jump-start on the market they might have cornered when they had the chance.

At Switch Labs, we see the elevation of the Tesla brand as a vital thing. The more we can get drivers interested in EVs, the more the next generation will begin to show an interest in learning to build and repair these vehicles.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. To learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school, contact us today.