The problem which could be solved by the use of electric vehicles are analyzed. A detailed comparison between the energy consumption and air polluting emissions of electric cars and the conventional vehicles is elaborated. In chapter one an outline is given of the transportation sector in the Netherlands. Also attention is paid to a number of problems with regard to energy consumption, the environment and the quality of life in the built environment. In chapter two a number of technical specifications of cars, which are of importance for the use of electric vehicles, is described. Detailed attention is paid to types of batteries. The energy and environmental aspects of electric cars and internal combustion engine-driven cars are analyzed and compared in chapter three. The analysis is focused on characteristics of passenger cars and vans in the city traffic. In chapter four the options to use electric cars are listed. The impacts of large-scale use of electric vehicles in the Netherlands are considered. An overall comparison is made of the costs for electric cars and cars with internal combustion engines. Finally, conclusions are states with regard to energy consumption (lower), air pollution emissions (only higher for SO2), the use in cities (good prospects), and the high investment costs of electric vehicles in comparison with the combustion-engine-driven car.
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