We are living in the most dynamic times in the history of humankind. All facets of our everyday lives are becoming more modernized. The way we move from one place to another has not been left behind. Vehicles are becoming smarter and cleaner, and we are seeing a major shift from traditional vehicles to electric cars. This begs the question: Are EVs the future of the automotive industry?
This article will explore everything you need to know about electric cars and see whether they are the future of transportation.
What Are Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles are also known as EVs. These are vehicles that are powered by electricity. Essentially, the vehicles have electric motors powered by fuel cells or batteries.
Electric vehicles are not just limited to personal cars. They include other forms of road transport, such as bikes, buses, and trucks. Additionally, other modes of transportation, like water and air, have not been left in the past. For example, there are electric boats and electric planes currently in use.
Categories of Electric Vehicles
There are three major types of electric vehicles. These are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVS), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles.
- BEVs: These are vehicles that are powered only by an electric battery.
- PHEVs: These are vehicles that have both a combustion engine and electric battery. The battery is charged from an outside socket, thus the plug-in reference.
- Hybrid: Hybrid cars also have a combustion engine and electric battery. However, they do not have a plug-in. Instead, the electric battery of a hybrid vehicle is charged with the engine’s internal combustion.
How Do Electric Vehicles Work?
This article will mainly focus on electric vehicles instead of plug-in hybrids or hybrids. First, electric cars use an electric motor that powers the vehicle’s wheels. The motors get their energy from batteries typically placed down in the car. Another battery powers other elements of the vehicle. These include lights and other electronic components.
Additionally, the batteries of EVs are rechargeable. These batteries can be charged from the electric grid by a fast charger, such as those in a service station or a wall-mounted charger.
Third, EVs contain a control unit that manages how much power the vehicle draws from the battery. An accelerator is used to determine how much power is needed.
Current Electric Vehicle Technology
Electric vehicles have been around for a long time. Thomas Davenport created the first battery-charged electric motor in 1834. Later, scientists would tinker with the design, making modifications in the ensuing years.
Today, the use of electric motors spans different forms of transport. There are many notable transportation forms apart from electric cars. These include:
- Logistics vehicles: Freight vehicles have not been left behind in the transition to electricity-powered motors. Many companies have continued to improve the batteries of electric logistic cars, making their use practical.
- Public transport: Electric buses have a massive use in China, and Europe is picking up the pace. Electric trains are in use in many countries in the world. Additionally, the use of electric trams is common worldwide.
- Aircraft: There are electric aircraft, but they are not currently used for commercial purposes. However, there is progress in manufacturing commercial aircrafts that will use electricity.
- Boats: There are currently prototypes that indicate the possibility of an efficient electric boat that will answer the current problem of limited power.
Can Electric Vehicles Create Sustainable Transport?
More than ever, there is a need for more eco-friendly energy systems worldwide. For example, electricity in the transport system will significantly reduce carbon emissions by vehicles. This is because electric cars produce zero emissions when they are running.
Apart from EVs not producing carbon (IV) oxide, electricity is a clean form of energy. Most electricity is generated by solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources.
Therefore, EVs are set to substantially reduce greenhouse emissions by conventional vehicles. This is even after considering the production process and the source of electricity.
Are Electric Vehicles the Future of World Transportation?
The future of electric vehicles is a bright one. Many countries have continued to implement policies geared towards the increased use of electric cars. Also, according to Wood Mackenzie, the sales of electric vehicles are set to hit 45 million by 2040.
However, the biggest challenge for electric vehicles is the battery. You should note that great strides have been taken to improve the batteries, but they are not currently viable for bigger vehicles.
Also, there needs to be a reduction in emissions during the production of lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, there needs to be a recycling system for the components of the vehicles. All these measures, if implemented, will result in an ideal clean transportation system.
Pros of EVs and Why Their Adoption Will Continue Growing
Electric vehicles are already saving the planet today, and their adoption across all countries is set to increase rapidly in years to come. More than 71% of American drivers would consider buying an EV in the future. Here are some of the reasons why electric vehicles will dominate in the times ahead:
- Electric vehicles are saving our planet and our lives. This is due to the reduction of carbon emissions associated with fuel energy.
- You can charge your electric vehicle at home, work, or the store. This convenience will continue attracting people into buying EVs. Also, more charging stations with fast chargers will greatly increase, making it easy to charge the vehicle.
- There will be continued setting up of the infrastructure to aid EV charging. Different states are investing in charging infrastructure meant for electric vehicles. This will be an added convenience for people with EVs.
- The need for clean public transport will play an increasing role. Electric buses that are cheap could be the key to unlocking the electric vehicle revolution. In the next decade, most buses are set to use electric energy. States are also investing money into acquiring a fleet of electric buses.
- Soaring gas prices will continue. This year has seen an unmatched rise in the price of gas. In such times, there is a general increase in EV interest. More people will turn to EVs as an alternative if the trend continues.
Final Thoughts
We are all responsible for a planet that is clean and habitable. One of the steps we can all take to ensure that is by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. A sure way of reducing the emission of carbon is adopting transport systems that use clean energy like the use of electric cars.
It is worth noting that many countries have continued to create policies that promote electric vehicles. Scientists and many companies are conducting studies to improve the batteries of EVs. This will make the vehicles more viable and sustainable.
The future of electric cars is bright. There might come a time when all manufactured vehicles will be fully electric or have an electric option. Only time will tell, but projections might happen sooner rather than later.
