Seems like we are witnessing the revolution of the electric vehicles (EVs) within the automotive industry over the years by presenting more advanced, clean and sustainable cars other than the conventional gasoline powered automobiles circumvention. In light of the emerging global perspective on the threats climate change and its associated problems like carbon emissions pose, naturally electric vehicles tend to fit the very principles sought in the reclamation of a cleaner environment. Therefore, this blog will look at the emergence of electric vehicles, their use for environmental conservation and the technology prospects for this type of vehicle.
Electric vehicles- What are they?
Electric vehicles are those that contain an internal electric motor that comprises and/or is supported by various units with batteries for storing charge. Unlike the standard automobiles which are based on gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine ICE powered automobiles, power credit vehicles are designed with electric engines which of course run on a battery even electric vehicles have no petrol station equivalent. This makes them have certain merits like no emission even during operation and cheaper costs of running the vehicle among others.
EVs come in a variety of examples like:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV): As the name suggests, it is a vehicle which is powered solely on batteries with no petrol or gas or any other source of energy acting as back up.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): Such vehicles comprise of an electric engine and a power generator meaning the drivers do not have any limitations with respect to the distance they can cover.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV): These are those that have both electric and gas propulsion systems but cannot be plugged to a charging point. In this case, the electric battery gets charged by the gasoline combustion engine and also during regenerative braking.
Why Are Electric Vehicles Gaining Popularity?
What are the reasons electric vehicles are becoming popular nowadays? Below are some of the main reasons that have led to their global growth.
Environmental benefits
By far, the greatest advantage of electric vehicles is about the environment. EV’s have no tailpipe emissions which means that they do not release any gases that can pollute the air. This aspect is crucial to cities where a majority of the air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. Pertaining to the global concern about global warming and climate change, it is essential to decrease the emissions of carbon in transportation, where electric vehicles come in handy.
Saves on Fuel and Maintenance costs
In most cases, electric vehicles tend to be more cost-effective than gasoline-powered vehicles. The expenses incurred while charging an EV is less than that of fueling it with gas leading to longterm reductions in costs. In addition, compared to conventional vehicles, electric vehicles have a lower number of mobile components, which reduces their maintenance costs and intervals. There are no oil changes, productive banking systems minimize brake wear, thus protecting motorists’ cash and time.
Government Incentives and Subsidies
Electric vehicles are being embraced by most governments around the world and they are providing incentives to this effect. Incentives can take the form of tax offsets, purchase rebates or grants to acquire these vehicles, as well as, relaxation on some taxes and road charges. In addition, in some jurisdictions, owners of EVs are given free or reduced-cost access to parking facilities, use of high-occupancy vehicle lanes and other perks.
The evolution of technology has been very beneficial to electric vehicles. Recent models exhibit more power, longer ranges between charges and shorter times for recharging. Furthermore, batteries are becoming less expensive and are lasting longer, which is helping reduce the cost of EVs and making them affordable to a larger group of people. Moreover, the evolution of charging systems has facilitated the recharging of vehicles by consumers at their own convenience, either at home, work or in public charging centers.
Public Awareness and Changing Attitudes
The increasing demand for greener transportation is largely attributed to the growing environmental awareness across the globe. These days, majority of the consumers tend to be more concerned about the choices they make and the effect it has on the environment and consequently their carbon footprint. They are practical in that sense and many people want to use and embrace low emissions vehicles as a means of transport.
The Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have a range of advantages in contrast to the classic cars with combustion engines, such as:
No Emissions: Electric cars, as advanced and eco-friendly as they are, released, do not have tailpipes hence no exhaust emissions, therefore less air pollution and carbon footprint.
Reduced Costs of Use: Although the initial cost might be higher, the electric vehicle will have lighter fuel, maintenance, and operation costs in the future.
Noise-Free Operation: Operating an electric vehicle is far quieter than riding in conventional vehicles thus reducing noise pollution in cities.
Greater Efficiency: Electric motors are capable of delivering power immediately and therefore, EVs can pick up speed without any delay. Furthermore, owing to the low positioning of the battery, the vehicle’s center of gravity tends to be lower, which often enhances stability and comfort when driving the vehicle.
The Potentials of Electric Vehicles
Even with the countless benefits of electric vehicles, there are some challenges that still have to be dealt with for EVs to be accepted widely. Such challenges include the following:
Fear of Depleting Energy (Range Anxiety)
Range anxiety, or the fear of being unable to reach a power outlet or charging station before one runs out of battery, is one of the first fears potential EV purchasers would have. Back in the days, the range capacity of electric utilities was a big problem, though with the recent models that many electric vehicles are able to cover more than two hundred miles radius on a full charge, the range anxiety still remains a hindrance to the full exploitation of the technology. However, improvements in appliances have made it possible to wear out the worry altogether.
Concern about the Availability of Charging Points
The existence of charging points is yet another limiting factor that hinders people from fully embracing electric vehicles. In as much as the public charging stations are increasing, it is still a challenge to look for a place to charge that is not too far or too inconvenient especially in the country or less developed regions. However, as the appetite for EVs is increasing more charging points are being constructed and also home charging facilities are becoming available.
High Initial Purchase Cost
It is true that the price of cars has been falling over the years, but they are still able to have a higher cost than petrol sports cars especially the rich or long range models. Nevertheless, the situation is likely to change in the future since more production facilities will be constructed and the price of batteries is likely to decrease drastically which will facilitate the mass production of electric vehicles.
As a final note
There is more to transportation than just roads as electric vehicles open up new avenues of thought. Considering the various environmental, economic and technological benefits associated with use of EVs, they are indeed the way to a brighter and cleaner world. Even though more challenges remain, the rate at which innovation is fuelling growth in electric vehicle technology and support systems indicates that alternative forms of transportation will become the norm sooner than later. For anyone interested in contributing towards reducing the carbon footprint and reducing expenses in his or her local, being in possession of an electric vehicle is the most appealing and useful thing.
If you are thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, in addition, it will be reasonable to check current proposals regarding the issue and what electric cars can do for you and the earth.