The modern era of electric cars has just begun. Automakers are developing new electric cars at an unprecedented rate, and governments around the world are introducing emissions regulations in an effort to move away from traditional combustion engines. This is a major shift for the auto industry and the world at large, and with the growing interest from both producers and consumers, it’s worth exploring some of the most pertinent things to know about the future electric cars.
What is an Electric Car?
Before we dive into the techno-speak, let’s start by defining what an electric car is for those who are unfamiliar. An electric car (or EV) is a vehicle powered entirely or primarily by an electric motor. Essentially, electric cars don’t have the internal combustion engine that’s found in traditional cars, and instead, rely on electricity stored in batteries to move and drive – just like a smartphone.
Advantages of Electric Cars
The advantages of electric cars over traditional ones are hard to overlook. The most obvious one is that electric cars offer a far cleaner and more economical propulsion system than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Reduced emissions lead to better air quality, and because electricity is usually cheaper than SP95, electric cars are much more cost-effective to run in the long-term.
In addition, electric cars can be lighter than their traditional counterparts due to the simpler powertrain, and this can lead to improved fuel economy, better performance, and longer driving range.
Unchallenged Benefits of ‘Going Electric’
For those of us looking to do our part in helping to reduce global warming, ‘going electric’ is an incredibly compelling choice. Electric cars don’t emit any of the pollutants responsible for climate change, they dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation, and they’re extremely energy efficient.
Aside from that, electric cars are often quieter and more comfortable to drive, owing to the fact that electric motors are smoother and don’t require as many gears. They’re also much simpler to maintain, as there are no oil or filter changes, or spark plugs to worry about.
On-board (and Off-board) Technological Innovations
Naturally, electric cars benefit from the latest modern technological features, such as rear-view cameras, auto-parking, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and of course, advanced safety systems. But in addition to the on-board technology, electric cars access a wealth of smart off-board innovations.
For example, ‘smart charging’ has been developed to ensure that electric cars don’t deplete their batteries too quickly, while ‘smart grids’ also help smooth out electric car charging times by evenly distributing power across an entire grid.
Cost and Charging
Of course, electric vehicles still aren’t as affordable as traditional vehicles, and the high upfront cost is often a deal breaker for many interested buyers. It’s worth noting, however, that the cost of an electric car isn’t just the sticker price – when you factor in the lower running costs, and other advantages, the total cost of ownership can be lower in the long run.
Another bar to entry for electric cars is the lack of access to charging infrastructure. Although a growing number of electric vehicle charging stations are popping up around the world, electric cars still require a greater degree of planning and foresight when it comes to charging.
The Future of Electric Cars
We’ve now established the basics of electric cars, but the truly exciting part is in looking forward. In the coming years, we can expect the cost of electric cars to come down, the efficiency to improve, and the ranges to grow longer. Already, semi-autonomous technology is making its way into electric cars, and full autonomous driving isn’t too far behind.
In addition, more and more resources are being poured into the development of battery technology, meaning that electric car batteries will become even lighter, more powerful, and more spacious. We can also expect more of the multinational automakers to make the transition to electric vehicles, creating more competition and a broader range of options.
The Benefits of Going Electric Now
Given the current trajectory of development, those considering going electric should act sooner rather than later. Not only will they benefit from being at the vanguard of electric car technology, but they’ll also be able to make the most of the available incentives and subsidies being offered in many countries.
Furthermore, governments around the world are increasingly offering lower taxes for electric vehicles and providing access to preferential registration plates and tolls in an effort to incentivize their uptake.
Electric cars have come a long way in the past few decades and the advances in the technology are certainly impressive. Whether you’re considering buying an electric car for environmental reasons, financial reasons, or a combination of the two, you’ll almost certainly benefit from going electric. The cost and charging challenge will undoubtedly persist as technological advances are made available, but given the right circumstances, and the right Buyer, going electric has the potential to be one of the most rewarding decisions in life.
