The future of the automotive industry is electric. In the future, cars powered by electricity, not petrol or diesel, will one day account for the majority of the vehicular traffic in roads around the world.
It would not take too long, either. While electric cars are only a small percentage of vehicles on roads today in the United States, automotive manufacturers are rapidly shifting toward the more environmentally-friendly option. By 2035, analysts forecast that one-quarter of all new car sales will be electric. By 2050, 60 percent of all new car sales will be electric.
Going Electric in the UK
In the United Kingdom, interest in electric cars is strong. One recent survey found that 6.5 million households (one in four households) have plans to purchase an electric car by 2030. In just less than a decade, 18 million battery or plug-in electric vehicles will be in use.
There are plenty of advantages to driving an electric car. Aside from the fact that it is better for the planet because it consumes electricity and does not burn fossil fuel to run, it is more efficient. An advantage that is immediately noticeable to the driver is torque. Because electric motors react quickly, vehicles become more expensive. Moreover, once you get home, you plug your vehicle in just like what you already do for your smartphone and laptop. By the next day, your electric vehicle will be ready for use; no need to stop for gas along the way.
Plus, electric vehicles are more digitally connected and, therefore, offer their owner better monitoring and control over the car. You can check your smartphone to see potential problems that may disrupt your journey later on.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some people do not think that switching to electric is not the right choice for them. A survey of over 15,000 drivers revealed that 34 percent do not think electric vehicles suit their particular lifestyle.
Electric Vehicles are Too Expensive
One common reason behind the hesitation to buy electric vehicles is cost. Owning a car is already expensive. After a purchase, more money goes toward taking care of it such as regular maintenance checks, purchase of stylish carport canopies or construction of a garage, and so much more.
However, according to predictions, electric vehicles will soon be more affordable than those powered by conventional gas. It may happen as early as 2025 in Europe and the U.S.
The price of the battery, which accounts for half the cost of an electric vehicle, is expected to fall by about 77 percent in the coming years. When it does, it will make electric vehicles so much cheaper.
Right now, the upfront cost of electric vehicles is still very high. Only those who are wealthy can afford to make the switch. But, Elon Musk, who founded Tesla, has promised that a cheaper model from the automotive manufacturer is coming soon. He said the next electric vehicle that will come out from Tesla will be $25,000 or £19,600.
In addition, electric vehicles are generally cost-effective over time. While the upfront cost seems high, it will eventually lead to more savings. A study from the University of Michigan found that cars that run on electricity will cost less to run than one that uses gas. The cost of operating an electric vehicle in the U.S. is $485 (£343) per year. Meanwhile, a gas-powered vehicle will cost $1,117 (£788) annually.
The difference, however, can go up or down depending on the cost of gas and electricity where you are. If the price you pay for electricity is higher, you might not see as much savings.
Battery Charge
A survey by YouGov in 2019 found that the most common concern of drivers when it comes to electric vehicles is the amount of time they can go without a charge. The anxiety that they will run out of power while on the road is making drivers across the UK hesitate to jump onto the electric vehicle bandwagon.
However, nowadays, it should no longer be a problem. The technology has come so far that you can cross great distances in a single charge. Moreover, the number of charging stations has grown over the years and will continue to grow as more people drive electric vehicles. As of 2020, more than 35,000 charge point connectors have been opened across 13,000 locations.
Right now, many people still are not ready to switch to electric vehicles, but people tend to feel cautious around something that they are not used to, especially if it is a new technology. Falling costs, availability, and more options will all help toward making traveling less harmful to the environment.
