The Past of Electric Cars
Electric cars, since their introduction, have been overlooked as a less efficient version of the gasoline car until recent years. The first successful electric automobile in the U.S. debuted in 1891 but due to its lacking performance in areas such as range and speed, its gas-powered rival took over the market by the 1920’s.
Deficiencies in the technology that required frequent rechargings resulted in the electric car becoming unpopular and falling far behind gas powered vehicles. However, due to growing environmental concerns, the electric car has regained focus in recent years. In an effort to find a cleaner alternative to gas powered vehicles, the technology for electric cars has been improving to make it comparable in performance to its competitors.
How Much of a Difference Can Electric Cars Make?
Since environmental concern is the motivating factor behind the growing popularity of electric cars, it is important to consider if it is even worth the switch. So, will switching to electric cars actually make a large difference in its primary goal of decreasing carbon emissions? The answer is yes, electric cars are believed to be able to significantly decrease carbon emissions. According to research completed by Djordje T. Petrovic, “increasing the number of electric cars would lead to reduced CO2 emission up to 20% but in combination with other policies up to 28%”. Despite this research alongside other affirming studies, many argue that the indirect emissions caused by charging electric cars can be equally as harmful to the environment as gasoline cars. The solution found by many companies is to charge electric vehicles with renewable energy sources, allowing electric cars to continue their efforts in slowing climate change. Overall it is agreed amongst most environmental experts that the widespread use of electric vehicles in combination with increasing renewable energy sources can make a huge difference in slowing the effects of global warming.
The Future of Electric Cars
As electric cars have developed by becoming more cost efficient and reliable, their popularity has been developing alongside. Due to this, electric cars are on a path to likely replace gasoline vehicles, but when? According to the latest forecast by the investment bank UBS, 20% of all new cars sold globally will be electric by 2025. They claim that by 2040 almost every new car sold globally will be electric. However, other sources such as a report from BloombergNEF (BNEF) estimate that by 2040, EVs and other zero-emissions vehicles will account for 70 percent of new-vehicle sales. Despite conflicting predictions, it is still clear that electric cars are agreed to be taking over soon. Whether completely dominating the market by 2040 or simply accounting for the majority of sales, electric cars are coming whether you like it or not.
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