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Are Electric Cars the Future of Transport?
Natalie Reynolds edited this page 1 year ago
Are Electric Cars the Future of Transport?
Something drastically needs to change within the transport industry; carbon emissions from transport contribute heavily to global warming. The environment is at a breaking point, extreme weather conditions are becoming more common, and some species cannot adapt to the changing climate. Humans have created this problem through constant pollution and a convenience culture. We discuss the importance of electric vehicles and if they are likely to be the future of transport.
Government plans
The UK government plans to ban all sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by the year 2030. After this period, people will only be able to buy second-hand petrol and diesel cars. They are currently focusing on electric vehicles as part of the solution to the ever-evolving climate crisis. Car manufacturers are developing new and better electric vehicles that can charge quicker and travel further on a single charge. Electric cars have zero emissions when running and are overall better for the environment.
Electricity and fossil fuels
Electric cars use electricity which in many countries is produced using fossil fuels. The excavation of fossil fuels and the process of converting them into electricity releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. So by powering an electric car, the simple consumption of that electricity isn’t 100% green unless the electricity is produced from renewable sources. Many electricity providers are working harder to increase the percentage of electricity they supply from renewable sources and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. The more companies that can do this, the better the electric car will be for the environment.
Battery production
Manufacturing an electric car battery is time and resource-intensive. They are much more complicated to make compared to combustion engines. Electric car battery manufacturing also requires raw materials such as lithium to be mined and transported to where it is needed. Overall the production of electric car batteries can emit up to 30% - 40% more emissions than combustion engines. The electric car industry views this as an initial investment that will be offset in the vehicle's lifetime usage compared to petrol or diesel cars. Buyers must understand that an electric car still contributes to climate change as the battery is very resource intensive to manufacture and transport. Electric car batteries need to be of a certain quality to prevent them from breaking prematurely. If they are made poorly and break, the electric car could be as polluting to the environment as the combustion engine; the pollution will just happen before the vehicle gets on the road.
Used electric cars in the UK are becoming more popular; they provide eco-friendly motorists with a better and more affordable way to get to their destination. They also offer other benefits such as a quiet drive, cheaper refuelling and fewer maintenance costs.
Despite the battery production and the fossil fuel used for electricity production, electric cars are still much better for the environment than petrol or diesel cars. Currently, electric cars are the only option for personal transport that is being backed by the government and expanding. This makes it most likely that this form of transport will continue to develop and grow to become the most popular choice amongst people in the UK. Other countries are also working towards the same goal for electric cars and are continuing to expand their network of charging stations.
The only way to completely eliminate emissions from transport is for people to stay at home and walk, bike or use horses when travelling around. This is unrealistic and impossible in the modern era. Transportation is needed to provide essential goods and services worldwide; without transportation, people would be unable to eat, cook, drink or access vital medical services. Electric cars, buses and vans are currently the most viable way to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation industry. Businesses and individuals need to continue buying and leasing electric cars to improve the infrastructure and help minimise carbon emissions. Electricity companies should also continue to work on providing renewable energy to homes and electric charging stations. At the moment, electric cars are the most likely future of transport until something else comes along with better environmental credentials that can be rolled out worldwide.
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