Electric vehicles (EVs) are on track to become the dominant force in the motoring industry. The driving force behind this shift is the fact that electric cars are better for the environment and produce fewer emissions overall.
Why are EVs so important for the future of our planet?
The answer is simple: the lack of emissions from electric cars reduces air pollution and prevents the negative impacts of climate change. It's no surprise then that the UK government has banned the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to reach its net zero emissions target by 2050.
When will electric cars become the norm on our roads?
According to a recent report by investment bank UBS, it is estimated that by 2025, electric vehicles will account for 20% of all new car sales globally, with this figure rising to 40% by 2030. By 2040, most cars sold worldwide are predicted to be electric. Despite these optimistic projections, a Thomson Reuters report suggests that even by 2040, only half of the vehicles on the road will be electric, with the other half still being powered by gasoline or diesel engines. While the transition to electric cars may take time, the trend towards sustainable mobility is clear.
However, it's worth noting that the electricity used to power EVs is still generated by burning fossil fuels in some parts of the world, and the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric cars uses a lot of energy. Despite this, the overall carbon emissions of EVs in the UK are still lower than those produced by conventional cars. In the face of the climate crisis, it's essential that we continue to look for ways to reduce emissions, and EVs are a significant step in the right direction.
While it's predicted that by 2040, almost all cars sold around the world will be electric, it's essential to acknowledge that hydrogen cars, or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are another potential solution. FCEVs produce no running emissions and are more efficient than petrol and diesel cars, but there are practical issues surrounding infrastructure. There are few hydrogen pumps around the UK, and it's currently more expensive to fill up a hydrogen car than it is to charge an electric one. In addition, much of the hydrogen produced is made by burning fossil fuels. Until methods are developed to generate hydrogen sustainably, EVs remain a more practical solution.
In summary, the benefits of electric cars are clear. They produce fewer emissions, are better for the environment, and can play a significant role in reducing our carbon footprint. By continuing to invest in EV technology and charging infrastructure, we can look forward to a cleaner, greener future on our roads.
