Electric Vehicles and their Advancement- Arjun Popat (Guest-writer)

Electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and there is undeniable proof of that. I'll let Formula-1 fanatic Arjun explain it from here!

Ever wonder what the future will look like? How much different would it be from today’s society and the technologically growing world? Will everything around us be electric? Well, let’s take a deeper dive into this fairly but rather rapidly growing concept. You might be somewhat aware of Electric vehicles. It's basically like your everyday car but instead of a regular gas-powered engine, it uses electric motors. The first Electric Vehicles, or EVs, appeared in the late 19th century in the form of small cars and bikes. However, EVs never really grew in popularity until the 21st century since internal combustion engines powered by gasoline were more efficient and known throughout the 20th century. Recently, due to the wide use of gas cars and gas-powered transportation, problems such as climate change, air pollution, the rise of carbon emissions, and other major environmental issues have arisen. In efforts to reduce these issues, EVs have become the norm for many people looking to buy new cars. California recently announced no gas-powered cars will be allowed by 2035 in the state. Many states are sure to follow suit, especially with the growing awareness of climate change as it becomes noticeable through our weather patterns.

So why should you own an EV really and what's in it for you? Apart from climate change and the problems around the world, owning an EV can be quite easier and more convenient than a gas car. With an EV, you have the ability to charge up at home which makes frequent trips to the gas station quite well, nonexistent. Along with that luxury, you’ll find yourself able to drive long distances without recharging. Owning an EV means fewer maintenance needs and costs due to fewer moving parts and variables. You will also receive higher performance and more efficiency in the long run. Going EV also equals a lesser carbon footprint. According to oceancrestmotors.com, a regular gas-powered car, which does 22 miles to the gallon, emits an average of 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide. If you take that into account, then EVs are better every time with 0 emissions of carbon dioxide.

It may seem going EV is the perfect trade-off but you might find yourself in some tough situations. Simply finding a charging station can be a tall order as they are less frequent and further apart than gas stations. According to getjerry.com, the US has around 108,000 public EV charging ports compared to 150,000+ gas stations. Even if you reach a charging station you still have to wait a few hours to recharge. While you may not need to get an oil change or engine check at all, your battery may need replacement in the long run. Replacing a battery can be a real hassle due to the expenses and time required.

Apart from everyday and regular uses, the debate on electric vehicles has stemmed in the world of motorsports and auto racing. Formula 1, perhaps the pinnacle of motorsport, is taking steps towards fewer emissions as they stand as an example of the influence to turn environmentally friendly. All of the cars in F1 used to use fully gas engines but in 2014, the turbo hybrid era began with the introduction of the turbo hybrid 1.6L V6. Formula 1 recently announced that it will be achieving net zero emissions by 2030. Along with this news, there has been a new spin-off of F1 that has come into popularity. It is called Formula E and is what many believe the future of racing will be. All of the race cars are fully electric and with a 350 kW battery in each car. These cars have the ability to reach speeds near 180 miles per hour but with new regulations and technology are projected to accelerate quicker and reach 200 miles per hour next year. So just as fast as Formula 1, fully energy efficient, and with net zero emissions, it looks like Formula E could really revolutionize racing as we know it.

So are EVs good or bad? Well, it really depends on your situation and needs. You may already have financial circumstances and beliefs which allow you to go EV. Or you might not have the means or the money to go EV instantly. As far as the world is concerned, the future is looking towards EVs. Governments over the past few decades have grown to value climate change and environmental issues. For these reasons, a majority of the world will be forced to adapt and buy electric cars so it might be better to buy early into the green future and jump on the economic bandwagon.