Are electric cars reliable?

Ah yes, cars. The classic method of transportation which dates back decades. It is quick, convenient, and comfortable. What's there to not like about cars? The pollution it generates. Most cars these days leave a large environmental footprint, even before they make it to the roads. Materials such as steel, rubber, and paints must be created, consuming tons of energy. These automobiles are a major contributor to air pollution, producing large amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

Enter electric cars. They run using an electric motor, resulting in lesser noxious gases emitted into our atmosphere. As more consumers around the world are becoming more environmentally conscious, big automobile corporations such as Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford are coming up with newer, more advanced electric cars. They are as reliable and efficient as traditional cars, if not more.

How do electric cars work?

These vehicles have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged in to a wall outlet or charging equipment, also called the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Since it runs on electricity, the vehicle emits no exhaust from a tailpipe and does not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank.

The advantages and limitations of electric cars

An evident advantage is that electric cars have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. The reduced emissions can contribute to improving air quality. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 4.2 million people die prematurely every year from outdoor air pollution. If everyone made the switch from petroleum cars to electric cars, air pollution can be mitigated and the number of deaths from air pollution can be significantly reduced.

Another environmental benefit that results in the usage of electric cars is the conservation of fossil fuels. Traditional vehicles rely on fossil fuels that are finite and contribute to environmental degradation during extraction and refining processes. Electric cars, on the other hand, can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, which are abundant and sustainable.

The benefits are not just limited to the environment, but to the economy. In a study of 20 countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Oceania, Europe, and South America, reports found that more than half would benefit economically by adopting electric mobility. In some of these countries, the higher investments associated with electric vehicles are already justified in terms of lower operating costs, while in others, they only become economically attractive when environmental benefits are considered.

The transition to electric vehicles can stimulate economic growth and job creation in various sectors. The manufacturing, assembly, and supply chains associated with electric vehicle production can create new employment opportunities. Moreover, the development and deployment of charging infrastructure, battery technology, and renewable energy systems can generate jobs in the clean energy sector, fostering innovation and economic development.

However, these cars also come with certain limitations.

The batteries for electric cars require lithium, a geologically scarce metal. Since lithium is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element under normal conditions, no other metal can replace it. Other metals used in electric cars include copper, cobalt, aluminium, nickel, and sometimes manganese. Though not as rare as lithium, these metals may be toxic. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rich cobalt deposits lie on the surface and the metal is picked up by miners, including women and children. Due to the economic conditions in DRC, many miners work with little or no protective equipment, extracting the metal is risky and can claim lives.

An existing limitation of electric cars is their range, with some models having ranges of just 150 miles or less between charges. This makes them more suitable for short, local trips rather than long-distance travel. Recharging an electric car typically requires at least 30 minutes at a dedicated high-voltage charging point, whereas refueling a petrol or diesel car is usually faster. Fossil fuel-powered vehicles still hold an advantage in terms of longer range capabilities, with some capable of traveling 500 miles or more before refilling. Additionally, factors such as using the heater or air conditioning in an electric car and cold temperatures can affect the battery's performance and reduce its range. Conclusion

The advantages of electric cars far outweigh its limitations. Reducing emissions and being more economical in the long term for many households while still being able to provide the comfort and convenience many people require. With advanced technology and government funding, the electric car may just become the next smartphone and be a quintessential part of our everyday lives.

Bibliography

National Geographic Staff. “The Environmental Impacts of Cars, Explained.” Environment, 3 May 2021,

www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/environmental-impact. Accessed 2 June 2023.

Alternative Fuels Data Center. "How Do All-Electric Cars Work? " https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-all-electric-cars-work. Accessed 2 June 2023.

Alternative Fuels Data Center. "Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations." afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_benefits.html. Accessed 2 June 2023.

World Bank Group. “Electric Vehicles: An Economic and Environmental Win for Developing Countries.” World Bank, Nov. 2022,

www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/11/17/electric-vehicles-an-economic-and-environmental-win-for-developing-countries. Accessed 2 June 2023.

Young People's Trust for the Environment. "What are the downsides to electric cars?" ypte.org.uk/factsheets/electric-cars/what-are-the-downsides-to-electric-cars. Accessed 2 June 2023.