Are Electric Cars The Future? Part 2

The Tesla Roadster (EV)

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been a regular subject in this blog. Mainly because they represent a technology that could help us head off the worst of climate change.

The trouble is, like all new technology, it has a number of issues it's got to overcome before it can reach it's true potential.

Around 2 years ago I looked at those issues in this post, and concluded that, with time they'd be sorted out.

The main problems back then were:

• The cost of buying an EV e.g. Some £22000 for a Nissan Leaf (after government subsidy of £5k).
• Limited range on a full charge (80 - 90 miles. Less in the Winter).
• Re-charging took several hours (up to 13).
• Very few charging points available.
• The perception that batteries have a short life and are very expensive to replace (Up to £7000).

 All pretty serious obstacles to EVs taking over from standard cars.

So, has anything changed since I wrote that post? Actually, yes.

For a start, as predicted, prices haven fallen (e.g. £16490 for a Leaf). If that's still too rich for you, then consider this: Comparing EV to petrol for 10k miles p.a. you save £3k per year.

This is because a) Electricity is cheaper than petrol and not subject to fuel tax; b) EVs are more efficient than their petrol equivalents; c) Servicing and maintenance is minimal as there are fewer moving parts in an electric motor (the only part which will require maintenance is the batteries); d) EVs are exempt from road tax (Source: Here)

Here in the UK, superfast charge points are being rolled out at many motorway service stations. They can charge batteries to 80% in 20 to 30 minutes (See here for more) - About the time it takes to have a coffee and visit the loo.

The gathering pace of the charge point rollout is mirrored in many countries in Europe. More about charging here.

The technology behind EVs and their various components is improving day by day. And it should receive a considerable boost from the introduction of a Formula E racing season (the EV equivalent of Formula 1). The inaugural 10 race season started this month in Beijing and is driven through the streets of major cities around the world like London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Miami. With major manufacturers and big money involved, there should be plenty of innovation coming to ordinary EVs in the new future.