Electric car technology is rapidly advancing and making the cars we drive more sustainable. New battery technology and ADAS are helping EVs to achieve higher performance, improved range and safer driving. Emerging EV trends, such as user-friendly features and seamless connectivity, are also making them more attractive to a wider customer base.
Unlike gasoline-powered cars that spew tailpipe emissions, EVs produce no pollution at the point of operation. They run on electricity generated from the power grid or fuel cell stacks and store it in batteries. They use one or more electric motors to power the wheels, and they plug into a charger to charge their batteries.
Some EVs can travel over 200 miles on a full charge, although this is less than the 300-plus mile range of some gas vehicles. A typical EV recharges in four hours or less at home or in a public charging station.
To increase EV adoption, automakers are looking for innovative ways to improve their products. One way is to make EVs lighter. Every ounce of weight reduction improves a vehicle’s range. Some companies are using composite materials that are both lightweight and durable, such as sheet-moulded carbon. For example, Toyota’s all-new Prius C uses this material for the roof to reduce its weight and improve its range.
Another way to boost EV adoption is to expand the number of charging stations and upgrade the power capacity of those that exist. EVs need to be able to travel long distances on a single charge, and fast charging can help make that possible. Companies like IONITY are developing networks of high-power charging stations in many countries around the world.
A third key to EV adoption is to ensure that consumers can easily find and access reliable used models. Several websites offer listings of certified pre-owned electric cars, with many offering financing options for buyers. Some lenders are even offering 0% APR for select EVs, with terms up to seven years.
EVs are not only great for the environment, but they are also a lot more fun to drive than traditional cars. Stripping out a gas engine, transmission and 100-plus moving parts turns a car into more of a computer than an analog machine. That makes it easier to zoom into a meeting on your phone, play Grand Theft Auto and stream Amazon Prime.
It also means that EV drivers don’t have to visit a dealership to get service for their car. This trend has upset some car dealers, who fear they’ll lose their biggest source of revenue. But the reality is that EVs have much lower operating costs than gas-powered vehicles and can be serviced in places like home garages, which are much more convenient for many people. Plus, a growing number of EV companies, such as Tesla and Rivian, are selling directly to customers, further cutting out the middle man. This is a trend that will continue to grow as more consumers adopt the new generation of vehicles.