In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly vital, electric vehicles are rising both in number and in significance every day. In 2022, more electric vehicles were sold than ever before, with over 1.25 million electric cars on the roads of the UK alone. 

This number is expected to increase drastically as both the economy and the law shifts in favour of plug-in vehicles, with the government confirming a ban on selling traditional cars by 2030. 

But as we progress further into the twenty-first century, how are electric vehicles expected to play a part in our lives and what will the long-term consequences of their growth really be?

Environmental impacts

The influx of electric vehicles (EVs) into the UK will without a doubt have huge positive impacts on our environment, with a significant projected reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Mayor of London, petrol vehicles account for around half of the capital’s air pollution, bringing up shocking concerns for the country’s environmental future if we were to keep relying on traditional vehicles. 

In just a year, one electric car on our roads can save 1.5 million grams of CO2, and so it is vital to the future of our environment that EVs take over combustion engines as our method of transportation. With the help of electric vehicles, the government has been able to set a net-zero emissions target by 2050, with the integration of renewable energy through our vehicles rather than reliance on fossil fuels.

Although the manufacturing of an electric vehicle releases greenhouse gases, primarily through the mining of lithium for its battery, it is its usage life that will play a significant part in increasing our country’s sustainability. Since 2016, transport has been the UK’s largest emitting sector of carbon dioxide, accounting for around an entire quarter of the country’s emissions. 

It is therefore evident that the current shift to electric transport will play a significant role in cutting down these emissions and overall greatly impact the country’s shift to a sustainable, eco-friendly future.

Economic impacts

The benefits of EV domination do not stop at the environmental sector. The economic impacts of an all-electric transportation industry are numerous and significant, with expected effects on both personal cost and the national economy.

Although on average electric vehicles are more expensive to purchase than their petrol alternatives, their running costs are significantly cheaper and thus switching to an electric car is considered an economic gain overall. 

A zero-emission car means zero road tax, in major cities all electric vehicles are exempt from any emission charges and servicing is also usually on the cheaper side. Charging an electric vehicle is also much cheaper on average than filling up a petrol car, with an average all-electric car costing 10p per mile as opposed to a petrol car’s 15-19p per mile. With the average person driving 13,500 miles per year, this amounts to a significant cost reduction in the long term.

The petrol car industry is also a clear contributor to air pollution and this in turn has had adverse effects on both the country’s life expectancy and economy. Air pollution in the UK alone is thought to be the cause of up to 36,000 premature deaths, as well as reducing the country’s economic productivity by £2.7 billion per year. 

In addition, as the EV industry becomes ever more present, it brings along with it a potential growth opportunity of £24 billion to the UK, making it clear that it will have constructive effects on our economy overall.

Impact on jobs

As we make the transition between traditional vehicles and their electric counterparts, it goes without saying that the job market in the transportation sector will be impacted hugely. Although many jobs will be lost in the traditional automotive sector, new opportunities will arise regarding electric vehicles, including manufacturing, technology development and infrastructure. A skilled workforce will be required to produce these vehicles, with innovative technologies being employed such as those needed for advanced and capable batteries. 

Many engineers, designers and technicians specialising in electric vehicles will also be needed, along with the rising demand for materials and components which further contributes to job creation. The creation and deployment of charging infrastructure will also offer employment opportunities – as more electric vehicles populate our roads, so must charging stations. This will require robust charging networks which in turn will benefit from skilled workers in electrical construction, installation and maintenance. 

Technicians will also be needed to optimise these charging networks to ensure their operation and reliability, contributing once again to the overall upskilling and augmentation of jobs in the transport sector.

Grid integration

As the UK transitions to an EV-dominated future, it must be prepared for the shift to electric mobility and the effect this will have on the National Grid (the operator of our electricity supply). This includes making sure the EV system is integrated fully into the grid, an operation which can bring both challenges and opportunities.

One of the methods by which electric vehicles could be integrated involves a technology known as V2G, or vehicle-to-grid. By using bi-directional charging techniques, V2G allows electric vehicles to not only take energy from the grid but also feed any excess energy back in. 

This power flow allows electric vehicles to function as energy resources, offering additional flexibility in managing the supply and demand of energy and thus reducing strain on grid infrastructure.

However, the rapid integration of electric vehicles into the grid poses numerous challenges that may strain our existing infrastructure. As well as expanding the EV charging network, usage of the grid must also be managed carefully to avoid ‘grid congestion’ which may put pressure on our electricity supply. 

To overcome these challenges, it is vital that there is collaboration between all parties, from EV suppliers and charging companies to government institutions, to ensure a smooth transition into a sustainable transport system which will overall bring many benefits.

Should I buy an EV?

With the rapid increase of electric vehicles on our roads, the question of whether to buy an electric car becomes increasingly present for petrol car owners. The table below gives a concise overview of both the advantages and disadvantages of buying an EV and aims to help you make an informed decision about embracing this new form of transportation.

Advantages

Environmental benefits – EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. This reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Cost savings – EVs have significantly lower operating costs due to reduced maintenance and fuel expenses.

Energy efficiency – EVs are more energy efficient than petrol cars, converting a higher proportion of stored energy to useful power.

Quiet operation – Unlike petrol cars, EVs produce virtually no noise.

Government incentives – Many governments offer incentives such as tax credits and subsidies to those purchasing an electric vehicle.

Performance – EVs provide virtually instant torque, resulting in ultra-fast acceleration and responsive performance.

Disadvantages

Limited range – EVs, at the moment, typically have a shorter range compared to petrol vehicles. This means more frequent charging.

Charging infrastructure – Since widespread charging infrastructure is still being developed, access to charging stations may be limited in some areas.

Refuelling – With current charging methods, charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a petrol car.

Upfront cost – EVs typically have a higher upfront purchase cost than their petrol alternatives, although these costs are decreasing as technology advances.

Battery limitations – EV batteries have a lifespan and may require replacement after several years, adding to overall ownership costs.

Charging compatibility – Different countries may have different charging networks and standards, potentially causing problems for cross-border travel.

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