As we continue to hear about the supposed “electric vehicle revolution” sweeping the world, it’s time to take a step back and examine the facts. Electric vehicles (EVs) are often touted as the future of transportation, with many experts predicting that traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) will be a thing of the past within the next few decades. But is this really the case?
Learn more: Can We Afford to Wait? The Imperative of Carbon Reduction Plans in a Climate-Change World
While EVs have made significant strides in recent years, with many manufacturers investing heavily in electric technology and governments implementing policies to promote their adoption, the reality is that ICEs are still the dominant force in the automotive industry. In fact, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), ICEs accounted for 93% of new car sales in 2020, with EVs making up just 2%.
So why are EVs not taking off as predicted? One major reason is cost. While the sticker price of EVs has decreased in recent years, they are still significantly more expensive than their ICE counterparts. The high upfront cost of EVs, combined with the relatively low cost of gasoline, makes them a less attractive option for many consumers.
Learn more: "Can Grid Modernization Tech Be the Catalyst for a Cleaner, Smarter, and More Resilient Energy Future?"
Another reason ICEs are here to stay is infrastructure. While charging infrastructure for EVs is improving, it still lags far behind the network of gas stations that have been built over the past century. In fact, according to a report by the US Department of Energy, there are over 150,000 gas stations in the US, but only around 20,000 public charging stations for EVs.
But perhaps the biggest reason ICEs are still the dominant technology is that they are simply better suited to the needs of many consumers. Long road trips, for example, are still a major part of many people’s lives, and ICEs are far better equipped to handle these types of journeys than EVs. In fact, a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that the majority of people who buy EVs actually use them for short trips and errands, not for long road trips.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about the environmental benefits of EVs?” And it’s true, EVs do produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can help reduce air pollution in urban areas. However, the production of EVs requires the use of significant amounts of energy and resources, and the environmental impact of this process is still not fully understood.
In conclusion, while EVs are certainly a promising technology, the idea that they will replace ICEs in the near future is overstated. ICEs are still the dominant force in the automotive industry, and they will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. So, the next time you hear about the “electric vehicle revolution,” take a skeptical view and remember that the truth is often more nuanced than we’re led to believe.
