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Autonomy: how far can I drive and where can I recharge?
This is probably the biggest drawback of electric vehicle technology today. Current EVs are not only limited by range, there is minimal current charging infrastructure for high-speed EV charging and batteries become prohibitively expensive when it comes to increasing the range of your vehicle. If you regularly do a lot of long-distance travel, then an electric vehicle may not be the best option. Electric vehicles are currently suitable for the city, as travel distances are small and charging points are more widely available.
The Tesla has a range of around 240 miles, which is a significant distance, however, it comes with a pretty hefty price tag of around $100,000. Less expensive electric cars have a smaller range and top speed and are better suited for city driving. These are also more affordable and are much lighter vehicles. Many potential electric vehicle owners define this as their number one drawback of current electric car technology.
It should be noted, however, that large charging infrastructure networks are being installed in several countries to offer high-current, low-time charging solutions. Some of the faster charging options allow recharge times of 20-30 minutes, which is perfect for a coffee and burger. However, recharging via a standard household socket will take many hours due to the 10 amp single phase limitation of many power points.
Additionally, lithium-nickel and lithium-air batteries are currently being developed in Japan and the US, respectively, potentially identifying 3 to 6 times the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries. Lithium polymer batteries are another good example showing that the battery technology of the future will be far superior to current electric vehicle battery technology and range will become less of an issue as these technologies enter widespread distribution. at lower cost points.
How fast will it go?
This one really depends on how many batteries, what kind of batteries (and really how much you want to spend on the electric car or EV conversion). You will also need a motor that matches the battery and controller combination. Many still think that an electric car is slow, however, cars like the Tesla have proven to be quite the opposite in some cases. Fast accelerating cars will be expensive as they require high discharge batteries, high current controllers and powerful motors. There is also a reward with maximum speed. If you want a vehicle that accelerates quickly, you may need to downshift, which in turn will reduce the vehicle’s top speed. In general, gearboxes are not required in an electric vehicle, however, as an electric motor can rev very high.
Can I get that classic V8 buzz?
Sorry mate, electric cars are very quiet. You’ll hear a bit of the sound of an electric motor which is great (it pretty much mimics the sound of a jet engine), but the days of the booming roar of a V8 will be long gone if you buy an electric vehicle.
Are electric cars safe?
There have been concerns of previous lithium-ion battery packs exploding or overheating; however, with a battery management system, these problems are gradually being resolved. The biggest risk is the high-voltage wiring inside your electric car that traditional gasoline vehicles don’t have. The key is to have accelerometer kill switches and automatic disconnectors that isolate the batteries the moment the vehicle is in an accident. In general, electric vehicles offer better safety if they are well designed and roadworthy, as the mass is distributed lower and towards the perimeter of the vehicle, and there is no gasoline or flammable gas on board.
When charging the vehicle, special attention should be paid to recharging methods to avoid electric shock. Done correctly through a well designed charging point is the key to success here.
Finally, the need for a gearbox is eliminated, allowing the driver to focus on the road and other distractions rather than changing gear.
Where can I repair it?
Although gas stations that specialize in servicing electric vehicles are few today, many will surely appear as more electric vehicles enter the market. Fortunately, electric vehicles need minimal maintenance with only one moving part on the transmission side and no gearbox, clutch, oil change, etc. There should be at least one service point in your town and most mechanics will be able to diagnose simple problems or refer you to an electrician to fix the wiring.
In short, are electric vehicles good or bad?
As we have seen, electric cars have many disadvantages, the most important being the autonomy of the car. If people can’t drive to their favorite vacation spot 400km away for their long weekend break, it will immediately reduce the number of potential buyers. The price and acceleration of the vehicle are also important issues to consider. Ultimately, things like the sound it makes, what it looks like, driving ergonomics, and service issues can all contribute to the decision to go with a standard out-of-the-box gas guzzler. However, as we see electric vehicle technology increase, we will undoubtedly see many changes that make the electric vehicle a clear winner as it overcomes some of these drawbacks.
