Busting some myths related to electric vehicle technology. EV Knowledge.

 

BY    AFZAL YOUSAF

Future of mobility in the world is electric, the technology to enable that future is already here and its getting better by the day. Electric vehicles are getting more acceptance all over the world and though sale of gasoline vehicles have fallen post Covid 19, electric vehicles are getting a huge boost on its acceptability. Around 10 years back electric vehicle was an alien concept to most of the people but after a decade, EV industry and technology have undergone a drastic evolution and companies introduced many promising EV models.

Electric vehicles evolved from unreliable charging and low power vehicles in the past to Fast charging and high performance, hyper electric models. But still apart from the people who are observing Automotive industry and its growth keenly, rest have many misconcepts and myths related to electric vehicle.

In this article, we are trying to break the myths related to Electric vehicle technology.

Myth 1 :- Electric vehicles are slow and Unappealing

In reality check, electric vehicles have developed advanced high performance powertrains and magnificent design over these years. High initial torque property of electric motor helps EVs to have high initial acceleration and top speed. Electric super car Tesla roadster 2020 became the fastest accelerating production car in the world. 

Tesla roadster can accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, with a top speed of the car is 250 mph.  And upcoming electric cars and bikes have the most modern and futuristic design. Porsche Taycan, Tesla  cars, Skoda Enyaq, Mercedes EQC, MG EV, are the examples of some of the attractive EV Models with high performance. Moreover Electric vehicle represents future technology of mobility.

Myth 2:- Electric vehicles have short Driving/Riding range.

The first thing comes to the mind of people when hear about electric vehicle is how much it could travel on a single charge. Most of them believes that electric vehicles can't be used for long distance and it was true but a decade ago. But over the last decade, lithium ion battery technology has developed which gave batteries more life span and higher energy density. 

Average energy density of Li ion battery jumped from 100 Wh/kg to 250 - 300 Wh/kg within a decade. This increased range of  EVs to a great extend. Now a days electric cars are offering a range of 350 plus and two wheelers offering 100-150 KM on single charge. For daily commute, this range is more than enough and can also charge in home and office premises. For longer distance, charging stations are being set up in every country by the authorities, so charging infrastructure will be easy to find.

Myth 3:- Electric vehicles are not suitable for adventurous/off road driving.

Though Auto enthusiasts and experts doesn't have any doubt about EVs off road ability, normal people still doubts it as they think  EVs can only be used in Zero grade and city roads. But electric vehicles have better off road ability than ICE because of its advanced technology, low centre of gravity, simple mechanism etc. Torque vectoring technology aids its off road ability in corners.

From Toyota land cruiser, Hummer, range rover to new breed of Electric SUVs like Hummer EV, Tesla cyber truck, Rivian, Nikola, Ford Electric suv are going to thrive the off road segment.

Myth 4:- Lithium batteries have low life.

In reality, with recent advancement in battery technology, Lithium ion batteries has life time of 5-8 years. In India, companies like Tata Motors, Revolt offers battery warranty up to 8 years. Also when first life of Li ion battery is used in EVs, it can still be used in UPS, Inverter and other applications.

Myth 5:- Batteries can't operate in High/ low temperature.

Many have concerns that battery may not be able to operate/ have efficiency at different temperature as ambient temperature will be different in every country. This problem was well studied by the researchers and manufacturers led to the development of highly efficient BMS, which can operate battery effectively in various conditions.

Most of the Li ion cell have an operating (Charging and discharging) temperature range of -20 to 60 degree Celsius.

Myth 6:- Electric vehicles are not safe.

Many people still reluctant to buy EVs as they think it can easily catch fire during a collision or in a short circuit. In reality, EVs are also coming out of the factory after proper safety and all tests. Every EV component undergo rigorous testing especially battery. Batteries undergo Over charge, over voltage, current, vibration, Nail penetration tests to ensure the quality and safety. In India ARAI tests vehicle batteries according to the AIS 048 standard, which takes care of safety, friction and abuse to make sure nothing compromises their safety.

Apart from the above points many other misconcepts are there about EVs. But as technology and people's exposure to EV increases, it will get more welcoming among us. Electric vehicles are inspiring a complete shift in the transportation system. Like I said above "Future of mobility in the world is electric, the technology to enable that future is already here and its getting better by the day".

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