By Nathan Bagster
In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have experienced a surge in popularity, marking a significant shift in the automotive industry and what we drive daily. With the primary focus on sustainability and technological advancement, EVs have become synonymous with the future of transportation.
They’re also incredibly concerning for members of the combustion engine enthusiast club - like us.
However, understanding the intricacies of EVs requires more than a quick disgruntled glance in their direction. To truly recognize the situation, we owe it to ourselves to take a deeper look into its operations, benefits, and flaws.
As the saying goes ‘Know thy enemy as well as you know thyself.’
Or something like that.
First of all, the concept of an electric vehicle isn’t new. The idea goes as far back as the 19th century when inventors like Thomas Davenport and Robert Anderson experimented with electric propulsion. For them, it was mostly a dream of tomorrow, and it wasn’t until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that EVs even began to gain traction as viable alternatives to traditional vehicles.
We saw this with the inception of Hybrid automobiles like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, as well as several other models that began to take the world by storm. These ‘guinea pigs’ combined the average combustion engine with a smaller electrical motor and offered divers a chance to save a bit more on fuel economy.
Photo credit to Karoly Lorentey Courtesy of Wikicommons.
With their smashing success, manufacturers began to invest heavily over the past decade or so into EV research and development. This has led to breakthroughs in battery technology, drivetrain efficiency, and overall performance – bringing vehicles like the Tesla into existence.
So how does it work? According to Power Electronic News it has to do with Electric motors and reduction drives, “The electric motor produces the mechanical energy for propulsion based on the dynamics of the electric power received from the transmission. The final reduction drive transforms the input from the motor to a high-torque output to the wheels to accelerate the vehicle. To optimize battery usage and improve mileage, EVs are designed to set the final drive ratio per vehicle specification and driving conditions. It is the ratio of the motor’s input speed to the wheel’s output speed. A higher final drive ratio leads to higher torque or better acceleration, whereas a lower torque ratio allows maximum vehicle speeds.”
This operation creates a form of clean energy that has the benefit of producing zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint.
Considering the increasing amount of evidence to support climate change, this environmental friendliness is a huge benefit to our longevity. By eschewing fossil fuels, EVs help mitigate air pollution and additionally, offer lower operating costs as electricity is often cheaper than gasoline. Moreover, electric motors provide instant torque to the wheels, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration.
But there are downsides to this.
One challenge that should be discussed is the limited range of EVs. This remains a concern for most consumers, as many use their vehicles for long commutes or constant travel. Couple that with the concept of replacing diesel engines on Semi trucks with these things and you can quickly spiral into all the bad outcomes it would bring. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that as the technology progresses, developments in charging and energy capacity continue to attempt to address this issue.
Charging infrastructure is another challenge, as the widespread adoption of EVs necessitates a robust network of charging stations as well as space to support and maintain them. SparkCharge, a technology company, claims that these charging stations can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 just for the unit alone. They also mention that multi-charging stations often cost thousands of dollars just to build on their own – let alone the maintenance that comes after.
Additionally, while EVs have fewer moving parts, the cost of battery replacement remains a significant expense.
Even though they are larger units than your typical car battery, EV units are still required to be replaced after just a few years of use – and that isn’t taking into consideration battery chemistry, driving habits, harsh temperatures, and other environmental conditions. When an EV battery needs replacement, unlike its smaller combustion counterpart, it is a complex and costly procedure that requires specialized equipment and expertise.
After all is said and done, that battery then needs to be disposed of properly, which can also be another costly procedure.
This isn’t to say advancements in battery recycling and remanufacturing are a lost cause. Even in just the past few years, companies have made strides in making replacement more sustainable and affordable. Through recycling techniques and reusing materials, EV batteries can be broken down to build new products, and according to an article by Just Energy, “Many EV manufacturers have partnerships with specialized recycling facilities that manage the end-of-life batteries in an environmentally responsible manner.”
Photo credit to Tennen-Gas Courtesy of Wikicommons.
In terms of repairs, EVs differ from their gasoline counterparts in one very important way - while EVs have fewer components prone to mechanical failure, issues related to the electric drivetrain, charging system, and battery management require specialized knowledge and training to diagnose and repair.
As such, certified technicians with EV maintenance expertise are essential for guaranteeing ideal performance and safety. Considering the Automotive Industry is finding itself in hot water currently, with dwindling incoming technician numbers and an ever-growing disdain for the new technologies from the old timers - this doesn’t exactly create an environment for success.
When talking about routine maintenance, EVs primarily involve inspections of the battery system, electric motors, and cooling components. While they lack traditional components like a mechanical engine and exhaust system, wear and tear items such as tires, brakes, and suspension still require regular attention.
Furthermore, while electric vehicles eliminate the need for oil changes, other fluids such as coolant may still require periodic replenishment. And it’s important to note that while maintenance costs, in the long run, are lower, we all know someone who has trouble keeping an eye on their tire tread and brake wear now – imagine the amount of belt showing on a Tesla.
And speaking of cost, let’s touch briefly on the upfront cost of buying an EV.
Historically, this number has been higher than that of traditional vehicles, primarily due to the cost of battery technology. According to Google, in 2000, the average cost of a Toyota Prius was $19k, compared to that of a Honda Accord, which was $16k. And while there are subtle differences between these two models, the idea remains the same.
Nowadays, declining battery prices, government incentives, and lower operating costs are making EVs increasingly competitive in the market. Those same models can be purchased starting around $27k (Prius) and $29k (Accord) respectively.
At the end of the day, with zero tailpipe emissions, lower operating costs, and smooth performance, these vehicles are a step forward into the future. Whether we like it or not, what started as an impromptu tool to combat the changes happening in the world, is becoming a large part of our community.
Many raceways across the US are beginning to see an uptick in EV tire tracks on their pavement and businesses such as Dana Inc. and Workhorse Group Inc. have begun developing electric axles for us in heavy-duty trucks and more (it’s pretty cool, check out this article at Power Progress.
And while challenges such as limited range, charging infrastructure, and battery replacement costs persist, ongoing advancements are propelling us and EVs toward a cleaner, more efficient future.
Do I think they will completely replace the combustion engine?
Not in our lifetime.
But, as consumer demand continues to grow and technology evolves, electric vehicles are poised to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the way we get from point A to Point B.