Electric car technology: what is the future of our cars?

  • Electric car technology: what is the future of our cars?

     

    Electric vehicle (EV) technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, but where are we headed, and what does the future hold? These are questions many are asking.

    More than 14 countries and over 20 cities worldwide have proposed bans on the sale of passenger vehicles powered by fossil fuels, such as gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and diesel. Transitioning to hybrid and fully electric vehicles is being encouraged through agreements, declarations, and changes in legislation. Learn more about global efforts here.

    While discussions on this topic are just beginning in Lithuania, the desire for greener vehicles on the roads is evident.

    These initiatives and legal changes mean manufacturers are being driven to create practical and affordable fully electric cars for everyone. Advances in battery technology have led to significant improvements, but many other areas of vehicle technology have also seen progress.

    As these trends evolve and perspectives on transportation's environmental footprint shift, let’s explore the future of electric vehicles.

     

    Better Batteries Ahead

    The battery is the most critical part of an EV, and it’s also where the most significant innovations are happening. Recent years have seen charging times drastically reduced and capacity increased.

    Today, EVs capable of traveling over 300 km on a single charge are common, with the latest Tesla Model S boasting a range of 640 km.

    And this is just the beginning. Last year, Swiss company Innolith AG announced a new battery technology that could allow EVs to travel up to 990 km. Set to launch by 2022, this innovation uses a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, reducing fire risks compared to traditional organic electrolytes.

    Attention is also turning to the environmental and human impacts of battery production. Transitioning to EVs on a large scale will require significantly more cobalt, a key battery component. Currently, around 60% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the politically unstable Democratic Republic of Congo, with much of it coming from small-scale artisanal mines, often involving child labor and unsafe working conditions.

    Manufacturers are working to minimize cobalt usage in batteries. Elon Musk has promised that new-generation Tesla batteries will be cobalt-free, and many brands are sourcing cobalt responsibly.

    Lithium-ion battery production also poses environmental risks, with potential chemical spills causing significant ecological damage. To address this, manufacturers are developing recycling and "second-life" solutions for batteries. For instance, Honda has a program to collect and reuse old batteries from 22 countries, while Mercedes is researching silicon anodes to replace carbon, reducing emissions and increasing range by about 20%.

    Future developments, such as lithium-sulfur batteries and fully compostable organic batteries, promise further efficiency and sustainability improvements, with the latter potentially enabling ultra-fast charging.

     

    Accessing Restricted Zones

    With more people shopping online, the final leg of a package’s journey—from distribution hub to doorstep—has become increasingly important. Electric vehicles could revolutionize this aspect of logistics.

    Unlike fuel-powered vehicles, EVs can enter low-emission zones in city centers where traffic is restricted. They’re also cheaper to operate and maintain. Compact electric delivery vehicles are already proving their worth on narrow city streets.

     

    Wireless Charging

    One barrier to EV adoption is charging infrastructure. Drivers accustomed to refueling in minutes often dislike waiting hours to recharge. Those without a home or workplace charging station must continually search for charging points.

    wireless charging

    Wireless charging could change everything. With this technology, EVs could charge without being plugged in. Cars would simply park on a charging pad, potentially integrated into roadways, similar to wireless phone chargers but larger. Companies are actively developing this technology, and trials are underway in Nottingham for wireless taxi charging.

    In the future, dynamic wireless charging could allow vehicles to charge while driving. Qualcomm has demonstrated a system that charges cars at speeds up to 110 km/h.

     

    In Summary

    As EVs become the standard choice within the next decade, the innovations and technological advancements happening now are laying the groundwork for a transformative shift in the transportation sector. Stay informed to keep up with how the future is being shaped!

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