Going green is a hot topic on everybody’s lips right now. Is it possible to create a more sustainable fleet by looking at the pros and cons of electric vehicles?
Get the latest statistics and insights about EVs, how they work, why they’re the best option for the environment, and how Cartrack’s fleet management platform can help you optimise your green fleet mission.
Electric vehicles have taken the world by storm, offering a range of benefits that internal combustion engine vehicles just can’t. First, though, it’s crucial to understand exactly how these two vehicle types differ in key areas and why this matters.
There are more differences between EV and ICE vehicles than there are similarities when it comes to the inner workings. They look relatively the same on the outside, with a bonnet, boot, seats, and a steering wheel. But what goes on beneath that bonnet is where the main difference lies.
ICE is short for internal combustion engine, as these vehicles use fossil fuels like petrol or diesel to power their engines. EVs are completely different. Instead of fuel powering an engine, EVs use electricity from a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor. This main difference along with several others plays an important role in influencing modern society’s tendency to switch to EVs. These include:
Whether you’re looking to buy a personal vehicle or purchase replacement vehicles for your fleet, factors like cost, maintenance, efficiency, and range most likely play a significant role in your personal choice of vehicle type.
What are the biggest positives and negatives of electric vehicles? Familiarise yourself with the good and the bad to develop a balanced perspective.
There’s nothing like good old statistics to provide some insight on a topic you may not be a hundred per cent familiar with. In terms of market growth, models, and stats by geographical location, there’s lots to learn about EVs.
Market growth
Models
Country-based EV stats
*Statistics sourced from Statista and IEA
With the EV landscape developing at a record pace, you might be surprised at how many electric car companies there currently are. Many of us are only familiar with trusted household brands like the ones mentioned above, but there’s a whole new world of EV brands ready to explore. Here is a mix of new and trusted brands that make the most popular EV models right now.
Other noteworthy brands involved in the manufacturing and development of electric batteries, charging stations, and EV-related technology include Volta Charging, Electra Vehicles, WiTricity, and Proterra Inc.
When looking at the ultra-modern exterior design of electric vehicles, it seems impossible to imagine that these machines date back almost two centuries. The first EV model prototypes were created in 1835, though in the late 19th and most of the 20th century, ICE vehicles took centre stage, with the mass production of internal combustion engines being cheaper at the time.
Here’s a fascinating breakdown of how electric vehicles came to be:
Today, Tesla is one of the most popular EV brands, with household brands like Toyota, Ford, BMW, and Nissan also sporting their own EV models.
While the invention of the electric vehicle happened almost 200 years ago, the need for an alternative to ICE vehicles only peaked relatively recently. Climate change plays a significant role in global policy and the need to preserve the planet.
The impact of climate change on energy efficiency is undeniable. As our planet warms, energy systems become increasingly vulnerable, highlighting the critical role of energy efficiency in mitigating climate change. By reducing energy consumption and emissions, we can alleviate pressure on the environment and address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emphasises this connection, recognising energy efficiency as "the most cost-effective way to address climate change." In most cases, efficiency measures demonstrably reduce energy waste, save money, and facilitate the expansion of renewable energy sources. This makes energy efficiency a key strategy for addressing climate change and its broader impacts on the environment, economy, and human health.
Imagine a world where the greenhouse gases we emit are matched by the ones we remove, creating a stable equilibrium. That's the essence of net zero, a crucial goal to combat climate change. It's about reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as close to zero as possible. This involves two key strategies:
Emission reduction: We need to drastically reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere. This means transitioning from fossil fuels, investing in energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices across industries.
Emission removal: Even with significant reductions, some emissions will remain. Net Zero acknowledges that and seeks to "balance the books" by removing these remaining emissions from the atmosphere. Technologies like tree planting and carbon capture are exploring ways to achieve this.
Achieving net zero is a global challenge that's gaining momentum. The UK has set an ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2050, and many other countries follow suit. This collective action demonstrates a growing understanding of the urgency to adopt more energy-efficient ways to travel.
According to the United Nations, oil, gas, and fossil fuels are the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of CO2 emissions worldwide. ICE vehicles mainly operate on fossil fuels, making them a top suspect, while EVs emit notably fewer harmful emissions.
Based on this fact alone, there’s no doubt that EVs have the potential to reduce global warming or climate change and make the world a greener place. The more EVs on the road, the fewer greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, helping us breathe easily and keep the world clean.
As EVs have not been on the road for that long, there are bound to be quite a few questions. Here are some of the most interesting frequently-asked questions about EVs.
While we’re used to associating a vehicle’s ability to move with an engine, an EV’s design is based on different technology and uses a rechargeable battery instead. Because there is no internal combustion engine, there is also no fuel tank, fuel line, or fuel pump, and the EV doesn’t emit exhaust from a tailpipe — all crucial components needed for a traditional vehicle engine.
Nothing in life is perfect, and while the EV comes pretty close, it does still pose some problems. You never know, these may be solved in future as technological development progresses, but for now, it’s good to familiarise yourself with the following shortcomings, like a lack of charging infrastructure, the very real issue of range anxiety, and the fact that it takes a while to fully charge an EV, especially in cold temperatures.
Electric vehicles and hybrid cars are not the same. Ane, while it’s easy to distinguish between ICE vehicles and EVs, things get a bit more complex when it comes to EVs versus hybrids. Not to worry, though, here’s a breakdown that’ll get you up to date in no time.
EVs have no engines, so where does that consistent, low-key hum actually come from? The engine sound is not generated by any part of the vehicle’s mechanics — it comes from a sound file added to the vehicle to add that sound we’ve come to associate with vehicle movement.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, for example, features ten internal and external speakers as part of a system that generates fake exhaust sounds to mimic the experience of driving an ICE vehicle.
The lithium-ion battery is the most well-known option for electric vehicles. Still, other battery types are also successfully powering EVs these days:
When it comes to fire risks, EV batteries are generally considered safer than internal combustion engines. However, it’s crucial to know that lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable and that EV batteries should under no circumstances be detached, exposed to extreme conditions, or damaged. Continued improvements are being made to ensure increased battery safety for EV users as EV technology moves forward.
Apart from the general pros and cons of EVs, Teslas also have some unique to the brand:
Even if you’re not planning on buying a Tesla anytime soon, having insight into EV features, technology, and vehicle types may help you make smart decisions in future, with a booming EV market becoming a crucial component to reaching Net Zero worldwide.
Since the popularisation of EVs, they have also been implemented in fleets across large parts of the world. Take a look at why transitioning to EV vehicles has some notable perks for your business.
For fleet operators, "filling up" often translates to a major headache which is fluctuating fuel prices and ever-growing expenses. Budget control remains a constant battle, and transitioning to EVs offers a promising solution to minimise fuel spend.
Forget just slashing fuel costs – electric vehicles (EVs) revolutionise fleet maintenance. Fewer fluids mean less downtime and lower costs, especially for large fleets. Plus, real-time data and proactive maintenance keep your EVs humming, maximising uptime and fueling your business growth – all while going green. It's not just a fuel swap, it's a strategic shift to efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Electric vehicles (EVs) hold a trump card for transportation, logistics, and trucking: instant torque. While diesel engines have power, they can't match the immediate acceleration from a standstill that EVs offer (check CarThrottle for the science).
This translates to major benefits for your fleet. Large trucks can reach cruising speeds faster, requiring less initial power, leading to significant charging cost savings. Whether hauling passengers or freight, instant torque equals efficiency and savings.
Our industry-leading fleet management technology is constantly evolving, and we’re geared for the future with features that can help you utilise and optimise the implementation of EVs in your fleet.
If you’re ready to start adding EVs to your fleet, we’re ready to make your greener fleet system the best it can be. Contact Cartrack and choose the most sustainable fleet management option.
