The Evolution of Electric Vehicles: Understanding the Beginning of Sustainable Transportation

Due to the perennial use of fossil-based energy, the world is severely grappling with concerns, or, so to speak, issues over climate change beyond anyone’s control, necessitating the need for options such as electric vehicles. The over-reliance on fossil fuels has drastically depleted the earth’s natural environment and made climatic conditions unsuitable for human survival. Now, imagine what would have happened if you had no alternatives, such as vehicles powered by electric sources of energy.
Over the course of a few years, vehicles powered by electricity have been plying the roads, bringing smiles to many. And now whenever I go to the office, I eagerly wait for the arrival of such an electric bus because I feel the sooner I make it a part of life, the better it is for our environment—even planning to buy an e-car soon.
When our society is slowly and gradually moving towards accepting electric vehicles, I thought, “Why not pen down my experience into words?” And so this blog speaks about electric transportation vehicles, though with a general purpose and tone.

What Is Electric Transportation or Vehicle?

For a layman, it is not rocket science to understand what it actually is. Take any vehicle, including trains, trams, and even spacecraft; all these means of transportation run on electricity. In contrast to conventional transportation systems relying on gasoline (petrol), diesel, and even coal, electric transportation vehicles take advantage of the dynamics enabled by electricity preserved or stored in fuel units or batteries. The most important aspect that comes with this form of transport is that it significantly reduces carbon footprints, which is why it is so crucial for such a world as we live in.

The Rise and Evolution of Electric Vehicles

Not just one or two, but many factors paved the way for the rise or evolution of the concept of a vehicle propelled by electricity. The factors that fueled the concept are technological advancement over time, government pushes in the form of incentives, the need for a reduction in carbon footprints, public awareness, and so forth. As per the insights and reports of the International Energy Agency (IEA), it was only the car stock that made a record number of 10 million in 2020, with 43% as compared to that of 2019; forget about other vehicles.
That was a huge jump insofar as production matters. With Tesla’s entry into the sector, the industry took a new upturn and thus followed the race for best electric transportation. Due to its cutting-edge technology and strategic market approach, Tesla has overtaken BYD and Volkswagen in a very short period. And now, it is looking to expand its presence, starting in Asian markets such as China and even India.
When talking about history, the first concept that evolved was the crude electric carriage between the 1820s and 1830s. These vehicles made their first commercial appearance in the 1890s, and since then, technology has begun to shape them into the present form, but it was not until the 1960s that the technology made any major progress.

Electric Transportation Companies: The Leading Innovators

So, from the above discussion, you now are very much aware that the concept already existed a long time before it started off as a full-fledged means of transport system. All the credits go to both Scotland’s Robert Anderson and England’s Thomas Parker, who invented some of the earliest electric vehicles. All these developments occurred between 1832 and 1884.
In the later part of the 20th century, General Motors and Toyota pioneered innovation in further research and development of technology. Thus, many other companies also started to take part in developing their prototype vehicle technologies.

Manufacturing Process: A General Idea

Significantly different from traditional gasoline (petroleum-based fuel) powered vehicles, electric transportation systems entirely rely on advanced technologies and processes for their manufacture. Being the central power unit, the battery pack stores the energy that drives the force/dynamics of such a vehicle. As a matter of fact, EV’s lithium-ion is the most common type of battery, which produces instant torque, quite different from internal combustion engines.
Here are some prominent distinctions between gasoline and electric-powered transports:

Feature	Electric Transport  (EV)	Gasoline-Powered Vehicle
Engine	Electric motor(s) powered by battery	Internal combustion engine
Fuel Source	Electricity	Gasoline or diesel
Emissions	Zero tailpipe emissions	Emits greenhouse gases and pollutants
Running Costs	Generally lower	Higher due to fuel costs
Maintenance Costs	Lower due to fewer moving parts	Higher due to regular maintenance required
Range	Varied depending on battery capacity	Typically longer range
Refueling/Charging Time	Longer charging times (except DC fast charging)	Faster refueling at gas stations

How Do Electric Transportation Vehicles Work?

The functionality of this means of transport system is the same as that of any automatic vehicles you would come across. All of them usually have both forward and reverse mode dynamics. Upon placing the gear and then pressing the accelerator pedal, the motion starts to act on the whole system of the vehicle to move forward just like the traditional one would—gasoline-powered transport. Here is a basic  background on how it works:

• The power conversion from DC takes place, generating AC for the electric motor to utilize it for the whole mechanical process to work on.
• The controller gets a signal from the accelerator and adjusts the speed. It is powered by alternating current (AC) energy supplied by an inverter attached to the motor.
• Powered by AC, the motor then turns the wheel through the cog or projection slot.
• If you want to slow the vehicle, you just need to press the brake, decelerating it.

Again, if you are looking to see how battery charging takes place even when facilitated by the best electric transportation, here are the steps:

• At the level 1 charging option, you can initiate the charging process using (your own unit if you have) a standard household outlet, while it takes at least 24 hours to have a fully charged unit.
• At level 2, you will have the faster charging option, usually in public outlets, which takes several hours but usually less than 24 hours.
• And at the level 3 charging option, you will have the fastest charging option available at selected fast-charging stations, enabling you to complete 80% of your battery charge in or less than 30 minutes.

Some Highlights of the Benefits of Using Electric Transportation

While any conveyance that comes to your mind is fundamental for our cause, the combustible engine-based vehicle is the culprit for air quality depletion. Whether the transport system runs on diesel or petrol, these means of transport are highly perilous to our survival due to the fact that our lives can only proceed if we have a sufficient amount of oxygen supply. And because of this, alternative energy that is renewable, cost-effective, and pollution-free is crucial for a world such as ours. 
Understanding this urgency, many electric transportation companies have focused their time and resources on supercharging their manufacturing units to produce powerful yet energy-efficient transport systems. While the whole world is in one way or another putting in efforts to curb carbon footprints, like me, you might also consider being part of public collaboration. You would be curious: How come I am contributing my part to this? Well, whenever I get an opportunity, I ride by bus, and I guess I would be among the many who would buy electric cars when they become available in the market at a reasonable price, though.

Important Benefits

Anyways, regardless of the circumstances, there are many compelling reasons as to why you should consider electric vehicles over gasoline or petroleum-powered transports: Here they are:

• EVs release zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they significantly contribute to cleaner air in abundance and help you to reduce carbon footprints. 
• As the source of energy is electricity, it is highly cost-effective and cheaper than gasoline, helping you to avoid your wallet going flat. 
• Further, you can significantly take advantage of government incentives in the form of tax rebates and credits when you purchase EVs.
• Another highly eminent benefit is that when you ride an EV, there is almost negligible to no noise pollution. 
• As it turns out now, many electric transportation companies produce vehicles with impressive acceleration and handling thanks to the instant torque privileged by the kind of motor EVs utilize.
• Also, EVs have lower maintenance costs than traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles, again helping you avoid your wallet going flat.

Major Players in the Electric Transport Vehicle Industry

When the technology for this form of transportation was initially taking shape, there was hardly a sense that it would later become a profitable business. When the climatic conditions worldwide started grappling with greenhouse gases and the tremendous global temperature rise, various governmental or private institutions at national levels felt the need to solve threats on an urgent basis. Hence, multiple governments came up with ideas of incentives in the form of taxes and rebates for both consumers and industries involved. So, the best electric transportation concept started to evolve around the world, with the origins of this idea in Europe and the USA.
As for the prospect of growth, the market dimension will significantly expand in the upcoming years, and by 2029, it will be worth USD 1.39 trillion business. Out of the total manufacture, commercial vehicles will constitute the major portion of the pie with Europe and North America (the USA and Canada) being the largest revenue source.
When considering the companies engaged in the production of electric transportation vehicles, many of them have pioneered the advancement of manufacturing technology. The following are some of the names of the companies that have progressed significantly in production and manufacturing: 

• General Motors 
• BYD Motors Inc.
• Group Renault
• Tesla Inc.
• Volkswagen AG
• Ford Motor Company
• Nissan

What is the Future Like for Electric Transportation?

To promote sustainable development and address climate change, this means of transportation plays a vital role in resolving the crisis the world is grappling with. The most important aspect of the technology is its advancement in battery and its system of integration. Apart from this, other factors paved the way for its progress down the line such as charging infrastructure, and government policies supporting the transition to clean mobility.
However, the integration is not devoid of challenges. In fact, many obstacles loom large over the industry. Despite all these, leading manufacturers like the aforementioned companies have tackled the issues quite effectively resulting in cutting-edge systems and processes. As companies are racing to grab the label of best electric transportation, human beings just stand to benefit from their competition only to have the experience that is both cost-effective and environment friendly.

Conclusion

Everything that has a life on this planet has phases. These phases determine what a particular age will look like for that particular living thing. For example, the adolescent period demonstrates the most energetic period for human beings, followed by old age, and then finally the final/extermination phase. Likewise, fossil fuels had some time period to sustain life on earth, meaning the fossil reserves will diminish after 50 to 100 years—or completely deplete by 2060. It was not only this factor that urged for the new invention of alternative transport but because fossil fuel produces pollutants which is why we needed better options such as vehicles running on electric batteries. Imagine what would have happened if you or I had no option like we have now—the electric energy stored in the battery powering the vehicle. With electric vehicles, our lives are now going to be back on the track again. 

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. Are electric transportation systems safe?

Undoubtedly, they are even safer than any other traditional vehicles that rely on fossil-based fuels. These EVs undergo rigorous and strenuous testing just like any other gasoline-based transportation. Moreover, these EVs lack flammable liquids as they completely rely on electric batteries to power the dynamics. 

Q2. How can the government nurture the adoption of electric vehicles?

Obviously, it is the question for many as to how to promote the adoption or incorporation of this transportation that becomes a part of public life. Actually, if anyone can accomplish the task, it is only the government that can do it through the steps and measures outlined below:

• Offering various incentives such as tax breaks and rebates for those who purchase EVs
• Investing and leveraging the expansion of infrastructure catering to charging facilities
• Restricting the use of gasoline vehicles and implementing stricter emission policies and regulations

Q3. Is switching to electric transportation vehicles the right choice for me?

Certainly, it is the right decision for everyone to opt for this means of transport when the world is going through the implications of climate change. Actually, there are not just one, but several factors that can influence your decision such as: 

• The kind of driving habits you uphold can influence you to opt for it.
• The distance from your home to your work location can have a huge impact on your decision.
• Whether there is a sufficient amount of charging infrastructure or not can also trigger your decision-making mindset.

Your budget is another factor that significantly plays an important role in your capacity to choose electric vehicles, determining whether you want to be part of forces trying to curb carbon footprints.