By most measures, EVs are the clearly superior automotive technology.
Sector-for-sector, they are faster than combustion vehicles. Torque and acceleration are delivered as quickly as the push of a button. With a lower center of mass thanks to heavy batteries and motors, EVs will handle better than a comparable gas-powered car.
They are, on average, safer. EVs often feature more ADAS technologies. And in a two-car collision, the heavier car will have more mass, and experience less impulse from the crash, as a result.
They are of course, relatively cheaper to "fuel," which can be done at home. They are also less expensive to maintain. Powertrains are simpler and other mechanical components are more reliable.
So, why haven't they been adopted in droves? Some permutation of range anxiety, high cost and consumer fastidiousness. And what to do with droves of used batteries remains a question as well.
So how are today's engineers solving these challenges, among others?
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From the GlobalSpec archives
- EV charging goes private. What it means for you (February 2025)
- Will induction charging solve EV range anxiety? (April 2024)
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- Are companies 'greenwashing' their hybrid vehicles? (March 2023)
- Meet the lithium-sulfur battery (February 2023)
- How much does an EV battery replacement cost (September 2022)
