Experts warn about what’s coming after the electric car it’s just the beginning of the first step

The electric car has been gaining momentum in our country since 2020, when the Biden administration decided to give it a definitive boost. However, despite the fact that we are breaking sales records, we have been disappointed. The experts have just made it very clear: it is only the beginning of the first step.

Electric car sales in America skyrocket: our roads are more renewable

A record 1.2 million U.S. vehicle buyers chose to go electric last year, according to estimates from Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive company. This represents a major increase compared to 2021. More specifically, 1,189,051 new electric vehicles (EVs) were put into service as the slow shift to an electrified future continued unabated.

In 2023, the EV share of the total U.S. vehicle market was 7.6%, up from 5.9% in 2022. This demonstrates significant growth in the adoption of EVs among major automakers. EV sales in the fourth quarter set a record for both volume and share: 317,168 and 8.1%, respectively.

And while records were set, the oft-reported slowdown is real. Q4 EV sales increased year over year by 40% – a strong result by any measure, except when compared to the growth the industry saw in previous quarters.

Experts are concerned: the electric car is just the beginning

The emergence of E-vehicles is a reflection that progression holds in store, though several experts note it as the initial phase. The production, as well the source of energy for EVs still contributes to environmental concerns.

A more global shift might be necessary for the industry overall. EVs are also largely dependent on lithium-ion batteries which can be extremely resource intensive in production.

The power that goes into EVs is also not pure always. Others argue that a more comprehensive shift is needed. This likely involves:

● Clearing reliance on lithium-ion battery tech by developing solid state batteries.

● Deploying EV charging networks powered on clean energy.

● Green hydrogen has become an alternative decarbonization pathway.

● Rising the production of renewable energy and their storage facilities.

● Manufacturing, supply chains and business model rethinking on zero carbon features.

The switchover to EVs is a good start, but most industry voices emphasize it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Huge connotation throughout the automotive industry will be daunting but essential to achieving true sustainability.

The problem with the electric car: why it’s not the only solution

While electric vehicles are an important step towards reducing emissions from transportation, experts warn they are not a complete solution. EVs face limitations in fully achieving sustainability goals, overcoming infrastructure challenges, and issues with affordability that prevent widespread adoption.

EVs alone cannot completely eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from transportation when factoring in manufacturing and electricity generation. Most electricity still comes from fossil fuels, even though renewable sources are growing.

Building an entirely new fleet of EVs requires materials sourcing and factories that have environmental impacts. Life cycle analyses show EVs reduce but do not eliminate emissions.

Charging infrastructure is still inadequate for mass EV adoption. Range anxiety persists due to lack of public charging stations. While stations are growing, more are needed to fully replace gas stations.

Home charging requires electrical upgrades that not everyone can afford. Until infrastructure expands greatly, EVs cannot realistically replace all gas-powered vehicles. EV prices remain much higher than comparable gas vehicles, making them unaffordable for many Americans.

As you can see, what lies ahead of us with the electric car is more than what we have been carrying. This warning from the experts should help us to take sustainability on our roads seriously. If we manage to renew them and adapt them to the future, it is not only up to the federal government, but also to the states, companies and us.