Electric Vehicles Could Soon Be Mainstream

When people say electric vehicles will take the lead in the car industry by 2030, the common public reaction is doubt for several reasons- however this now may change.

Car industry insiders say it is a possibility considering that the popularity of electric cars is on the rise worldwide in countries like France and the United Kingdom.

Such popularity can be attributed to the electric cars’ reduced purchase costs, increased number of charging stations, and increased perception of its status as a lifestyle need, not a luxurious want.

Think about it: When a breakthrough technology is first introduced to the mass market, the level of resistance among the target consumers will initially be high.

The common reasons include the apparent frivolity of such luxurious gadgets, appliances and devices.

Take, for example, the refrigerator that went from being a luxury item to becoming a must in every American household after World War II.

Other examples include personal computers, mobile phones and the Internet, all of which radically changed the modern lifestyle but were initially seen as luxuries but eventually became necessities.

Electric vehicles may well become the transportation of choice in the near future, a prediction based on the increased number of electric car users in many European countries.

France, for example, has seen a 50 per cent increase in the number of registered electric cars between the 2014 and 2015 period.

The world is about to find out whether the enthusiasm for electric cars will grow worldwide and, in the process, become mainstream.

To use a rocket analogy, the launch sequence and lift-off phase for the eco-friendly cars are now underway.

Of course, the costs of the electric cars from purchase to maintenance must also be considered.

The consumers’ reaction to the purchase cost of a 200 mile/charge electric vehicle priced at $25,000 as well as a 60 kWh battery worth $9,000 remains to be seen.

While these figures may seem exorbitant, other cost factors should also be considered.

Since the cost of ownership will fall by 75 per cent, thanks partly to cheaper insurance premiums and lower maintenance costs, consumers will likely make the shift.

Plus, the cost of gasoline at 12 cents each cannot compete with the 3 cents or less cost in electric miles.

Benefits of electric vehicles

More savings can be enjoyed when electric cars are used regularly.

At an average 15,000 miles per year commuter use in the United States, the user can save approximately $1,350 in the first year alone.

Within 5 years, the savings will increase to $10,000 – and as renewable energy become more affordable in the coming years, the savings can increase.

For $10,000, an energy-conscious consumer can install 3 kilowatts of photovoltaic panels on his roof; in Germany, the number will increase to 5 kilowatts.

The bottom line:

Electric cars will not remain novelties in the auto industry but can become the mainstream choice for majority of consumers in the near future.

Their benefits, such as reduced emissions of toxic pollutants, competitive purchase prices, and affordable maintenance costs as well the increased number of charging stations and acceptability, will become their major selling points.

Photo courtesy of GM Europe

The Author

Hi, my name is Erin and I am a journalist, content creator and editor working within the Public Relations department at Australian Solar Quotes. I am passionate about the continuously developing renewable energy industry. I am eager to educate others about the benefits and advancements of sustainable living, and I encourage you to join the conversation by leaving a comment below.