Electric Cars, A huge government scam or a way to healthier environment?

 

Electric Car Immergence

Currently, the electric car is the most rapidly expanding means of transportation worldwide, with numerous drivers opting for zero-emission alternatives over their petrol or diesel cars. Although it may seem like the electric car craze suddenly appeared, the establishment of World EV Day in 2020 and the recent emergence of charging stations in UK forecourts, the truth is that electric cars have been in existence for a lot longer than most people think.  With the government's proposal to establish sales targets for clean vehicles starting in 2024, the conversation around zero-emission transportation has shifted from a question of possibility to a question of timing. 

Investment In  Electric Car Industry

The industry has likewise wholeheartedly embraced the transition to environmentally friendly road transport. By March 2022, Mini, Vauxhall, Ford, Bentley, Rolls Royce, and other manufacturers had pledged to pursue a zero-emission future starting in 2030, and over £3 billion in investment has been directed towards the UK's zero-emission vehicle sector. With substantial investments being made in battery technology, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly cost-effective to purchase and operate, and many models can travel over 200 miles on a single charge, which is comparable to the average daily car use. In 2023, the typical car journey in England spanned 18-20 miles. Owning and operating an EV has never been simpler. 

Charging Points and Availability

The United Kingdom is currently concentrating on establishing a comprehensive, equitable, and expandable charging network that spans the entire nation. Government expects around 300,000 public chargers as a minimum by 2030. The goal is to ensure these charge points are installed ahead of demand, inspiring confidence in drivers who have not yet made the switch. Charging stations at workplaces, educational institutions, and places like supermarkets are attractive to most current electric vehicle (BEV) drivers who lack off-street parking, as well as non-EV drivers with compatible schedules. According to a survey, up to 49% of non-EV drivers reported parking at a workplace or educational institution at least once a week, and since these drivers typically park at these locations for extended periods, workplace or educational institution charging could be a practical and convenient solution for many. However, a significant percentage of non-EV drivers (5% parking less than once a week and 47% never parking) still remain, for whom this solution may not be viable. In order to establish an effective charging infrastructure in the UK, it is necessary to have a variety of charging options available. While some areas of the sector, such as rapid charging at destinations, home charging, and workplace charging, are making progress, others require greater intervention to stimulate investment and competition, particularly for rapid charging along motorways, remote locations, and on-street locations. Concerns have been raised by the Competition and Markets Authority, including a lack of competition and electricity grid capacity constraints on motorways, the potential for remote areas to be neglected due to a weak commercial case for investment, and the risk of slow implementation of on-street charging, which could result in local monopolies. The Competition and Markets Authority has identified the Rapid Charging Fund as a means to foster competition on motorway sites and local authorities as playing a crucial role in addressing on-street charging but also requiring further support.

Full-Circle

Given the government's efforts in the right direction and the industry's significant investments, it appears unlikely that this is a scam. However, if you have a different opinion and believe it to be a scam, please share your thoughts.