Electric cars

What is an EV?

EVs are vehicles powered by electricity and an electric motor rather than a conventional gasoline-fueled internal-combustion engine.

The automotive future is electric—McKinsey projects that worldwide demand for EVs will grow sixfold from 2021 through 2030. Annual unit sales would go from 6.5 million to roughly 40 million over that period. In recent years, the COVID-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine have accelerated the momentum of sustainable mobility. Understanding EVs and e-mobility can illustrate how these vehicles are transforming the industry and helping to decarbonize the planet.

An electric car is a type of vehicle that is powered by one or more electric motors, using electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries. These vehicles are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles because they produce zero tailpipe emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Here are some key features and components of electric cars:

Electric Motor:
- Electric cars use one or more electric motors for propulsion instead of an internal combustion engine. These motors are often more efficient than traditional engines and provide instant torque for quick acceleration.
Battery Pack:
- The battery pack is a crucial component that stores the electrical energy needed to power the vehicle. The most common type of battery used in electric cars is lithium-ion, but other technologies are also being explored.
Charging System:
- Electric cars are charged by plugging them into an electric power source. Charging can be done at home using a standard electrical outlet or a dedicated home charging station. Public charging stations are also available in various locations.
Range:
- The range of an electric car refers to the distance it can travel on a single charge. Advances in battery technology have led to improvements in the range of electric cars, with some models offering several hundred miles on a single charge.
Regenerative Braking:
- Many electric cars use regenerative braking systems, which capture and convert kinetic energy during braking into electrical energy. This energy is then fed back into the battery, increasing overall efficiency.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Models:
- Numerous automakers produce electric vehicles, ranging from compact cars to SUVs and even electric sports cars. Some popular electric car models include the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and the BMW i3, among others.
Advantages:
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower operating costs (electricity is often cheaper than gasoline), and potentially lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.
Challenges:
- Limited charging infrastructure in some areas, higher upfront costs (though they are decreasing over time), and concerns about the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
Government Incentives:
- Many governments around the world offer incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, such as tax credits, rebates, and access to carpool lanes.

Electric cars play a significant role in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. As technology advances and infrastructure improves, electric cars are likely to become more commonplace.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Models

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there are numerous electric vehicle (EV) models available from various manufacturers around the world. However, it's important to note that the electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving, and new models may have been introduced since then. Here is a list of some notable electric vehicle models from various manufacturers up to my last update:

Tesla:
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Cybertruck (expected in the future)
Chevrolet:
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Nissan:
- Nissan Leaf
BMW:
- BMW i3
- BMW i4
- BMW iX3
- BMW iX
Audi:
- Audi e-tron
- Audi e-tron GT
Jaguar:
- Jaguar I-PACE
Porsche:
- Porsche Taycan
Ford:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Ford F-150 Lightning (expected in the future)
Rivian:
- Rivian R1T (pickup truck)
- Rivian R1S (SUV)
Hyundai:
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Kia:
- Kia Soul EV
- Kia Niro EV
Volkswagen:
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Volkswagen ID.3
Mercedes-Benz:
- Mercedes-Benz EQC
- Mercedes-Benz EQS
Volvo:
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Volvo C40 Recharge
Lucid Motors:
- Lucid Air
Polestar:
- Polestar 2
Rimac:
- Rimac C_Two

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and new electric vehicle models are constantly being developed and released by various automakers. It's advisable to check the latest information from manufacturers or automotive news sources for the most up-to-date information on electric vehicle models.

Use of electric cars by country

China: China has been a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, both in terms of production and sales. The Chinese government has implemented supportive policies, such as subsidies and regulations favoring EVs, to promote their use.
Norway: Norway has one of the highest electric car adoption rates globally. This is largely due to generous incentives, including tax breaks, toll exemptions, and free charging.
Netherlands: The Netherlands has been promoting electric mobility through tax benefits and incentives. It has also set ambitious targets to transition to emission-free vehicles in the coming years.
United States: The U.S. electric car market has been growing steadily. Several states offer incentives, and there has been a push for electric vehicle infrastructure development. Companies like Tesla have played a significant role in this growth.
Germany: Germany, home to major automakers, has been increasing its focus on electric vehicles. The government has introduced incentives to boost EV sales, and automakers are investing in electric models.
United Kingdom: The UK has set a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Incentives such as grants, and tax benefits are in place to encourage electric vehicle adoption.
France: France has committed to promoting electric vehicles and aims to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. Incentives, including financial assistance for EV purchases, are part of the strategy.
Japan: Japanese automakers have been producing electric vehicles, and the government has supported EV adoption through incentives and charging infrastructure development.
Canada: Canada has been promoting electric vehicles through incentives and rebates. Provinces like British Columbia and Quebec have been particularly active in supporting EV adoption.
India: India has been working on policies to encourage electric vehicle adoption to address pollution and energy security issues. Incentives and subsidies are part of the government's strategy.

It's important to note that the adoption of electric cars is influenced by various factors, including government policies, infrastructure development, consumer preferences, and the overall automotive industry landscape. Since the information may have evolved, it's advisable to check more recent sources for the latest updates on electric vehicle adoption by country.

forgotten electric classic cars

Electric cars may be all the rage today, but that doesn’t mean they are new.

Early pioneers in this field include Thomas Parker and Gustav Trouvé in the 1880s, and Robert Anderson way back in the 1830s. By the turn of the 20th century, things had reached a point where it was unclear whether an electric motor, an internal combustion engine or a steam engine was the best power source for a road vehicle.

The second of these options became the most favoured, but some manufacturers continued to produce electric cars in the long dark ages before they once again became a popular choice in the past decade.

Here’s a selection of 28 classic electric vehicles produced before 2000, listed in alphabetical order.