The Rise of Fully-Electric Vehicles: Efficiency, Emissions, and Beyond

Introduction

When it comes to everyday transport, the question of whether any vehicles run solely on electricity without the need for gas or hybrid engines has always been a point of interest. The answer is yes, there are numerous fully-electric vehicles (EVs) available today. Some may question the origins of electric transportation, but the history of these vehicles goes back much further than one might think. For those who believe that Tesla pioneered this technology, a brief look at the timeline will reveal that the roots of electric vehicles (EVs) can be traced back to the 1830s. Beyond that, the term 'vehicle' is not limited to rubber-tired objects, as it can also encompass rail vehicles and aircraft.

The Definition of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Strictly speaking, a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is a vehicle that is powered solely by an electric motor and is driven by a battery. The term 'Electric Vehicle' (EV) typically refers to any vehicle that has an electric motor in its drive train. Some hybrid vehicles utilize generators to provide power when the battery is no longer sufficient. The drive train in hybrid vehicles can either be in a parallel or series configuration. In parallel systems, both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine can provide power to the wheels. In series systems, the electric motor is powered by a battery, which is charged by an internal combustion engine or an external generator.

The Growing Popularity of BEVs

Many automobile manufacturers now offer BEVs, and these vehicles are seeing steady increases in sales figures. As more people discover the advantages of BEVs, the trend is becoming increasingly positive. One of the key benefits is the total cost of ownership (TCO). BEVs do not require regular maintenance such as oil changes, transmissions services, and other parts prone to destruction or high temperatures caused by internal combustion. This significantly reduces the overall TCO, making BEVs more economical in the long run.

Environmental Benefits and Emissions

BEVs have a substantial advantage when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The effective amount of CO2 emissions from charging a BEV in the US grid can be as low as 1/2 to 1/4 of that from an internal combustion engine (ICE). In some cases, where green electricity is used, this emissions figure can be zero. Additionally, individuals with solar power systems at home can charge their BEVs for "free" with zero emissions. While manufacturing emissions are not negligible, they occur during the manufacturing process and can be managed and potentially reduced over time. Claims about wind and solar generation systems' environmental impact often overshadow the ongoing pollution caused by burning hydrocarbons in our atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency and Maintenance

Electric vehicles are highly energy efficient. A gallon of gasoline contains about 120,214 BTUs of energy. An ICE car with 25 miles per gallon (mpg) would thus use 4,808 BTUs per mile. In comparison, an EV typically consumes around 250–270 watt-hours per mile. With careful management, a hyper-mile driver can achieve as low as 200 watt-hours per mile. My 2018 Tesla Model 3 has accumulated over 206,000 miles, and my long-term average is 287 watt-hours per mile. This is equivalent to 0.288 kWh, which is 982 BTU of energy. In contrast, ICE vehicles waste 70-80% of the BTUs they use as heat, which leads to increased wear and tear on various parts of the vehicle, particularly the exhaust system, HVAC compressor, and other components.

Charging and Cost

Charging an EV at home generally uses an average home rate of 0.12 per kWh, resulting in a cost of less than 0.03 per mile. For a 25 mpg ICE car, the cost is 0.12 per mile, which is four times more than that of a BEV. Highway driving typically requires charging at a high-speed charger away from home, which usually costs around 0.30 per kWh. These rates can be found on the websites of charging companies or through mobile phone apps like ChargePoint. For those who find the prospect of EV charging daunting, it's important to note that 80% of non-EV owners would not be burdened by the charging process. The remaining 20% might include individuals who have to drive hundreds of miles a day, such as delivery drivers, or those who need to visit many places in a single day, such as realtors. EVs can still be effective for these individuals by using superchargers as hubs for trips.

In conclusion, the rise of fully-electric vehicles is a significant trend in the transportation sector. Their efficiency, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive choice for many consumers. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more improvements in the performance and usability of BEVs.