The future of electric cars continues to change. This moving needle pushes further and further into the next decade to give us an idea of what to expect.
The automotive world has been changing for the past twenty years; ever since the first hybrid models appeared with an electric motor to aid the gasoline engine. Originally though to be nothing more than a fad, hybrid models paved the way for plug-in hybrids and EVs. Additionally, automakers have found ways to make these vehicle types more interesting and useful.
Evolution was required
If every hybrid or EV looked and performed like the first generation models of the Toyota Prius, these alternative-fuel models wouldn’t have every caught on. An evolution to style, capability, performance, and function was required to ensure current PHEVs and EVs would fill all the vehicle classes in the market. This evolution continues as more EVs hit the market and give us the silent drive that we want to enjoy without the need to burn fossil fuels. What does this mean for our future and the types of vehicles we’ll see on the road? Let’s explore.
Will all new vehicles run on electricity soon?
In 2023, its difficult to look far enough into the future of electric cars to say that all new models will be powered by electricity, but its certainly possible. Many governments already increased fuel efficiency requirements and are pushing for a shift toward fully electric models. In the United States, the numbers are 50% by 2030, which higher numbers to follow. In fact, recent proposals put heavy-duty trucks and semis in the crosshairs to change from gas and diesel models to more efficient powertrains. Unless automakers can develop highly efficient large engines for these commercial-grade vehicles, a transition to electric semis and work trucks will be required.
Electric chargers will replace gas stations
Today, we have only a few more than two million EVs on the road, which only requires a small infrastructure support system to ensure these models can charge at public Level 3 DC fast charging stations. By 2030, we could have more than 26 million EVs on public roads in the United States. This will require more public chargers to be located at places where we spend much of our time during the day.
This could be where we work, restaurants, airports, and grocery stores.
Expanding the infrastructure to require more Level 3 charging stations will cost billions of dollars. In addition to the need for more chargers, the future of electric cars could hinge on battery technology. Early EVs could be plugged into a regular household outlet and recharge overnight. These EVs had simple systems and only offers short driving ranges.
Modern EVs take several days to recharge when plugged into a 120-volt, Level 1, household outlet to recharge. This requires Level 2 installation, at home. If battery technology continues to improve, Level 2 charging could become inconvenient and useless, which means Level 3 chargers will take over.
Is there a Level 3 Home Charging solution?
Currently, Level 3 chargers require more power than homes could safely utilize. That said, this could change as we move toward the future and better systems that work faster. Could there be a Level 4 charging speed in the future? It’s certainly a possibility.
Will solid-state batteries become a reality?
We’ve heard many times over that the future of electric cars could reside in the use of sold-state batteries. These batteries use similar materials to the current lithium-ion models and can recharge in shorter times. Solid-state batteries are capable of maintaining its capacity much longer than lithium-ion models and should offer higher driving ranges on a single full charge. Currently, solid-state batteries are used in small devices including smartwatches and pacemakers, but if developed for electric cars, they could change things for good.
Will skateboard-style EV platforms become a reality?
Some automakers are already working toward global platforms for electric vehicles. The use of skateboard-style platforms ensures several EVs could be built using the same platform. This ensures improved vehicle dynamics, batteries in different positions, and various vehicle configurations. These new platforms could be part of the future of electric cars, but there could be a drawback.
We already see EVs using similar styling elements and feature configurations across various automakers. This creates a boring automotive world, which isn’t something we want to see. The future of electric cars is interesting, but will automakers keep the style unique and attractive as well?
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
