Here’s a challenge: drive a single mile without coming across an electric vehicle on the road. It would be nearly impossible to win that one.
Electric cars are constantly buzzing past us and charging stations are popping up on every corner. We now live in a world where electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming just as popular and accessible as ordinary gas-fueled vehicles.
The future is getting a bit greener, and California is on the path of expediting this change by banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Although we are miles away from an all-electric highway and even further away from a Jetson-esque utopia, we are seeing generations, both young and old, hop on this growing EV trend.
Do you remember your initial reaction when you first heard about the Prius? It was most likely met with curiosity, excitement, and skepticism, much like many others’ responses. The introduction of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) was a game changer in the automotive industry and for everyday drivers. And while Toyota wasn’t the first to produce the hybrid car, it was the first to go mainstream and kick into mass production.
HEVs are both electric and gas-powered, meaning it uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that draws power from batteries to operate. And the energy that powers their batteries is gained through regenerative braking, whereas heat is released during braking in a typical gas-powered vehicle.
Because of this, HEVs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to their capacity to reduce engine exhaust, making it a crucial benefit of improving the environment and a huge selling point for consumers. But what really got people talking and interested in HEVs were the reduced fuel costs in times where gas prices were skyrocketing. That benefit alone was reason enough for drivers to consider purchasing an HEV as a smart investment.
The rise and popularity of the battery electric vehicle (BEV) was bound to happen with the success of HEV and people becoming more comfortable with the idea of driving and owning electric-based vehicles. BEVs are fully battery-powered vehicles and do not contain an internal combustion engine and take no gasoline. The batteries are rechargeable and must be plugged into a wall outlet or other electric vehicle supply equipment to be recharged since there is no backup alternative, such as a gas tank.
BEVs are trendy vehicles with the best potential for longevity.
People throughout all generations are seeing the benefits of battery-charging cars and manufacturers are catering to the demand by offering these vehicles at different price points, making them just as affordable and accessible as gas-powered vehicles. Tesla caught the eyes of many when they first came on the scene with its sleek, futuristic look and battery charging capabilities.
The models were a bit pricier than the average car and considered a luxury a few years back. Now, there are affordable models for people who want the experience of owning a Tesla as well as other car manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevy, and Nissan offering electric vehicles for a lower price.
The ultimate goal for the future is to get people into electric cars and that can only be done by making them affordable and building accessible charging stations and centers that are just as populated as gas stations.
The difference between HEV and BEV is simple—a BEV charges and an HEV does not.
Think of an HEV as somewhat of a starter car before fully committing to BEV. The amount of money spent fueling up a car is significantly reduced when filling up an HEV compared to a standard car, but that cost can be reduced even more when charging up a BEV at a local charging station, or even from the comfort of your own home.
The only problem, which seems to be an issue for most, is the convenience of filling up a gas tank in less than five minutes versus sitting at a charging station for close to an hour. Fortunately, technology is advancing and constantly improving every day and we’re getting closer to seeing current charging times cut in half. Who knows—maybe BEVs will be able to charge just as fast as our cellphones. But until then, we’ll still have a bit of a divide in our electric vehicle community.
The future is electrifying with the promising advancements in technology in the automotive industry. Area51 Electronics will be a key player in contributing to the growth of the demand for electrical, electromechanical, and commodity parts in the transportation and automotive industries.
Area51 Electronics provides the components that power everything that keeps vehicles intuitive, intelligent, and connected such as battery liquid cooling systems, battery pack overcharge protection, ESD protection devices, and more. How can we help with your automotive and industrial component needs? Contact us and we’ll find the perfect solution for you!
