© Unsplash/Aleksandr Popov
In theory, everything is very clear, the European Union plans to ban the sale of cars with combustion engines in 2035. But this transition to electric vehicles is still very far from being completed. As Challenges rightly points out in a fascinating analysis on the subject, there remain in fact numerous obstacles to ensure this transition.
In fact, and according to figures from the International Energy Agency, more than 85% of new vehicles sold worldwide run on gasoline or diesel. A total which hides real disparities. If Europe and China are at the forefront in electric power, the United States, Japan and even Korea and India are poor performers. As for Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, this market is almost non-existent.
Hinders to the deployment of electric
Moreover, these calculations are only based on sales of new vehicles. The economic magazine recalls in this regard that taking into account used cars, the share of thermal cars rises to 98%.
Concretely, several obstacles stand in the way of these green vehicles. Despite state aid, they still remain much more expensive than their gasoline and diesel equivalents.
Other factors come into play to explain this brake on development of electric vehicles. Auto Plus thus cites the point of view of Gill Pratt, researcher at the manufacturer Toyota.
According to him, it would be risky to ban the sale of thermal vehicles too quickly. He states in fact that electric cars still require lithium. Enough to put the carbon footprint of the latter into perspective.
Similarly, the infrastructures necessary for the deployment of these vehicles are not yet sufficiently developed in certain countries. This is the case for charging stations, but also for the capacity of electrical systems to withstand the increase in consumption.
The economic and social issues are included also among the concerns. While the automobile industry generates millions of jobs in many countries, electricity is less labor-intensive, which could therefore generate unemployment.
The use of biofuels and hybrid technologies would be a way to ensure a smooth transition between thermal and electric. This is good, Toyota is at the forefront of this market with its Yaris.
What to remember:
- The EU has planned 'ban the sale of new thermal cars from 2035
- For now, there are still significant obstacles to the transition to electric which is slipping a little
- Price is a big concern, as is infrastructure
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