In the past few years, huge companies known for their gasoline-powered cars, such as Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota, all looked to begin and expand electric vehicle production.
Electric vehicles have become vital for major car brands to compete in the automotive industry, as government influence, public desires and newly available technologies ignite the market.
Electric cars are quickly going from the future to the present of the car industry. Electric cars were once seen as a small trend, but turned into a major race due to growing popularity, with increasing numbers of brands rushing to enter the electric car market.
Some companies like Toyota have even contemplated ending production of gas cars in the U.S. entirely.
“Electric cars are cool, and I’m fine with them, but gas cars have to stay. It would feel wrong to live without them,” said junior Seth Perlstein.
One major reason why electric vehicles are being pushed for is government intervention. Some foreign countries and states have emission laws that make it difficult to own a gas car, or are pushing to implement similar policies.
Also, the U.S. federal government has been giving tax credits worth thousands of dollars on electric vehicle purchases. However, many of those tax credits were revoked in the past year.
Furthermore, consumers have had a recent desire to purchase electric vehicles. A big reason for this is the hope of preventing or slowing global warming.
Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, which, on a large scale, is extremely effective for reducing air pollution and addressing climate change as a whole.
Since electric vehicles do not have a traditional gas-powered motor, they are much quieter.
The driving “feel” is also different, with the electronic components changing the sensitivity and manner of acceleration, braking, and steering.
Junior Dov Brown said, “Driving my family’s electric car is very different from regular cars, but I enjoy the instant acceleration. It adds a fun aspect that is unlike what other cars could offer.”
Since the rise of their popularity, the range of electric cars has been the biggest concern for consumers, as their batteries cannot be recharged with a quick three-minute stop the way gas powered cars can fill their tanks. Drivers need to locate a charging station, and often take multiple hours to charge; alternatively, owners can install chargers in their homes, but the issue still applies when not at home.
However, new technologies are beginning to make electric vehicles more appealing, specifically range and modern interactivity.
Many brands produce electric vehicles with upwards of 300 miles of range, which has been reducing this issue in the eyes of many consumers. Electric vehicles are generally equipped with a fully electronic interior.
Junior Jude Ornstein said, “Technology in cars is advancing really quickly. Many cars did not have touch-screens at all ten years ago. Now, even Toyota Corollas have a large screen in the front.”
Tesla’s interiors, for example, have a huge central control screen and no physical buttons, besides two on the steering wheel.
Tesla was a major factor in pushing electric cars to the success they have today. They were the first in the market to show that electric cars could be fast, practical and desirable all at the same time.
Chinese automotive companies also are pushing the boundaries of the electric vehicle industry through innovation and efficiency, with battery improvements and AI integrations.
However, Porsche has been losing money on electric vehicles due to high development and production costs, paired with underwhelming sales in the current market.
Nonetheless, as technology further improves, companies are expected to shift away from gas-powered cars and switch to electric cars at an increasing rate. The future of the automotive industry is currently being clearly displayed; that is, a world of smooth and silent rides in electric vehicles.
