Looking at the electric vehicle (EV) with new layman’s eyes

I was recently talking to a friend about the scary possibility that EVs are ruling the motoring world.

No, I have nothing against EVs — but I do not know much about them — and, like most folks, when we don’t know a lot about a car, we look for answers. In the recent past — maybe a year ago I would have been the person who would have said that a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) was the best option.

You know, that one that runs on gas and charges when stopped on battery. Personally, I am still partial to an HEV… But then again, maybe not.

And, no, this is not an expert review of EVs — more like what I have experienced in my drives around Metro Manila and beyond.

EVs boom

Gas prices are unpredictable and they fluctuate significantly depending on the state of global affairs.

So, like me, if part of you thinks EVs are a fleeting fad, think again. I read that it is expected (predictions, predictions) that 40 percent (if you believe the statistics of the International Energy Agency) of new car sales will be all-electric by 2030.

With the end of war nowhere near and the relative environmental friendliness of an EV compared to gas-powered alternatives, you may be wondering if now’s the time to invest in one.

How do EVs work?

Most vehicles use internal combustion engines powered by gasoline or diesel. EVs rely on electric motors, and their power is stored in large batteries built into each vehicle.

There are a lot of factors to weigh when deciding whether or not to invest in an EV. Let’s examine the most common.

Pros (Here is what I observed)

Instant torque: Electric motors deliver maximum pulling power immediately from a standstill, providing rapid and smooth acceleration.

Quiet operation: EVs run much more silently than gas-powered cars, greatly reducing cabin noise and local noise pollution.

Excellent performance: Compared to EVs, gas-powered vehicles don‘t accelerate as quickly. EVs can reach their max speeds in just a few seconds because their motors can get full torque, thanks to much simpler engines.

They rely on fewer parts than gas-powered vehicles: This means easier maintenance (If the parts are available). Many EV models also offer smoother handling, making for a comfortable ride.

Cons (From what I have observed)

Charging isn’t always convenient. Charging stations aren’t yet as common as gas stations. You often have to plan charging stops ahead of time (and even have a plan B if a charging station isn’t functional). Fully charging your vehicle can also take a while — between 30 minutes and 12 hours (I exaggerate), depending on the car’s battery and the charging station’s speed.

I normally have a long conversation about the location of a charging station. I am pleasantly surprised that I am told it is easier to find a station nowadays.

Battery manufacturing processes still have an environmental impact. While much better for the environment than conventional vehicles, EVs contain parts that involve some unsustainable practices. The components of an EV’s lithium-ion batteries have to be mined, and electric car batteries aren’t easily recycled, which adds to a growing worldwide e-waste problem.

So, is the EV really better for the environment?

No vehicle is going to help the environment — they all produce waste and require components that, in one way or another, are responsible for CO2 emissions. But if your situation allows you to invest in an electric car over a gas-powered one, there’s certainly a right answer.

Again, electric cars are approximately 50 percent better for the environment than gas-powered cars because they produce fewer total emissions.

Consider these: Getting an electric vehicle in Manila helps reduce severe urban air pollution and lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gas and diesel vehicles.

CityZero tailpipe emissions: EVs produce no harmful exhaust gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter while driving.

Combating traffic smog: Manila suffers from heavy traffic congestion. Replacing gas and diesel cars, buses, and jeepneys with EVs directly cuts down the toxic smog trapped along crowded metro roadways.

Deciding to invest in an EV

There are a lot of factors that should go into your decision to buy an EV. Income, convenience and driving habits are a few. But remember, the farther away your home is from a charging station, the less practical it is to invest in an EV. However, if a greener commute is a top concern and you’re a two-car household, having an EV is great for shorter trips around town and allows you to reserve your gas-powered vehicle for longer road trips.

If sustainability, your carbon footprint and clean transportation are key factors and you’re ready to invest in an EV, then it’s a great step toward a more carbon-neutral lifestyle.

It seems that the EV industry is charging ahead, fueled by the unsure gas prices because one never really knows when the war will end. And, from the looks of it… there doesn’t seem to be an end coming soon.

Until the next detour.