It’s no surprise that over the past decade, electric vehicles have been gaining in popularity, you’ve probably noticed that there are more EVs on the road than ever before. With the growing environmental concerns and the advancements in technology, the question that’s on everyone’s minds is: when will all cars be electric?

Currently in the UK only around 7% of cars are electric or hybrid, however it’s estimated that this is going to increase as petrol and diesel cars begin to be phased out by 2035. With people becoming increasingly more aware of their carbon footprint, they are seeking alternatives that are more environmentally friendly. Not only that, but governments in the UK and across the globe are offering incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs. With the goal for cars to become fully electric, the longer this will take to come into effect has many people wondering what the future for electric cars will look like.

That’s why at Yorkshire Fleet, we have put together this blog to dive into various aspects of electric vehicles and answer the question: are electric cars the future? If so, how long will it take for EVs to truly take off in the UK. 

What Are Electric Vehicles?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should know what EVs are. Electric vehicles are cars that are powered solely by electricity. They don’t need petrol or diesel to run, instead they have batteries that need to be charged up since electricity is their primary source of power.

Unlike traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, EVs contain battery packs that store electrical energy. These batteries are usually lithium-ion, known for their high energy density, long life, and ability to handle numerous charge cycles. EVs can be powered up at specific charging stations. There are numerous public charging stations that offer faster charging speeds, in the UK there are 33,829 charging locations, making charging accessible to EV owners. Or alternatively you can install at home charging stations for convenience.

One of the main benefits of electric vehicles that makes them so attractive is that they produce zero emissions, which significantly reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This is a crucial advantage in the fight against climate change and for improving air quality. Not only that but EVs use less energy to travel the same distance compared to their gasoline counterparts, making them much more efficient.

The popularity of EVs has definitely surged in recent years, driven by the advancements in technology, government incentives and concerns about the environment. This has resulted in major car manufacturers investing heavily in developing EVs. So, as the EV infrastructure continues to expand with more charging stations and improved technology, the adoption of EVs is expected to increase. 

Types Of EVs

Electric cars come in various forms, each with different advantages. Understanding the different types of EVs can help consumers make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the most well known EVs:

Battery electric vehicles:

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are completely electric. Running solely on the energy from its battery pack, they don’t use any petrol or diesel. BEVs don’t produce any emissions making them the most environmentally friendly option to choose from. Selecting a BEV helps to reduce air pollution as well as take a step towards combating climate change.

Hybrid vehicles:

On the other hand, hybrid vehicles are made up of both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. With a hybrid they can’t be charged by being plugged in but are charged through the internal combustion engine as well as capturing energy during braking and converting it into electricity, which enhances efficiency. Another great benefit is that the combination of fuel and electric power allows for an extended driving range compared to normal EVs. 

Plug-in hybrids:

The difference between a standard hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid is that these typically have a larger battery pack, and unlike hybrids, they can be charged by plugging into an external power source. They also offer a greater electric only driving range, allowing you to drive longer distances on electric power alone, before needing to switch to be powered by the ICE. Plug-in hybrids are similar to EVs as they can also be charged at home or public charging stations, but they can also benefit from regenerative braking.

Fuel cell vehicles:

Fuel cell vehicles are a little different from the previous forms of electric vehicles we’ve mentioned. One of the biggest components that sets them apart is that they run on hydrogen gas. This generates electricity through a chemical reaction that occurs in the fuel tank, therefore, they don’t need charging by being plugged in. With that being said, they are still beneficial for the environment since they only emit water vapour and warm air. One reason why people may prefer fuel cell vehicles is that they refuel fast just like refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. Since you don’t need to wait for the car to charge up, it’s ready for you to drive whenever you’re in need of transport.

How Are EVs Sustainable?

10 percent of global carbon emissions are from cars and vans, this means that the search for a sustainable solution is crucial. This is why many people believe that electric cars are the future in the quest for more sustainable transportation. But how exactly can EVs contribute to a more environmentally friendly future?

For one, choosing an electric car will emit less emissions. Traditional petrol and diesel vehicles emit carbon dioxide every time you drive, which contributes to air pollution and climate change. Whereas, electric cars are the future as they produce no emissions, because of this they help to improve air quality, especially in urban areas that are saturated with vehicles. Reduced air pollution can have improved effects on the public health, decreasing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases that are associated with poor air quality.

Another reason electric cars are the future is that they are much more energy efficient compared to ICE vehicles. This is because EVs require less energy to travel the same distance as petrol and diesel powered cars, leading to reduced overall energy consumption.

One benefit of choosing your very own electric vehicle is that they’re quieter compared to their petrol and diesel counterparts. This means that EVs reduce noise pollution which can improve living conditions in urban areas.

So when asking the question: are electric cars the future? These benefits are something everyone should consider when selecting their very own EV, as they of course can be extremely beneficial for the environment when it comes to climate change.

When Will All Cars Be Electric

With all the advantages that EVs can offer, you’re probably wondering when will all cars be electric? Predicting exactly when the full transition to EVs will have happened and when there will be more electric cars on the road than ICE vehicles can be challenging. However, it is predicted that by 2040 most cars sold across the globe will be electric. While the complete global adoption will depend on a variety of factors, it is evident that EVs are set to dominate the future of personal transportation.

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice At Yorkshire Fleet

If you’re thinking of making the transition to an electric car then Yorkshire Fleet has the most amazing solution for you! At Yorkshire Fleet we offer electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes, making it easier and more affordable for employees to switch to electric cars. Salary sacrifice allows employees to lease an electric vehicle through a salary sacrifice arrangement, where a portion of their pre-tax salary is exchanged for the use of an EV. Contact Yorkshire Fleet today for the best electric car salary sacrifice scheme and take a step towards a greener future.