Electric Vehicles are Coming in a Decade by GM

 

Photo: General Kinematics

A transition began a few years ago from fossil fuels to renewable energy.  At first, the idea was very unpopular.  Even today, when I get together with my family I hear at the dinner table "Mike, they are taking away all of our gas vehicles..." -- which is not true.  If all gasoline combustion vehicles were taken away at the moment, the world would be in a great disaster.  Why?  Because the infrastructure is not present to accommodate such a new way of life.

Yes.  A new way of life.  A new way of thinking.  Popular opinion will sway anyone's opinion toward combustion-based vehicles.  Although, sales of hybrid vehicles are starting to make ground.  People (i.e., consumers) are starting to inquire more into the purchase/upkeep of electric vehicles.  And this prospect/realization is heading in a positive direction.

Recently, the New York Times reported that with the announcement of General Motors moving toward all-electric vehicles by 2035 comes other factors by the automotive industries.  The author brings up great points to consider in thinking about the widespread use of electric vehicles in the future.

One simple example pointed out in the article is that the center of gravity will have to change with the onset of electric vehicles.  With a battery-powered vehicle in play, the center of gravity is lowered.  This invokes the idea of lagging, slowing, sluggish.  Meaning, when a consumer steps on the accelerator (gas pedal), the car takes off accelerating forward.  There is a major difference in acceleration between the two types of vehicles.

Another parameter to consider is the tire on an electric vehicle.  As pointed out in the article, the noise generated by a tire must be greatly reduced on an electric vehicle.  Compared to a combustion vehicle, the noise difference is large.  The problem needs to be solved.

Last but not least, the repair station is going to go through a major transformation.  No more hearing from the mechanic "start the engine, let's listen to see what is going on with this vehicle...".  Instead, the mechanic will say "let's connect a cable and read the codes".  Interpreting the 'codes' on today's vehicles which are controlled by a computer processor (i.e., a chip) is the new challenge for the vehicle repair workforce.  

Society will change inevitably with the roll-out of electric vehicles.  Although, the change will be for the better.  More opportunity to employ a workforce to help promote and execute the transformation.  From infrastructure development to actual maintenance upkeep is going to require a large number of workers.  Stay tuned!