Advantages and disadvantages of electric mobility

The promise of electric mobility

In recent years, people and governments around the world have become aware of the environmental havoc that the excessive use of fossil fuels and petroleum derivatives has caused globally. As a result, we are beginning to move towards a profound energy change.

Faced with this reality, governments have signed international treaties committing themselves to generate public policies that favor the reduction of pollutants and carbon emissions.

Shared and electric mobility are two ways that contribute to strengthening the awareness of global citizenship. However, there are factors that still represent areas of opportunity for their consolidation, especially in electric mobility, as viable and environmentally friendly alternatives for mass adoption in at least all urban centers.

Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of electric mobility

Advantages of electric mobility

Versatility. Electric mobility is not limited to electric cars; options have also been developed to make it compatible with shared mobility, such as electric motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and high-capacity public transport vehicles.

Zero pollution. Electric vehicles do not emit any greenhouse gases, so there is no atmospheric pollution. In addition, they make virtually no noise, eliminating noise pollution as well.

Electricity is cheaper than fuel. Recharging any type of electric vehicle is cheaper than using fuel. In Europe, recharging the equivalent of 100 km of autonomy costs around 1 euro, a little more than a dollar.

Fewer mechanical breakdowns. Stopping the use of internal combustion systems reduces the number of parts in the assembly of these electric means of transport, thus also reducing the chances of breakdowns in their mechanisms and, by the same token, also reducing maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of electric mobility

High prices. Unfortunately, nowadays it is still difficult to afford from a scooter to a car, the prices of these technologies are still not so accessible for the average pocket.

Lack of infrastructure. The truth is that, considering the entire universe of vehicles, only a small fraction of the total, there is still not enough infrastructure to guarantee that the energy supply needs for these vehicles will be met.

Autonomy. Although there are already several models with a range of just over 500 km, most of these units are not suitable for very long journeys and, in the case of cars, they are not yet recommended for driving outside cities,

Charging time. One of the major impediments for users to change to an electric vehicle is the charging time, which can range from half an hour to 12 hours depending on the type of outlet. On the other hand, filling the tank takes 5 minutes.

Battery degradation. Constant charging, especially when using outlets with different power ratings, causes degradation in the batteries of these vehicles. In addition to having to replace them, the recycling of these batteries can become complicated and polluting.

The change is imminent and for the better, the opportunity cost is the well-being of humans and the sustainability of the planet. The change in the way we move around will be a small grain of sand for the common good.