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April 29, 2021 08:13 AM

Busting electric-vehicle myths

Driving range, lack of charge points are psychological barriers

Simone Bruckner
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    Cressall Resistors Managing Director Simone Bruckner

    Simone Bruckner is managing director of power resistor manufacturer Cressall Resistors.

    More than half a million full-electric cars were sold in Europe in 2020, with tightening emissions regulations and growing environmental awareness catalyzing the surge.

    Despite this, gasoline- and diesel-powered cars still dominate the market. Therefore it is time to debunk some of electric vehicle myths to help increase uptake.

    There are a number of reasons why EVs are increasing in popularity. From a manufacturing perspective, EVs today are cheaper to produce than they were a decade ago, mainly due to reduced component costs.

    Then, there are the environmental benefits, with battery-powered vehicles generating 42 percent of the carbon emissions of a conventional combustion engine.

    Although increasing developments in battery technology and charging infrastructure are improving the everyday usability of EVs, there are still a number of EV skeptics. Addressing outdated beliefs will help further increase the adoption of EVs.

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    Plugging in

    The UK parliament's business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) committee has described Britain's charging infrastructure as "poor" and "lacking in size and geographical coverage," with experts saying that this is one of the greatest barriers to widespread adoption in the UK.

    Zaps Maps is one of the most popular charging maps for hybrid and EV users, and features statistics on the number of charging stations available in the UK.

    Most of the chargers located on the map are found in and around urban areas, which is great for city dwellers, but less so for those living in rural areas or people living in between cities who are often lacking sufficient charging points.

    Alongside uncertainty over charging infrastructure, the driving range of EVs also steers people away from purchasing. Fears of being left stranded by an exhausted battery are common, with many believing that EVs don't go far enough on a single charge.

    Bust the myths

    However, this is often more of a psychological barrier rather than a real drawback. The reality is that most car trips are fewer than 30 miles (about 50 km) long, giving drivers ample opportunity to recharge their vehicles once their journeys are over.

    A lack of charging points also appears to be something of a myth. In fact, data published by Nissan reveals that there are now more EV charging points in the UK than conventional fuel stations.

    One method that further soothes consumer concerns is regenerative braking. Traditional friction brakes convert the kinetic energy from a car's motion into heat, which is then lost. On the other hand, regenerative braking retains this otherwise lost energy so it can be used elsewhere.

    When an EV's wheels are turned by electric motors, the motor runs in reverse to slow the vehicle when the brake is pressed, turning it into a generator that produces energy that can then be stored in the battery.

    During regenerative braking, this motor turns backward to slow the vehicle.

    The energy from the movement of the vehicle causes the motor to run in reverse and energy that would usually be lost through braking is captured.

    This extra energy can help to extend the range of the battery cycle, and improve overall battery health.

    However, this process is not possible when the battery is already full, and an attempt to add even more energy into the battery could lead to overloading or -- even worse -- the risk of not braking at all.

    This is why a backup system must always be employed, in the form of a resistor. The resistor safely discharges unrequired captured energy to support the top braking effect, which can help supply heating to the vehicle's cabin too.

    While EVs saw a surge in popularity in 2020, the automotive industry will need to overcome anxieties over EV infrastructure and battery capabilities to encourage long-term growth.

    Having the right technology in place in any electric vehicle will help ensure a smooth and safe journey toward greener travel.

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