5 Interesting Facts About Electric Cars in 2021
One of the largest contributors to climate change is the transportation industry. In just the United States, it makes up 29% of the entire country’s emissions. However, electric cars are in a position to permanently fix this problem.
Here are some interesting facts and stats about electric vehicles in 2021.
1. Electric Cars Will Make Up 58% of Car Sales by 2040
Electric cars only make up 2.7% of car sales in 2020. However, according to the latest Bloomberg report, they are expected to make up 58% of car sales by 2040. That may seem far-fetched, but with current trends and policies in mind, it makes sense.
For instance, just this year, General Motors (GM) has become the first major car manufacturer from the United States to pledge all-electric cars by 2035. This notion is likely to spread to other companies in the space.
Of course, this is just the US. Many other foreign car manufacturers have already made pledges like Volvo.
2. There Are 41,400 Charge Stations in the United States
One of the biggest challenges facing electric vehicles is the availability of charge stations. However, over the years, they have been rapidly expanding around the country.
For comparison, there are 41,400 charge stations (5,000 of them are fast-charge stations) and 136,400 gas stations in the US.
And in the next twenty years, as electric vehicles (EVs) start to gain ground, charge station infrastructure will grow alongside it. Battery capacity is also expected to increase while recharge times are expected to decrease.
Therefore, the fears many have today will not be an issue in the following years.
3. EVs Are Silent At Lower Speeds
If you live next to a busy street, you can hear cars coming and going 24/7. However, that may be changing. EVs actually run silent at lower speeds.
Since they do not contain a combustion engine, the only sound they actually make is from wind resistance or the tires.
Although, this has actually raised safety concerns. After all, the average pedestrian is accustomed to hearing vehicles when they are approaching. Thus, some electric cars now allow you to pick the sound your car makes in the form of artificial motor sounds.
It’s a pretty cool customization option for many car owners.
4. The Average EV Owner Saves $800 to $1000 Dollars on Fuel Per Year
Not having to get gas is the entire point of going electric, and you can expect some big savings as a result. The average EV owner can save $800 to $1000 a year if they do most of their charging at home.
Granted this will not be an option for everyone. After all, if you drive more than 300 to 400 miles a day, you are going to need a charge station. That said, this completely makes up for the higher price tag over the course of the car’s lifespan.
And the cost is becoming less of an issue as some EVs are sold at comparable prices to their gasoline-using cousins.
5. EVs May Replace Home Generators
If you live in a state that is prone to extreme weather like Florida, you have a generator in your garage and ready to go when disaster strikes. However, did you know that it’s actually possible for EVs to power a home?
Probably not, but it’s possible. In fact, EVs have actually been used during disasters. For instance, in Japan, 66 Nissan Leafs were deployed in 2011 to power emergency facilities. Today, the battery packs are much bigger, and can even power a home.
However, not all homes have the technology to take advantage of this.
Robert has been following and writing about environmental stories for years at GreenGeeks. He believes that highlighting environmentally friendly practices can help promote change in every household.
