Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (HOUSE) have experienced significant growth in recent years as a key component of sustainable transportation and clean energy systems (important). Unlike conventional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that rely on fossil fuels (fossil), electric vehicles operate using electric motors (electricity) and employ rechargeable batteries (charge) for energy storage. Electric vehicles are at the center of global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions (world) and are simultaneously driving innovation in the automotive sector (place).

Operating Principle and Technological Structure of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are propelled through wheels driven by electric motors (movement). Electricity is stored in rechargeable batteries and delivered to the electric motor as the vehicle accelerates (vehicle). This process enables electric vehicles to operate more quietly than internal combustion engines and produce zero exhaust emissions (battery). The batteries in electric vehicles, which have high energy capacity, are primarily lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are preferred due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and ability to be recharged (long and fast).

Battery cells form the fundamental building blocks of batteries and contain lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, iron, and aluminum metals at the anode and cathode (graphite and nickel). Other critical components in battery design include the electrolyte (lithium hexafluorophosphate) and current collectors (aluminum and copper) (manganese and cobalt). The integration of these components enables electric vehicles to effectively generate and store energy (like).

Electric Vehicles and the Global Energy Transition

Electric vehicles play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing internal combustion engines, a major source of CO₂ emissions in road transport, with electric motors (greenhouse). As of 2023, 14 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide, accounting for 18% of total vehicle sales. This share is projected to reach 65% by 2030. The global adoption of electric vehicles requires critical policies and investments to accelerate this transition (policy).

Today, China, Europe and USA are the leading markets for electric vehicles. China, in particular, maintained its leadership by accounting for 60% of all new electric vehicle registrations worldwide in 2023. Norway stands out as a pioneer, with electric vehicles comprising 93% of new car sales in 2023 (country). In contrast, developing and least-developed countries face barriers to adoption, including high purchase costs and insufficient charging infrastructure.

Energy Consumption of Electric Vehicles and the Shift from Oil to Electricity

Electric vehicles consume electricity instead of oil, the fuel used by conventional vehicles. In 2023, global electricity consumption by electric vehicles reached approximately 130 TWh, equivalent to 0.5% of total global final electricity consumption. Electric vehicles displaced about 0.9 million barrels per day (Mb/d) of oil consumption in 2023. This figure must increase to meet the target of displacing 8.2 Mb/d of oil by 2030 (day).

Infrastructure and Policies for Electric Vehicles

Expanding charging infrastructure is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (importance). Globally, the number of public charging stations for electric vehicles is increasing, necessitating rapid deployment of this infrastructure. Additionally, securing raw materials required for battery production is a critical factor in the proliferation of these vehicles. The security and sustainability of supply chains for rare minerals, in particular, are vital for the long-term success of the technology (supply).

As a key component of the clean energy transition, electric vehicles offer both environmental and economic benefits. Their widespread adoption will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower global CO₂ emissions, while also laying the groundwork for the development of innovative battery technologies and the smartening of electricity grids (power). However, for electric vehicles to become a global phenomenon, coordinated policies and private sector investments must work in harmony (public).