Defining the Current Issues Preventing Natural Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Abstract

This paper analysis the most important obstacles that are preventing more effective and faster transition to alternative means of transportation, while focusing on specific case of electric vehicles (EVs). As subject of transport emissions gains more attention, it is required to look for viable and economically and environmentally rational solutions towards transition to green road transport. First it evaluates, whether such transition is necessary and required, pointing out the current state of CO₂ emissions for which transport sector is responsible. Key issues preventing natural transition from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs) are then analyzed from consumer perspective. Paper evaluates and defines significance of each of the selected issues, reviews the most common assumptions and possible misconceptions. Several surveys data are analyzed and synthesized, providing a coherent answer applicable for most regions. Three key issues are defined and analyzed based on results, stating their relevance and solution possibility. The discussion then defines the current and future potential of EVs globally, as a potential successor of ICEs, based on information concluded, and provides summarized results of analyzed subject. Results points out to three major issues; range, price, and charging, while partially confirming their relevance, which is closely analyzed in individual parts of the paper. However, despite the fact, that the issues were confirmed to be still present, data proves a significant growth in demand for alternative transportation, specifically EVs. This trend could be expected to continue (even hasten) in short future due to gradual removal of given problems as perceived by consumers based on technological advance.