ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Change Is Coming

These are exciting times for the auto industry, most especially when it comes to electric vehicles. Although comparatively still taking up a small percentage of overall car sales, the double-digit growth of electric vehicles (EV) sold and used globally is something to watch out for. Nearly every global vehicle manufacturer has an electric vehicle model in its line-up. Automakers are collaborating and investing in mainstream EV models because one key ingredient that can serve as the launch pad for massive adoption – battery prices – are expected to fall.

The likes of Elon Musk, the ‘Iron Man’ of the EV industry and a disruptor in every sense of the word, stubbornly pushed through with his vision—crazy as it sounded when first publicly shared. His vision became a reality with the recently launched Tesla gigafactory which, according to Green Car Reports, if fully built according to plan, is equivalent to more than 260 football fields, making it one of the largest buildings in the world. It’s apparent: Change is coming. And that’s a good thing.

Electric Vehicles will see major growth in 2020s

Bloomberg is betting that the 2020s will be the decade of the electric car and that 35% of global new car sales will be electric vehicles by 2040. The study shows that by 2022, EVs will cost the same as their internal combustion (ICE) counterparts, predicted to be the ‘point of lift off’ for sales. The EV industry is still fairly nascent compared to its ICE counterpart and is going through the cycle expected of young industries. The growing adoption of EVs is successful in cities that offer incentives, some more creative than others, but all commonly serving the needs of constituents with innovative technology, improved levels of mobility, resulting in a larger contribution to the community given the inherent benefits of EVs as clean, quiet, easy, efficient mode of transport. Cities, businesses, and governments around the world are recognizing the benefits and the need to incorporate EVs for a smarter, sustainable future. It is no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

What will future Electric Vehicles look like?

EVs come in many shapes and forms. From instant torque, sleek, crazy fast Formula E racecars that can go from 1-100km/h in 3 seconds to the comfortable 4-door electric hybrid sedan, to the mini -EVs that may have less ‘bling and glam’ but are more utilitarian and are the workhorses of the lot. The EV industry continues to demonstrate the excitement, significance, and potential of this technology in its various applications. EVs are starting to become part of the innovative solution that creates new opportunities for electric mobility and utility, taking over some of the jobs normally done by ICEs such as short-run package/product delivery in congested cities, ideal for navigating narrow streets. Some early adopters to include local logistics companies and beverage companies saw the benefits and value proposition and have started to implement the use of electric cargo delivery in select areas. The integration of EVs in their fleet likewise helped boost their sustainability objectives while adding to their ‘green’ branding. Mini-EVs are likewise being used as an e-mobility shuttle for personal or business use. Households use the golf cart -like, 3-wheeled EVs (e- trikes) for short grocery runs and errands. It is also gaining some traction and attention with its use as a public utility vehicle serving as a clean mode of transport replacing the often noisy, dilapidated, polluting, commonly used tricycles. The clean e-trikes benefit both the driver and the passengers who patronize them. The driver earns more with the larger carrying capacity of e-trikes while the passengers benefit from a pollution-free ride, seated comfortably in an upright position, an enjoyable albeit short commute to their destination.

Mass adoption of EVs is needed to create great positive impact on society and the environment. In the larger scheme of things, we already know that CO2 (Carbon dioxide) emissions are a major cause of Climate Change and that zero carbon dioxide output is needed to move the needle to mitigate climate change. Bill Gates has a neat and simple formula that explains this point in less than 2 minutes, called the Bill Gates Explainer: Energy Equation. It’s worth your time to watch it if you haven’t already seen it.

What's next for Electric Vehicles?

These are exciting times for the EV industry. It is inspiring to note that auto industry players are spearheading some of the unique innovation ideas which can be used for mass adoption. An affordable, zero-emission, zero-noise vehicle that comes in various sizes, made available for your daily commute may become a reality sooner than first expected. But we all have to work together to support and encourage the use of EVs where applicable. For all dreamers like you and me, together with budding Elon Musks and Bill Gates of the world, I share this quote: “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.”—Earl Nightingale

Beth Lee is among the most recognizable faces in the automotive industry, chalking up formidable records as Universal Motors Corporation’s (UMC-Nissan) COO; as the youngest and first female president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), and as a versatile leader in an industry known for innovation, technology, global operations – and male dominance. Ms. Lee now focuses on social entrepreneurship with EMotors, Inc., a 100% Filipino-owned e-mobility company that manufactures and assembles ZüM three-wheel Electric Vehicles (EV), founded to help alleviate poverty, create jobs, and mitigate climate change. EMotors is the chosen Green, Electric Mobility Partner of APEC 2015 and is a recipient of BizNewsAsia’s Green Entrepreneurship Award, and the Asia CEO Green Company of the Year 2015 Award, among others.