Electric car manufacturers plan to introduce about 450 new models by 2022, with midsize and large vehicles accounting for the largest share, according to Mckinsey & Company. The adoption of electric vehicles is growing at a rapid speed. This trend is set to continue in the next coming years due to the ban of new fossil-fueled cars in countries like the UK, France, and Denmark. To meet the increased demand for electrified automobiles, automakers must embrace new technologies.
While technology in the automobile industry has advanced rapidly, carmakers should focus on constant innovations in the EV sector. As people shift to electric-powered automobiles, they expect batteries to charge faster and cars to have better range. Some automakers have already started integrating advanced technologies to enhance the driving experience. Here are some of the latest tech innovations in the electric car segment.
Fast EV Charging Technology
The increasing demand for electric vehicles is a key factor driving the need to expand charging systems. Motorists used to the convenience of petrol, and diesel automobiles dislike the idea of charging EVs after every few hours. To overcome these barriers, some companies have already developed new electric vehicle charging technologies. Wireless charging, mobile charging, pop-up pavement chargers, and lamp-post charging are some of the promising EV charging innovations. Wireless EV charging, for example, functions similarly to wireless chargers for smartphones. This system consists of multiple charging plates fitted underground and engages automatically. For charging to begin, you must park your vehicle in a position that aligns with the plates.
Improved Battery Technology
Range, charging time, and battery costs are top factors car buyers consider when comparing hybrid and electric car reviews online. Consumers want fast-charging batteries, better range, and affordable battery prices. These expectations have led automakers to develop new battery technologies that reduce charging time and improve range. Current EV battery developments include lithium iron phosphate cathodes, lithium-sulfur batteries, glass batteries, and fast charging battery cells.
Each one of these EV battery technologies has unique benefits. For example, lithium-sulfur batteries could replace batteries that contain heavy metals, thereby reducing the cost of mining. These batteries also have the potential to store more energy. According to researchers at Monash University, lithium-sulfur batteries could save energy up to six times more than lithium-ion battery cells. On the other hand, lithium iron phosphate batteries are free from cobalt, have a long lifespan, and a high discharge and recharge rate.
Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Connectivity
Vehicle to grid technology or V2G can transform the energy system by leveraging millions of electric cars as decentralized sources of stored energy at no cost. Ideally, vehicle to grid works by enabling a two-way energy exchange between EVs and the grid. During peak time, energy stored in electric cars can be directed back to the grid to reduce strain. With V2G integration, electric car owners enjoy reduced charging costs, making EV ownership affordable.
Many people invest in electric vehicles to reduce their impact on the environment and save money on gas. However, range anxiety, charging time, and battery costs are big barriers to widespread adoption. To address these issues, automakers have begun deploying advanced charging systems and battery technology to improve driving experiences.
