Page 15 - ADU Voice Volume 3 Issue 1
P. 15
FALL 2023 · voice 15
putting strain on fossil fuel reserves that Critics argue that electric vehicles are
are projected to deplete within the next few unaffordable compared to gasoline-powered
decades. The transition from gasoline-pow- cars. While it is true in part, this viewpoint
ered vehicles to electric vehicles is already lacks foresight. Electric vehicles may come
underway, as evidenced by the exponential with a higher upfront cost, but they are a
growth of electric car markets. The global long-term investment. The average amount
sale of electric cars exceeded 10 million, spent on maintaining a gasoline-powered
constituting 14% of all new car sales in 2022 car annually is approximately $930, while
alone. electric vehicles require just around $490 in
The increasing demand for electric maintenance, resulting in a significant dif-
vehicles is driving investments in electrifi- ference. This underscores the affordability
cation across various transportation sectors. and long-term savings potential of electric
Notably, more than 65% of all investments vehicles.
in the transportation industry in 2021 With the depletion of fossil fuel reserves,
were directed towards electrification. This the fate of gasoline-powered cars is clear.
includes the electrification of heavy-duty Like any old vehicles, these cars will end up
trucks, buses, and automobiles. As invest- in scrapyards, with their parts being sold
ments continue to pour in, the prices of individually. Alternatively, some individuals
electric vehicles are expected to decrease, may choose to convert their gasoline-pow-
making them more accessible to the public. ered cars into electric vehicles, a service
Governments worldwide are not only now offered by numerous garages and shops
encouraging the use of electric vehicles but worldwide.
also implementing measures that would However, the future of transportation
result in zero net emissions. Countries like undeniably lies in electric vehicles. Their abil-
India have organized contests to purchase ity to reduce emissions will prove extremely
and install thousands of electric buses important in achieving a sustainable future.
in major cities whereas countries like Therefore, instead of questioning their poten-
Germany and the Netherlands tial, it is essential to shift our focus towards
even plan to outlaw the use making electric vehicles more accessible to
of gasoline by 2025. most of the public in the coming years.
