1) Explain why automakers world-wide are pushing Electric Vehicles (EVs) as the solution to personal transportation needs of the future. You MUST base your answer on a minimum of three sources that you cite in a reference section immediately following this answer (i.e., number 1).
(2) Explain why consumers world-wide will (or will not) adopt Electric Vehicles (EVs) as the solution to their future personal transportation needs. Clearly discuss the timeline your research indicates EVs will need to completely replace or eliminate automobiles powered by internal combustion gasoline engines. I strongly suggest reading about the Diffusion of Innovation curve. You MUST base your answer on a minimum of three sources that you cite in a reference section immediately following this answer (i.e., number 2).
(3) Taking a systems approach, analyze the actual reduction in pollution if all personal vehicles on Earth were battery powered. In the production cycle (or value chain engaged in the production of automobiles), clearly explain where pollution will be reduced or eliminated, and clearly list and explain where pollution will be increased (e.g., in the production of batteries requiring significantly more mining of minerals, or the disposal of millions of more tires due to the much heavier weight of EVs compared to current automobiles, etc.). You MUST base your answer on a minimum of three sources that you cite in a reference section immediately following this answer (i.e., number 3).
Sample Answer
1) Why Automakers are Pushing Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Automakers worldwide are aggressively pushing Electric Vehicles (EVs) as the future of personal transportation primarily due to a confluence of regulatory pressures, evolving consumer demands for sustainability, and significant technological advancements that make EVs increasingly competitive.
Firstly, stringent government regulations and environmental policies are a major driving force. Many countries and regions, including the European Union, California in the United States, and China, have set ambitious targets and mandates for reducing tailpipe emissions and phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For instance, the European Union's Fit for 55 package aims for a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and a complete phase-out of new ICE car sales by 2035 (European Commission, n.d.). Such regulations compel automakers to invest heavily in EV technology to avoid substantial fines and maintain market access.
Secondly, there's a growing global emphasis on sustainability and climate change mitigation. Consumers, particularly in younger generations, are increasingly environmentally conscious and seek products that align with their values (Deloitte, 2023). Automakers are responding to this shift in consumer preference by positioning EVs as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline cars, aiming to enhance their brand image and capture this emerging market segment. This push is also part of a broader corporate social responsibility movement, where companies are expected to contribute to environmental solutions.
Finally, technological advancements and improving economics have made EVs a more viable and attractive proposition. Significant progress in battery technology has led to increased range, faster charging times, and declining battery costs, making EVs more practical for everyday use (International Energy Agency [IEA], 2024). Furthermore, governments in many countries offer incentives like tax credits and subsidies for EV purchases, which, combined with lower running costs (cheaper electricity than gasoline, less maintenance),