Electric vehicles are dominating discussions surrounding the future of the automotive industry, from supercars to electrical appliance manufacturer Dyson's developments, many businesses are looking to utilise EVs.
Dyson might be best known for its electrical appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers, but the UK company is now focusing on entering the electric vehicle space.
The company has just trademarked the term “Digital Motor” in the European market, as it prepares to launch the first of several new electric vehicles.
Dyson’s work with next-generation solid state batteries, has resulted reportedly in a faster charging period and a longer battery duration than ones currently used in EVs.
Many manufacturers are now working to introduce the technology, but Dyson is said to have made the new batteries the core of its project.
It is not just Dyson who are focusing on electric vehicles, from nation-wide initiatives to one-off electric supercars, EVs are dominating both automotive conversations and plans.
British government pledges EVs to counter emissions
The UK government pledged earlier this year, that at least half of all new cars sold in Britain should be low carbon by 2030.
Is this practical and or fair?
The proposal – which could dramatically reduce emissions – is outlined in the Road to Zero Strategy, this sets out the government’s approach to increase the amount of zero emission cars, vans and trucks on UK roads.
Britain will also end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040, as stated in the government’s Air Quality initiative, as part of plans to make the UK world-leading in electric and energy efficient vehicles.
But with previous initiatives encouraging diesel car production and consumption over a decade ago, is it fair for the automotive industry to have to undertake this massive restructure?
As long as the sector is supported by leadership and not just part of a plan, then there is no reason why the proposals should not be carried out, especially if they are actually realistic. But without funding, support, guidance and more, the proposals are nothing more than loose plans.
Electric supercar case study: D-1
An electric supercar named D-1 is even to be produced. The high value vehicle will reportedly be developed in the UK by company, Dendrobium Automotive Ltd which falls under Singapore-based Vanda Electrics.
Due to be revealed later this year, the supercar’s design – its “petal-roof” and hinging doors – will be based on Singapore’s national flower, the vanda orchid.
A concept car was initially created in March by Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), who took sketches of the D-1 and brought it to life.
This car was powered by a single motor and a lithium ion battery pack, modelled from the Formula E set-up that WAE designed for its race series.
When the D-1 – which is reported to have a seven-figure price tag – is built however, the company plan to power the vehicle by solid-state batteries.
Electric vehicles will be the automotive industry’s future, as government’s across the globe look to introduce emission reduction strategies, and manufacturers – including that of even Dyson – make the move to develop electrically-powered vehicles.
When exactly this full transition is made, from traditional fuels to electric power, is uncertain, as leaders need to support and invest in the industry in order for manufacturers to make the move to a different power source.
