E-Transport Is One Of The Most Promising Technologies: True or False?

10 May 2019

Electric transport or now commonly known as E-transport is a wonderful concept that is making its way up the ladder on the transport market. Especially, the car manufacturing industry has adapted rather quickly to this innovation. All the major car manufacturers are now working on developing their own trademark electric cars.

Electric transport is not only limited to cars. In fact, the concept of electric transport already exists in the locomotive industry. Bullet trains and extra-high-speed trains in different parts of the world use electrical power for transport. In addition, they have fully automated control modules that are used to control the trains.

Even the concept of electrically operated planes is under research and solar operated aircraft could make it to the aviation market in the near future. Even the modern jetliners like B787 and A350 have major auxiliary systems like air-conditioning, operating on electrical power as compared to pneumatic power as it was previously.

Further, the electric transport industry’s greatest charm lies in the ability to control it via Artificial Intelligence and reduce the number of accidents.

Internet of things is also a concept that has found great application in the e-transport industry. While the technology is still in its initial phase, let’s have a look at the technology’s benefits and shortcomings.

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Benefits

- Zero Direct Emissions

Electric transportation operates with zero direct emissions. This makes the e-transport an environment-friendly technology, which can greatly help in controlling the global warming issue.

Studies have shown that an electric car emits 54% lesser carbon dioxide emissions (indirect emissions produced at the time of electricity generation) per mile as compared to normal cars. Subsequently, the countries producing the highest carbon dioxide emissions are now implying the technology to reduce their emissions due to the transport industry.

- Increased Innovation

Despite its shortcomings, Electric transport technology has revolutionized the industry, opening up new sectors in the transport market to innovation.

- Reduced Pollution

Since zero emissions reduce the harmful gases like Carbon monoxide from getting into the atmosphere, electrical vehicles improve the quality of air in the atmosphere and subsequently improve the quality of life for humans.

- Cheap Running Cost

Although the initial cost of an electric vehicle is much higher than the similar conventional models the running cost is much lower. Depending on the rate of electricity in your area, the average cost compared to gas operated cars is around $ 1.20 per gallon for the EV driver. i.e. the running cost of the electric vehicle is equivalent to a gas price of $ 1.20 per gallon. Doesn’t it sound amazing?

- AI & IOT Interfacing

Now we are going to the crazy part of the technology. Since it is easier to control an electrically operated vehicle, an AI controlling the car can make it much safer and error free. The time may be near when the cars will also be put on Auto-pilot mode like airplanes.

IOT or internet of things is also a concept that is being successfully implemented into the electric transport realm. When cars will be able to communicate with other cars around them the accidents will almost disappear.

The communicating cars will also coordinate the routes with each other, effectively managing the traffic and avoiding a traffic jam.

Ford is already working on the concept of harmonizing the car speeds in a rush hour, making it more comfortable for travelers and avoiding accidents.

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Shortcomings

While there are great benefits of the e-transport technology there also exist certain drawbacks that need to be eradicated in order to make the technology more effective. A few of these drawbacks include:

- Increase in Electricity Demand and Prices

As the number of e-vehicles increase on the roads so will the demand on the national grid. Consequently, the price of electricity might go up.

- Not Beneficial with Non-renewable Energy

Unless the electrical transport is totally supported by renewable means of electricity generation like wind/solar power, the whole idea of electrical transport will not be able to achieve its full potential.

- High Initial Investment

The initial cost of electric vehicles is very high. But with the increase in production houses and the technology will become common and the rates will come down.

- Speed and range is an issue

One major issue that the electric cars are currently facing is the limitation on top speed and range of the car. Also, with a low number of charging stations, traveling on an electric car is still risky and time will improve the range and speed of the electric cars.

E-transport is a great concept that is making its way to the top of the transport market slowly but steadily. The technology is in its teething phase and hence a few limitations still exist that will be overcome with time. Thus e-transport is one of the most fascinating technologies that will shape the future of transport in the world.

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