As the years go by, the auto industry is reaching new heights when it comes to technology. Electric vehicles are regularly changing and improving. Even though the technology of electric vehicles is still evolving, more and more auto companies are developing and redefining the vehicles they offer.
A lot of automakers are launching hybrid and electric vehicles which are almost identical to their fuel-powered counterparts. A good example is the new electric Hummer which is on par with Tesla, Ford, and Rivian. But do you think electric vehicles and trucks, in particular, will win over traditional truck buyers?
The acceptance of the public to electric vehicles
Electric vehicles have reached a new level of public acceptance on a global scale. There is a growing demand for this type of vehicle in countries like the United States, Norway, and China. The market is triggered by government incentives that include subsidies, exemptions from tolls, as well as parking fees.
Many automakers are intending to tap into the market for Electric vehicles. The global sales of electric cars topped 2.1 million in 2019 which has surpassed the 2018 sales record. Almost 4.8 million battery electric vehicles (BEV) are in use globally and about 1.5 million new electric vehicles were added to the worldwide fleet. This has registered a 40 percent year-on-year increase and boost the stock to 7.2 million electric cars.
Among the western countries, the sales in Canada have been somewhat slower as of 2018. Electric vehicles are also emerging across the Asia Pacific region. The sales of Electric vehicles have experienced huge developments and recorded higher growth in Asia.
The highest number of electric vehicles in use as of 2018 is in China and ranked as the largest market for all-electric vehicles. The sales of electric vehicle batteries in the region have also increased dramatically since 2010. Forecasts show that China will continue to produce the most electric vehicles in the Asia Pacific region in 2022.
Electric vehicles are also gaining traction in Japan and South Korea. The three Asian countries lead in the field of electric vehicles. South Korea is strong in technology, while Japan and China have a greater means in terms of market size as well as the production. China started with a two-wheeled Battery Electric Vehicle and has produced a volume of electric bikes and scooters. The production of electric bikes is also significant in Japan since 2016, while electric bicycles were sold remarkably in South Korea. Electric vehicles have also made a strong entrance into India with automatic rickshaws and electric three-wheelers.
Renewable energy for electric vehicles
Many people are opting for electric pickup trucks and cars because it can be powered using renewable resources such as solar, water, and wind power. For conventional vehicles, gas and diesel are needed which is a natural resource but not renewable.
Compared to fuel, electricity is cheaper. Gas prices are unstable and the prices usually go up. Electric cars just need electricity to run which costs typically one-third the cost of fuel-powered vehicles. Renewable energy can also be used for homes by having solar panels installed. This can greatly help to power an electric vehicle in your garage.
Advantages of electric vehicles and trucks
Here are the reasons why it’s great to own an electric vehicle: Environment-friendly – Electric vehicles have been claimed to be one of the solutions to reduce pollution. This helps in reducing the use of fossil fuels which leaves a huge carbon footprint. Eco-friendly production and materials are also being done for Electric vehicles. Certain parts for Ford’s Electric Focus are made up of recycled materials. Ford has created the padding using bio-based materials. The Nissan Leaf constructed the bodywork and interior using green materials like plastic bags, recycled water bottles, old car parts, as well as second-hand home appliances.
Lessen emissions that cause air pollution – The American Lung Association said that transportation is the largest sector that causes air pollution problems in the United States. They believe that transitioning to using electric vehicles can greatly help in lowering air pollution. They cite the health benefits of electric vehicles and highlights the danger of the inhalation of fumes made by gas-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles can also help in the ballooning issue of air pollution in megacities like Beijing and Delhi. They have a huge emission problem that affects their country’s air quality, including their nearby countries.
Cheaper to run – Electric vehicle owners have the advantage of lower cost of operation. The electricity to charge the electric vehicles work around a third per kilometer. The cost is lower compared to buying liters of fuel that has fluctuating prices.
Cheaper to maintain – Electric vehicles have lesser moving parts than a conventional gas and diesel cars and trucks, that’s why electric motor requires little maintenance. Unlike the conventional ones that you need to spend thousands of dollars on radiators, starter motors, fuel injection systems, and other parts. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts so just a few components will wear and tear. However, periodic maintenance is still important when it comes to owning electric vehicles. Ignoring the need for servicing can lead to compromised safety so make sure to check the electrical systems such as the battery, motor, wirings, and other components. Most manufacturers provide 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their batteries.
Safety measures – Many automakers such as Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Renault-Nissan must undergo their Electric vehicles in rigorous safety testing. Safety standards are required for electric vehicles, so there are specific standards for securing batteries during a crash, limiting chemical spillage from batteries, other precautions to prevent electric shock to the passengers. Electric vehicles have a lower center of gravity so there’s a lower chance for it to roll over. The body construction and durability of certain Electric vehicles are being improved to make them safer in case of a collision. Every year, technological improvements are being done to electric vehicles to enhance their safety.
Disadvantages of electric vehicles
Here are a few disadvantages of owning an electric pickup truck or car:
Shorter range – An electric car can get between 60 to 100 miles on a full charge, but this is just a shorter range compared to conventional cars and trucks. Fuel-powered cars and pickup trucks have a longer range, depending on the size of the gas tank and its fuel efficiency.
Takes time to recharge the battery – Filling up the gas tank of a car or truck will only take you a few minutes. However, charging the battery of electric pickup trucks and cars take much longer. Older models of electric vehicles can take up to 20 hours to fully charge. The newer and more expensive models can charge quickly for four hours. This won’t be a big problem if you have a charging station in your garage.
Limited charging stations – There are many electric vehicle charging stations available. You can find a charging station in parking lots and even on the sides of the road. However, in backcountry areas, charging stations may be very limited or worse–none. Going on a road trip using electric vehicles can be difficult.
Traditional vs electric pickup trucks
Pickup trucks are the most competitive and lucrative type of vehicle in the American auto industry. It’s made of powerful engines that are meant to carry heavy loads without sacrificing the quality and safety of your ride. Pickup trucks are best suited for people who are looking for a vehicle with the utmost power and torque. It’s also more durable compared to sedans, SUVs, vans, and other vehicles.
Gas and diesel-powered pickup trucks have been a part of the auto industry for ages. It’s a vehicle that can handle both work and play because it’s great for city driving, as well as off-roading. It can be your go-to tow truck or a weekend adventure truck—but you can do both because of its versatility.
Due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles, it has branched out to the production of electric pickup trucks. A few auto companies such as Ford, Tesla, and Amazon-backed Rivian have created remarkable vehicles that paved the way to recognize the American electric-vehicle industry.
These auto companies made their versions of electric pickup trucks.
California, the largest auto market in the US, is planning to ban the sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035. That’s why automakers are coming up with alternatives—going electric. Electric vehicles are becoming more palatable to consumers. Some buyers are selling their old fuel-powered truck to buy an electric pickup truck.
Similarities of conventional and electric pickup trucks
The Ford electric F-150 is made with an eight-foot bed just like a full-sized fuel-powered Chevy Silverado. The 2021 Rivian R1T crew cab is created with a 4.6-foot truck bed. It’s a few inches short from a Honda Ridgeline bed size but Rivian’s truck boasts plenty of hidden storage. It has a powered locking tonneau cover to protect the items you will put in the Rivian’s bed.
The new electric Hummer has 35” tires and a 5-foot bed riding on a 135.5-inch wheelbase. You can put a nice tonneau cover, just like what you can do to traditional pickup trucks. Moreover, Tesla Cybertruck may not have the same bed design as other trucks. The Cybertruck’s “vault” has a length of 6.5-feet and can be locked using its sliding cover. It is spacious just like a full-size gas-powered SUV.
Some components of the old versions of trucks can be found on all-electric trucks. The conventional and electric pickup trucks have almost the same exterior accessories and parts such as tonneau covers, wheels, and all-terrain tires. You can easily buy truck accessories from local auto shops or online stores such as 4Wheelonline.
Switching to electric?
In California, communities have successfully fought for strong electric trucks to rule. The government of California is now requiring truck makers to sell a certain percentage of low to zero-emission trucks starting in 2024. It is a big step for car and truck manufacturers because they are now producing electric vehicles on a larger scale.
The production of autonomous vehicles and electric pickup trucks will be the future of trucking. Soon, a bigger number of truck buyers will switch to purchasing all-electric trucks. Although for now, as long as you mostly see diesel and gas trucks, cars, and motorcycles on the roads and highways, truck buyers will continue to patronize it.
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