Electric Vehicle Trends and Challenges

Electric cars, once pioneers on American roads, now constitute about 1% of vehicles in the U.S. They are less polluting and offer more design flexibility but are costlier and have longer charging times. Battery degradation and environmental concerns over lithium mining are challenges. Despite this, electric car sales are rising, with over 5 million on roads globally by 2018. Battery costs are dropping, and more factories are being built. Current limitations include range, charging infrastructure, and variety. However, automakers are expanding offerings, and fast-charging networks are being developed. Analysts predict electric vehicles will dominate sales in 20 years.

What percentage of vehicles in the U.S. are electric cars today?

• 5%

• 10%

• 1%

• 15%

What is a benefit of electric cars over gasoline cars?

• More design options due to lack of a big engine

• Lower insurance costs

• Longer driving range

• Higher top speed

What is a major environmental concern associated with electric vehicle batteries?

• Air pollution from exhaust

• Deforestation for battery factories

• Endangering plants due to lithium mining

• Noise pollution

By how much did the number of electric vehicles increase worldwide in 2018?

• 40%

• 50%

• 30%

• 20%

What is a current challenge for wider adoption of electric vehicles?

• Complex engine designs

• Limited range and charging options

• Lack of government support

• High maintenance costs

What is a common characteristic of today's electric car offerings?

• They are mostly mid-range sedans

• They are either cheap hatchbacks or luxury cars

• They are primarily commercial vehicles

• They are all hybrid models

What makes designing new electric car models relatively easy?

• Advanced computer software

• Mechanical simplicity with fewer moving parts

• Government incentives

• High consumer demand

Which companies are investing in fast-charging networks?

• Tesla and Ford

• Nissan and BMW

• Volkswagen and General Motors

• Toyota and Honda

What is the predicted market share of electric vehicles in the next 20 years?

• They will remain a niche market

• They will make up the majority of cars sold

• They will be banned in most countries

• They will be replaced by hydrogen cars

What is a key factor driving the future growth of electric vehicles?

• Decreasing interest in public transport

• Increased government taxes on electric cars

• Rising fuel prices

• Technological advancements and infrastructure support