Debunking the myths about BEVs

When it comes to choosing whether to include electric vehicles in the global mobility strategy, the key considerations include the availability and accessibility of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) in different regions, the infrastructure needed to support BEV usage, and the cost implications of its operation for both the company and its assignees. These are all valid considerations. However, considering the BEV market expansion in the last years and its projected development, it is evident that BEVs are becoming the preferred sustainable transport choice for an increasing number of locations. Despite its growing popularity, there are many discussions about whether or not BEVs are good or bad solutions for people and the planet. As it happens, it is never “black or white,” as it requires an understanding of the broader context and also the individual conditions and circumstances each of us is living in. That is why we want to dive a bit deeper under the surface and provide more clarity and context on the frequently discussed topics.

Indeed, the BEVs cannot compete in numbers with the incumbent ICEs (internal combustion engine vehicles), which have been on the market for decades. Electric vehicles have been present more or less for the past ten years, but over that time, their availability has accelerated considerably. The share of electric cars has been rising rapidly, from ~4% in 2020 to 18% in 2023. As of the end of 2022, the global stock of EVs has been more than 25,900,000 (1), and the fleet increased to 40 million in 2023. During that year, battery electric vehicles emerged as the leading alternative to petrol/diesel cars within the EU, accounting for more than 14,6% of all new car sales, and (2) the 2024 global projections data estimate new all-time highs reaching 17 million EVs sold. (3) When thinking about availability, it is important to look at the general trends and also the key markets where they are widely available already. Markets such as China, Europe, and the USA are leading examples and make it much easier to buy, rent, or lease and operate them. (4) Yes, there are still many locations where the availability is lacking and the infrastructural support is not developed enough, however, at the above locations where a BEV is becoming a preferred choice for more and more drivers, it is worth considering this as an option.

Infrastructure is a complex topic with no easy answer to a seamless solution. And the possibilities and conditions differ across the globe as well. Many drivers in the US can easily meet their charging needs by plugging in their BEVs at home as most BEVs are compatible with a regular 120V outlet. If you want to charge faster, a dedicated 240V outlet or a specialized charging station can be installed.

“In US, electric vehicles can be plugged into the same type of outlet as your toaster! When you need to charge while on the road, you’ll find over 68,000 stations in the U.S. available to the public.”(5)

When it comes to charging on the go, the regulatory environment, namely the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is expected to accelerate access to EV charging networks across the US rapidly. A $7.5 billion investment will support the creation of a nationwide EV charger network covering highways and neighborhoods across the country.

Last year, the public charging infrastructure went up by 40% globally, with fast chargers growing quicker than slow chargers. China deployed the most public chargers (for both slow AC and fast DC) and installed more than 85% of the world’s fast chargers and 60% of slow chargers during the year. (6) Europe reached more than 630,000 public charging points in 2023, with almost 30% added during the same year, and (7) it is estimated that by the end of this decade, there shall be ~ 3.5 million public charging points across Europe. Interestingly, the Netherlands is a leading country with 160,000 chargers, and together with Germany and France, they account for more than 60% of the regional public charging infrastructure.
Is the charging infrastructure sufficient for the current number of BEVs being on the road? Probably. Would it be sufficient if the number of BEVs will multiply and no changes and investments will be made in the infrastructure? With a high probability of not. Expansion, grid transformation, and capacity upgrade of the network are challenging on their own and would require a structural and systematic approach and further strategic planning and investments on various levels. Overcoming these challenges will require coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and communities, as well as continued innovation and capacity-building.

Conclusion

With the ongoing technological progress, industry subsidies, ongoing infrastructural development but also increased competition in the field of BEV car manufacturers, BEVs are becoming more available, affordable, and practical than ever and the situation is improving every day. The charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, costs are gradually decreasing, and the driving range of BEVs is continually improving. Additionally, BEVs offer a more sustainable option for transportation, especially as renewable energy becomes more integrated into the grid. There never is one solution that fits all, but BEVs have clearly become one of the reasonable solutions when it comes to sustainable private transport.