Electric Cars: Advantages, Disadvantages and UK Government Support

This report explores the concept of electric vehicles, challenges in manufacturing them, advantages and disadvantages of electric cars, effective strategies for curbing environmental degradation, and how the UK government is supporting their transition. The report also includes an analysis of the electric vehicles market in the UK. Recommendations include using non-renewable energy sources for charging, finding alternatives to lithium batteries, and developing charging stations in rural and suburban areas.

Skills Topic 2: Electric
Cars

Contents
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................3
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW .........................................................................................................3
Concept of electric vehicles.........................................................................................................3
Challenges in regards with manufacturing electric cars..............................................................4
Advantages of electric cars .........................................................................................................4
Disadvantages of electric vehicles ..............................................................................................4
Effective strategies for curbing the impact of environmental degradation .................................5
3.0 ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION ..........................................................................................5
3.1 Electric Vehicles Market .......................................................................................................5
3.2 Advantages of Electric Vehicles ...........................................................................................7
3.3 Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles ......................................................................................7
3.4 How UK government is supporting transition to Electric Vehicles ....................................8
4.0 CONCLUSION .........................................................................................................................8
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS...........................................................................................................9
TASK 2- REFLECTIVE STATEMENT ........................................................................................9
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................11

TASK 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Electric cars essentially functions through plugging into charge point as well as taking electricity
from the grid. In regards with electric cars, electricity gets stored in rechargeable batteries which
provides power to electric motor for turning the wheels (Bocca and Baek, 2020). Electric cars are
considered as more efficient as they use essentially use electricity for charging rather than non-
renewable fossil fuels. These are also considered as environment-friendly as they do not involve
in emitting pollutants in significant manner.
This project report explore on the topic of how electric cars become popular in market due to
their efficiency in a strategic manner. This also comprises of understanding about advantages and
disadvantages of electric cars. It also highlights an understanding regarding how UK government
supports transition of electric vehicles.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of electric vehicles
As per the viewpoint of Contestabile and Et. Al. (2020) Electric vehicles have comprises
of a motor instead of an internal combustion engine which used in conventional cars. It is
designed to have large traction battery pack for providing power to electric motor. It runs on
electricity due to which it emits no emission from its tailpipe as well as does not contain typical
liquid fuel components in a specified manner. Key components of electric vehicles comprises of
charge port, electric transmission, coding thermal system, electric traction motor and many more
which makes it more attractive as well as appealing for masses.
Challenges in regards with manufacturing electric cars
As per Castelvecchi (2021) electrification of personal mobility is principally picking up
speed in a most ardent manner. Massive industrial conversion is considered as making shift from
conventional vehicles with fuel-incentive energy system in a strategic manner. Sociologists are
anticipating that world will be dominated through the use of electrical vehicles and working on
two biggest challenges. One of them is to discover the ways of cutting down on metals in

batteries which are scarce in their approach. As their mining can create harsh environmental as
well as negative social impact in an exponential manner. Another challenge is to make
improvements in battery recycling processes so that they can be reused in future and stop
harming environment.
Advantages of electric cars
According to the view point of Din and Barbu (2021) electric cars are considered as
advantageous for individuals as these help them in doing better with environment. These are
cleaner, better and kinder in respect to environmental practices. It does not produce any emission
and exhaustion which are not less than danger with greenhouse gases. Electric cars are
considered as more cost-efficient as compared to maintenance of petrol-powered cars. A lithium-
ion battery car does not require no oil changes, no replacements of engines, no general wear and
tear which helps in smooth functioning. Electric vehicles are powered entirely through
electricity, they does not require any combustion process which makes its functioning quite easy.
UK has more charging stations as compared to petrol-filling stations which is considered as a
sign of its popularity.
Disadvantages of electric vehicles
As per the view point of Doward (2018) electric cars are considered as advantageous for
many reasons however, it has some disadvantages too which can affect its manufacturing
process. Batteries which are used in this production are made up of lithium-ion which extraction
led to environmental degradation practices. Manufacturing process of electric cars creates more
emission which is very high in comparison to greenhouse gases. Electric cars are expensive to
procure by the common masses. Charging time of these cars is also high which led individuals to
wait for it. In case of lacking charging stations during rural and suburban areas led people to not
purchase these cars in a significant manner. Battery is needed more than petrol while planning
for long trips.
Effective strategies for curbing the impact of environmental degradation
As per the view point of Gillis (2019) it is imperative for organisations to formulate
effective strategies and search for alternatives for curbing the impact of environmental practices.
Prices should also be reduced so that masses can purchase the electric cars in a strategic manner.
Government should also made significant contributions in providing grants and formulate

effective strategies for enhancing the production as well as promotion of electric vehicles. More
charging points should also be developed in rural and suburbs areas so that people can plan for
long journeys in a specified manner.
3.0 ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
It has been analysed that electric vehicles are considered as vital for making environment
pollution and emission free. It has been ascertained that these are considered as important as it
led to low maintenance and running cost (Hu, Javaid and Creutzig, 2021). They are also efficient
as compared to conventional cars. However, batteries which are used in manufacturing of these
electric vehicles are made up of lithium which is a scarce metal. Extraction of this metal from
rocks led to environmental degradation in a strategic manner.
3.1 Electric Vehicles Market
It has been seen that market of electric vehicles is booming with increase in sales in a
significant manner. Market share of electric cars has been growing significantly in UK due to use
of emerging technology as well as market dynamics in an effective manner. With the aid of
increased consumer demands, greater availability as well as government support, sales of electric
cars has been grown in a significant manner. Registration for electric cars is rising on a
continuous basis with a number of 38,116 new registrations in September 2022 (Electric vehicle
market statistics 2022). It has been discovered that March and September are considered as peak
years in UK whereby a massive number of electric cars are sold as well as booked in a
significant manner.

Source: Electric vehicle market statistics 2022.
Registration of electric cars is continued to rise in a substantial manner which has led the
market grow to 22.40% in UK (Electric vehicle market statistics 2022). These figures has shown
that demand of electric cars are increasing as compared to petrol ones. This is due to increased
demand, launch of new models in market has expended the market in a dramatic manner.
3.2 Advantages of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are considered as having zero tailpipe emission as well as are better for
environmental practices in an effective manner (Macioszek, 2021). Electric cars are considered
as important for varied reasons which are mentioned below:
Lower running costs- Electric cars use electricity for charging instead of fossil fuels such
as petrol or diesel. Due to this rationale, electric cars are considered as more efficient and cheap
as compared to normal ones.
Low maintenance cost- It has been found that maintenance cost of electric cars is very
low as compared to normal cars as it involves moving parts (Meckling and Nahm, 2018).
Servicing requirements are also less than conventional petrol as well as diesel cars.
Illustration 1: Number of battery cars registered by month

Zero Tailpipe emission- Electric cars helps in reducing carbon footprint because of zero
tailpipe emission in a strategic manner. This can help in reducing environmental impact also in a
significant manner.
Growing popularity- These are considered as three times efficient as compared to those
which have internal combustion engine. With the growing popularity in an immense manner,
these cars provide a choice of getting some unique features in a strategic manner.
Aid in reducing noise pollution- Electric cars led to curb the noise pollution in a
significant manner. These are considered as capable for providing smooth drive in addition to
higher acceleration throughout longer distances (Neves, Marques and Fuinhas, 2018). These also
contributed in doing savings in an effective manner.
3.3 Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
Disadvantages of electric vehicles are mentioned below:
Lack of recharge points- Electric fuelling points are still considered in development
stage. This can poses issues to individuals when they plan to go for long trips in rural or
suburban areas (Patt and Et. Al., 2019).
Increases electricity bills- Charging of electric cars is considered as hassle for increased
electricity bill. As they need huge charge for function in a smooth manner which can directly
increase electricity bill of households.
Batteries require rare materials- Batteries in regards with electric cars are made up of lot
of lithium which is extracted from rocks and damage environment. Lack of sufficient amount of
lithium and environmental degradation factors cause problems in making these batteries
(Reuning, Pohling and Lindemann, 2019).
Expensive to buy- For manufacturing electric cars, advanced technology is used which
led to increase its prices in a significant manner. These are considered as expensive as compared
to conventional traditional cars requires petrol or diesel for its functioning.
3.4 How UK government is supporting transition to Electric Vehicles
UK government are taking steps and formulates a strategy for building charging
infrastructure in an effective manner. Vision behind this strategy is to make UK a environment-
friendly company by curbing emission in a strategic manner (Shuts, 2019). UK government also
provide incentives for promoting the adoption of electric vehicles among masses. They are also
offering contributions in installing charging station at home of individuals. UK government is

providing grant to individuals which led them to purchase electric vehicles. This grant is
provided by UK government through Transport's Office for promoting zero emission in an
effective manner. These grants are provided by the government as batteries and production
process of electric vehicles is time-consuming as well as expensive. Government is also
providing significant contributions to people who want to install charging stations at their home
in an exponential manner.
For UK government, transport is considered as most emitting sector in economy which
also includes greenhouse gases. Grants provided by UK government has succeeded in creating a
mature market in regards with ultra-low emission vehicles which aid in increasing the sales of
cars in a significant manner.
4.0 CONCLUSION
From the above stated information, it has been assessed that electric cars are of significant use to
individuals due to their efficiency and eco-friendly approach. It is considered as advantageous
due to numerous reasons such as low maintenance cost, reducing pollution and many more. It is
also considered as somewhat disadvantageous due to extraction of materials for manufacturing
its batteries, less charging station, increase electricity bills and many more. Lithium-ion batteries
which are used in production of electric cars are gets extracted and poses as an issue for
environmental practices in a significant manner. UK government is supporting individuals by
providing them grants and introducing varied schemes in regards with promoting adoption of
electric vehicles.
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
It has been recommended to use sources of non-renewable energy such as solar panels for
charging the electric cars in an effective manner. It is imperative for companies manufacturing
electric cars to ensure that they should find alternative for lithium batteries in an effective
manner. Electric cars can also cause environmental degradation which can be curb by
government through proper strategies regarding this. It is imperative for organisational managers
to work on emerging technologies for curbing the negative effects of electrical cars on
environment. It is imperative for electric vehicles manufacturer companies to decrease the prices
which led common masses to procure this in an effective manner. They should also take care of
emerging technologies coming in the market and try to bring innovative approaches in a strategic

manner. Charging stations are ought to develop in a specified manner at suburbs and rural level
in an effective manner which made the journey of people simple and easy.
TASK 2- REFLECTIVE STATEMENT
Gibb's reflective model is considered as strategic framework which is used by individuals
for evaluating their experience and record it in specified structure in an effective manner (Sihan,
Shicheng and Guangyu, 2020). It aid individuals in learning from their past experiences as well
as formulating an action plan for enhancing existing skills and developing new ones. This model
aid people in reflecting their experience which help them to learn new things in a strategic
manner. Stages of Gibb's reflective model is as follows:
Description- It is determined as a phase whereby situation is described regarding what
has been happened in past. This stage provides answers about what has happened during any
specified experience. I get myself enrolled in university module Academic Study Skills where I
had been asked to prepare an individual report on the topic of assessing popularity of electric
cars. It also includes advantages and disadvantages of electric cars. I need to assessed that how
UK government has supported the business of electric cars in a strategic manner. I also have to
perform research in respect to describe the market share of electric vehicles in UK. By indulging
myself in this assignment, I got to learn an in-depth knowledge about the electric vehicles and
how market of this is expanding in UK in recent times.
Feeling- This section of this model encompasses of varied thoughts which are felt by
individual during the specified assignment. This phase is concerned with illustrating the impact
of past experience in mind of individuals. At first, when I enrolled myself in this module, I felt
quite nervous due to new environment and syllabus. However, when I met people and make
friends, I become comfortable with time. Before initiating this individual project, I was quite
happy as I felt that this would help me in enhancing my academic skills in an effective manner. I
was not good in research which led me to lacking in this project. I lost my confidence as I was
unable to find authors and articles relevant with my topic. I try to motivate myself by
formulating short-term goals and try to achieve them in a strategic manner. I also got scared
when I felt that my assignment would not be completed on deadline. I worked hard for my
research and completed it on time in an effective manner.
Evaluation- This phase is concerned with analysing what goes good or bad during a
specified experience in a strategic manner (Thøgersen and Ebsen, 2019). At this stage,

individuals try to act in an objective as well as honest manner. Both positive and negative aspects
gets discussed in this scenario in an effective manner. I had evaluated that hard work can always
find a way which help individuals in achieving their pre-determined objectives. I have
ascertained that I am good in managing time which helped me to complete the task on time. I
also got to know an in-depth knowledge regarding electric vehicles and its market in an effective
manner. I learned new things and knowledge about using information technology in a strategic
manner. Things which does not go well comprises of time-consuming research and discovering
relevant facts. Things which goes positive consists of completing the time before deadline and
vast knowledge about electric cars.
Analysis- At this stage, individuals extract meaning and material facts in respect to their
past experience in a strategic manner. Here, theories and concepts can also be discussed by
individuals for readers in a specified manner. I have analysed that I have to enhance my research
and communication skills for delivering this project report. Sometimes, I got frustrated while
finding articles, journals and books as it is very confusing as well as time-consuming job. I
gathered information through using different websites which is a time-consuming process. I have
evaluated that my hard work always pay me a worthy thing in an effective manner. I also
motivated myself through setting up of short-term goals for attaining long term results.
Conclusion -It is the phase whereby overall summary of past experience is concluded by
individuals for analysing the situation better. Here, learnings are summarised as well as
highlights are given for making improvements in actions for future. It ought to be a natural
response in regards with previous sections for gaining better knowledge in a strategic manner. I
am concluding this with the knowledge of advantages and disadvantages of electric cars. I also
got to know about its varied advantages and disadvantages as well as market share. Through my
research, I also got to know that changed market dynamics have increased consumer demands
regarding electric cars. As its advantages are more as compared to its disadvantages. I have
assessed that it is good that this project report is an individual assignment otherwise I have to set
terms with my team members which can be a hectic for me. I have also concluded that this
project helps me to develop varied skills which will help me in my employment in future years.
Action plan- This phase is concerned with summarising all the activities covered in the
assignment and plan to improve some skills on the basis of past experience. This phase provides
realisation to individuals for making modifications in their skills and competencies in an

exponential manner. I gained lots of knowledge about electric cars and also gain understanding
about its popularity in a strategic manner. This knowledge can help me in doing similar project
again in an effective manner. I want to enhance my research skills which can be improved with
the aid of practising in a constant manner. I also want to make improvements in my decision-
making skills so that I can make critical decisions on time. By attending this module, I have
achieved vast knowledge about electrical vehicles and how it is affecting global environmental
practices in a massive size.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Bocca, A. and Baek, D., 2020, November. Optimal life-cycle costs of batteries for different
electric cars. In 2020 AEIT International Conference of Electrical and Electronic
Technologies for Automotive (AEIT AUTOMOTIVE) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.
Contestabile, M., Tal, G. and Turrentine, T., 2020. Who's Driving Electric Cars. Springer
International Publishing.
Din, M. I. and Barbu, A., 2021. The Factors That Influence the Acceptance Level of Electric
Cars. FAIMA Business & Management Journal. 9(4). pp.5-19.
Doward, J. A., 2018. New law to tackle electric cars’ silent menace to pedestrians. The
Guardian.
Gillis, J., 2019. Electric cars are finally starting to take off. Congress should keep them
affordable. The Washington Post.
Hu, J. W., Javaid, A. and Creutzig, F., 2021. Leverage points for accelerating adoption of shared
electric cars: Perceived benefits and environmental impact of NEVs. Energy Policy.
155. p.112349.
Macioszek, E., 2021. The Role of Incentive Programs in Promoting the Purchase of Electric Cars
—Review of Good Practices and Promoting Methods from the World. Research
Methods in Modern Urban Transportation Systems and Networks. pp.41-58.
Meckling, J. and Nahm, J., 2018. When do states disrupt industries? Electric cars and the politics
of innovation. Review of International Political Economy, 25(4), pp.505-529.
Neves, S. A., Marques, A.C. and Fuinhas, J. A., 2018. On the drivers of peak electricity demand:
What is the role played by battery electric cars?. Energy. 159. pp.905-915.
Patt, A. and Et. Al., 2019. Availability of private charging infrastructure influences readiness to
buy electric cars. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice.125. pp.1-7.
Reuning, A., Pohling, C. and Lindemann, A., 2019, May. Investigation of battery cells for
prospective use in electric cars. In PCIM 2019; International Exhibition and Conference
for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy
Management (pp. 1-7). VDE.
Shuts, V., 2019. Cassette robotized urban transport system of mass conveying passenger based
on the unmanned electric cars.
Sihan, L., Shicheng, X. and Guangyu, H., 2020. Construction of Electric Cars Battery Tracing
System Based on Block Chain Technology. Frontiers of Data and Computing. 2(5).
pp.76-83.
Thøgersen, J. and Ebsen, J.V., 2019. Perceptual and motivational reasons for the low adoption of
electric cars in Denmark. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and
Behaviour. 65. pp.89-106.
Online:

Melanie. S., 2022. Electric vehicle market statistics 2022. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.zap-map.com/ev-market-statistics/#:~:text=The%20chart%20below
%20shows%20the%20number%20of%20registrations%20and%20market,over%20the
%20past%2013%20months.&text=SMMT%2C%20September%202022-,Electric
%20car%20registrations%20continue%20to%20rise%20in%20absolute%20numbers
%2C%20with,share%20last%20month%20was%2022.40%25.>
Castelvecchi. D., 2021. Electric cars and batteries: how will the world produce enough?.
[Online]. Available through: <https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02222-1>