Exploring the UK Electric Vehicle Industry: A Dissertation Proposal

This dissertation proposal outlines a study to explore the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the UK, focusing on its impact on reducing pollution levels. The introduction highlights the global concern of rising pollution and the shift towards EVs in developed nations like the UK. It emphasizes the importance of EVs in the UK auto industry, despite existing challenges such as battery life and charging infrastructure. The proposal aims to identify the impact of EVs in reducing pollution, using the UK auto industry as a case study. The literature review covers global warming, the impact of EVs on the atmosphere, and the concept and advantages of electric cars. It also examines the UK EV market, including government initiatives, market share, and infrastructure. The study will address research questions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of EVs and strategies to increase EV adoption in the UK. The proposal concludes with a discussion of the benefits of EVs, including reduced emissions, lower running costs, and low maintenance requirements. The study will provide insights into the future of EVs in the UK and their role in sustainable transportation.

Dissertation Proposal

Table of Contents
INTRODCUTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

TITLE- A study to explore main electric vehicle industry in the UK
INTRODCUTION
Topic – to identify impact of EV in reducing pollution level in UK. A case study on UK auto
mobile industry eg. Private cars
Importance
The rise in global warming is a major concern for world. This is due to increase in
pollution level which has result in rise in temperature. Due to this many countries are focusing
on developing electric cars that will replace diesel ones (Mazur and et.al., 2015). The developed
nations like US and UK are making huge progress towards implementing this concept. In UK
there has been shift in balance of EV. It is because of evolution of some pros and cons which has
allowed auto mobile industry in UK to focus on it. it may be identified that despite improvement
in driving range, battery life, constructing a greater number of charging points, etc. government
has to push towards EV option. There are several policies and procedure formed but is not
implemented at large level. thus, EV market is not so popular in UK. there are many other things
which is restricting companies to enter in EV market. there has been positive impact on
ecosystem due to use of EV in UK. in similar way, US have also allowed production of EV. The
transport system of UK is highly advance and more improvements are been done with time. this
has provided a platform for companies to produce electric vehicles (Andwari and et.al., 2017). It
is controlled and managed by effective computerized system. They are having a well improved
charging stations set up at various locations. So, having such as good infrastructure of roads has
encouraged business to invest in electric vehicles. In order to implement EV an organized
transportation system is necessary.
It is rightly said that the future belongs to those who save environment. It is essential to
maintain sustainable environment so that coming generation can survive (Kavanagh and et.al.,
2018). Also, it will be beneficial in improving lifestyle of society. there have been many changes
in atmospheric situation of globe. This has impacted on people physical health. Moreover, due to
rise in pollution level number of air pollution diseases has increased. More and more people are
suffering from diseases like asthma. The main cause of rise in pollution level in UK is diesel
cars. Hence, government is engaged in producing EV so that problem can be solved. The EV
market is already evolved in UK but it not properly established. Many people still prefer to buy
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diesel car instead of EV. In addition to it, auto mobile industries are not able to generate
awareness about EV. In future EV will play significant role in decrease in pollution level in UK.
it will help in replacing high fuel emitting vehicles with low one. Additionally, UK is developed
nation thus, EV market can be easily established there. The main reason electric cars are good for
environment is batteries are produced by burning fossil fuels (Bishop and et.al., 2016). Thus, it is
beneficial in both ways as it eliminates fossil fuel and does not emit fuel. But on other hand
dispose of battery is hazardous to environment.
It can be evaluated that use of EV will be beneficial for developed countries to control
pollution and protect ecosystem (Berggren, Magnusson and Sushandoyo, 2015). With this,
other countries will also start investing in technology so that EV market can be established. In
order to do this a strong and advance technological infrastructure is required. moreover,
government should focus on FDI so that auto mobile companies can trade and share technology
with other countries. this dissertation will explore EV market in UK and what efforts are been
made by companies to initiate use of EV. Furthermore, it will in analyzing positive impact on
atmosphere. Also, what changes has to be done to increase use of EV in UK and how overall
transportation system can be modified.
Aims and objectives
Aim- to identify impact of EV in reducing pollution level in UK. A case study on UK auto
mobile industry eg. Private cars
Objective
 To evaluate role of electric cars in the future
 To access advantage of electric vehicles in UK
 To recommend how electric vehicle concept can be implemented in auto mobile industry
Research questions
A research question describe what answer will be produced in research. Also, it gives an
insight to researcher to find answer of that questions which is mentioned.
 What is the advantage of using electric vehicles as compared to diesel ones?
 What is the disadvantage of using electric vehicles?
 How different strategies can be implemented to increase EV concept in UK?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Global warming
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According to Neaimeh and et.al., 2015, global warming is increasing day by day. It has
led to rise in temperature of various countries. also, it is expected that in the future global
warming will damage overall earth temperature if not controlled. Therefore, many countries have
already started taking measures and actions to protect environment. Moreover, many
international agencies like UN, WHO, etc. are forcing countries to take necessary step. There are
various changes made in policies and laws. Furthermore, different initiatives are been started
such as green technology, using renewable resources, etc. but on contrary as said by Godina and
et.al., 2016, the main reason behind rise in pollution is increase in use of cars. It has highly
contributed in rise in pollution level as compared to other factors such as construction, soil
erosion, etc. the mostly populated countries like India and China are suffering from this problem.
so, it must be solved otherwise overall ecosystem will be damaged.
As elucidated by Gough and et.al., 2017, auto mobile industry is transforming. they are
highly focusing on producing electric cars which will help in reducing pollution. It is expected
that in future diesel cars will be completely replaced by electric ones. The overall transportation
system will be changed. UK is country where critical cases related to pollution has occurred. The
great smog of London 1992 was a severe air pollution that affected atmosphere of city to a great
extent. It lasted for almost 4 days (Dadhich and et.al 2015). Afterwards, strict rules and
regulations were developed by government in auto mobile sector. they were forced to contribute
more towards CSR activities.
Impact of EV on atmosphere
As said that Bishop and et.al., 2016, with increase in use of electric vehicles there has
been a great positive impact on environment. The low emitting cars in UK has contributed in
reducing pollution level. also, it has allowed companies to engage more in CSR activities. it has
forced government to form policies and procedures to initiate production of EV. Moreover, a
proper infrastructure is developed to bring change in UK. for example, in US electric car taxis
have been started. People are also buying EV to contribute towards society. this has decrease
pollution level in cities where cars are running on roads. As elucidated by Andwari and et.al.,
2017, EV does not require any petrol or diesel fuel there is no emission from it. also, the battery
used in it is not so harmful for environment. This gives advantage to use EV there is no
contribution in pollution.
Concept of electric car
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In view of Dixon, Elders and Bell, 2018, electric car is future generation concept which
will replace diesel one. The car which run by battery or electricity is known as EC. The first EC
that was invented in 1828 by Anyos Jedlik in which he created small car which was run by
electric motor. But in 20th century there are many companies who have developed EC. Tesla,
Apple, etc. and other big firms are highly engaged in producing EC. The trials are been done in
US. Apple is now also entering in auto mobile industry with EC. As said by Dadhich and et.al
2015, by using advance technology Tesla have developed their first EC tesla roadster. This
model is highly successful. So, this is a fact that has allowed other firms to focus on it. It has
motivated another auto mobile company to manufacture EV. With help of it, they have grown
and develop in different markets.
UK electric vehicle market
According to Gyftakis and et.al 2016 EV provides a cleaner and friendlier environment.
In UK 17% of CO2 is emitted from cars. Thus, it is important to reduce figure so that
environment can be protected. Moreover, an initiative is taken by UK government to use 100%
renewable energy till 2030. At present UK EV car market share is only 1.4% till 2013 ( Godina
and et.al., 2016). Also, in second quarter of 2014 there were total number of 10000 EC registered
in UK. but in survey conducted it was found that only 1% of British car driver were interested in
buying electric car. This is because of high cost which is main reason of it. Alongside it, there
are many other factors which has restricted people from buying it. apart from it, UK transport
system is having capability to implement concept of EV. The use of technology has made it easy
for companies to produce EV.
In other countries like US there are already electric private cars running in California. It
has created a positive impact on ecosystem. Also, European countries like Germany, France, etc.
have started using EV. This has provided them benefit in decreasing pollution level. UK have
also taken initiative to produce EV. They have improved their transportation system and
developed charging points (Gough and et.al., 2017). US have firstly developed charging points
through a plan. then, by using several strategies and with integration of auto mobile companies
US have successfully designed EV and launched it. here, EV are successfully working as US
government has developed a framework. In similar way, UK should also improve their policy by
making improvement in it and modifying strategies.
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Advantage of EC
In the view of Mazur and et.al., 201, 5the use of EC is not only beneficial for
environment but also for people. There are several advantages of using EC instead of diesel
(Advantage of EC. 2017). They are described below :-
No fuel, no emission – this is the main benefit of using EC. As it does not require any fuel to run
so there is no emission from it. also, electric engine installed in EC is closed circuit so it does not
emit any gas or fuel. Therefore, there is no carbon footprint released. Thus, environment is not
harmed and is protected.
Running cost – another major advantage of EV is as it does not require any fuel it directly saves
cost. as compared to diesel car requires an average cost of € 63.80 a month in medium size car.
On the other hand, EV only requires to be charged once in month that cost up to 96p (Gyftakis
and et.al 2016). so, it clearly shows that running cost of EV is very low. It will help people in
reducing their expenses and saving more.
Low maintenance – every vehicle is required to be maintained. this is done so that it can be
used for long time. the diesel and petrol cars require high and proper maintenance. If there occurs
ant damage it must be repaired (Kavanagh and et.al., 2018). This is drawback of diesel car.
Whereas EC does not require much maintenance to run for lifetime. They only need to be
charged regularly.
Performance – many people buy cars which is having high average and performance. It is
because they can be used for long term and require less fuel. In diesel and petrol vehicle
performance differs on different factors such as engine, horsepower, etc. it can be maintained for
only particular period of time. afterwards it goes on decreasing. In EV, cars are lighter thus they
have very high performance. The noise level is also less.
Popularity – in recent time, EV have become more popular than diesel cars. This can be
understood with fact that in UK there are more than 4800 charging station and 7500 individual
chagrining points (Kavanagh and et.al., 2018). The numbers are growing with time. the more
charging points has attracted large number of people towards EV. They are having wide number
of options. Besides this, affordability of EV has made them popular.
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In a study conducted by Neaimeh and et.al., 2015, researcher argued that EV not only
provide benefit but there were many disadvantages as well of EC. They are as follows :-
Driving range – EV are not designed for long distance. This is biggest disadvantage of it.
generally, people prefer to buy cars to travel to long distance. Usually, present EV are having
capacity to travel 70-100 miles in one charge (Mazur and et.al., 2015). Then, afterwards it
requires chagrining. In EC the electric motor works in tandem with combustion engine. The car
can be charged through mobile phone as well.
Recharge time- EV requires a lot of time to get charged. Almost a whole night is required for
chagrining car completely that is 100%. Furthermore, the charging points are not having capacity
to charge many cars 100%. This is major drawback of EC. Apart from it, many businesses have
charging point in car parking. Rapid charging also requires 20-30 minutes. So, in case of
emergency EC can not be used.
Battery life- As EV are run through batteries, it must be replaced in specific time period so that
performance is maintained. but in UK the life expectancy of battery is very low. Generally, it is
3-10 years depending on model (Neaimeh and et.al., 2015). Also, replacing battery needs huge
cost. thus, it increases burden on people expenses as they have to buy new one.
Prior from pros and cons it is essential to analyze future EV market situation so that
measures are taken. With help of it, proper laws and regulations can be developed that how
electric cars will be registered, how fossil fuel will be used, etc. (Godina and et.al., 2016) this
will create a base for auto mobile industry to initiate use of EV in UK. it is necessary
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A dissertation includes proper research methodology in which several elements are
described (Research methodology. 2018). It helps researcher to conduct research in systematic
way by providing a framework. In present proposal various research elements are described :-
Research design – it helps user to identify that on which design research is based. It shows the
subject matter. there are only many types of research design available such as exploratory,
descriptive, conclusive, etc. exploratory is having high flexibility and improper structure. It is
used to for subjects like problems, opportunities, etc. which exists. On other side descriptive
gives valid reasons that why problems or factors exists. in this researcher will use descriptive
design. this is because it contains a proper formal structure and will show what is the advantage
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of using electric car. It will help in finding how issues can be solved in auto mobile industry by
gathering data.
Research approach – the approach shows pattern of data collected. This gives researcher an
insight that how data will be gathered to obtain results. Research approach are of three types
deductive, inductive and abductive (Gough and et.al., 2017). Inductive means to draw
conclusion from empirical data and achieve aims. deductive is used to generate theories by
developing hypothesis. The researcher will use inductive approach. This is because it will help in
concluding that there are advantage of using EV in UK and how it will benefit in reducing
pollution level. Also, he or she can directly draw conclusion that whether there is positive impact
on atmosphere of UK or not by using EV cars.
Research type- it is referred as way or method of collection of data and information. generally,
there are two common research type that is qualitative and quantitative. In qualitative only non
numeric data is gathered to get deep understanding of topic. While in quantitative numeric, facts
and figures are collected and analyzed to get desired outcomes. It includes calculations of
variables. The researcher will use both methods to collect precise data and information. this is
because it will help in gathering data about what methods are applied and to how much extent
pollution level has reduced.
Rationale – the research is conducted to analyze how use of EC has benefited in reducing
emission. Moreover, it will evaluate how overall auto mobile industry in UK and how it is
continuously changing. With help of it, researcher will be able to analyze future impact of use of
EC in UK.
 Sample size –the population must be divided into different strata so that sample size can
be determined. it is essential to identify sample size as it shows on what people
questionnaire will be distributed (Dixon, Elders and Bell, 2018). The sample size for
present research will be 20 people who are using electric car.
 Data sampling - it means to categories population and then selecting sample size from
it. there are different sampling techniques which can be used such as random, stratified,
cluster, etc. in this researcher will use random sampling method to collect samples.
 Target population- the sample size is obtained by dividing population into categories. In
this research target population will be the people who are using electric car or purchased
it.
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 Data analysis – it is a method of interpreting data to get precise results so that objectives
are attained. There are various techniques available to analyze data. It depends on
researcher that which will be used by him or her (Andwari and et.al., 2017). Here,
researcher will use thematic analysis technique to analyze data and obtain desired
outcomes.
Data access- it refers to gaining consent of participants so that data and information is collected
in effective way. also, participants are not harmed by any other way. if consent is gained, it
makes it easy to take open overview of people involved in it.
Research ethics – there are some rules and regulation which must be followed by researcher.
This is because it will help in conducting research in authentic way. here, some ethics will also
be followed. Firstly, consent of people will be taken so that they can express ideas and reviews
openly. Second is confidentiality and integrity of data will be maintained. it will not be shared
with any anyone (Dadhich and et.al 2015). Alongside it, business related information will be
protected and kept secured. At last each and every person involved in research will be treated
with respect and his or her dignity will be maintained.
Limitations- there are certain limitations of research which will impact on its aims and
objectives. First is research topic being too broad, so data collected will not be precise and
accurate. Another limitation is subject do not aim on specific thing. It generally shows advantage
of EC. So, it has restricted researcher to focus on it. thus, these limitations will affect overall
outcomes generated.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Andwari, A.M and et.al., 2017. A review of Battery Electric Vehicle technology and
readiness levels. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 78, pp.414-430.
Berggren, C., Magnusson, T. and Sushandoyo, D., 2015. Transition pathways revisited:
established firms as multi-level actors in the heavy vehicle industry. Research Policy, 44(5),
pp.1017-1028.
Bishop, J.D. and et.al., 2016. Estimating the grid payments necessary to compensate
additional costs to prospective electric vehicle owners who provide vehicle-to-grid ancillary
services. Energy, 94, pp.715-727.
Dadhich, P. and et.al 2015. Developing sustainable supply chains in the UK construction
industry: A case study. International Journal of Production Economics, 164, pp.271-284.
Dixon, J., Elders, I. and Bell, K., 2018, October. Characterization of electric vehicle fast
charging forecourt demand. In IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference
Europe 2018.
Godina, R. and et.al., 2016. Smart electric vehicle charging scheduler for overloading
prevention of an industry client power distribution transformer. Applied Energy, 178, pp.29-42.
Gough, R. and et.al., 2017. Vehicle-to-grid feasibility: A techno-economic analysis of EV-
based energy storage. Applied energy, 192, pp.12-23.
Gyftakis, K.N and et.al 2016. Dielectric Characteristics of Electric Vehicle Traction Motor
Winding Insulation Under Thermal Aging. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 52(2),
pp.1398-1404.
Kavanagh, L. and et.al., 2018. Global Lithium Sources—Industrial Use and Future in the
Electric Vehicle Industry: A Review. Resources, 7(3), p.57.
Mazur, C. and et.al., 2015. Assessing and comparing German and UK transition policies for
electric mobility. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 14, pp.84-100.
Neaimeh, M. and et.al., 2015. A probabilistic approach to combining smart meter and
electric vehicle charging data to investigate distribution network impacts. Applied Energy, 157,
pp.688-698.
Online
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Advantage of EC. 2017. [online] Available Through :
<https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/blog/2017/09/28/driving-change-the-advantages-of-electric-
vehicles/ >
Research methodology. 2018. [online] Available Through : < https://research-
methodology.net/research-methodology/research-approach/>
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