Sustainable Energy: Alternative Technology for Road Vehicles in the UK

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SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report shows the alternative technology to petrol and diesel road vehicles in the UK. Electricity
is a good alternative for the petrol and diesel as well as it is cheap compared to other technologies
such as nitrogen etc. the assignment presents the various aspects of electricity with respect to road
vehicles and its relationship with additional fragments of the energy system.
The assignment report shows the current status of electricity technology in context to road vehicles
in the UK. In addition to it, the report shows the impact of the electricity technology on the energy
system and other fuels and how much it is developed with respect to using in road vehicles and
how effective it can be in future. The report also shows the various hurdles and opportunities for
electricity being used in road vehicles and personal view on it.
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
ALTERNATIVE TO PETROL/DIESEL ROAD VEHICLES – ELECTRIC VEHICLES..............................................5
CURRENT STATE OF TECHNOLOGY.............................................................................................................................7
IMPACT ON THE ENERGY SYSTEM AND OTHER FUELS.....................................................................................8
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS, NOW AND INTO FUTURE................................................................................10
OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES............................................................................................................................11
PERSONAL VIEW................................................................................................................................................................ 14
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
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INTRODUCTION
Sustainable energy is an important concept where energy should be used without compromising
the ability of needs required in the future. Sustainable energy focuses on two things; cleaner
approaches to producing energy and conservation of energy (Sahoo, 2016). It is forms of energy
that fulfill the needs of current demand but ensures that it can be available to fulfilling future needs
too. Sustainable energy should be encouraged all over the world as it does not cause any harm as
well as it saves the environment effectively.
To prevent the use of petrol and diesel as they harm the environment as well as they are not
sustainable the new technology is introduced in which road vehicles can run on to electricity itself.
It is a huge boost to prevent these resources that are well appreciated by the people. Using
electricity that can be renewed through other sources in road vehicles significantly helps to save
the environment as it not cause too much damage.
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ALTERNATIVE TO PETROL/DIESEL ROAD VEHICLES – ELECTRIC
VEHICLES
Electric vehicles are the best alternative for petrol and diesel road vehicles and they not causing
harm to the environment as well as electricity can be sustained for the future through other
renewable sources such as solar energy etc. Electric Vehicles (EVs) run gasoline-free; EVs use
battery to store the electric energy that runs the vehicle (Steg et al., 2018). The EVs are becoming
more and more popular after the success of ‘Nissan LEAF’ which is a best-selling Electric car in the
UK.
The concept of electricity being used in road vehicles is discovered by Thomas Parker in 1884 in
London a whole year before Karl Benz discovered his Benz Patent-Motorwagen that considered as
the first car in the world. After that, the concept of EVs are largely overshadowed by the petrol and
diesel cars but now in the present world, the need of electric cars are developing again to save the
environment as well as prevent the more than the use of natural resources such as petrol and diesel
(Petrou et al., 2015). In the UK the EV cars are starting from £5,000 and continue up to £400,000.
The various models of EVs show the popularity and demand of it in current time as people get to
understand the concept of electric vehicles.
The main reason for choosing the EVs over regular vehicles is that cars produce a very high amount
of carbon releases that are mix into the environment and significantly harm it which leaves it
vulnerable to the pollution and greenhouses gas. In order to protect the environment effectively
and make a better world for tomorrow, the EVs are a great initiative that can save the natural
environment (Coffman et al., 2017). The concept is well appreciated by the government of the UK as
they provide several benefits for the Electric cars.
Advantages and Disadvantages of EVs
Following are some advantages and disadvantages of EVs to understand the benefits and area of
concerns for Electric vehicles:
Advantages of EVs
No Gas Required – EVs can entirely run on the electricity, means there is no gas required to power
up the motor as it is a completely gas-free vehicle. However, EVs needs to charge once the battery
got drained (Nerini et al., 2018).
Savings – Electricity is cheaper than the natural resources means the electric car can be fuelled for
very less cost compared to petrol and diesel (Daly et al., 2015). Also, many cars manufacture in the
UK provides benefits and offers for buying Electric cars to promote it.
No Emissions – EVs are totally eco-friendly vehicles, they do not harm the environment as they run
on electricity used engines that do not emit toxic smoke and gases. EVs are comparatively better
than hybrid cars it uses somewhat amount of gas. EVs work for the better tomorrow (Bolton and
Foxon, 2015).
Popularity – EVs gain more and more popularity in the UK as the time goes, the main reason is that
it is cheaper as the fuelling electricity is cheap and people are aware of environmental damage
caused by diesel and petrol cars (Finnegan et al., 2018). The popularity of EVs in the UK can be
measure as Nissan LEAF is the top-selling EV in the UK.
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Safe to Drive – The safety features in EVs are the same as other fuel cars as the safety don't
compromise in EVs makes it safe to drive (Strachan et al., 2015). The features like airbag are still
working with the supply get from the battery of the car.
Low Maintenance – Electric cars don’t need lubricants for engines as they are powered up by
electricity that makes the reduction in maintenance cost. Also, EVs have required less service
compare to fueled cars (She et al., 2017).
Reduced Noise Pollution – EVs are making less noise compare to fuel type vehicles, they are very
much quieter that significantly reduce the noise pollution.
Disadvantages of EVs
Expensive – EVs are expensive to buy compared to fossil fuel vehicles. Along with it, EVs has very
fewer varieties. People now day person goes for the looks and price in which EVs lacks significantly
(She et al., 2017).
Recharge Points – As the EVs are relatively new concept there are very less charging points to
charge the vehicles compare to fuel pumps as they are lots of in the city. Also, lack of recharge
points demotivates individual to buy the EVs (Berkeley et al., 2017).
Short range and speed – Electric vehicles generally have low speed and less range on a full battery.
It needs to charge time to time which is a huge setback. Not enough availability and less short range
makes much more difficult for the peoples to considering buying EVs.
Longer charging time – EVs takes lots of time to charge, it approx. takes 8-10 hours to fully charge.
It is a difficult problem when a person has to go urgently and the vehicle is not enough charged.
Also, to charge in mid-way is really frustrating as a person needs to stay with the vehicle until it
charged (Meng et al., 2016).
Capacity – Electrical engine is not powerful as fueled engines heavy load can significantly slow
down the speed and performance of the EVs. EVs are suitable for around 2 people or 180kgs to
work perfectly (Cartenì et al., 2016). That a big disadvantage of it.
Battery cost – Once the battery dead of EVs it cost lots of money to the owner. The battery is very
expensive and it needs to consider by the manufacturer if they need to increase sales of EVs
(Coffman et al., 2017).
Not suitable in all conditions – EVs are not suitable in all the conditions as there are some places in
the UK where power supply is a big problem. In those conditions, EVs won't work.
Form the above points it can be considered that there are more positives of EVs than the negatives.
The negative factors can be managed but the risk with the environment is very high. EVs are very
demanding in the UK, people generally consider buying EVs more often that which is a huge boost
of UK environment (Azadfar et al., 2015).
Comparison between Electric Vehicles and Petrol/Diesel Vehicles
Electric Vehicles Petrol/Diesel Vehicles
 0 % Emission that significantly helps to
save the environment.
 No noise pollution and silent vehicle.
 Produce harmful gases that cause harm
to the environment
 Can cause noise pollution as they are not
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 High Enduring Value
 Benefits are given by government and
0% road tax
 Lower Maintenance cost
silent enough
 High insurance
 High cost for maintenance service
 Oil is a limited resource
CURRENT STATE OF TECHNOLOGY
Since the introduction of EVs vehicles, the technology continues to grow to increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of Electric Vehicles. Earlier when the EV introduced the vehicle run on
the Lead acid battery technology, the battery capacity is very low, the range is short, not enough
charging stations, less speed, and range and many more (Kumar et al., 2017). The technology is
increased significantly in the UK according to the need and for the growth of EVs.
The Lead-acid battery is cheap but bulky and takes lots of time to charge but offers less compare to
its charging time to improve this technology Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) introduced that provides
more storage and run more but the life span of this battery is very less. NiMH needs to be changed
very often later Lithium-Ion is introduced that possess high energy density as well as light in weight
and ultimately the preferred choice for the EVs (Strachan et al., 2015). Below figure shows the how
battery technology developed to the current state in the UK with respect to EVs.
Figure 1: Comparison of Electric Storage
Source: Strachan et al., 2015
The EV battery needs to charge very often due to their short range and less speed compare to fossil
fuel vehicles for that there is a need for charging points throughout in the UK. Currently, in addition
to home charging, there are 16,500 charging points in the UK that somewhat ease the problems of
the EV owner (Finnegan et al., 2018). At present, with the current requirement, the UK needs
additional 80,000 charging points within the next 2 year to maintain the growth of EVs.
As the demand and technology increase for the EV batteries, the cost in the battery is significantly
reduced that results in the reduction in the cost of EV as they are available in cheap compared to a
few years back. Today battery for an EV cost an individual around £160 on an average that is
significantly reduced in price (Finnegan et al., 2018). Also, the speed of EV is increases compare to
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earlier years when it introduced as now EVs are known for their Acceleration the popular EV model
of UK Nissan Leaf hit 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds which is very good with the current technology.
IMPACT ON THE ENERGY SYSTEM AND OTHER FUELS
A significant change is required in order to achieve the long-term goal of saving the environment
and evolution to a low-carbon UK economy. The electrical vehicle is significant for the development
of technology as an electric vehicle charged with electricity that can be renewed through other
sources (Strachan et al., 2015). The technology can save the environment from harmful gases
produced by fossil fuel vehicles.
Figure 2: impact of EVs on Environment
Source: Finnegan et al., 2018
As the above figure shows EVs significantly reduce carbon emissions as they run through electricity
as well as EVs are silent vehicles. Follow are the main impacts of EVs on the UK:
 Country headed for a decarbonized transport structure.
 Meet the goal of reduction in greenhouse gas discharges by 80-95% by 2040.
 Reduce the CO2 and emissions from air pollutants from road transport.
 Significantly prevent limited natural resources like petrol, diesel, etc.
Introduction of EVs and an increase in demand and popularity of EVs can lead to the following
changes in the energy system and other fuels of UK
Increased Demand for Electricity
With the 30%, EVs are running in the UK and expected to 80-90% in upcoming 20 years for that the
country requires additional electricity generation that meets the demand and provides enough
supply according to demand and need (Daly et al., 2015). The electricity consumption of electrical
vehicles will increase from .03% in 2014 to around 12% in the next 20-30 years.
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Figure 3: Electricity demand estimation in the UK
Source: Daly et al., 2015
As the above figure shows that the demand of electricity with respect to EVs is expected to increase
very much and according to above figure the demand in the UK is expected to increase around 12%
in next 20 years or so (Nerini et al., 2018). To fulfill and meeting the additional demand for
electricity the country needs to adopt renewable energy techniques effectively such as solar energy
generation ability etc.
Impacts on Climate and the Environment
Increasing the quantity of EVs can significantly decrease the direct emissions of CO 2 and pollutants
of air from the road vehicles. However, these benefits to the environment can offset by the
increasing consumption of electricity and continue the use of fossil fuel in the projection of power
sector. As the government aims to change the fossil fuel vehicles to EVs to the extent of 80-90% in
next 20-30 years this will ultimately reduce the harmful gas produced by the fossil fuel vehicles and
can benefit the environment (Andwari et al., 2017). According to the calculation in the next 20-30
years approx. The 250Mt CO2 emission is reduced. Below figure shows future expectation in the
emission of CO2:
Figure 4: Change in CO2 Emission in the next 30 years
Source: Petrou et al., 2015
Impacts on other fuels
With the increase in the numbers of EVs, there is significantly reduced in the demand of other fuels
like petrol, oil, diesel as the EVs are more in demand and popular as well as they don’t need fossil
fuels to power up their motors.
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Figure 5: Oil demand in the UK
Source: Coffman et al., 2017
As the above figure shows that the maximum demand for oil is occurred because of passenger
vehicles and that can be significantly reduce more in upcoming years results reduction in the price
of these resources, prevent these resources as they are limited as well as reducing demand
ultimately benefits the environment (Casals et al., 2016).
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS, NOW AND INTO FUTURE
Since the introduction of EVs in the UK the technology is improved day by day, the EVs are much
more efficient now compare to earlier, the charging is fast now as well as battery is much cheaper
than before. The EVs is improved day by day and it is the future of vehicles in coming a time ( Li et
al., 2017). The most important thing that affects the EVs is their charging station as they are very
short in numbers and not located properly. Following are the EVs technical developments and
future planning:
Wireless charging
Manufactures develop technology for electric vehicles in which they wirelessly charge their
vehicles. It makes the charging easy for the owners of the vehicles as they charge their vehicles if
they can't reach it or unable to the plugin (Cartenì et al., 2016). The concept of wireless charging is
also significant as it is easier for the owners of the charging station as it brings full automation for
charging. Also, through wireless charging vehicles of different charging sockets can also charge
their vehicles that are a big comfort for the owners of the vehicle as well as for the owner of the
charging station (She et al., 2017).
Solar Power car parks
This is a revolutionary development in EVs as it significantly helps EV owners. Government of UK
thinking about opening solar power car parks to fulfill the needs of charging station in the UK. The
solar power car parks give the service of vehicle charging when the car is parked (Azadfar et al.,
2015). It is a development that considers the future needs as in solar power car parking; the parks
store the solar energy that can be useful for car charging. The government can generate lots of
revenue through solar power car parking as well as customer's trouble is somewhat reduced.
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Battery Advancements
Today battery of EVs is very insufficient according to the need of the people. Car manufactures
planning of battery advancement that gives more speed and more range to travel to the owner
(Nerini et al., 2018). Battery advancement gives a huge boost to the growth of the EVs. In current
time the fastest car to reach maximum speed in 0-60 seconds is an Electric vehicle that shows the
capability of EVs. The battery is significantly improved in EVs as it uses Lead acid and not Lithium-
Ion that provides more stability and in near future the technology is improved more, with the
battery advancement the EVs can easily out shadowed the fossil fuel vehicles as government aims
to stop manufacturing of petrol and diesel cards completely for the benefit of environment ( Bolton
and Foxon, 2015).
Speedy Increase in Charging Points
The EVs needs charge time to time as they have limited range according to their battery capacity
and the battery takes lots of time to charge to overcome that problems government of UK and
manufacturers planned to install more charging points quickly to properly maintain the process
and promote the EVs more effectively without any drawback (Steg et al., 2018). Currently, there are
only 16,500 charging points installed in the UK but in near future government and manufacturer
aims to increase it to 1M in the next 2 years.
Fast charging
The EVs battery takes too much time to completely charge and as they have the shorter range it is a
huge setback of EVs. To overcome this problem government and manufacturer develops their
technology to enhance the charging speed by make charger points more powerful so that they
charge EVs battery fast (Berkeley et al., 2017). It is a very good development as it significantly
needed for the growth of EVs.
OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES
As the EVs becoming popular day by day the challenges and opportunities are identified through it.
For any product, the challenges and opportunities are never been accurately identified until it
launched in the market and get responses from the customer (She et al., 2017). Just like that, there
are few obstacle and opportunities been found out in the UK in the growth of EVs. Following are
some obstacles and opportunities for EVs in the UK:
Charging – Recharge points is the main challenge with respect to the EVs as EVs takes a very long
time to charge it is important to install enough charging points according to the sales of EVs.
Government of the UK needs to think about creating more recharge points to promote and motivate
peoples towards buying EVs (She et al., 2017). There are around 120,000 charging points are
available in whole Europe but their settlement and spread are not perfect.
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Figure 6: European Installed Charging Points
Source: Shi et al., 2017
Cost – The cost of the EVs are considerably high which is not good for the growth of EVs in the UK.
To reduce the cost of EVs is a big challenge for the government of the UK as well as for the Car
manufacturer. People generally consider the cost factor before buying any product the same
principle goes with the Vehicles that whether EVs come to their budget or not and cost of
maintenance as well (Meng et al., 2016). Another thing is that the 2nd hand market for EVs is
uncertain which needs to consider as well. It is necessary to reduce the cost of EVs for the growth in
the UK as it is a great opportunity for the government to promote EVs and save the environment.
The main cost in manufacturing an EV is the cost of the battery. Below is the comparison of the
battery cost of different companies:
Name Cost
Tesla’s 3 battery pack £150/kWh
Chevrolet Volt battery pack £160/kWh
In the early days of EVs, the battery of the EV cost approx. £950 / kWh but as the demand
technology increases the price keeps falling down (Cartenì et al., 2016). In the near time the price is
expected for the battery is:
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