I work for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland researching and promoting the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) so I may be able to answer some of the questions raised by Herbert Messina-Ferrante (The Sunday Times, November 20).
EVs were actually more popular than combustion engine vehicles at the start of the 20th century in the US. They were quiet, clean, easy to drive and maintain. However, with the discovery of oil in Texas, the development of good inter-city roads and the introduction of the Model-T Ford, the EV was soon relegated to the scrap heap.
Electric vehicles have many benefits, for instance, electric motors are very efficient and provide high torque which removes the need for a gearbox. The motor can be used in reverse to put energy back into the battery when going downhill. Batteries are themselves efficient energy storage devices. When you put all these pieces together the EV is a very efficient vehicle.
For example, using manufacturers’ data, EVs are available today with equivalent direct fuel efficiencies of 1.7 l/100 km which compares with 4.5 l/100 km for a similar size diesel vehicle. Depending on electricity and fuel duty prices, EV owners can achieve up to 80 per cent annual energy cost savings.
The development of the lithium battery (which was adapted from the IT sector) and tough new CO2 emission regulations imposed on the motor industry by the EU are the key reasons for the resurrection of the electric vehicle.
Current lithium batteries can store three times the energy of a lead battery and are more resistant to charging cycles. This means ‘normal’ size EVs can now be offered to consumers.
Electric vehicle range of up to 185 km (based on the combined drive cycle standard) from a five-hour overnight charge at home is currently available. This range should be ideal for an island the size of Malta.
With fast charging, a vehicle may be charged to 80 per cent capacity in approximately 20 minutes. However, given the prevalence of on-street parking in Malta, infrastructure may be needed to allow slower overnight charging.
Battery lives of 10 years with 80 per cent of the original range remaining may be possible depending on usage. For instance, continually fast charging an EV will reduce its battery life.
EVs have attained the highest safety rating available under the Euro NCAP independent standard. While an EV may not have the same risk of fire associated with a petrol or diesel car crash, emergency responders may need instruction on dealing with any electrical risks associated with an accident.
While an EV may have a direct efficiency of up to 75 per cent (compared with 25 per cent for a diesel road vehicle), the electricity put into the car must be created and transmitted to the customer.
Ireland has substantial wind and ocean energy resources (as should Malta) so by the addition of more wind energy, the average energy efficiency of the electrical system could rise from its present 45 per cent to 58 per cent, allowing that same EV to have an overall (indirect) efficiency rising from 34 to 44 per cent.
It is therefore possible for Ireland to reduce its import of fossil fuels by 45 per cent as the number of EVs in use rises to over half the total passenger car fleet.
This is the real prize for an island nation which does not have significant oil or gas resources. The corresponding CO2 emissions drop by 75 per cent as the electricity system becomes cleaner.
Government support will be needed in the early stages, but with mass production, the price of the vehicles will fall dramatically in the years ahead.