Electric Cars, Trains, and Buses: The Delay and the Reasons Behind It
Often, discussions around electric vehicles (EVs) start from a historical angle, wondering why electric cars, trains, and buses are taking so long to appear when we had electric trams about 100 years ago. However, this is a false premise. The reality is more nuanced.
Historical Background: The Presence of Electric Trains and Buses
The early 20th century saw the emergence of electric vehicles, including electric cars, trains, and buses. For instance, the Cleveland Electric Buggy from 1901, part of the Hull Streetlife Museum's collection, represents one of the earliest electric vehicles in history. Similarly, electric trains date back to the 1880s, and electric buses became more common by the 1930s, often replacing earlier electric tram routes.
The Current Situation: Practical Electric Vehicles
However, it's only in recent years that practical electric cars and other independent vehicles have become a reality. The primary reason for this delay is largely due to advancements in battery technology and the associated material science.
The Role of Material Science and Funding
Batteries, the heart of any electric vehicle, have been around for quite some time. However, the materials needed to build efficient batteries have only recently been developed, along with the manufacturing capacities to scale up production.
Government Funding and Research Initiatives
Why has it taken so long to develop efficient batteries and manufacturing processes? The answer is largely a combination of government funding and the time and resources required for substantial research.
Technologies such as fuel cells, which are another high-density energy storage mechanism, have been in the works for decades. A friend working in the EPA who looked into the research on fuel cells found that the necessary work had last been touched in the 1970s. These technologies hold great potential, but realizing their full potential requires extensive and expensive research.
Public Interest and Funding Cycles
Governments are the primary funders of research in such areas. When the public becomes interested, research initiatives may gain traction with new equipment purchased and grants issued. However, when the public loses interest due to changing priorities, funding dries up, and projects are often put on hold. Researchers often leave, and expertise is lost until the next generation picks up the ball and continues the work.
The 1980s could have been a different story if there had been a sustained effort to fund research in material science and battery technology. Consistent funding over longer periods might have propelled the development of electric vehicles even further than they are today.
Conclusion
The delay in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is not due to the absence of innovative technologies but rather the lack of sustained, consistent funding and the time needed for research and development. As the global push toward more sustainable transportation continues, it is crucial to ensure that funding and resources are adequately allocated to expedite the development of these crucial technologies.