Feature | Electric Avenue
Going beyond EVs In light of the shortcomings of electric vehicles, alternative fuel sources are being considered By Maura Keller, EA Contributing Writer In recent years, advancements in alternative fuels and technologies, in- that many of the Western EVs are being placed on the cluding EV and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, have taken the trans- backburner. “GM last year invested nearly $4 billion for ICE veportation industry by storm. With ongoing efforts, commercial fleets hicles despite previously pledging and individual consumers are vetting these alternative fuels and to ‘go all in’ on EVs, whereas BMW, technologies and determining their use and viability for transporToyota, and other manufacturers tation. And as vehicle manufacturers make statements concernhave switched over to hydrogening how soon they will be eliminating internal combustion engine based cars. And Tesla, despite (ICE) technology and embracing these alternative energy options, slashing prices, has been radically what the future of the alternative energy vehicle industry will look underperforming on the market like is anyone’s guess. for the past year. So, while the Faced with high-energy costs, environmental concerns by connumber of EVs produced has risen, sumers, and government regulatory measures, the world’s leadthe expectations for the percenting automakers are embracing new technological advancements Irina Tsukerman age as well as absolute numbers of to make today’s vehicles more fuel-efficient and environmentally Western-made EVs and even EVs in general have not friendly than ever before. One alternative vehicle technology, electric been met,” Tsukerman said. vehicles, is making inroads in the minds of consumers who are eager The U.S. continues to experience a very slow rise to “go green” and leave a smaller carbon footprint. But are EVs truly in EVs due to the fact that most people in the counthe way of the future or are other alternative energy sources going to try simply do not have the charging equipment that emerge as the key method by which vehicles operate? could meet the demand. Rental companies like Hertz are increasingly burdened with EVs that are seen as a In the West, EVs not a priority liability for long-distance travel. Irina Tsukerman, business and geopolitical analyst, president of Scarab “On the other hand, the rise of EV vehicles in govRising, Inc., a media and security strategic advisory, and program vice ernment fleets like buses is linked to specific subsichair of the American Bar Association’s Oil and Gas Committee, said dies and other policies encouraging reliance on EVs,” Tsukerman said. Moreover, technical issues in places like New York City have caused significant security concerns. These issues included 13 deaths by fires from the EVs in the first seven months of 2023 in New York City alone, aside from injuries, as well as two recalls and production-related strikes, which have likewise caused delays. “Electric vehicles are facing multiple setbacks in the early weeks of 2024, including slowed demand and unreliable charging networks,” Tsukerman said. “On the other hand, developing economies and booming states like India find manufacturing relatively cheaper EVs (with raw materials Rental car companies like Hertz are at the forefront of implementing EVs, but they’re starting to feel the easy to access), an easy source of weight of the associated costs and drawbacks, such as charging infrastructure and range concerns. quick income.”
— Hertz photo
18 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS | APRIL 2024
04ElectAve.indd 2
3/8/2024 10:01:42 AM