Electric Vehicles: Benefits, Challenges, and Market Growth Assignment Sample

Task 1:

1. Introduction - The Future of Electric Cars and Government Policies

The report revolves around electric cars, It is also recognized as electric vehicles (EVs). They have become more and more popular in recent years as a result of growing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and the need for more sustainable transportation options (Wilberforce et.al. 2017). The increasing availability of EVs, along with advancements in battery technology, has made them more accessible and affordable for consumers.

The report outlined various advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles. Despite their many benefits, there are still challenges to overcome to facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs, such as the restricted driving range of EVs evaluation for conventional gasoline-powered cars, which is a concern for some consumers. Additionally, the price of EVs is still higher than conventional vehicles, and the accessibility of charging infrastructure, which is limited in some regions (Holmberg and Erdemir, 2019). The report also examines the role that UK government policies and initiatives play in supporting the transition to EVs, as well as the future outlook for this emerging technology. By providing a comprehensive overview of the subject, this literature review will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the current state of electric cars and the factors that are driving their growth and development.

In the second part of the report, a personal reflection on the report is also provided. For this purpose, the report used Gibb’s personal reflection cycle.

1.1 Literature Review

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained considerable attention in recent years as a promising solution to the global challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as dependence on non-renewable power sources (Du and Ouyang, 2017). The literature review will summarize the existing research on EVs and provide a complete impression of the current condition of knowledge in the field.

The technology of EVs has seen significant advancements in recent years, including improvements in battery technology, motor efficiency, and vehicle design (Barbarossa et.al. 2017). Several studies have found that EVs offer important advantages over traditional interior burning engines in terms of reduced emissions and energy efficiency. Moreover, advances in battery technology have led to improvements in the range as well as charging time of EVs, making them more realistic for daily utilization.

The design of EVs has also undergone significant changes in recent years, for example, with new models being introduced that offer improved performance and increased range (Holmberg and Erdemir, 2019). However, there are still challenges associated with the design of EVs, such as the need for lighter and more efficient batteries and the need to address the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.

Consumer adoption of EVs has been influenced by several factors, for example, the price of the vehicle, the accessibility of charge infrastructure, and government policies. Several studies have found that consumer perception and awareness are also important factors in the uptake of EVs (Coffman, et.al 2017). Governments have introduced a range of policies and incentives to promote the uptake of EVs, including tax credits, grants for charging infrastructure, and regulatory requirements for the production of EVs.

The environmental impact of EVs is an important topic of research. While EVs offer important advantages in excess of traditional internal combustion engines in conditions of concentrated emissions, there are still environmental concerns associated with the production and disposal of batteries (Deza et.al. 2022). Moreover, the effect of EVs on the electricity network and the generation of renewable power also need to be considered.

This literature review highlights the present state of knowledge in the field of EVs and provides a basis for informed decision-making and future research (Chung and Kwon, 2015). It is clear that EVs have the possibility to play a major role in addressing the global challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable power sources and that further investigation is needed to tackle the challenges connected with the technology, design, production, and environmental impact of EVs.

1.2 Analysis and Evaluation

The research will draw an understanding from the academic journals, conference papers, books, and industry reports. The main topics covered include technology, design, production and performance, battery life, charging infrastructure, consumer adoption, government policies and the environmental impact of EVs. The research report is made using secondary data of Electric Vehicles, which is qualitative in nature for efficient research and to achieve the objectives of the report.

1.2.1 The Electric Vehicles (EV) Market

The electric vehicles (EV) market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for more sustainable and efficient transportation options. According to market research, the global EV market is expected to continue to grow at a significant rate over the next few years. This growth is being driven by factors such as the declining cost of batteries, improvements in vehicle range and charging infrastructure, and increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of EVs.

Governments and automakers are also playing a key role in driving the growth of the EV market. Many countries have implemented policies and incentives to promote the uptake of EVs, such as tax credits, grants for charging infrastructure, and regulatory requirements for the production of EVs (Kim et.al. 2016). Automakers are also investing in the development of new EV models and increasing production capacity to meet growing consumer demand.

Despite the growth in the EV market, there are still challenges to overcome. For example, the cost of EVs remains a barrier for some consumers, and the availability of charging infrastructure in some regions remains limited. Additionally, the environmental impact of battery production and disposal also needs to be addressed.

The electric vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to continue growing in the upcoming years. Government policies, investments by automakers, and consumer demand are all contributing to the growth of the market. However, there are still challenges to overcome, and the continued development and improvement of EVs will be crucial to their long-term success and widespread adoption.

1.2.2 Advantages of Electric Cars

Electric cars (EVs) offer several advantages over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, including:

• Environmental benefits: EVs produce a smaller amount of emissions compared to gasoline-powered motor vehicles, making them a more environmentally welcoming option.
• Lower operating costs: The price of indicting an EV is typically much lesser than the price of refuelling a gasoline-powered car, making EVs a more cost-effective option in the long term.
• Improved performance: EVs often offer improved acceleration and torque compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, providing a more enjoyable driving experience.
• Quieter operation: EVs are much quieter than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which can lead to a more peaceful driving experience.
• Reduced dependence on oil: EVs do not require oil for fuel, which reduces dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
• Incentives and subsidies: Many governments offer incentives and subsidies for the purchase of EVs, making them more accessible to consumers.
• Maintenance costs: EVs have fewer moving parts compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which can result in lower maintenance costs.

1.2.3 Disadvantages of Electric Cars

While electric cars (EVs) offer several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, there are the following disadvantages too : (Lutsey, and Nicholas, 2019):

• Incomplete driving range: The driving range of EVs is typically shorter than that of gasoline-powered vehicles, which is a concern for several consumers.
• Higher upfront cost: The upfront cost of EVs is typically higher than conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, which is a barrier for some customers.
• Charging infrastructure: The availability of charging infrastructure is still limited in some regions, which can make it difficult for EV owners to find a place to charge their vehicles.
• Charging time: The time required to charge an EV can be longer compared to refuelling a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, which can be inconvenient for some consumers.
• Battery degradation: The battery of an EV can degrade over time, reducing its driving range and performance, and potentially requiring an expensive battery replacement.
• Range anxiety: Some EV owners may experience "range anxiety," which is the fear of running out of charge while driving.
• Environmental impact of battery production: The production of batteries for EVs can have negative environmental impacts, such as the release of greenhouse gases and the use of rare metals.

In conclusion, while EVs offer several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, there are also some disadvantages to consider, including limited driving range, higher upfront cost, and the need for a well-developed charging infrastructure. It is important for consumers to carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages of EVs before making a purchase decision.

1.2.4 How the UK Government is supporting the transition to Electric Vehicles

The UK government has implemented several policies and initiatives to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the nation. These include:

• Plug-in Car Grant: The UK government offers a grant for the purchase of eligible EVs, which can reduce the upfront cost of the vehicle for consumers.
• Investment in Charging Infrastructure: The government has committed to investing in the development of charging infrastructure, including the installation of rapid chargers on motorways and in other key locations (Adeani, et.al. 2020).
• Tax incentives: The UK government has implemented tax incentives to support the adoption of EVs, including reduced company car tax for EVs and exemptions from road tax.
• Workplace Charging Scheme: The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for the installation of workplace charging points, making it easier for employees to charge their EVs while at work.
• Clean Air Zones: The government has established Clean Air Zones in several cities to reduce air pollution and encourage the uptake of EVs.
• Scrap page Scheme: The UK government has implemented a scrap page scheme that provides incentives for consumers to trade in their older, more polluting vehicles for newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles, including EVs.

The UK government has implemented a range of policies and initiatives to support the transition to EVs in the country. These measures aim to make EVs more reachable, convenient, and affordable for customers, helping to force the expansion of the EV marketplace and reduce air pollution.

Task 2:

2.1 Reflective Statement

Following the completion of my research on the topic of electric cars, I have learned a great understanding about the benefits and challenges of EVs, as well as the role that government policies and initiatives play in supporting the transition to these vehicles (Husebø et.al. 2015). Through this literature review, I have gained a deeper understanding of the potential of EVs to reduce environmental impact and create more sustainable transportation options, as well as the challenges that still need to be addressed to facilitate the widespread adoption of these vehicles.

One of the learning difficulties I encountered during my research was finding credible and up-to-date information on the subject. With the rapid pace of technological advancement and changing market conditions, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

In terms of academic challenges, I faced the challenge of synthesizing and organizing a large amount of information into a clear and concise overview of the subject. This required me to carefully evaluate the information I found, and to consider how best to present it in a way that would be useful and accessible to my audience.

One of the lessons I learned during this process is the importance of being able to evaluate and analyze information critically and make informed decisions based on the best available evidence. I also learned the importance of staying informed and up-to-date on developments in my field, to be able to provide accurate and relevant information to my audience.

Looking forward, I recognize the need to improve my research and writing skills, to be able to effectively communicate my findings to others. Additionally, I plan to seek out opportunities to learn more about the electric vehicle market and to stay informed about developments in this rapidly evolving field.

Gibbs' Reflective Cycle

Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is a comprehensive representation of structured expression that was first introduced by Graham Gibbs in 1988 (Potter, 2015). It is widely used in many different fields, including education, healthcare, social work and management, to facilitate personal and professional development.

Gibbs' Reflective Cycle includes six stages, which are designed to direct persons through the procedure of reflection as well as help them to make sense of their experiences. The six stages are:

• Description: In this stage, the individual describes the experience or situation that they are reflecting upon. This may include details such as the setting, who was involved, and what happened.
• Feelings: In this stage, the individual reflects on their emotions and feelings during the experience. They should consider how they felt at different points during the experience, and what factors contributed to those feelings. This stage helps the individual to gain insight into their emotional responses to the experience.
• Evaluation: In this stage, the individual evaluates the experience, considering both the positive and negative aspects. They should consider what worked well and what did not work well, and why. This stage helps the individual to gain a broader perspective on the experience and identify areas for improvement.
• Analysis: In this stage, the individual analyzes the experience, exploring the reasons for any positive or negative aspects. They should consider factors such as their actions, the actions of others, and the context of the experience (Dhaliwal et.al. 2018). This stage helps the individual to gain deeper insights into the experience and understand the factors that contributed to it.
• Conclusion: In this stage, the individual draws a conclusion about the experience, considering what was learned and how the experience may inform future action. They should consider what they would do differently in the future, and what they would keep the same. This stage helps the individual to see the broader implications of the experience and plan for future improvement.
• Action Plan: In the final stage, the individual develops an action plan to address any areas for improvement or to build on the strengths of the experience. This may involve setting specific goals, identifying actions to be taken, and developing a timeline for implementation. This stage helps the individual to put the lessons learned into action and to make meaningful changes in the future.

Figure 1 Gibbs reflective learning cycle

Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is a useful tool for individuals to reflect on their experiences and make improvements in the future. By using the cycle as a framework for reflection, individuals can gain new insights, develop a deeper understanding of their experiences, and make positive changes in the future

Applying Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to the topic of electric cars, to my reflection on the topic:

• Description: During this literature review, I explored the topic of electric cars, including the benefits and challenges of owning and operating an electric vehicle.
• Feelings: As I researched and wrote about the topic, I felt both excited and encouraged by the potential for EVs to reduce environmental impact and create more sustainable transportation options. At the same time, I also felt a sense of frustration about the challenges that still exist in terms of limited driving range and the need for more widespread charging infrastructure.
• Evaluation: Overall, I view electric cars as a positive and exciting development in the automotive industry, with many benefits for both consumers and the environment (Sicora, 2017). However, I also acknowledge that there are still challenges to overcome to facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs.
• Analysis: The limited driving range of EVs and the need for a more widespread charging infrastructure are the primary challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs. Additionally, the higher upfront cost of EVs compared to traditional vehicles is also a factor that needs to be considered.
• Conclusion: Through this literature review, I have learned that electric cars have the potential to play an important role in reducing environmental impact and creating more sustainable transportation options (Ahmed, 2019). However, there are still challenges to be overcome to facilitate widespread adoption of EVs.
• Action Plan: Based on my reflection, I plan to continue to stay informed about developments in the EV market and to advocate for policies and initiatives that support the transition to EVs. Additionally, I plan to consider an EV for my next vehicle purchase, as a way to personally contribute to the growth of this emerging technology.

Conclusion

The report concluded that electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining in popularity due to their environmental benefits, lower operating costs, improved performance, and quicker operation compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, including limited driving range, higher upfront cost, and the need for a well-developed charging infrastructure. The report also summarized that the UK government has implemented several policies and initiatives to support the transition to EVs in the country, including tax incentives, investment in charging infrastructure, and support for workplace charging. The report highlighted some important facts by carefully considering both the advantages and disadvantages of EVs and taking advantage of government support, consumers can help drive the growth of the EV market and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Recommendations

Based on the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles (EVs) discussed in this chat, the following recommendations can be made for individuals, businesses, and governments:

• For individuals: Consider the driving range and charging needs when choosing an EV, and take advantage of government incentives and subsidies to reduce the upfront cost of the vehicle. It is also suggested to plan for charging by locating the charging stations in advance and considering the installation of a home charging point.
• For businesses: Consider incorporating EVs into fleets to reduce operating costs, improve sustainability, and meet customer demand. Offer workplace charging to employees to make it easier for them to own and use an EV.
• For governments: Invest in charging infrastructure, including the installation of rapid chargers in key locations, to make EVs more convenient and accessible for consumers. Implement tax incentives and other financial incentives to encourage the uptake of EVs. Support the growth of battery recycling programs to reduce the environmental impact of battery production.

Reference List

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Ahmed, A.M., 2019. Students’ reflective journaling: An impactful strategy that informs instructional practices in an EFL writing university context in Qatar. Reflective Practice, 20(4), pp.483-500.

Barbarossa, C., De Pelsmacker, P. and Moons, I., 2017. Personal values, green self-identity and electric car adoption. Ecological Economics, 140, pp.190-200.

Chung, S.H. and Kwon, C., 2015. Multi-period planning for electric car charging station locations: A case of Korean Expressways. European Journal of Operational Research, 242(2), pp.677-687.

Coffman, M., Bernstein, P. and Wee, S., 2017. Electric vehicles revisited: a review of factors that affect adoption. Transport Reviews, 37(1), pp.79-93.

Deza, A., Huang, K. and Metel, M.R., 2022. Charging station optimization for balanced electric car sharing. Discrete Applied Mathematics, 308, pp.187-197.

Dhaliwal, U., Singh, S. and Singh, N., 2018. Reflective student narratives: honing professionalism and empathy. Indian J Med Ethics, 3(1), pp.9-15.

Du, J. and Ouyang, D., 2017. Progress of Chinese electric vehicles industrialization in 2015: A review. Applied Energy, 188, pp.529-546.

Helendenheld, 2021. Gibbs reflective learning cycle. (online) <https://helendenheld.com/tag/gibbs-reflective-learning-cycle/> accessed on 7 Feb 2023.

Holmberg, K. and Erdemir, A., 2019. The impact of tribology on energy use and CO2 emission globally and in combustion engine and electric cars. Tribology International, 135, pp.389-396.

Husebø, S.E., O'Regan, S. and Nestel, D., 2015. Reflective practice and its role in simulation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 11(8), pp.368-375.

Kim, J., Rasouli, S. and Timmermans, H., 2016. A hybrid choice model with a nonlinear utility function and bounded distribution for latent variables: application to purchase intention decisions of electric cars. Transportmetrica A: Transport Science, 12(10), pp.909-932.

Lutsey, N. and Nicholas, M., 2019. Update on electric vehicle costs in the United States through 2030. Int. Counc. Clean Transp, 12.

Potter, C., 2015. Leadership development: an applied comparison of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle and Scharmer’s Theory U. Industrial and Commercial Training.

Sicora, A., 2017. Reflective practice and learning from mistakes in social work. Bristol: Policy Press.

Wilberforce, T., El-Hassan, Z., Khatib, F.N., Al Makky, A., Baroutaji, A., Carton, J.G. and Olabi, A.G., 2017. Developments of electric cars and fuel cell hydrogen electric cars. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 42(40), pp.25695-25734.