Originally published on EVANNEX.
Many observers predict that the global switch to electric cars will come much earlier than expected. Now the BBC is also getting involved in the fight. “What makes the end of the internal combustion engine inevitable is a technological revolution. And technological revolutions tend to happen very quickly … [and] this revolution will be electric, ”reports Justin Rowlett of the BBC.
Rowlett cites the internet revolution of the late 1990s as an example. “For those who haven’t logged in yet [to the internet] it all seemed exciting and interesting, but irrelevant – how useful could computer communication be? After all, we have phones! But, like all successful new technologies, the Internet did not follow a linear path to world domination. … Its growth has been explosive and disruptive, ”notes Rowlett.
Tesla taxi in Paris, France. Photo by Cynthia Shahan, CleanTechnica.
How quickly will electric cars become mainstream? “The answer is very quick. Like the internet in the 1990s, the electric car market is growing exponentially. Worldwide sales of electric cars rose rapidly in 2020 and rose by 43% to a total of 3.2 million.
Rowlett says, “We are in the midst of the greatest revolution in motoring since Henry Ford’s first production line started spinning in 1913.”
Do you want more evidence? “The big automakers in the world think [so]… General Motors says it will only manufacture electric vehicles by 2035, Ford says that all vehicles sold in Europe will be electric by 2030 and VW says that 70% of its sales will be electric by 2030. “
And the world’s luxury car manufacturers are also involved: “Jaguar only wants to sell electric cars from 2025, Volvo from 2030 and [recently] The British sports car manufacturer Lotus said it would follow suit and only sell electric models from 2028. “
Rowlett spoke to Quentin Wilson, former Top Gear host, to hear his thoughts on the electric revolution. Once critical of electric cars, Wilson adores his new Tesla Model 3 and notes, “It’s extremely comfortable, it’s airy, it’s light. It’s just a total joy. And now I would tell you in no uncertain terms that I would never return. “
Do you value the originality of CleanTechnica? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica member, supporter, technician, or ambassador – or a patron on Patreon.
Do you have a tip for CleanTechnica, would you like to advertise or would you like to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk Podcast? Contact us here.
