Electrics fail to spark
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• A major study of electric vehicles (EVs) has concluded that they will not gain a significant part of the vehicle market in the foreseeable future. The report, Electric Vehicles—A Realistic Alternative?, has been produced by automotive consultancy firms European Automotive Research, Graham Atkin Consultants and Marketing Systems GmbH.
It criticises those who claim that developments in aerodynamics, structures and components will make EVs competi
tive while failing to account for improvements in internal-combustion-engined vehicles (ICEVs). The study reveals misconceptions over longevity and depreciation. It examines electric and IC versions of the Daihatsu Hijet microvan and concludes "the depreciation patterns of EVs seem likely to be higher those of ICEVs".
Battery technology is the major limit to the development of EVs: the study concludes there is currently no viable alternative to lead-acid batteries.