The electric car is no longer the future, but our reality: here's why

Electric car news

You may think that the electric car is still a futuristic concept, reserved for early adopters and technology enthusiasts. Think again! The electric revolution is already well underway, radically transforming the automotive landscape before our eyes. Let's dive together into this fascinating reality that redefines our relationship with mobility.

The meteoric rise of electric vehicles in France

Forget the image of the electric car as a marginal gadget. In France, these vehicles have become a daily reality for hundreds of thousands of users. The figures speak for themselves: in 2023, registrations of electric cars saw spectacular growth of 47% compared to the previous yearnow representing more than 16% of new vehicle sales. The first 9 months of this year 2024 confirm the success with a stabilization of sales over the first part of the year and a clear acceleration since the start of the school year in September.

This explosion in sales can be explained by several factors. On the one hand, the manufacturers' offering has diversified considerably, offering models for all budgets and all uses. On the other hand, charging infrastructures are developing at high speed. France today has more than 145,000 public charging pointsmaking life much easier for electrical conductors.

Autonomy: the end of a stubborn myth

Autonomy is often cited as the main obstacle to the adoption of electric cars. However, this concern is more myth than reality. Technological advances in batteries have been dazzling in recent years. Today, many models offer more than enough autonomy to cover the daily needs of the vast majority of drivers.

Let's take some concrete examples:

• The Renault Scenic E-Tech offers up to 625 km of range and cycle WLTP
• The Tesla Model 3 Long Range can travel up to 678 km with a single charge
• Even more affordable models like the MG4 offer a range of up to 520 km
• City models like the Citroën ë-C3 offer more than 300 km of autonomy, more than necessary for daily journeys.

These figures should be put into perspective with the reality of daily travel. In France, 80% of daily journeys are less than 60 km. The range of modern electric cars therefore far exceeds the real needs of most drivers.

Charging: simpler and faster than you think

The other common concern concerns recharging. Here again, reality is much more reassuring than preconceived ideas. The majority of electric car owners recharge their vehicles at home, taking advantage of off-peak times to benefit from advantageous rates. A simple reinforced plug is enough for a full charge overnight.

For long journeys, the network of rapid terminals is growing rapidly. On the motorway, it is now possible to recover up to 300 km of autonomy in just 20 minutes on the most powerful chargers. Enough to have a peaceful coffee break!

Environmental impact: a positive assessment to be qualified

The ecological argument is often put forward to promote electric cars. And it is true that their carbon footprint is generally better than that of thermal vehicles, especially in a country like France where electricity is largely carbon-free.

However, this observation must be qualified. The production of batteries remains energy intensive and generates a significant carbon footprint. In addition, the extraction of the necessary raw materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) raises environmental and ethical questions.

To maximize the ecological benefits of electric cars, several avenues can be explored:

• Promote the recycling of end-of-life batteries
• Develop batteries using more sustainable and ethical materials
• Encourage energy efficiency by favoring lighter and less powerful models

Beyond the car: rethinking our mobility

While the electric car represents a major advance, it should not be considered the miracle solution to all our mobility problems. The ultimate objective must be to reduce our dependence on the individual car, whatever its engine.

This involves globally rethinking our modes of travel:

• Massively develop public transport, particularly in peri-urban areas
• Encourage gentle mobility (cycling, walking) for short journeys
• Promote carpooling and car sharing to optimize vehicle use

The electric car is therefore part of a broader mobility ecosystem, where it has its place without being a panacea.

Challenges to overcome for a successful transition

If the electric car is already a reality, its generalization still poses some challenges. The first concerns the purchase coststill high despite government aid. The arrival of more affordable models and the development of the second-hand market should gradually resolve this problem.

The strengthening of the electricity network is another major issue. The increase in the number of electric vehicles will require significant investments to adapt our energy infrastructure.

Finally, the training of professionals (garages, repairers, firefighters) to the specificities of electric vehicles is a crucial project to support this transition.

The electric car is no longer a futuristic concept, but rather a reality that is profoundly transforming our relationship with mobility. If it does not solve all the problems linked to individual transport, it represents a major step forward towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility. It's up to us to intelligently integrate it into a diversified and responsible transport ecosystem.

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