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Build Your Dreams: Are Electric Vehicles the Future of Transportation?

  • Writer: Emanuelle Wong
    Emanuelle Wong
  • Oct 7
  • 3 min read
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“In the future, cars will be able to fly”- well, we’re not quite there yet but transportation has constantly been evolving to be faster, better, and more comfortable for the average passenger. For many of us, cars are the go-to mode of private transportation- after all, who doesn’t want to be a passenger princess? And although our cars still run on the road, a rising star of automobiles has become a formidable force for the future and forms a stark contrast to the exhaust fumes and roaring engines- yes, it’s none other than the electric vehicle- or EVs as they are commonly known.


Back to the Future


EVs refer to any vehicles that are powered by electricity and include fully-electric, battery-powered vehicles (BEVs) as well as hybrid models that contain internal combustion engines which use liquid fuels (PHEVs). Although the concept resembles futuristic, newfangled ideas found in sci-fi movies, the history of EVs can be traced back to the 19th century when motorised carriages with renewable batteries were first assembled by Scotland-born chemist William Morrison. In fact, US President William McKinley was sent to hospital via an electric-powered ambulance after his assassination in 1901. Since then, many innovative inventors and manufacturers have dabbled in the production of EVs, from boats to the Lunar Roving Vehicles (LRVs) famously featured in NASA’s Apollo programme.


A Cleaner Environment, A Better World


As the world moves towards a sustainable future, lowering carbon emissions and leveraging renewable energy has become increasingly relevant in the automotive industry. According to figures from the Electric Vehicle Council, although BEVs contain more embedded emissions from battery production, they save approximately 3 tonnes of carbon dioxide as compared to equivalent petrol cars over their lifetime. In addition, cars will produce lower emissions in the future as more renewable energy sources are used to power electricity grids in Australia. 


In China, the EV market has flourished into a tech hub with global market leaders such as BYD and startups. Fueled by strategic planning and government funding, both manufacturers and customers are drawn to EVs for their reliability, attractiveness, and cost-effectiveness. For example, one initiative involves providing subsidies to the general public for trading in non-electric cars for an EV. Subsidised rates at public charging stations have further reduced the cost of charging an EV, making it more affordable than refuelling a conventional petrol car. Indeed, the results are evident- electric cars made up almost 50% of cars sold in 2024.


Fact or Myth?


According to a study published in Nature Energy, many people expressed genuine concerns that EV batteries would run out before reaching a destination due to inadequate charging facilities. However, as usage of EVs becomes more widespread, conspiracy theories and myths have also begun to run rampant. Misleading information has led to concerns over health, safety, and even data privacy. For example, EVs have been described as prone to combustion and their batteries susceptible to catching fire. Moreover, some conspiracy theorists claim that EVs are part of a secret government agenda to control the masses. These unbacked claims and the large extent of acceptance pose “a significant challenge to the global transition to more sustainable transport,” states Chris Bretter from the University of Queensland. 


A Bright Future


Nevertheless, the future of EVs is bright- a 35% year-on-year increase in sales has been observed in the market and many countries have pledged to eliminate internal combustion engines as part of sustainable development goals. The Australian Government has set a target to reduce emissions to 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035 and EVs will play an immense role. But before then, developments in infrastructure and changes in public perception may have to take place. 


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