The age of fast and furious car show-offs is over, the loud combustion engine sound is over – it will be replaced by a quieter electric machine. This is the beginning of an existential crisis for the combustion engine. The humble car is undergoing a major paradigm shift. Manufacturing of cars is slowly inching towards electric and automated future. The 21st century has seen the gradual flip -strategies put in place to phase out diesel and petrol-based cars. Governments have placed in strict red tapes for the future – India has announced it will no longer allow any new sale of combustion engines by 2030. That’s less than 10 years away. Other governments have joined the pact and promised to announce to phase out petrol and diesel cars in the coming years. While these announcements are to create positive image for the current government, the message is loud and clear. Tesla has started an energy revolution and a network of Tesla Charging to create it’s own market
Despite the currency difference, tax imports and government incentives. Retail car manufacturer of the most sold cars are starting to dip their toes into water. The basic and consumer-favourable car brands are starting to notice the high cost associated with the battery tech. Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley reports “customers do not want to or cannot afford to pay that much up front”. The hybrid car combines the best of the both worlds are gives customers an electric car coupled with affordable prices. Recently Toyota was stunned when its RAV4 hybrid was outstripped in the demand compared to its RAV4 petrol brother by 2 times. This has lead to Toyota introducing the Rav 4 Plug in to compete with the upcoming Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y has the advantage of the large Tesla Destination Charger network.
The sports cars that were famous for its loud noises and outraging performances are also being held hostage. The Next Gen Ford Mustang is introducing a fully electric option to sell along side its V8. Cars that were famous for burnouts and drifts have taken a green approach. The Ford Mustang’s V8 is replaced with a dual core electric motor and dual power inverters powered by an 800V Mustang Lithium. Not just Mustang, GMC hummer is ditching the thirsty V-8 gas engines for battery packs and electric motors. It is transitioning to EV, open air design with over 1,000 horsepower that will deliver 0-100km/h in 3 seconds. This performance cars are designed to compete with the flagship Tesla Model 3 dual motor and Model S 100D. They’re also designed to charge at maximum speeds both on DC and AC charging stations. This matches their performance requirements. Customers with Tesla enjoy access to the Tesla supercharger network and the Tesla Destination Chargers. With the advent of EV’s drivers will require a Tesla charger installation at home to service their needs.
Both iconic cars have started to make some quiet noise, this is been contagious and spilling into the motorcycle industry. The daring Harley Davidson motorcycles have turned to the other cheek and directed some of its efforts away from rumbling V-twin engine to an all-electric vehicle. The current release for the Australian market is predicted to be in late 2020. The retail price is expected to be for $30,000. A daunting prospect, manufacturers have reported to include DC fast charging using the CCS socket.
The image of the loud racing sounds of the engine will be eerily silenced by the electric motors in these monstrosity vehicles. Maybe the races in movies will be quiet, maybe neighbourhoods will be quiet. But one thing that’s for sure, EV’s are here to stay not matter if they are electric.