Dear battery
According to some captains of industry, the battery alone represents 35% of the price of an electric vehicle. To reduce costs, many manufacturers are turning to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology, which is cheaper to produce than the current nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) assembly. An LFP battery is also less likely to catch fire and does not require so-called critical metals. On the other hand, its energy density is lower than that of its NMC equivalent and it is apparently more allergic to cold.
We moderate our transport
The debate over electric vehicle batteries does not stop at their cost. There is also a lot of discussion about their size. Without questioning the benefits of electric vehicles, many environmentalists contest the use of high density batteries which take much longer to repay their carbon debt compared to a thermal vehicle. According to several studies, the ideal size of a battery should not exceed 60 kWh to have an almost immediate impact on the environment. A small battery equals a small battery life. And here comes the anxiety. However, research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology concluded that an electric vehicle with a range of 70 miles is enough to meet the daily needs of 87% of American motorists.
We keep the same
The lower-than-anticipated demand for electric vehicles is not only encouraging manufacturers to slow down. The tire industry will also no longer allocate as many resources to creating tires that are better suited (longevity, noise level, rolling resistance) to the characteristics specific to electric vehicles. “There will be little change to our existing ranges as long as we do not see more sustained consumer enthusiasm,” a manager in this sector of activity tells us.
Propulsion and winter
PHOTO PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN
The Volkswagen ID.4 is offered at entry level with two-wheel drive at the rear.
Should we be afraid of purchasing an electric vehicle whose drive wheels are only at the rear (propulsion)? The question comes up often. In most cases, propulsion is sufficient, as long as the vehicle is fitted with high-performance winter tires. The weight of the vehicle and the presence of numerous driving aids will provide all the traction and stability required to face the white season on a daily basis. On the other hand, if the topography of the road is made up of numerous slopes or if your travels take you on very snowy paths, using all-wheel drive could prove to be a more judicious option.