The automotive industry is in full metamorphosis, driven by the urgent need to reduce polluting emissions and move towards a sustainable mobility model. In this scenario, electric vehicles (EV) emerge as the most promising alternative in the long term. However, the reality of the market shows a panorama where hybrid cars, with their discourse of ecological transition, are gaining ground by leaps and bounds.
Although at first glance it seems that any step towards electrification is positive, the proliferation of hybrids could be camouflaging an underlying problem, acting as an obstacle in the transition towards truly clean mobility.
It is undeniable that hybrid cars, compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles, offer certain advantages: in addition to being able to obtain fuel anywhere, they consume slightly less fuel, reduce their emissions in the city and obtain an ECO label that facilitates mobility in areas with restrictions. However, this green appearance is quite misleading.
Firstly, the emissions reduction of hybrids is notably lower than that of 100% electric vehicles. A study by the Transport & Environment organization revealed that plug-in hybrids pollute up to 2.5 times more than their manufacturers declare, especially on long journeys where the battery runs out and the combustion engine takes over.
On the other hand, the ECO label, used as a sales argument, becomes a double-edged sword. Although it facilitates mobility in cities with restrictions, it perpetuates dependence on fossil fuels and does not encourage investment in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The traditional automotive industry, accustomed to a business model based on the mass production of combustion vehicles, has shown some reluctance to fully embrace electrification. In this context, hybrids are presented as an intermediate solution, a bridge to progressively adapt to new market demands and, at the same time, continue exploiting existing technologies and generating very good economic benefits.
European (and North American) car manufacturers, to protect their interests, get their governments to increase taxes on Chinese electric cars, which will harm them in the long term. Well, Chinese manufacturers will continue to improve their cars and adjust their prices, and as time goes by, European (and North American) manufacturers will have a harder time competing with them. I think the Chinese have already won the electric car war.
The timidity in the commitment to electric vehicles is not limited only to the automotive industry. Factors such as the still high purchase price, the lack of a robust charging infrastructure and the limited autonomy of the batteries continue to be barriers for many potential buyers.
While it is true that some governments are implementing policies to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles, such as subsidies or tax exemptions, there is still much to do. The creation of a fast and accessible charging network throughout the territory, together with information campaigns that debunk myths and promote confidence in electrical technology, are essential to accelerate the transition.
While Western industry is torn between hybridization and total electrification, China has decidedly opted for electric vehicles, becoming a world leader in production, sales and innovation in this sector.
This exponential advance of the Chinese industry has generated concern in some sectors, which perceive it as a threat to the competitiveness of the Western market. However, this situation can also be interpreted as an opportunity to promote innovation and collaboration between different actors in the sector at a global level.
The transition towards sustainable mobility cannot depend solely on partial solutions or the search for immediate benefit. A paradigm shift is necessary that involves all the actors involved: governments, industry and consumers.
Governments must implement ambitious policies that encourage research, development and production of electric vehicles, along with the creation of efficient and accessible charging infrastructure.
The automotive industry, for its part, must make a real commitment to sustainability, betting on technological innovation and large-scale production of electric vehicles at competitive prices.
Finally, consumers play a fundamental role in this equation. A change of mentality is necessary that prioritizes sustainable mobility and opts for electric vehicles as a real and viable alternative.
The proliferation of hybrid cars, although for some it may seem like a step in the right direction, is still a short-term solution that may be slowing down the transition towards a truly sustainable mobility model. In other words, a big mistake.
The commitment to electric vehicles, with a clear commitment on the part of the industry and governments, is the only way to achieve a cleaner and more efficient future in terms of mobility. It is time to leave half measures behind and embrace electrification as the path to a greener future.
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