Electric cars … a technological revolution awaits solutions to the challenges...

Officials in automobile companies and representatives of their industry confirmed that the future is for smart electric vehicles, not for those that run on fuel, expecting many cars in the world to be electric in about 10 years, after overcoming some of the current challenges.

They explained to “Emirates Today” the factors that pose challenges to the spread of this type of environmentally friendly vehicles now, the most important of which are the high prices, the lack of charging stations, and the long shipping periods, compared to the speed of refueling in regular vehicles, and the spread of filling stations.

The officials of those companies reviewed the efforts made by the manufacturers to put electric vehicles on the market that meet the aspirations of the dealers, and answer their questions and observations related to the range the electric vehicle travels, which in some of them reach 565 kilometers when charging once, pointing out that the car sector is witnessing a technical revolution, The transition is made from internal combustion engines to vehicles with alternative propulsion systems.

They revealed that a number of major car dealerships are currently working to find new technology, so that electric and smart car charging operations are generally autonomous from the consumer’s home, and fast and take a short period.

Company «MG»

The general manager of MG cars, Tom Lee, said that the company will introduce two new plug-in hybrid vehicles, namely: “MG HS” and “MG 6”, at the beginning of 2021, pointing out that the technology for connecting to the Internet is from Fifth generation level will be available on the first vehicle.

He added to “Emirates Today” that “MG” launched at the end of last year its first fully electric vehicle in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the “MG ZS EV”, pointing out that this modern, compact, multi-use sports vehicle is based on the MG ZS, which witnesses strong sales. In the Middle East, it represents MG’s ambitious plans to become a leader in international markets with sales of new energy vehicles.

He assured me that the company has been focusing on developing new energy vehicles for several years, and this has been embodied in the development of eye-catching model cars such as the all-electric supercar “E-Motion”, the SUV model X-Motion, and finally the Cyberster Concept. Modularity, all based on innovation and modern technologies.

Governmental incentives

Regarding the reasons for the decline in the number of electric cars in the markets of the Gulf region, he told me: “In an oil-rich region known for its economical fuel prices, dealers tend to rely more on fuel-powered vehicles,” indicating that the region has recently witnessed positive steps in terms of government policies and incentives. Related to electric vehicles, in addition to the support available from government agencies and private companies, to develop the infrastructure for electric vehicles, which indicates a strong commitment on their part to put more electric vehicles on the roads of the region.

He explained that with the help of new government projects and incentives in the area of ​​electric vehicles, and the car manufacturers launching electric vehicles with improved specifications and at reasonable prices, it is then possible for dealers to think more about driving electric vehicles, pointing out that the operations of introducing electric cars are still limited, despite From its increase in recent years, due to the high prices, the lack of charging stations, and the long charging periods that they require, all of which are major challenges to their spread.

Kia Motors

For his part, President of Kia Motors Corporation, Han Woo Park, said that the company plans to launch a super electric car powered by a battery in 2021, and plans to establish a complete group of electric cars of 11 cars, achieving a 6.6% share of the electric car market, in addition to Increase the share of environmentally friendly cars to 25% of sales in 2025.

He revealed that Kia will focus in the coming period on increasing the spread of electric cars, expanding transportation services based on this type of vehicle, as well as autonomous driving, and entering the “custom built” car sector, which is expected to grow with the expansion of car-sharing and e-commerce projects in the future. .

He emphasized that Kia’s strategy focuses on the early and bold transition from a business system based on vehicles with internal combustion engines to a system focused on electric cars and customized transportation solutions.

Park added, “There are expectations that the global electric car market will gain more momentum in 2026, at a time when (Kia) aims to sell 50,000 electric cars annually and one million environmentally friendly cars globally (excluding China).”

He revealed that “Kia” will provide transportation services based on electric cars, as part of its business model, to help solve global problems in cities, such as harmful emissions to the environment, stressing that the automotive sector is currently undergoing major changes, and therefore, Kia Motors will adopt To innovate actively, to meet the challenges ahead.

«General Motors»

In the same context, Luay Al-Shurafa, President and Managing Director of General Motors’s Africa and Middle East Operations, said that the first-ever fully electric supercharger, the GMC Hummer EV, was the first electric addition to the GMC Group. Of trucks and SUVs.

He explained that the vehicle will be available in the Middle East market as of autumn 2022, noting that it is based on the next-generation Ultium electric propulsion technology, which provides unprecedented off-road capabilities and exceptional performance on normal roads.

He added that “General Motors” launched its first electric vehicle in the UAE in 2017, which is a “Chevrolet Bolt EV”, and at the “Dubai International Motor Show 2019” unveiled the “Bolt EV” for the year 2020, which has a longer distance than its predecessor, up to 565 kilometers when charging once, pointing out that by adding 45 kilometers to its range, the Bolt EV only needs to be recharged again, just as a car with an internal combustion engine needs to refuel with fuel, making it a practical car for daily use, perfectly suited to drivers Environmentalists.

Al-Shurafa stressed that this vehicle is just the beginning of a completely electric future, indicating that with the revolutionary technology adopted by General Motors, and the desire of dealers to obtain electric vehicles, the company will have a group of upcoming vehicles that will enhance its position in this sector. .

Technology revolution

Regarding the reasons for the lack of electric cars in the UAE market, Al-Shurafa said: “We are in the midst of a technical revolution, as the transition from internal combustion engines to vehicles with alternative propulsion systems is taking place. Perhaps this is the biggest change in the automotive sector since the car became available in general, and with a revolution. From this size there is always room for development ». Al-Shurafa affirmed GM’s commitment to a totally electric future. Therefore, it listens permanently and accurately to the questions, requirements and concerns of customers regarding electric vehicles, so that the company can make these vehicles more prevalent in general.

Dealers concerned

He continued: “Dealers are usually concerned about the range of electric vehicles, and in response to this we have developed a revolutionary model in the electric vehicle sector via the (Chevrolet Bolt EV), which is characterized by the ability to travel up to 565 kilometers after a single charge for the 2020 model year. As for two models that will soon be launched, the (Cadillac LYRIQ) sport utility vehicle (SUV) and the pickup truck (GMC Hummer EV), which will allow long travel thanks to the exclusive Ultium battery system from (General Motors), which takes away the shoulders. Dealers concern related to the range ».

He emphasized that the company is working with government agencies and strategic partners to educate customers and build supportive environmental systems that enable every driver to consider an electric vehicle as a viable alternative to an internal combustion engine.

“Volkswagen”

In addition, General Manager of Volkswagen at Ali and Sons Company, Ammar Al-Jehani, said that the future is for smart cars that operate with electricity, not those that operate on fuel, stressing that many cars in the world will be electric within about 10 years after overcoming On some current challenges.

Al-Juhmani explained that a number of major car dealerships are currently working to find new technology to make electric and smart car charging operations generally autonomous from the consumer’s home, and quickly and takes a short period.

He added that the spread of electric cars is not currently widespread in the whole world, and their number is still very few, due to the presence of many difficulties associated with them, foremost of which is the lack of charging stations, and the need to charge the car for long periods of up to three or four hours, unlike vehicles that operate on fuel. With the widespread spread of filling stations everywhere, packing in just minutes.

Al-Jehani also pointed out that the prices of electric cars are high and not within the reach of many consumers, in addition to the existence of battery problems in some types, in light of the high temperatures in the Gulf region.

He stated that «Volkswagen» launched the electric vehicle «ID 3» in Europe before, and is currently preparing to launch the vehicle «ID 4» next year, and is awaiting the completion of the necessary infrastructure in the UAE and Gulf markets for these cars, to be launched in the region.

Consumers: Inflated “electric” prices, but better

Consumers agreed that the prices of electric cars are exaggerated, and it is the biggest challenge that hinders and makes it difficult to purchase them, along with charging stations, pointing out that offering cars at prices close to their fuel-powered counterparts will increase the chances of acquiring them in the coming period.

They explained to “Emirates Today” that electric cars in the country’s market are still limited, despite the advantages that consumers receive, the most important of which is the simple overall operating cost and its environmental impact.

Great price hike

In detail, consumer Ibrahim Mustafa said that he was reluctant to buy an electric car after noticing the significant increase in its prices compared to fuel-powered vehicles.

He added: “I found a small electric car of American origin at a price starting at 177,000 dirhams, although it is possible to buy a car of the same brand of the four-wheel drive category at a price of about 100,000 dirhams only, with high specifications and capabilities.”

Limited potential

For his part, consumer Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid said that the prices of electric cars in the local markets are exaggerated and do not encourage their acquisition, especially with the limited availability of the offered types, and most of them do not fit the needs of a large number of consumers.

Abdul Hamid was surprised by the introduction of a small electric car of European origin at a price starting at 137,000 dirhams, although it is not suitable for large families, as well as it has limited capabilities, pointing out that the travel conditions between the emirates of the country, especially for employees, make it difficult to make a decision to buy A small electric car, with the ability to purchase a fuel-powered car at a lower price, and suitable for outdoor road speeds.

Price gap

Consumer Iyad Moataz agreed that there is a large price gap between electric and traditional fuel-powered cars, which is a major challenge to buying an electric car, calling for the necessity to offer cars of that quality at low prices, or at the very least the convergence of prices for fuel-powered cars of similar categories. He said that he found an electric sports car of European origin at a price of about 430 thousand dirhams, at a time when it is possible to buy fuel-powered and similar vehicles at lower prices.

Diversification of electric models

Consumer Saif Abdel Aziz said that it is important for local auto agencies to provide electric cars at low prices, or close to the price of operating with fuel, in addition to the necessity to provide models with a variety of sizes and specifications, so that alternatives are available for consumers, and to contribute to motivating them to buy that quality. Of cars.

Resale and maintenance

Consumer Ayman Sayed said that it is not logical for the consumer to own a small electric car at a price of 177 thousand dirhams, just because it is electric and environmentally friendly, while he can buy a large car with high specifications and in the four-wheel drive category at a price close to or less than 100 thousand dirhams.

He pointed out that electric cars are still new to the market, and therefore they do not have good resale characteristics compared to traditional fuel-powered cars.

He pointed out that a large number of consumers are still afraid of buying an electric car, for reasons related to its maintenance and availability of spare parts after its use for years, in addition to the fact that the exaggerated prices, which are a major obstacle and challenge, do not stimulate the acquisition of these types of cars.

He continued, “It is important to offer electric cars at low prices, with expanded incentives that encourage different groups of consumers to buy them, which contributes to the gradual spread of them, and makes them familiar on the roads, in a way that removes the fear of some consumers about their acquisition.”

Challenging charging stations

Consumer Amira Ali said that the main challenge facing the spread of electric cars is charging stations, or converting them to the possibility of charging from home.

She emphasized that the price discrepancy between electric and fuel-powered cars would be in the interest of the former if it was limited, as everyone would like to reduce their level of consumption of fossil fuels.

She added that she is seriously considering replacing her cars with hybrid ones, especially if attractive price offers are available from car agencies, noting that the advantages of electric cars are great, but consumers need to increase their awareness of the environmental and economic aspects of their use.

Operating cost and environmental impact

Consumer Ahmed Mohamed Othman said that the advantages that consumers get from hybrid cars are many, the most important of which is the simple total operating cost and its environmental impact, as it does not pollute the environment like traditional cars, which is something we all benefit from.

He continued, “I have not yet owned a hybrid or electric car, but I have read a lot about the high levels of performance, which motivates my desire to own one of these cars in the event that charging stations are available.” He expects the demand for hybrid electric vehicles to grow in the coming years.

– The region witnessed positive steps in terms of government policies and incentives related to electric vehicles.

Research to find technology in which electric and smart cars are generally self-charging from home.

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