The automotive industry has become one of the most important world-wide industries, not only at economic level, but also in terms of research and development. Increasingly, there are more technological elements that are being introduced on the vehicles towards the improvement of both passengers and pedestrians’ safety. In addition, there is a greater number of vehicles on the roads, which allows for us to move quickly and comfortably. However, this has led to a dramatic increase in air pollution levels in urban environments (i.e., pollutants, such as PM, nitrogen oxides (NOX), CO, sulfur dioxide (SO2), etc.).
In addition, and according to a report by the European Union, the transport sector is responsible for nearly 28% of the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, while the road transport is accountable for over 70% of the transport sector emissions [1]. Therefore, the authorities of most developed countries are encouraging the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) to avoid the concentration of air pollutants, CO2, as well as other greenhouse gases. More specifically, they promote sustainable and efficient mobility through different initiatives, mainly through tax incentives, purchase aids, or other special measures, such as free public parking or the free use of motorways. EVs offer the following advantages over traditional vehicles:
- Zero emissions: this type of vehicles neither emit tailpipe pollutants, CO2, nor nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Also, the manufacture processes tend to be more respectful with the environment, although battery manufacturing adversely affects carbon footprint.
- Simplicity: the number of Electric Vehicle (EV) engine elements is smaller, which leads to a much cheaper maintenance. The engines are simpler and more compact, they do not need a cooling circuit, and neither is necessary for incorporating gearshift, clutch, or elements that reduce the engine noise.
- Reliability: having less, and more simple, components makes this type of vehicles have fewer breakdowns. In addition, EVs do not suffer of the inherent wear and tear produced by engine explosions, vibrations, or fuel corrosion.
- Cost: the maintenance cost of the vehicle and the cost of the electricity required is much lower in comparison to maintenance and fuel costs of traditional combustion vehicles. The energy cost per kilometer is significantly lower in EVs than in traditional vehicles, as shown in Figure 1.
- Comfort: traveling in EVs is more comfortable, due to the absence of vibrations or engine noise [2].
- Efficiency: EVs are more efficient than traditional vehicles. However, the overall well to wheel (WTW) efficiency will also depend on the power plant efficiency. For instance, total WTW efficiency of gasoline vehicles ranges from 11% to 27%, whereas diesel vehicles range from 25% to 37% [3]. By contrast, EVs fed by a natural gas power plant show a WTW efficiency that ranges from 13% to 31%, whereas EVs fed by renewable energy show an overall efficiency up to 70%.
- Accessibility: this type of vehicle allows for access to urban areas that are not allowed to other combustion vehicles (e.g., low emissions zones). EVs do not suffer from the same traffic restrictions in large cities, especially at high peaks of contamination level. Interestingly, there was a recent OECD study that suggests that, at least in terms of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions, EVs will unfortunately not improve the air quality situation