MUSCAT : Taking a cue from all the evolutionary theories that typically establish growth/change as a linear progression, here is a quick look at the present and the future of electric vehicles, which, seemingly, appears to be the final installment in the schematic evolutionary process.

First off, are you ready to embrace the concept of electric vehicles (EV)? 

As humans, we are all slaves to our habits, and anything new is best viewed from afar before taking tentative steps closer to check if it has any might to fulfill our requirements. For, adapting to the new also means unlearning the old. It demands concerted efforts to find a harmonious foothold to let go of the learned behavior and champion an all new terrain.

With electric vehicles, the dilemma for ‘I-don’t-like-to-try-new-things’ folks is not as much about accepting that the change is inevitable, but assessing whether that change will sustain them in the future. It calls for a mindset shift to shed the cloak of traditional cars and don the new EV garb. For car enthusiasts who have grown on the sounds of speeding cars and the crunches of sudden brakes, the silence can be deafening; it just might seem like someone has taken the fun element out of a ride in an amusement park.

What this calls for is a change in perception; an understanding of the whys and the hows of the EVs in achieving the sustainability agenda.

Why opt for EV

EVs are not new to the world of transportation. In fact, they predate gasoline-powered cars. According to online resources, experimental prototypes of EVs emerged in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the UK around the 1830s. Thomas Davenport, a Vermont Blacksmith, is attributed as the builder of the first practical car with an electric motor in 1835. It did not take off, however, owing to the production costs and the low range.

The reason EVs have come under sharp spotlight now has everything to do with sustainable development goals adopted by countries around the world. The impending shift to EVs is seen as a crucial part of the transition to a clean energy future; it is classified as a sustainable and less polluting alternative. Pure electric cars produce no carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions while on the road; which, of course, translates as cleaner, pollution-free cities and streets.

Challenges 

It’s a given – the future of automotive transport is EV. All roads are literally leading to that impending future. But, how ready are road users to make that transition – not just ready to change the mindset and adapt the new trend? 

Like anything new, EVs also come with their share of challenges.

Foremost is the initial cost involved in purchasing an EV, which can seem to be a dampener. But for customers in Oman, the availability of rebates and tax exemptions ought to make the transition smoother without burning a crater in the wallet. Besides, auto experts believe that with improvements in technology and fall in production costs, the upfront cost of electric vehicles will continue to come down.

Availability of charging stations is another concern, as they are not as readily available as fuel stations which are located in almost every nook and corner of the country. Oman, however, has made concerted efforts to leverage the EV momentum by setting close to 100 charging stations; more stations will further bolster the confidence of customers who are still weighing the pros and cons. What is also important to note here is the speed – the charging speed of a station can vary depending on the type of station and the capacity of the vehicle’s battery. Maintenance is another issue which will reflect differently on an EV. It will require specialized technicians to handle repairs and maintenance and that might initially prove to be an expensive affair.

Perhaps, the biggest challenge for car enthusiasts is the range offered by EVs, which is also dependent on the driving conditions. Although many do have ranges of over 200 miles, it is comparatively lesser than the conventional cars. 

Will that put a spoke in the wheel of EVs future? Perhaps not; the issue is much larger than speed, cost and range – it is a matter of environment conservation.

For a smooth EV adoption, the following factors are pertinent: 

• Incentives from the government 
• Individual concern for environment
• Affordability of new technology

Oman’s EV stance

Oman is targeting 79% of electric vehicles by 2035 and has developed an electric vehicle infrastructure through collaboration between Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) and Synergy Investment LLC to establish Electric Vehicles One (EVO).

EVO’s business activities will primarily focus on trading, installation, operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations as well as other services and products that complement Oman’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology estimates the country to have at least 22,000 new electric vehicles on roads by 2040 and expects to phase out all fossil fuel powered vehicles by 2050. To complement this ambitious framework, the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has introduced regulations governing charging of electric vehicles.

The Ministry has already installed 90 charging stations across the sultanate in an effort to encourage adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce carbon emissions.

The wait and watch game, in this part of the world, will, obviously, run in favour of electric vehicles, more so with Oman’s government investing time and resource to boost the sector, alongside exemptions from value-added tax, customs tax and registration fee for buyers.

So, are you set for EV?