People Are Using Electricity As An Alternative

[uneng]

Each new day I see more and more electric cars on the streets, mainly the ones who are destined to be used by Uber drivers. The change is real and noticiable in daily life. The tendency is that it continues like this along the next 3 or 4 years, unless batteries get too expensive or don't last long enough as expected.

I was watching an Al Jazeera programme this morning. It was a programme on the oil crisis, the effect of the war in Ukraine and Iran, and its effect on economies. The man being interviewed said that about 5 years ago, only 5% of all cars sold were electric vehicles, but today, he said over 20% of cars sold are electric vehicles, and this year alone, the number has spiked.
I think this will continue to increase as time goes on.
It's only in underdeveloped countries that don't have steady electricity that electric vehicles are not very popular. Within the next decades, many more people will switch to electric vehicles, especially people who use them to work for money. It's draining when you have to spend so much on petrol or diesel with inflation increaing so muc.  

I ask myself what is going to happen to the oil industry once it happens. Are those wealthy guys going to accept the transition from dirty to clean energy? How are they going to maintain their empires built over oil from now on? What are they going to use to replace oil as their main activity?

I remember 5-10 years ago many people didn't believe this change would happen, but it's happening in front of our eyes, and it's undeniable.

[Cheema02]

Globally, every country is shifting to electric vehicles. Even the major oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia are now taking steps towards lithium mining for electric vehicle production. Currently, electric vehicles have been introduced in Pakistan, so I think it's a very good initiative because in oil-dependent countries it's a very important step to reduce oil consumption. Nowadays, EV cars and bikes have become very popular, especially bikes making their place in middle-class households.

As we know, it's a new technology, so people are facing a lot of problems, like in Pakistan, no proper charging facilities are available and there are also no repair facilities. Battery replacement costs are also very high, and it's a major problem for the middle class. What's your opinion about buying electric bikes for Pakistani people as electricity costs are also high in Pakistan? I think in Pakistan in the past few years, people have installed solar systems, so first people should purchase solar systems then go to purchase e-bikes.

[Zaka1221]

Electric vehicles are becoming very common but it is very unrealistic to say that they are going to replace oil in next 3 to 4 years. Even in the next couple of decades, diesel and petrol will be equally needed for heavy transportation, industries and aviation. But for daily life commuting, electric bikes and electric cars are the better option because they cost less to operate and maintenance costs are also low. Your example shows how much money a person can save over a period of time. If electricity can be available through solar panels, then a person can save even more but the initial cost of these vehicles, the amount they have to pay for the replacement of the batteries, and charging facilities are quite high. The future is going to reduce our dependence on oil rather than completely replacing it with electricity.

[Xackie]

Electric vehicles are becoming very common but it is very unrealistic to say that they are going to replace oil in next 3 to 4 years. Even in the next couple of decades, diesel and petrol will be equally needed for heavy transportation, industries and aviation. But for daily life commuting, electric bikes and electric cars are the better option because they cost less to operate and maintenance costs are also low. Your example shows how much money a person can save over a period of time. If electricity can be available through solar panels, then a person can save even more but the initial cost of these vehicles, the amount they have to pay for the replacement of the batteries, and charging facilities are quite high. The future is going to reduce our dependence on oil rather than completely replacing it with electricity.

I bet people with electric vehicles and solar powered homes must be smiling now. With the way petrol price has risen has surge massively, this is kind of time that renewable energy becomes very important. Regardless of that there's no way renewable energy will replace Crude oil in the next 4 years. We get alot of things from Crude apart from it's fuel components, e.g petrochemical products like plastics, nylon, solvents, detergent, petroleum jelly, Road construction materials like Asphalt, bitumen and so many more. Even the lubrication most of these renewable (electrical) energy will to prevent frictions are gotten from Crude oil. China that is the leading nation with the most  renewable energy source and usage are still importing millions of barrels of oil because they need it for their industries and heavy  machineries.

[Sobz]

Do you think electricity can replace oil in the next 3-4 years or a decade?

People are already tired of crude, petro because of how the government is playing politics with it. Some people csn afford fuel but tyry are tired of buying it always for their cars and power plants everyday. Before many people do depend on fuel for their plants that generates electricity but now their is solar that generates steady electricity and once you are able to afford it, you dont have to spend money again to get electricity. For the fact that the price of fuel is increasing,  in the future will have a better alternative.

[Barcode_]

Electric cars are definitely an alternative choice for replacing cars that runs on petrol since oil prices are skyrocketing due to the Iran war and also with the widening of the war among other gulf nations but it also requires the government of the country willing to support their citizens transitioning from petrol car to electric car. The government of the country will need to build more carparks with parking lots that could charge electric car and also to build a recycle plant that are able to recycle the electric cars batteries properly in order to protect their own environment. I believe it might not be that easy for some countries to pivot entirely into electric cars yet, but it is surely a growing trend that will continue to grow over time.

[Silverstonez]

Do you think electricity can replace oil in the next 3-4 years or a decade?

I don’t think so because those countries that depend heavily on oil production won’t allow it happen. I believe they will do everything within their power to protect their economic interests and maintain their dominance in the oil market. Although, people are now gradually moving to electric vehicles and it is already looking like they are becoming a serious threat to the dominance of oil producing countries in global energy market.

[Davidvictorson]

Oil prices are going up earlier and currently as well. People usually prefer chargeable vehicles now a days and many have it now , the environment and the trends are changing. And as a whole it seems that electric vehicles has an advantage, because a middle man can afford to have solar panels and later on the electricity for a day at least. Charging it for an hour or two could provide quite enough of ride.
The price of oil will increase with time because inflation is taking cover of the world day after day and month after month and this year was too much.

I have a motor bike that costs approximately 30-50 dollars a month depends on the destination. While a friend of mine has a chargeable bike since 6 years and he has covered more than 100 thousand kilometers till now and has saved about 2500 dollars, that is actually too much for a middle class person. He just changes battery after a year or two and the rest is saved. I am just thinking of replacing my bike to electric as well.

Do you think electricity can replace oil in the next 3-4 years or a decade?

I don’t think the specific reason is electricity replacing oil in the next 3 to 4 years. I think the reason for all of these is to reduce their emissions on gas dependent vehicles. These emissions are not safe for the environment in terms of air quality. However, electric powered vehicles do not produce any emissions that are harmful to the environment and that is why they are nice. They still have their own unique issues. In many years to come I don’t know if it will be within the 3 to 4 decade you mentioned or more than that we would have maybe more electric vehicles compared to gas powered vehicles or damage may just be the same and for these to happen, the price of the electric powered vehicle has to be affordable for the regular individual. Because they are really pricey.

[tiCeR]

...

I don’t think the specific reason is electricity replacing oil in the next 3 to 4 years. I think the reason for all of these is to reduce their emissions on gas dependent vehicles. These emissions are not safe for the environment in terms of air quality. However, electric powered vehicles do not produce any emissions that are harmful to the environment and that is why they are nice. They still have their own unique issues. In many years to come I don’t know if it will be within the 3 to 4 decade you mentioned or more than that we would have maybe more electric vehicles compared to gas powered vehicles or damage may just be the same and for these to happen, the price of the electric powered vehicle has to be affordable for the regular individual. Because they are really pricey.

I don't know how long we are away from self-driving cars to take over most of the traffic volume, but I think that electric cars will go through the roof in numbers by then as automating traffic logistics is probably much easier done with electricity than it is with gas. They can put up charging spots essentially everywhere they want whereas they can't do the same with gas. For just practical reasons I believe that the increase in electricity used for transportation will massively accelerate over the coming years. The low number of charging spots has been one of the bottle necks.

I really can't imagine that this will take another three decades. I just don't think so. You never know, but what the world is learning now is that there is a lot of uncertainty involved with fossil fuels. Strait of Hormus, other routes. I know that Saudi Arabia now began to build an alternative route, but wherever appropriate, renewable energy could be a very valid alternative if done correctly.

And nuclear power plants will probably see a comeback as lots of new ones are in production across the world already.

[Alpha Marine]

I ask myself what is going to happen to the oil industry once it happens. Are those wealthy guys going to accept the transition from dirty to clean energy? How are they going to maintain their empires built over oil from now on? What are they going to use to replace oil as their main activity?

I remember 5-10 years ago many people didn't believe this change would happen, but it's happening in front of our eyes, and it's undeniable.

They don't have to worry about anything, at least not for a very long time. Oil is still going to be very relevant. Even though more people will transition into green energy, the world is still going to need oil. What would happen is that a lesser percentage of energy will come from oil. Let's say about 30%, and that is enough to continue to keep the wealthy, but that is still a very long time in the future. So I don't think they have a lot to worry about. Besides, the transition won't just be sudden. It would take time. If the world is ever going to go completely away from oil, it will happen over centuries, within a decade or two.

[bakasabo]

I ask myself what is going to happen to the oil industry once it happens. Are those wealthy guys going to accept the transition from dirty to clean energy? How are they going to maintain their empires built over oil from now on? What are they going to use to replace oil as their main activity?

Those "wealthy guys" can use strategy food industries use to "whiten" their products. (brands invest into scientists who make articles that that aint that much sugar in Coca-Cola, energy drinks arent dangerous and really help to rejuvenate energy, and etc).  "Wealthy guys" could start investing money into scientists to run tests and create reports that oil is more clean for planet than electricity and its energy. They in fact already do that or have started. I think you have seen articles that say "how production and recycle of battery for electric cars pollute planet more than internal combustion engines". With time they can create so many proves that electric vehicles will be the one who pollute our planet. In the end people might stick to expensive internal combustion engine cars rather than with cheap to charge EV.

[Zigabel]

Resulting to electricity after seeing the surge in oil price is a reasonable switch,  you will get to worry less about buying gas in order for you to be able drive your car and also facilitate transportation. But there are also some points where you will need gas to generate electricity,  so somehow you will still get to need gas in a way, and the prices of things in the open market will surge up and that may in s way affect you indirectly,  and this may not consider whether you are using gas or another alternative sources of income.

[Obulis]

Just like AI and human, electric bike or car and gasoline bike or car will for so long continue to coexist without the electric totally replacing the gasoline. Although out of trends and necessity like the amount of money you friend had saved, the need for an electric engine mobility becomes overwhelmingly necessary but somehow, affordability will make the difference. This will be much harder in undeveloped and developing countries. However, even in first class economies, the cost of installing solar system that'll be enough to charge such facility is not a cheap project, so that will delay it's spread and usage.

[BALIK]

Do you think electricity can replace oil in the next 3-4 years or a decade?

I don’t think so because those countries that depend heavily on oil production won’t allow it happen. I believe they will do everything within their power to protect their economic interests and maintain their dominance in the oil market. Although, people are now gradually moving to electric vehicles and it is already looking like they are becoming a serious threat to the dominance of oil producing countries in global energy market.

For sure , oil producing countries and oil tycoons will do whatever it takes to keep that from happening. But even without them trying to hold it back, replacing oil is pretty much impossible at this point and in the near future.

Oil isn't just used as fuel for vehicles  or generating power . It plays a major role in almost every industry, from aviation and shipping to manufacturing and agriculture . So oil isn't going to be easily replaced just because we've developed alternative energy sources.

If replacing oil were that simple , major powers wouldn't go to such lengths to seize oil from weaker countries.
Oil's  gonna stay the main fuel and  the backbone of the economy for decades to come , imo.

[bakasabo]

People are forgetting basics as supply and demand. People choose to use electricity as alternative because it is cheaper than using vehicles that run on fuel. This it is going to be that cheap forever, and when demand on electric vehicles increases, electricity price wont go up? Check out electricity prices before and after solar panels became popular and electric vehicles turned in mass production. Another example are cars running on liquefied petroleum gas (installing gas equipment on a car with petrol fueled engines was once popular). Check out LPG price chart. During last 10 years prices have doubled.

[hafiztalha]

It is not easy to replace petrol and diesel. Electric vehicles are seeing wider adoption but that does not mean dependence on oil is going to decrease within next few years. There are so many countries that are switching to electric vehicles but they do not have proper charging infrastructure and they also do not have reliable electricity supply. When if people try to switch to electric vehicles then they have to generate electricity from somewhere.
Whereas most of time, some countries depend on fossil fuels for power generation. They need oil for industries, transportation, agriculture and also for other work. There are major technical issue that are being faced by electric ships and their planes. They have to face economic challenges. It is true that electricity is going to reduce consumption of oil in some areas but it is not possible to replace a large portion of oil demand in such a short period of time which is very unrealistic.

[Fiatless]

Electric cars are definitely an alternative choice for replacing cars that runs on petrol since oil prices are skyrocketing due to the Iran war and also with the widening of the war among other gulf nations but it also requires the government of the country willing to support their citizens transitioning from petrol car to electric car. The government of the country will need to build more carparks with parking lots that could charge electric car and also to build a recycle plant that are able to recycle the electric cars batteries properly in order to protect their own environment. I believe it might not be that easy for some countries to pivot entirely into electric cars yet, but it is surely a growing trend that will continue to grow over time.

The government has some roles to play in the facilitation of the transition from petrol cars to electric vehicles. But I don't think it is the role of the government to build charging stations. Private sector operators will be pleased to invest in these charging stations. The responsibility of the state is to create a conducive environment for business to operate.  If electric car production plants are located in your country, charging stations would be established to serve these cars. The transition from fuel cars to electric cars would be faster in technologically advanced countries such as China, the US, and Europe.

[Nothingtodo]

In countries where there is no shortage of electricity, electricity can be used as an alternative to oil. But in my country, the economic situation is so bad that there is a shortage of both oil and electricity. So in this situation, it is not possible to use electricity as an alternative to oil in our country. That is why people in our country are basically upset due to both the shortage of electricity and the shortage of oil. The price of electricity has skyrocketed and the price of oil is also high, due to which the people of this country are not able to use electric cars and cannot use oil-based vehicles, and the cost of both is increasing drastically. In this situation, people in my country are now forced to drive vehicles using oil and electricity at high prices.

[samadam007]

The government has some roles to play in the facilitation of the transition from petrol cars to electric vehicles. But I don't think it is the role of the government to build charging stations. Private sector operators will be pleased to invest in these charging stations. The responsibility of the state is to create a conducive environment for business to operate.  If electric car production plants are located in your country, charging stations would be established to serve these cars. The transition from fuel cars to electric cars would be faster in technologically advanced countries such as China, the US, and Europe.

It will be difficult for some countries to transition fully to electric, especially the underdeveloped ones. The oil tycoons in those countries are cashing out heavily, and of course have powerful backup from government; who are also benefitting too. So there’s no way they will allow it to be a major source. What they do is frustrate the citizens with lack of electricity, this tactics will slow down transition to full electric because citizens won’t feel the need to have electric vehicles since there’s no constant power supply to keep it running. They have no choice but to continue to relying majorly on petroleum for their cars and generators.

Cost of buying the electric cars is another factor. Majority in underdeveloped countries are struggling to survive, so buying an electric car may be too expensive for them. When they think about the high cost, poor electricity supply and the lack of charging stations, the thought of transition becomes more frustrating.