Why the future of electric cars is anything but boring

Buckle up, because the future of electric cars is going to be a ride

From cutting-edge new models to government U-turns shaking up the industry, a lot is shaping the road ahead.

We don’t have a crystal ball (though if you do, we’d love to borrow it for a quick peek), but we can make some educated guesses about what’s coming next.

Every decision—whether it's new tech, policy changes, or shifting consumer demand—sets off a chain reaction.

But where will it all lead? Let’s take a look.

Electric cars will keep evolving

New advancements in tech seem to be happening every day, constantly pushing the limits of what electric cars can do.

If we look back at the first electric cars, they were only good for a few miles before needing a new battery (because, you know, rechargeable batteries hadn’t even been invented yet).

Fast forward to today, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS holds the crown for the longest range in the UK—up to 481 miles on a single charge. And then there’s the Lucid Air Grand Touring, boasting an impressive 516 miles, but is sadly unavailable in the UK.

But it's not just about range anymore. Today's EVs are downright luxurious, with touchscreen infotainment systems, plush interiors, and even fun features like Tesla’s "fart mode." Things have definitely come a long way.

So, what’s next?

Expect even more range, more tech to make driving smoother, and better ergonomics for ultimate comfort and style.

When it comes to design, EVs are becoming more minimalist, with neutral tones like whites, greys, and blacks. And the exteriors? Sleek, stylish, and clean.

Jaguar’s bold rebrand into the EV world made waves in 2024, shifting the car conversation away from the usual topics like F1 drama or the latest BMW M5 weight stats. It’s all about originality, but with so many players in the market, some designs are... well, a bit out there (hello, Tesla Cybertruck).

Electric cars might get cheaper

You’ve probably heard the news—electric cars now have to pay road tax. And if a car is worth over £40k, it’s hit with an additional expensive vehicle supplement.

In the UK, the average EV costs around £46,000, meaning most will face that extra £410 a year for five years, starting when the car’s a year old.

That adds up to a hefty £600 annually for cars over £40k, up from the previous £0 road tax.

With this increase, it's likely we’ll see more affordable EVs under £40k hitting the market.

Right now, the basic EV is about £33k, which is safe from that extra charge. Expect more models around that price to pop up!

Alternative fuels

With electric cars facing new taxes, could we see a rise in alternative fuels?

Let’s take a look at some of the contenders.

Biofuel

Made from crops like corn and sugarcane, bioethanol and biodiesel swap fossil fuels for something a little more farm-fresh.

Your car, powered by plants? It’s more possible than you think.

Steam

Once the hotshot of the 19th Century, steam-powered cars could make a comeback.

These engines burn fuel externally, reducing emissions, but whether they’ll truly pick up steam again remains to be seen.

Kinetic

Already used in regenerative braking, this clever tech converts lost energy into usable power.

Expect to see more of it in future cars, making every stoplight a mini recharge.

Heat

Around two-thirds of a petrol or diesel engine’s energy is lost as heat.

Thermoelectric technology aims to capture and convert that wasted energy into usable power, making cars more efficient. 

Waste not, want not!

Hydrogen

Hydrogen-powered cars emit only water, making them a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel.

However, hydrogen production requires significant energy, and with limited refuelling infrastructure, mass adoption remains a challenge—for now.

Air

Compressed air can be used to drive a car’s pistons, producing zero emissions.

Some prototypes, like those developed by Tata, have explored the idea, but no mainstream production models have hit the roads yet.

Nitrogen

Sounds sci-fi, but it can drive a piston or rotary engine. 

However, it’s not as efficient as other fuels and still needs electricity to produce it.

LPG

A cleaner-burning alternative to petrol and diesel, LPG is already used in homes and businesses.

But with under 1% of UK cars running on it, it’s still more niche than mainstream.

So, will any of these alternatives take over, or will EVs remain the future?

One thing’s for sure—things are about to get interesting.

Faster charging stations

No one likes waiting for a charge.

A typical electric car (60kWh battery) takes just under 8 hours to charge from empty-to-full with a 7kW charging point.

But the future looks brighter, with plans for super-fast charging stations popping up across the country.

Just take a look at the current Tesla Superchargers. Typically, they can add 150 to 200 miles of range to a Tesla in less than 30 minutes—sometimes more, sometimes less. 

More eco-friendly materials

In the future, we can expect EVs to be made from more sustainable materials, like recycled plastics, plant-based composites, or even materials made from mushrooms (sounds like a fun-guy to me).

It’s all about reducing the environmental impact—not just the emissions of the car but the entire lifecycle

Roads that charge your car as you drive

Imagine a world where your car charges itself while you’re cruising down the motorway—sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, right?

Well, Sweden’s working on making it a reality.

They’re building a permanent e-motorway that will charge electric cars on the go, cutting down those pesky charging breaks.

If it works, it could mean smaller batteries for electric cars—up to 70% smaller—since you'd top up while driving.

Talk about a road trip game-changer.

Wireless charging

Forget about plugging in your EV—how about charging it without even thinking about it?

Wireless charging technology is already being tested, and the future could see streets, garages, and even your driveway equipped with charging pads that let your car charge just by parking over them.

Imagine driving on a motorway that charges your car while driving, then getting home and parking on your driveway which wirelessly charges your car even more.

It’s hassle-free, and could mean never having to worry about cables again.

The ‘Car as a Service’ revolution

As electric cars become more affordable and accessible, we're seeing a shift in how we drive them—and it’s all about flexibility.

Rather than committing to purchasing an EV outright, more people may choose to lease one for the long-term convenience it offers.

Leasing options let you drive the latest models without the hefty upfront cost, and some providers are even introducing subscription services where you can swap between different EVs depending on your needs.

Shared EV fleets and short-term rentals are also on the rise, giving you more ways to experience the electric future. Just look at Lynk&Co, for example.

As leasing companies embrace these evolving models, we could see a future where car ownership is no longer the norm, and leasing becomes the go-to way to get behind the wheel of an EV.

Battery recycling and second-life uses

As electric cars grow in popularity, the need for sustainable battery production becomes even more critical.

But what happens to all those used batteries once they’ve hit the end of their road?

Companies are already exploring ways to recycle EV batteries into new ones, and there’s talk of giving them a ‘second life’ in other applications, like energy storage systems for homes or businesses.

Just look at NIO's Power Swap Stations. Introduced in China, Germany and Norway, these pit-stop style double garages allow you to swap your flat battery for a fully charged one in just five minutes. How easy is that?

This could help reduce the environmental impact and provide cheaper alternatives as more EVs hit the roads.

So, what’s the verdict?

The future of electric cars is anything but boring, and it's clear that we’re heading into an exciting, electrifying era.

With new technologies on the horizon, more affordable options, and innovative infrastructure being developed, the road to an all-electric future is paved with promise.

From the evolution of battery tech to groundbreaking initiatives like roads that charge your car as you drive, the possibilities seem endless.

Meanwhile, leasing and subscription models offer a flexible, hassle-free way to enjoy the ride without the commitment of ownership.

The road ahead may have a few bumps, but with more eco-friendly materials, faster charging stations, and even wireless charging, it's shaping up to be a smooth journey.

Whether it’s alternative fuels, battery recycling, or the rise of 'Car as a Service,' the future of electric cars is full of potential.

Buckle up—it’s going to be one heck of a ride!