People are all excited about EVs (taking batteries for granted as the energy source), thinking that will save the world from CO2 emission and boost energy efficiency. Yet, studies have shown that won’t be as rosy as people think it is. With the targets of meeting certain emission standards measured in a given time frame, such as a year, people often ignore the effect of how much energy and emission were/will be involved in making these batteries and later disposing them. If a government is not looking at the whole picture and just want to meet some annual emission goals, it could take the whole country or even guide the whole world to a wrong direction. Is battery really the right solution? It’s still unanswered while more and more battery powered EVs are on the road and more are coming. Here I don't want to get into all the headaches associated with charging EV batteries that is simply a nightmare as more and more EVs get on the road and need to be charged day and night.  Nonetheless, I believe vehicle electrification will have its future, just not sure battery is the right answer to it.

In additional to the above concern of what technology makes better sense for the future vehicles, we should also think what is the right form of transportation in the future. Crowded cities like Shanghai, Tokyo, New York City (NYC) are clearly different from a small rural town. Public transportation is a far better choice in big cities. Beside the subway system that can get you close to anywhere you want to be, you also have taxi to bridge the gap or if you just want to avoid the hassle of walking, waiting and being sandwiched in the subways. Shared-ride like Uber and Lyft have made it so much more convenient than before when anyone wants to get a ride; and the upcoming autonomous taxi service will make it even more exciting for a fee lower than today’s taxi. With all these happening at a fast pace, why would people still want to own their own cars if it’s not for the prestigious feel they have dreamed of? While this feel is quite strong in some countries, it will change over time and people will adapt to the new way of life in the new economy in which owning personal vehicle could become an old fashion.