Firm steps and decisive actions towards e-Mobility
Luciano RizzoManaging director Sandvik Coromant, Mexico
Public health and environmental care are two issues that have captured the public’s attention in recent years. Developing electromobility is therefore now a global goal. We are advancing at different rates but with a clear focus on reaching this goal as soon as possible.
Air pollutants such as ozone and its precursors, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, as well as fine particles (PM2.5) and respirable particles (PM10), are emitted in significant quantities from internal combustion vehicles.
The main objective of e-mobility is to facilitate the transportation of people while saving time as well as environmental and economic costs. It is not only focused on electric mobility; it also includes transfers on foot, bicycle, scooter and public or private transportation.
E-mobility and electromobility are terms that relate to a group of components found in hybrid and electric vehicles.
An electric car is propelled by the force generated by an electrically-powered motor. An electric motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetic interactions. The conductive element inside the motor moves when it enters a magnetic field and is supplied with an electric current.
Electric motors offer numerous advantages over combustion engines, notably including the following:
- Absence of gas emissions into the atmosphere
- Improve air quality in the areas where they circulate
- Less noise pollution thanks to quieter operation
- Promote human health by reducing air pollution
- Smaller size and weight of vehicles
- Ease of handling
- Possibility of charging at various electric vehicle charging stations known as electro liners
Most of the components of electric and hybrid vehicles are made from aluminum, which is known for its lightness (three times lighter than iron), durability (almost as high as that of steel), ductility (easy to process) and corrosion-resistance. These properties make aluminum a key engineering material of our time.
Significant developments are being seen in Mexico. As previously mentioned, electromobility relates not only to cars but also to other transport systems such as scooters and public transportation, including trolleybus, cable bus and metro.
The mindset of much of the world's population is changing; more and more people want to contribute to safeguarding our health and the future of the environment. According to the latest EY Mobility Lens Consumer Index, more than 40 percent of people planning to buy a new car are thinking about choosing an electric one.
In addition, according to the same source, general levels of concern have increased, with 78 percent of potential buyers of vehicles outside the internal combustion range stating that COVID-19 has increased their level of environmental awareness and, more importantly, their concerns are reflected in their intention to buy more sustainable vehicles.
According to McKinsey & Company, electrification will play a significant role in transforming the mobility industry and presents great opportunities across all vehicle segments, although the pace and scope of change will vary.
E-Mobility means that a motor driven by an electric, hybrid or hydrogen cell results in various propulsion possibilities, allowing vehicles to be segmented into three groups: hybrids, which combine a combustion system with an electric one; plug-in; and those that use hydrogen cells.
Launching new electric vehicles on the market is an important first step to ensure rapid and widespread adoption of electric mobility. It is essential that the entire mobility ecosystem works together to achieve the goal of developing electromobility.
