CCCV302, Semester 2, 2020

Lecturer: Murray Wynter

Assignment No 2

Date: 21 November 2020

Student No: s219695024

Total number of words: 3899

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referenced.

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I understand that any submission after the deadline on the due date will be penalised.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
2 Literature study.............................................................................................................................2
2.1 Impact of electric vehicle production on the environment (physical and industrial)..........2
2.1.1 Economic sustainability and impact of implementing electric vehicles (EVs)..............3
2.2 Assessing the socio-demographic of electric vehicles in within the society........................4
3 Case study.....................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Environment impact of Tesla cars.........................................................................................6
3.1.1 Tesla product impact on the economy.........................................................................7
3.2 Society engagement with Tesla............................................................................................8
4 Conclusion...................................................................................................................................10
5 References...................................................................................................................................11
 1 Introduction

Engineering Technologists play big role in the society that we are living in, the impact they have is
not only limited to the society only, but on the environment, as well as the on economy of the word.
The fact that engineers have changed the world is out of debate, this goes with the current bridges
that we use, modern properties or apartments, categories of vehicles that are using, aerospace
engineering and modern mobiles. Engineers have adopted the concept of innovative ideas in their
hearts, this has resulted in being able to adopt in the current changing world. When we are looking
the world of Automotive mobile, a great change is taking place, the industry seems to be engaging to
the idea of electric mobile, this has laid to many vehicle productions companies to shift with this
changing technology. These companies are slowly merging to the project of electric vehicle
production.

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2 Literature study
2.1 Impact of electric vehicle production on the environment (physical and
industrial)

Air pollution is one of the major or leading factor when it comes to environmental health, and this is
not only limited to South Africa, but international as well [1]. According to the statistic from the
world health organization (WHO), approximate 3.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution and
its related diseases such as, lung cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases etc., has affected the whole
universe in early 2017 [2] [3]. The transportation sector is the one to be blamed in this regard, this is
a sector that is regarded as the leading source of this health burden [4].

Measures have been taken by the European Union (EU) in trying to reduce this huge impact that the
transportation sector has caused on environment health, this includes measures such as alternative
fuels, emission standards, and the introduction electric vehicle have been implemented on auto
industries [4] [5]. The transportation sector does not only affect environment health only, however
this sector also has an impact on the environment that we are living in, in the past years, the
emission of greenhouse gases has increased, and this has resulted in climate change [1] [3].

To overcome all the challenges that the transportation sector faces, as previously mentioned above,
electromobility or the production of electric vehicles has become one of the top solutions that can
be used in these situations [3] [5]. Scholars in the world of automotive show that this project of e-
mobile, is the one that will replace the tradition system that has damaged our environment, and the
recognition of this project is increasing yearly [2]. Electric vehicles are regarded as one of those cars
that are environmentally friendly and sustainable, and the aim of the automotive industry is to
ensure that, the society does adapt to these alternative fuel vehicles in the future [4].

It is believed that these kinds of vehicles (EV’s), they do reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
and as well as air pollution [1]. Urban environment is highly populated, the statics shows that, the
percentage rate of urbanization increases yearly, this has made the lack emission by Electric vehicles
to more important in cities or urban environment [3] [5]. Allowing electric power to be the major
source or the alternative source for Electric vehicles seems to be bring sustainability and
development in the transportation sector [1].

The aim of this project is to reduce and eventual eliminate the combustion engine vehicles, by so
doing, all the negative environmental effect that are caused or resulted due to the existence or the
use of these kinds of vehicles will also reduce [4] [5]. The use or the implementation of electric
vehicles seems to have challenges and limitations [5]. The auto industry fails to provide sufficient
charging stations, poor electric grid, and limited driving range [4].

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By the look of things, and due to the concern that the public has on climate change, despite all the
negative factors associated with electric cars, these kinds of vehicles seems to have a great chance in
the automotive industry [1] [2]. The scholars in this industry believe that, the is a long route that
these cars have to take in order to full rise in the market, however, the percentage perchance for
these kinds of cars between the year of 2016 and 2017 has increased by 27%, this is a good sign [3].
These vehicles have brought change in the in automotive industry, there is no doubt that as these
kinds of vehicles or when the industry shift to another type of energy, eventually the industry will
change [4].

This industry tries by all means to ensure that, these vehicles are safe and fit enough for consumers,
what is guaranteed about these cars is that, they can travel in a high speed, and they do not cause
noise when they travel with a low speed as compared to powered engine vehicles [2] [5]. The
production of these vehicles have brought new companies in the market [4]. These new changes in
this industry means that the demand of new parts or material is high [2]. This does on have an
impact on the material the is used only, it also has an impact on Engineering technologist that are
within the sector. These Technologists need to adapt to the new changing technology [3].

2.1.1 Economic sustainability and impact of implementing electric vehicles

Scholars in the automotive industry believe that, without government policies, these kinds of
vehicles will not be able to enter the market with a huge percentage, up until such time whereby
petrol, oil, and diesel prices are so high, resulting in these vehicles to become competitive [6]. This is
due to the fact that, internal combustion engine (ICE) Technology is in higher ranking as compared to
EV Technology, therefore this has led consumer to be more interested in buying combustion engine
cars [7] [8]. The battery technology is known as less suited or not fit enough, and more expensive to
be used for energy storage in vehicles, whereas fuel and petrol that are used ICE are considered as
the best, despite the negative effect that they have on the environment [9] [10].

Another reason that consumers are attracted or prefer ICE is that, this type of energy have been
existed in many decades, as a result, there is a huge development, this has resulted in low costs, and
in many well-developed infrastructures for refueling, high reliability and good performance, and low
maintenance cost [8] [9]. The development of Electric vehicles has just initiated; therefore, this has
resulted in high cost due to low production volume and also recharging stations are few [10]. In
order to ensure prosperity of these vehicles in the marketing considering the current oil price and
the predicated price for the upcoming decades [6] [7]. Two factor needs to be taken into account,

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first and for most, the battery technology needs to be upgraded, and the production volume needs
to be increased in order to reduce the cost of this vehicles [10].

The benefits that will be caused by the production of electric vehicles has large have an impact on
the society, therefore, the government should be bit advantageous on these kinds of project [6]. In
the past years, the government have been providing incentives via European Union (EU) [8]. These
incentives are ether financial or non-financial, and they are implemented in all most all the
government levels [7]. They are implemented via policies, and in most cases these policies improves
the existed technology [9]. These have assisted the EV production to succeed in the market, and
these policies are current aiming to increase the standardized charging stations for such cars [10].

Economists believe that these incentives will only be needed for a minimum period of time, as they
believe that the performance and the cost of these vehicles will eventually improve once a certain
market share point is achieved, and the society has normal accepted these cars [9] [10]. It is not yet
known whether these vehicles will be able to full compete with engine powered vehicles, at some
point, there is no clear indication that, relying on government incentives will be sufficient to ensure
the success of this project [6] [8]. As for now, and for the next decades, it is believed that the
development of electric vehicles will, special in the market, rely on government policies and
incentives [7]. It is important to outline that, many car manufactures have trial to implement this
production on their companies, however, the production volume does seem to increase [8].

2.2 Assessing the socio-demographic of electric vehicles in within the society

This concept of electric vehicle is new in the society, and in the automotive industry [11]. Despite the
fact that many companies are starting to adapt into this concept, some other companies are very
dynamic, they offer vehicles that can both use gas and electricity, and these kinds of vehicles are
normal referred as hybrid vehicles [12] [13]. Engine powered vehicles, these are common vehicles
that the society normal use, as we all know, these are cars that are capable to producing a lot of
carbon dioxide emission in our environment [14]. This has led the society to face issues such air
pollution and greenhouse gases. To counteract to such issues or challenges, the society must adapt
to the new type of vehicle (EV), that is introduced into the automotive industry [15].

As previously mentioned, these are very expensive cars, however, current studies show that, there
are a lot of government subsidies when buying these vehicles, since consumers that considers such
vehicles are considered as citizens that pay attention or do consider the impact of gasoline cars in
our societies [13] [14]. Indeed, this is a great impact on the economic aspect of the society, however
the are some great impact that these vehicles have in our society [12].

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Electric vehicles are normally or entirely charged by electricity, this implies that the society will no
longer have to buy gas, this is a great deal since the price of the gasoline is expected to increasing
exponential in these coming decades [15]. In some countries, as this varies from country to country,
it is estimated that an average of 15 cent is being paid for each mile, for powered engine cars,
whereas for Electric vehicle (EV), an average of 5 cent is paid for each mile [11] [12]. Many studies
proves that if many electric vehicles can be charged in stations that are powered with electric solar,
and via home stations, these cents can be greatly reduced [14]. Since these cars are easily recharged
and can be charged in home stations, this will reduce the time that people within the society will
have to travel from home to gas station [13]. Despite that, this will greatly improve the economy of
the society as well give the society time to deal with other important aspects [15].

Owning this kind of vehicle, it’s not about going green only, these vehicles are regarded as eco-
friendly, since they use electric powered engines, and they do not emit any toxic gases [12]. These
vehicles produce a society that has a greed climate and health [11]. Studies show that EV’s are
slowly growing, and it scientifical proven that these cars are three times more efficient than gasoline
cars [14]. The procedure that is used to test the efficient of EV’s is the same as the one that is used
for fuel powered vehicles [15]. Current studies show that, these are cars that are considered as the
safest cars in this generation. This is due to the fact that, these vehicles are more stable in the road
[12]. This is due to the lower center of gravity in these cars [11]. In case of collusion or an accident,
they are expected to provide airbags and cut off the power, and they are less likely to explode due to
the absence of gasoline or fuel. Safety and health within the society is guaranteed through the use of
these vehicles [15].

Despite the positive impact that these vehicles have on our society, however, there are some
negative impact that must be taken into account [13]. It is important to firstly outline that, owning
this car does not mean that you are owning an expense free car, some of these cars require a huge
charge function, as results this can reflect so badly in the electricity bill. In summary, the following
list outlines the negative impact of EV’s within the society [14].

 Limited driving range: these vehicles have a range of 50 to 100 miles before they can be
recharged again, this means that the people within the society cannot use this vehicle for
long distances. This implies that some goals and visions will not be achieved.
 Limited number of seats: Most of these vehicles can accommodate two passengers, this is
bit uncomfortable within the society, since some events requires a quate number of people
or the entire family.
 Not suitable for environment with power issues: If the power dies, people within the
society can be able to use these vehicles.

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3 Case study
3.1 Environment impact of Tesla cars

Tesla is company that was founded by engineers that wanted to prove that human beings does not
actual need to drive a gasoline vehicle in order to drive a vehicle [16]. As a result, the production of
electric vehicles became the norm of this company [17]. This company has not only invested in
electric cars only, however, it has also invested in production of clean energy and storage [18]. It is
the belief or the vision of this company to move to zero emission in the future [19]. This is the
company that envisions a word that does not rely on fuel cars, a world of solar system, whereby
people travel with electric vehicles [20]. Tesla engineers are also influenced by the negative impact
that gasoline vehicles have on the environment and danger that the world could be in if the use of
gasoline cars can continue [17].

The current climate change level is extremely causing a threat in this generation, this is due to the
emission of fossil fuels that are produced by transportation sector and through the production of
electricity [18]. Scientists show that in 2016 the level of carbon dioxide concentration was very high
in the United States, and in such level, it badly impacted the environment [16]. This company
believes that in order to reduce the impact of climate change on such environment, carbon dioxide
level must be reduced, and this can be achieved by reducing carbon dioxide emissions that are
produced in power production and in the transportation sector [19].

In fulfilling in its vision, this company has built all kind of electric sport cars, starting their first electric
car, the Tesla Roaster, this indeed does prove that electric vehicles can travel with high speed, and
they are the most convenient cars that people can rely on [16] [20]. Following from that, this
company has tried to expand the volume and kinds of these cars, this includes the manufacturing of
MODEL X USV, MODEL S, the most affordable electric car [17]. Besides manufacturing sportscars,
this company has also introduced an electric truck (TESLA SEMI), this truck has low energy cost and
is very sustainable and reliable [18]. This company believes that it cannot fulfil the vision alone, and
it has opened tesla panted source, making it accessible to all engineer that are interested in
designing and building electric cars [19]. This is a big role that has been played the engineering
technologist of this company [16].

A report given by Tesla accountants in conjunction with its engineers, it shows that, by the year
2018, a minimum of 550 thousand tesla cars were sold, and these cars have been driven over a
minimum of 50 billion miles, and on top of those miles, only 4 million tons of carbon dioxide have
been emitted [17] [20]. In comparison to Internal combustion engine cars, the tons of carbon dioxide
are way more than 4 million, for 500 thousand vehicle that have travel only 22 miles [18].

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Tesla company believes that as much as the way in which power is produced has impact of the
emission of the carbon dioxide, however, the amount of water used to produce this power must be
taken into account, since water is the scarce resource [20]. In Unites States (U.S), this is one of the
leading causes of the scarcity of water [19]. In comparison with electricity generated using cool and
steam turbine, solar energy is one that has the low carbon dioxide emission and despite that, it
consume less amount of water [18]. This is an aspect that must be considered through the use of
EV’s [16].

3.1.1 Tesla product impact on the economy

The mission and the vision of this company is not just to build the best electric vehicles that world
can ever have, however is to build electric vehicles that are above or that can be able to compete
with gasoline vehicles in any ways [21]. In the automotive industry and even on other industries,
there is a belief that, the higher the price, the better the product, however, Tesla is shifting away
from this belief or a norm, by doing so, this company has built the most comfortable, sustainable,
and the safest vehicles within a reasonable and competitive price, when compared with other
vehicles that are within the industry [22] [23]. Model 3 SR is the first EV to fall within the normal
price range of ICE vehicles such as BMW 3 series, Audi A4, and Mercedes Benzes C-class [24].

Since the project of Producing EV’s is a new project, this company has been focusing on its best to
ensure that, the project indeed does fulfil its mission, and it does suit the customer needs [25].
Currently, this company is in ganging in a mission of provide as many EV’s as they can to its
customers since the issue of volume seems to be a bit problem with these vehicles [22]. However, all
of this is done taking into account the price of this cars, the aim is to make these cars affordable
without reducing their quality [24].

It turns out that, as much as the issue of driving range is impacting the society in a negative way,
however, this does not only affect the society only, but the economy as well [21]. A conducted
survey is the auto industry indicate that, one of the main reasons that people don’t want to shift into
the word of electric cars, is driving range of these cars, consumers don’t prefer to buy a product or a
car that does not fulfil or suit their needs [23] [25]. As from 2012, some of the driving range of these
cars have been increased, starting from Tesla Model S, increasing it by 126 miles, off which the
normal driving range for this car was 265 miles [21]. Following from that, it’s the Tesla Model Y, as
much as this car is heavier than Model S, its battery have been improved, this has allowed it to travel
at list in a range of 316 miles. Indeed, this is a great step towards fixing this issue of driving range
[24].

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As much as the issue of driving range needs to considered in order to ensure customer stultification,
it’s also important to outline the importance of recharging station networks [25]. As a result, this
company has built supercharging station networks in places such as China, North America, and in
some European places, these stations are built taking into account the driving range and the rout
traveled by these vehicles [21] [22]. A conducted survey between the year of 2015 and 2019 indicate
that, this project of building station network has doubled in the past few years and its current
expanding into other countries as well [23]. All these projects have improved the economy of these
countries [24].

3.2 Society engagement with Tesla

Tesla is not only responsible for the production of electric vehicles only, but this company does pay
or give attention to the health and wellbeing of its employees, community, and society [22]. For the
employee’s aspect, a level of support is offered depending on the age group, this include things such
as vision check, disabilities, and free medical aid etc [23]. Discounts are offered to employee’s when
they buy stock within the company. Tesla ensures that its employees are full supported even if they
are way from work [25]. This is done through provision of study loans, for students, providing free
counselling when needed [22].

This company have been engaged in programs or activities that bring positive or good impact in the
society [26]. This includes allowing tourists and students to enter the premises of its factories. It also
enhance teachers with new advanced technology [27]. Partnering with great organizations, that are
responsible or are inspiring young people to have a great future [28]. This company believes that,
the success of the young generation depends on Teachers, besides empowering Educators with the
latest technology, this company have been hosting career exhibitions since 2015, showing student of
the community all the available careers within the company and in the automotive industry at large
[29].

On top of hosting career exhibitions, this company seems to increase the number of students in their
factories. According to 2019 Tesla report, it’s shown that, this company has managed to
accommodate almost 40000 thousand students yearly, this is done in a form of a workshop [25] [30].
Through these workshops, it has been discovered that young women are not interested in
engineering [27]. To overcome that, Tesla has hosted a minimum of 200 schools in trying to engaging
young women’s into engineering [29].

This company aim to hire the best and qualified employees within and outside the society [26]. It
does not only employee people based on their skin color, race, gender, and nationality etc [28]. This
implies that, this company is not affected by discrimination, racism, and xenophobic issues [30]. This

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is a good impact in the society, since the society is formed with different people, that are faced
different kinds of challenges, however it seem that they is no way that they cannot fit in this
company [29].

Providing safety vehicles have been the mission of this company [30]. This is one of the reasons that,
starting from 2016, the internal design of these vehicles have been advanced [23]. This includes the
installation of external cameras and sensor, for any kind of collision, emergencies, and lane
departure indicators etc [26]. This company believe that, the advanced technology that have been
installed in these vehicles does not guarantee safety only, but it also provide the efficient driving in
all the drivers [29].

Many numbers of accidents have been recorded in those cars are no Autopiloted [22]. The
department of transported has reported that in the past few year the number of accidents in the
United State (U.S.) have between 2005 and 2010, however it has been reported last year that, these
number have been decreased by almost 10% and this sector believes that this is due to popular use
of these cars. This implies that, many lives in the society will be saved by this project [29] [30].

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4 Conclusion

Engineering activities plays a big a role in the world that we are living in, the impact that they have is
what has brought the world to where it is now. Engineering technologist do not just sit in offices,
they are achieved goals using engineering principles. These are the people that are behind in every
development that is taking place in this world. Many products and services in today’s world have
some engineering element or principle in some way, and these products or services play a big role in
improving people lives in almost all aspect. These people are all working to achieve one mission of
which is to create a sustainable world in the future. The automotive industry is now is slowly shifting
toward the production of electric vehicles. All of this is influenced by the impact that ICE have on the
environment. There is no doubt that electrical cars are the future vehicles of this world.

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5 References

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