Despite over a century and a half since German scientist Julius Robert von Mayer, a founding figure of thermodynamics in the mid-19th century, stated, “Energy cannot be created or destroyed,” it remains a scientific and economic challenge that humanity has yet to overcome.
Since the dawn of human history, energy has been one of the central pillars of civilization, playing a prominent role alongside water resources and natural wealth in geopolitical conflicts between nations.
The world has witnessed a growing shift towards electric vehicles, driven by governments and companies aiming to reduce harmful emissions and achieve environmental sustainability. Electric cars are seen as a promising choice for curbing pollution, as they rely on clean energy instead of fossil fuels, thus reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality.
With the increasing interest in these vehicles, governments have begun developing the necessary infrastructure and supporting the adoption of modern technology on a large scale, promoting sustainability and encouraging the shift toward a cleaner environmental future.
Benefits of Electric Cars
Ching Chuen Chan, in his research titled Latest Electric, Hybrid, and Fuel Cell Vehicles (2007), states that electric vehicles, which use rechargeable battery-stored energy, are distinct from traditional internal combustion engines and showcase significant environmental benefits.
Switching to electric vehicles offers several key advantages, including reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality. According to Electric for All, electric cars rely solely on rechargeable batteries to power their engines, reducing fossil fuel dependency and harmful emissions.
In countries adopting these vehicles, such initiatives support environmental goals, like Qatar’s National Vision 2030, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
This technological shift also bolsters economic independence for oil-dependent countries, creating new opportunities to develop locally-produced electric vehicles, generating jobs, and strengthening the economy.
Beyond environmental benefits, the spread of electric vehicles helps reduce operating costs, with lower electricity consumption and maintenance compared to internal combustion engines. Moving to electric cars also supports renewable energy infrastructure, allowing for charging through solar and wind sources, thereby promoting clean energy.
Electric Cars in Qatar
Qatar is one of the leading countries in the transition to electric cars as part of its environmental strategies. The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has begun installing electric car charging stations as part of the Green Car Initiative, with support from local companies like Mowasalat (Karwa) and international firms like Germany’s Siemens, furthering this transition.
An article published in Al-Sharq newspaper highlights seven prominent Arab companies specializing in electric vehicle manufacturing, focusing on Qatar’s Eco Transit, the first Qatari company in this field, based in Lusail City. The company aims to establish a complete industry for both light and heavy electric vehicles under the VIM brand, with plans to launch a range of cars and buses featuring modern designs and Qatari intellectual property.
The article also notes that other Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, and Oman, are entering the electric vehicle market through partnerships with global institutions to establish joint manufacturing and assembly projects. These regional initiatives support sustainable transportation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, emphasising innovation and development in this emerging sector.
The Qatari government has introduced financial incentives, including tax exemptions, to encourage citizens to adopt these vehicles, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
In a report in Al-Raya, Hussein Abunda mentions that Qatar has set a plan to convert 25% of public transport buses to electric by 2022, with the launch of these buses during the World Cup to create a clean, emissions-free environment.
An article in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed mentions Qatar’s investment in fast-charging stations in partnership with Woqod. Qatar installed 37 stations and plans to increase capacity to meet rising demand. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Transport, Qatar ranks ninth globally in the Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRX 2023).
The Ministry also announced plans to establish an electric vehicle certification centre, similar to the existing Fahes centre for conventional cars, to ensure electric vehicles meet the required standards and specifications. The ministry also aims to install 200 new charging stations nationwide as part of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable transport and reduced carbon emissions.
Qatar’s commitment to renewable energy has various aspects, including Decree No. 55 of 2020, which approved a priority agreement for the Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant project. Located west of Doha, the plant spans over 10 square kilometres and houses over 1.8 million solar panels, with a total production capacity of approximately 800 megawatts.
Drawbacks of Electric Cars
Despite their many benefits, electric cars face challenges, particularly regarding battery costs and charging duration. According to the IFO Institute, battery production is a significant source of emissions, with studies indicating that vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 produce between 155 and 180 grams of CO₂ per kilometre due to battery manufacturing.
Another drawback is the relatively high purchase cost of electric cars, which makes them less attractive to consumers. A Lusail News article highlighted that this factor hampers widespread adoption. Moreover, according to Pharos Studies, battery production requires raw materials like lithium, adding an environmental burden due to extraction processes and reducing the expected positive impact.
Additionally, a Gord article noted the risk of self-ignition in lithium batteries used in electric vehicles. Although these cars are generally less prone to fires than conventional vehicles, lithium battery fires pose unique challenges as they can self-sustain, unlike other fires. They produce extreme heat, release toxic fumes, and emit flammable gases, making them hard to extinguish. Suppressing such fires requires large amounts of water, and saline water can cause electrical short circuits.
Furthermore, thermal runaway— a series of reactions that rapidly increase battery temperature due to overcharging, damage, or design flaws—is an additional concern, albeit rare. Preventing these fires necessitates specialized technology beyond conventional fire-fighting methods, focusing on early detection, boundary cooling, and containment. Industry collaboration, data collection, and proactive safety measures are essential for managing these risks as electric cars become more common.
Another current challenge is the charging infrastructure. Electric cars require strategically placed charging stations, which are not always available.
Additionally, electric batteries need replacement after a few years, adding to maintenance costs, with Al Jazeera reporting on the relatively short lifespan of these batteries.
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars are a middle ground between electric and conventional vehicles, combining an internal combustion engine with a rechargeable battery. According to an article on Electric For All, fully electric cars rely solely on rechargeable batteries, while hybrids use both fuel and electricity, providing greater flexibility for longer distances. An article on Al Jazeera notes that hybrids can travel longer without frequent charging, making them suitable for long trips.
A report in Al Arab highlights that hybrids are more economical than fully electric cars. The two engines can work together or independently, enhancing fuel efficiency. As a gradual transition toward fully electric vehicles, hybrids serve as a temporary solution to reduce emissions and help protect the environment.
The shift to electric and hybrid cars marks an important step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Despite challenges like infrastructure and purchase costs, potential environmental and economic benefits support this transition.
Furthermore, governments and major corporations play a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure, offering financial incentives to consumers, and developing technology to lower costs and improve driving range.
Qatar exemplifies a nation committed to balancing industrial development with environmental protection. It strives to achieve ambitious goals through significant investments in charging stations and opening opportunities for local electric vehicle manufacturing, strengthening its economy and placing it at the forefront of sustainable transportation in the Middle East.
