Amsterdam Leads Electric Car Revolution

Due to the threat of climate change and its consequences, increasing numbers of people are becoming committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels that increase greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Although debates over this subject are complex and heavily politicized, the everyday objectives for using alternative energies are clear.

These range from how to warm a room, heat water, keep lights on in office and enable people to commute without using oil, coal or gas.

As transportation consumes vast amounts of oil, developing electric cars has become a key sector of interest and development.

Due to technological limitations, achieving commercial production of “green” cars is still a distant dream. The biggest technical challenge is to manufacture a vehicle that can run at a high speed on a long-lasting battery.

But, this is not entirely out of reach.

Moreover, due to ever escalating prices at the gas pump, the push for electric mobility is gaining traction.

Automakers are increasing investment in developing and commercializing electrically-powered cars. The public sector is also providing more support for the private sector to speed up commercialization.

Europe is at the forefront of these changes and development.

Also on the rise is, although slow, the number of electric cars actually on the roads.

Amsterdam

No discussion on electric cars can take place without mentioning Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.

The city, famous for its canals, also has an interesting story to share when it comes to electric cars.

Even though it lacks a home-grown automobile industry, the city is successfully leading change in the world. The number of electric cars on the city’s street is increasing, very quickly.

Automakers from around the world are flocking there to test and show off their latest models. The city government has systems and regulations in place to encourage residents to choose electric mobility over petroleum powered vehicles.

Alongside the city’s scenic canals, electric cars are frequently seen.

Painted in blue and white and stamped with the logo “Car2Go,” electric cars are recognizable not only for their tiny size but also for their cable connections to slim electrical chargers.

These cutting edge vehicles are part of a private program run by Japanese auto firm Nissan which began in 2011. Around 300 small blue-white cars were put in use throughout the city. Anyone can use them after paying a small registration fee. Users can pick up and drop...