According to a report by The Telegraph, experts in the UK are concerned that old parking lots could collapse under the weight of heavy electric vehicles. Multi-story parking lots in the country have structural flaws due to a lack of maintenance, and the aging infrastructure may not be able to support the weight of electric cars. Electric vehicles are significantly heavier than gasoline-powered cars, given the weight of the batteries necessary to power them. The UK government aims to have at least 50% of cars electric by 2030, and as many as 70% of new car sales – and up to 40% of new van sales – should be ultra-low emission. Experts have suggested new guidance that recommends adding higher load-bearing weights to deteriorating parking lots to help adapt to the weight of electric cars.
While electric cars have many benefits, such as being more environmentally friendly and often cheaper to run than gasoline-powered cars, they also have some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the range anxiety that some drivers experience. Electric cars generally have a shorter driving range than gasoline-powered cars, and drivers need to plan their trips and charging stops accordingly. Additionally, charging an electric car can take longer than filling up a gas tank, although charging times are improving as technology advances. The availability of charging stations can also be an issue, particularly in some areas. However, governments and companies are investing in expanding the charging infrastructure to help alleviate these challenges and make electric cars a more viable option for more people.