The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Powered by Data Science

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been praised as a major component of the solution to the climate crisis. By reducing tailpipe emissions to virtually zero, they have the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of transportation, which is reportedly responsible for one-fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions. 

Moreover, a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that battery electric cars generate half the emissions of the average comparable gasoline car, even when emissions from battery manufacturing is accounted for.

The recent entry of Tesla into the Malaysian market has sparked a renewed interest in EVs and their potential to transform our society, environment, and economy. Tesla, a leading player in the EV industry, has been at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging cutting-edge technology and data science to develop high-performance electric cars that challenge traditional notions of what a car can be.

This bolsters Malaysians’ interest in EVs, which have shown a rise in popularity – the sale of electric and hybrid vehicles in Malaysia increased year-on-year to 2.77% in 2022. In addition, in the retabled Budget 2023, the government announced the extension of import duty and excise duty exemption for fully imported EVs till end-2025, and excise duty and sales tax exemption for locally assembled EVs until end-2027.

What Makes Electric Vehicles So Appealing?

Environmental Impact

The main benefit of an EV is its positive environmental impact. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to overall cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This makes these “green” vehicles very much environmentally friendly.

Economic Savings

On the economic front, the cost benefits of EVs are clear. It is estimated that EVs cost less than half as much to operate as conventional vehicles, saving the average driver hundreds of dollars a year. In addition, EVs generally require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because they have fewer moving parts, leading to further savings.

Energy Security

In terms of energy security, EVs can help reduce dependence on oil. With the widespread adoption of EVs, it is projected that oil demand can be reduced by 886,700 barrels of oil per day in 2025.

High-Quality Performance

EVs are known for their quiet and smooth operation. With reduced noise levels, they create less noise pollution and a more peaceful driving experience. The immediate responsiveness of electric motors delivers higher torque and agility for enhanced vehicle performance, particularly in urban environments, where stop-and-go city traffic is common. In these conditions, electric cars tend to operate with greater efficiency.

The Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles

Limited Range

While battery technology is improving, many EVs still can't travel as far on a single charge as gasoline vehicles can on a full tank. Range anxiety remains a significant concern for potential EV owners. However, progress is certainly being made in this area, with Tesla's Model S Dual Motor able to travel up to 354 miles (570km) on a single charge.

Longer Refuelling Time 

Charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a conventional vehicle. Although fast-charging stations are becoming more common, you might still need between 17 and 52 minutes on average to charge a medium-sized electric car. 

Higher Upfront Costs 

EVs can be more expensive to purchase than comparable gasoline vehicles, although this cost difference is decreasing as technology improves.

Driving Innovation in the EV Industry with Data Science

In this electric revolution, data science plays a pivotal role. It enables the industry to optimise battery performance, improve vehicle design and manufacturing processes, and solve complex problems. For instance, researchers are using machine learning algorithms to optimise battery charging, reduce charging times, and increase battery life. 

Moreover, the wealth of data generated by EVs can be analysed to provide insights into driver behaviour, vehicle performance, and energy consumption patterns. These insights can help manufacturers achieve high battery efficiency and operational reliability. It can also help in customer behaviour analysis, demand forecasting, and energy generation optimisation.

The role of data science in the EV industry cannot be overstated. From optimising battery performance using machine or deep learning algorithms to leveraging big data and cloud computing to improve vehicle design and manufacturing processes, data scientists are at the heart of the EV revolution, solving complex problems and driving innovation in this high-demand and highly paid career path.

If the intersection of technology, data science, and sustainable innovation excites you, Sunway University Online's Master in Data Science is what you need to accelerate your career. This programme equips you with, among others, the skills to harness the power of big data, so that you are well-prepared to seize opportunities in the EV industry – and beyond. 

To learn more about this future-focused programme and how it can help you achieve your career goals, schedule a chat with our Education Counsellors today.