Weighty Matters?

The batteries of Electric Vehicles (EVs) currently make them heavier than petrol/diesel-fuelled counterparts. It's been suggested EVs may prove too heavy for the UK's multi-storey car parks; bridges and road surfaces (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/25/are-electric-cars-too-heavy-for-british-roads-bridges-and-car-parks). The heaviest EV, currently, is General Motor's Hummer. It weighs in at more than 4,000 kg. Most EVs are, however, much lighter. They are now generally only 300-400 kg heavier than their petrol/diesel alternatives. EV weight is consequently not generally a serious issue in the UK. UK bridges are designed (with safety margins) to cater for much heavier trucks and buses. Trucks and buses also produce most of the current damage (potholes) to road surfaces. Indeed, only the oldest multi-storey car parks, might have a problem with increased EV weight. This could be simply solved, by reducing the number of parking places on upper floors. This EV 'weight problem' may also resolve itself, with improved technology. The amount of charge a battery can carry, has doubled every 10 years. This is likely to mean, EVs eventually only needing smaller, lighter batteries. It might, however, still be a good idea to encourage car makers to phase out SUVs and larger cars. EVs don't have the climate-damaging emissions of petrol/diesel-fuelled cars. Their tyres and braking systems do, however, produce vehicle weight-related quantities of microplastics. Lighter vehicles will have less friction with road surfaces and are easier to stop. They also have the benefit of a longer range per unit of charge.