“The next big thing”. What does that even mean, you might ask. Let me explain. Ever since humans first landed on planet earth (depending on which theory you believe), we’ve always looked to the next thing after achieving a set goal. What’s next? That’s usually the same question after every milestone? It was true 2000 years ago and still true today. It’s the same with technology. When mobile phones were introduced in Nigeria, we were all excited. For those who are old enough to remember, the Nokia 3310 was the highest-selling mobile phone in the 2000s. It was a fantastic piece of technology, a considerable upgrade from the Payphones, the flip phones, and the Triums.
We soon got tired of the 3310; we wanted cell phones with more exciting features to perform more complex tasks. Developers heard our cries and subsequently met our demands. We got phones that turned to mini cameras (Kodak was in big trouble) and phones that performed the tasks your audio systems would typically perform (the beginning of the end for audio cassettes).
The 2010s also saw disruption across different industries. Airbnb disrupted the hospitality industry without owning a single hotel room, and Uber became the largest transportation company without owning any vehicles. The 2000s and 2010s were quite innovative.
But what does the 2020s hold? What is that invention that will be the major highlight of this decade? I think it will be electric cars. Yes, it has been in the works since the 90s, but not many can afford it at the moment. EV makers are struggling to meet up with demand and also experiencing bottlenecks with Lithium-ion batteries (The critical element that will power these vehicles).
If we as global citizens are to achieve our goal of having an environmentally sustainable planet, then we need to ditch crude oil as soon as possible. But how do we power our vehicles when we ditch crude oil? That’s where EVs comes into play. EVs will ultimately become the new normal as it becomes affordable and production is ramped up significantly. It is expected that EV production will reach 12 million by 2025, that’s 200% increase from the 4 million EVs produced in 2020.
Perhaps the most encouraging thing for EVs being the next big thing is the United State’s President, Joe Biden’s resolve for a clean energy revolution. Biden believes in clean energy and has already revoked some of his predecessor’s horrible decisions on climate and energy issues in his first few days in office. That’s an indication that he is committed to his promise of a clean energy future.
In a video he made back in August 2020 test driving a car, Biden said, “I believe we can own the 21st-century market again by moving to electric vehicles. And by the way, they tell me, and I’m looking forward if it’s true to driving one that they are making an electric corvette that can go 200mph, and I am looking forward to it”.
To add to that vote of confidence by the world leader, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also recently purchased about 1 million dollars worth of stocks in Elon Musk’s flagship EV company, Tesla. That should tell you all you need to know about this being the next big thing.
My prediction is that by the time Biden’s first term is over in 2025, EVs will be an everyday thing around the world. As an Elon Musk fanboy myself, I’ll say plan to get yourself a Tesla because it’s the biggest thing in the EV world right now and will be for the foreseeable future.