Do Customers Really Want Electric Vehicles?

[NickA]

I agree there is still a long way to go. July article in Business Insider stated that 1 in 5 EV owners in CA switched back to gas...sighting charging hassle as the #1 reason. I hear it here in CO. Once you leave Denver to head up to the mountains, people freak out how the climb pulls so much juice (Outside Magazine had an article on this). They find themselves stopping to charge sooner than expected...and more often than not the charging stations are full. Then throw in the cold which I hear also diminishes battery charge. One of my stores is GMC, I am anxious to see & drive the Hummer EV.

 

[CrystalPalace]

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating. Visions of a brighter, more optimistic world emerge when thinking changes from fossil fuels to all-electric. The UK government's decision to restrict the sale of all new non-electric cars, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, beginning in 2035, underscores the country's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by 2050.
This is a wonderful decision. The demand for electric vehicles is increasing over the world. People are getting increasingly concerned about the climate issue. However, EVs will remain on the peripheral of mainstream conventional mobility until they have more to offer. The battery is the most common problem that manufacturers face. The charging time for standard big batteries is longer. Even with the best-in-class energy densities, the battery must be rather large to obtain the desired electric range.
STAY CONNECTED isn't a novel function in electric vehicles. The latest technologies, on the other hand, are bringing new flavors to the EV vehicle's feature set. The usage of a mobile app to track the status of your vehicle is a fresh topic of discussion. What if you could operate your car even if you weren't physically present within it? It's all very James Bond!
A stumbling block is a long drive. If your trip distance exceeds your battery range, you may require charging stations.

 

[Alex Snyder]

Rusty West on CBT News talking about the feasibility of EVs becoming something the entire population can use: Will there be enough EV chargers to meet growing demand? Market Scan CEO Rusty West weighs in.

 

[albertmads]

Of course, firstly I think because they are much cheaper for servicing

 

[albertmads]

Of course, firstly I think because they are much cheaper for servicing

 

[Alex Snyder]

How many of these Tesla owners are going to be buying another one?

 

[Ryan Everson]

I think the upcoming presidential election could actually push more people to buy EVs this year if they believe the $7,500 discount is likely to go away.

It won't generate new buyers, it will just accelerate any EV sales that were already likely going to buy in the next 2-3 years, and really dry up demand in 2025.

 

[flosho]

Customers do not want EVs.

I feel if the government (Federal and some states) would've let the market dictate, these manufacturers would have pushed the hybrid game significantly and we would have higher acceptance than we currently do.

Problem is 1000% the government.

For instance, mfgs could build fun/exciting EVs and use technology like BMW's "range extender" which is a small gas engine that provides 20-40 additional miles if battery power is drained so that you do not have the risk of being stranded.

Then further more - in Europe the range extender can be utilized when battery % is at 70 or 50% but in the US it can only be utilized at 5% (or 10%, I don't recall the exact cut off). and this is entirely because it wouldn't be classified as an EV and meet arbitrary US Gov't standards.

No one is buying an F-150 Lightening and accepting of the 75 mile range when towing their boat or a camper. That's ridiculous.

 

[Chris Cachor]

Customers do not want EVs.

I really beg to differ. I want an EV, but I don't want a current generation EV. Right now, the battery technology requires the battery temperature to operate within a required range. And the electrolyte is flammable. Next generation batteries won't have this problem and the energy density will be better. Plus the charging infrastructure sucks right now.

I think we'll be in this weird transitory period for a while. But I think the writing is on the wall. The gains from technology in electric outpace combustion.

I think it's a mistake to think automakers slowing EV investments is a signal they're looking to abandon the technology. It's just that it's taking longer than anticipated. Overall I think it's a multi-generation technology ramp and the world is going to require a lot more energy than available today.

No one is buying an F-150 Lightening and accepting of the 75 mile range when towing their boat or a camper. That's ridiculous.

Yea 100%. But the Lightning is an awesome product for those it's designed for. Contractors, fleet vehicles, etc. They said up front if you're looking for a highway vehicle this isn't for you. If I had a construction company I'd have one.

EV's aren't for everyone. It's early technology. Remember plasma TVs? Twenty years goes by and you can buy a 85" 4K TV that weighs under 50 lbs for under $1,000. Just have to be patient...

 

[Alex Snyder]

How many of these Tesla owners are going to be buying another one?