Why The Electric Car Revolution Is Taking Longer Than Expected

Why The Electric Car Revolution Is Taking Longer Than Expected

We are charging towards the end of the decade, and, as we prepare to welcome in 2020 and the dawn of a new era, is it a wonder that electric cars are not the norm? Weren’t we all meant to be driving electric vehicles by now?

Car technology, design and innovation are continually moving forward. Most recently Elon Musk launched his ‘supposed’ bulletproof electric cybertruck, which surprisingly still took 250,000 pre-orders if Musk’s statements are to be believed. Even with the failed PR launch and strange design which wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Bladerunner there seems to be a solid interest in cars of the future.

So, with such media and consumer interest in electric cars and Tesla’s ‘next best thing’ filling up our news feeds, why isn’t there the same demand for electric vehicles from the millions of everyday drivers? With the gaining traction of climate rebellion and Greta Thornburg’s fight for world leaders to listen and make drastic climate change commitments, surely an EV is an attractive and conscious choice for the next generation? Why aren’t electric vehicles getting transported out of car showrooms every day?

Why aren’t electric vehicles (EV’s) more popular?

There are several reasons that sales of electric vehicles haven’t taken off as expected:-

Purchase Price of EV’s

There is plenty of data to demonstrate significant cost savings when it comes to running an electric vehicle. However, the initial outlay is still out of reach for the average American family. Pair the expensive purchase price with other perceived obstacles, and sticking with what you know, and a reliable SUV to get the kids to and from school is suddenly a safer bet, rather than a costly gamble on the unknown.

Lack of support for electric vehicles from car manufacturers

Think about it. When was the last time, apart from Tesla, that you saw a mainstream car manufacturer invest in an extensive advertising campaign for an electric vehicle? Hybrids are more accessible and find their way into brochures and showrooms, but when was the last time a car salesman actively pushed the possibility of an electric car as a viable option?

Electric vehicles require very little maintenance and replacement parts, which erodes profits raked in by major car manufacturers for warranties, parts and servicing for petrol and diesel cars. Could this be the reason that the biggest car manufacturers in the world, are still not leading the change to electric vehicles?

Convenience of recharging

Charging an electric vehicle requires a station and often a home charging system, usually specific to the vehicle and model. For example; if you purchase a BMW 360, you will also need to buy and install a BMW Type 2 Inlet charger for approximately $1750USD or the latest iWallbox. The running costs after initial outlay may significantly reduce, but how does the average driver access a charging station at the end of a working day, or long trip? How many Americans have private garages to store and charge their electric vehicle? Not that many.

Most people live in apartments, and even houses in inner-city areas have no dedicated parking, leaving the only option to park your car on the street. The anxiety of not being able to charge an electric vehicle quickly, and the low range before having to recharge is still one of the biggest obstacles to purchase. This creates a perception that only the rich, with their own garages and ports for charging can have an electric car.

However, let’s not write off electric vehicles just yet. Charge ranges are increasing with each new model launch, with major manufacturers beginning to challenge Tesla’s market share,and fuel stations are starting to install EV charging stations. There are also incentives and government credits available to those who make the switch to electric. Diesel is on the decline as governments slap high levy’s and restrictions on diesel engines and as these old workhorses phase-out, and electric cars improve in both design, and cost, they could start to become more popular.

We may not be there quite yet, but by the end of the next decade, vehicles will not only look very different, they will be powered by electricity, not fossil fuels. However, this can only happen with industry change and support from the major car manufacturers.

(Contributed Article by Ecoloads, You can visit Ecoloads on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram or Twitter)