While it is not hard to see why, fans of US and European EVs are very concerned now
While electric vehicle (EV) sales are booming in China, the adoption of more environmentally friendly vehicles in the U.S. and Europe is facing significant challenges. Car manufacturers and governments in these regions are struggling to meet long standing promises about EV affordability and charging infrastructure.
The difficulties are compounded by the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with the incoming president having criticized government support for EVs. China, however, is seeing success. Thanks to substantial government subsidies and mandates, EVs, including plug-in hybrids, accounted for over 50 percent of vehicle sales in July.
Moreover, the country’s focus on EV adoption has been bolstered by economic stimulus programs and a fierce price competition following the phasing out of earlier subsidies. Many Chinese-made EVs are sold for less than USD20,000, making them an attractive option for consumers.
In contrast, concerns about range, charging infrastructure, and high prices remain significant obstacles for EV adoption in the U.S. and Europe. For instance, Detlef Mueller-Salis, a retiree from Germany, found the range of his Fiat EV significantly lower than expected, and he experienced frustration with slow charging times and multiple charging plans.
On top of that, U.S. drivers like Ken and Roxanne Honeycutt have faced difficulties with non-functioning chargers and concerns about the reliability of charging infrastructure during long trips. Even in California, where EV adoption is the highest in the U.S., charging issues have led to anxiety among owners.
The higher cost of EVs is another barrier. In Europe, the price of EVs can be up to 50 percent higher than comparable gasoline models. In the U.S., the average price of a new EV remains above USD56,000, which is still out of reach for many consumers, despite recent price reductions.
Additionally, uncertainties surrounding government subsidies and tax credits add further complexity to the decision to purchase an EV. The situation is not improving quickly enough to meet global climate goals. According to the International Energy Agency, global EV sales will reach 17 million vehicles this year, but a large portion of these sales, around 60 percent, are in China.
In Europe, the market share of pure EVs fell from 14 percent to 13 percent from January to September, while U.S. sales grew slightly but remained at 8 percent in October. Despite these challenges, EVs remain a crucial component of the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. Automakers are continuing to invest in EV technology despite all this though.
We got all this from AP News and their full article is linked here. Thank you AP News for the information and images.
