Electric vehicles, or EVs, have been hailed as the future of transportation. With zero tailpipe emissions, lower operating costs, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, it's no wonder that EVs are becoming increasingly popular. However, as with any new technology, there have been some bumps along the road. With issues like charging problems, recalls, high costs, large carbon footprints, and societal backlash, one may wonder if they are more interested in buying an EV in 2023 or less interested.
One of the most significant issues that have plagued EVs is charging. While traditional gas-powered vehicles can be refueled in a matter of minutes, EVs require charging, which can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. While there are plenty of charging stations available, especially in urban areas, many EV owners have reported issues with slow charging, malfunctioning chargers, and even charging stations that are out of service.
Recalls are another issue that has affected EVs in recent years. Just like any other type of vehicle, EVs are subject to recalls for various reasons. In 2019, for example, Tesla recalled over 15,000 Model X SUVs due to a power steering issue. While recalls are not unique to EVs, they have garnered more attention in recent years as more people purchase them.
Cost is also a significant factor that affects whether someone is interested in purchasing an EV. While the cost of EVs has been coming down in recent years, they are still generally more expensive than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Additionally, the cost of replacing an EV battery can be significant, which has led some potential buyers to hold off on purchasing an EV.
Despite their zero tailpipe emissions, EVs still have a carbon footprint, primarily during the manufacturing process. This is especially true for EV batteries, which require the mining and processing of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The carbon footprint of an EV can also depend on the source of electricity used to charge it, which may come from fossil fuels in some areas.
Finally, societal backlash has become an issue for EVs in recent years. While many people are excited about the prospect of EVs, others have raised concerns about the environmental impact of battery production, the cost of EVs, and the impact on the power grid. In some cases, this backlash has led to policies that may make it more challenging to purchase or own an EV, such as higher registration fees or limited access to carpool lanes.
With all of these issues in mind, it's natural to wonder if people are more interested in buying an EV in 2023 or less interested.
So tell us Spies, with all you know NOW are you MORE or LESS likely to go EV in 2023?