Despite the attractiveness of the Tesla Model 3, it is an enigma to most Americans.
Credit: Tesla
But another report shows that Americans still do not have access to electric cars.
While the 17 December Consumer Report (CR) has a headline that states “a study finds that the majority of drivers are interested in electric vehicles,” the a subtext that counts.
That context: almost 70 per cent of those surveyed fall into the category “I don’t know much about them. ”
“I’ve heard of plug-in EVs but don’t know much about them”: 68 per cent of those surveyed by Consumer Reports (17 December 2020)
This sentiment is supported by countless reviews from other organizations like JD Power, which say more or less the same thing.
But who needs to study?
Just broach the subject of electric cars to a random person (think: family gathering) and keep an eye on their eyes. This has happened to me many times over the years. The message: “I like my gas car, don’t bother me.”
Or next time you’re on the highway, check out how many EVs you’ll see amongst a sea of gas cars. Even in Los Angeles * – Mecca for EVs in the US – that can be a challenge in many areas.
There is hope
While electricity remains a mystery to most Americans, another finding revealed in a CR study says “7 out of 10 American adults with a valid driver’s license are interested in getting a plug-in electric vehicle (EV) in the future. ”
Tesla, and in particular the Model 3, may have something to do with that. It’s similar to EVs for many Americans – who had to have no internet living off the grid in the Alaska revolution without neighbors or friends so they wouldn’t know a little about about Tesla and at least think about the prospect of being an EV.
Challenges: cost, price, choice
“Cost is a concern for many; among drivers who certainly do not intend to buy or rent an EV plug-in for their next vehicle, ”said a CR study.
Almost half (48%) say there are not enough public charging stations.
If we face it, not many Americans will buy an EV until they see a large toll station at every major Interstate resting place right next to Wendy.
“Drivers are used to many gas stations, and may not realize that if they have a personal garage or driveway, they will be doing most of their expenses at home,” said CR.
The study also said that drivers want help from the government by “reducing upfront prices” (60%).
And another key event of the study: U.S. drivers also want more electric vehicle options.
More than 7 in 10 say they need a wider mix of vehicle types such as SUVs and pickups to be available as plug-in electric models, CR said.
Gun brainer
EVs are probably the best thing that goes for people who already have EVs. As that network grows wider and wider, more and more car buyers will realize that non-electricity is not advanced. As in: very little maintenance, less cost to “fill” (refill), quiet, fast acceleration, regenerative (replace energy just using it), clean (no lubrication stains on the garage floor), and – coming in soon – much more accessible.
Try that range on a random person sometime in 2021, who knows it might work.
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* I live in Los Angeles. I’ve had EVs since 2013.
Comments or suggestions can be sent to me via twitter message directly at twitter.com/mbrookec or [email protected]