Contrary to what many people might think, the electric car concept is not a modern and recent idea, but has existed since the early years of the automobile industry itself. During those days, early car designs were based on gas, electric, and steam engines. It wasn’t until the introduction of the 1912 Cadillac that gasoline engines became more popular, as Charles Kettering’s self-starting design virtually put an end to the dangerous starting problems experienced with early gasoline engine designs.

But imagine if the auto industry took a different path and went with the cleaner electric motors. A lot of effort and attention would have been put into the issues related to electric motors and, from the decades that passed, practical resolutions would have been formulated. Now the industry is scrambling to resolve these issues and make electric vehicles (EVs) more practical for general use in light of the much larger issues facing the nation and the rest of the world: environmental issues, climate change, and energy security. all attributed to the heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Things are looking up, though, with groups like the Plug-In Vehicle Collaborative taking a more aggressive lead in developing an electric transportation system in California and establishing the state as the national hub for the electric vehicle market. Newer, more efficient green vehicles are being introduced to the market that will showcase the practicality and environmental benefits of electric vehicles and add-ons, towards a cleaner, greener future.

Problems and challenges

Despite the tremendous potential benefits of electric vehicles, certain issues and challenges posed obstacles for the industry to finally pick up and penetrate widespread consumer use. Some of these problems and issues are described below:

  • High price tags for electric vehicles – The cheapest EVs released on the market can still cost the buyer $32,000, while other models will exceed $100,000. This high sales price is attributed to the high costs of creating the battery packs that serve as the primary source of power for these vehicles. Creating a cheaper, longer lasting yet more efficient battery pack is one of the biggest challenges industry experts and engineers are trying to tackle.

  • Availability of Public Charging Facilities – Plug-in electric vehicles can be recharged at home overnight and ready to use the next morning. However, with no public charging facilities available elsewhere, the use of these vehicles will be limited to distances within a 50-mile radius; otherwise, there won’t be enough power for the car to use on its journey home.

  • There is no cooperation between electric vehicle manufacturers and utility companies. – Electric vehicle manufacturers will need the full backing and support of power companies, particularly in the area of ​​installation and maintenance of public connection areas.

These issues need to be addressed before electric vehicles can be accepted as a practical mode of transportation that people will choose. In a broader sense, the EV market in California can only be sustained if sales can reach at least 100,000 vehicles per year over a ten-year period.

Market trends and opportunities

Industry insiders are seeing a big uptick in the electric vehicle market as new advances in battery and electronics technologies are bringing a new wave of better and more efficient plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles to the market. These new electrified vehicles need just 4 to 8 hours of plug-in time on standard 220-volt power to drive a range of more than 100 miles and top speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.

These new car designs are far superior to their predecessors in terms of practicality, significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the large potential savings from gasoline consumption that will only increase as gasoline prices continue to rise on the world market. . California will be the lynchpin for these new electric vehicles and will garner strong support from the state and federal governments. In accordance with California’s 2025 air quality emissions goals, the state targets annual sales of up to 250,000 battery and plug-in hybrid units sold on the market.

The federal government is offering a $7,500 federal tax credit for every consumer and electric vehicle purchase, but in the state of California alone, consumers can get an additional $5,000 cash back. This will make new EV models like the Nissan Leaf more affordable to the public, with prices dropping from $32,780 to $25,280 when all government tax breaks are factored in.

The issue of charging stations will also be addressed with the federal government investing more than $400 million to help develop connection infrastructure and upgrade existing facilities. More than 1,600 public charging stations resembling oversized iPods with wires will begin to be installed in various parts of Los Angeles and San Diego. Home charging won’t be a problem, as pole transformer upgrades can handle the added burden of charging multiple EVs at the same time within a typical neighborhood.

Whats Next?

The Plug-In Vehicle Collaborative believes that electric vehicles are the future of transportation in California and the rest of the nation as well. With tremendous support from the federal and local government in partnership with private companies, environmentalists and other advocates, electric vehicles now have the potential to transform the automotive industry, towards a cleaner, greener and more affordable drive for consumers.