For the last couple years, the auto industry has touted the latest and greatest electric vehicles (EVs). It seems like everyone is talking about the "EV wave of the future."
Case in point: In September 2022, President Joe Biden announced a goal for 50% of all vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric vehicles by 2030. On Feb. 15, 2023, the Biden Administration planned to build more than 500,000 EV chargers by 2030.
But is perception reality? Could it be a case of media oversaturation paired with a public fear of missing out on the next new thing? Read on to see what experts are saying.
What the Experts are Saying About EVs
Autotrader Executive Editor and Kia Spokesperson Brian Moody knows what’s hitting the showroom floors and why. We asked him four questions about the state of EVs. Here’s what he had to say.
Are More People Buying EVs?
CarPro's Laura Reynolds: I was reading Toyota Motor North America’s first-quarter financial report, and it says 25% of the vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2023 were EVs. Is that what you see represented on the floor today?
What's happening with electric cars is that they're grabbing more headlines than actual sales. So right now, electric cars are about 5% or 6% of the overall market. Now, if you're Tesla, it’s 100% of your sales, since that's all they sell. They're the No. 1 electric automaker, so that makes sense.
Electric cars definitely have their place in the market, but it's better to look at what they really offer, which is more choice for the consumer, not a replacement for the cars that people have right now.
Gasoline-powered cars will not go away in the next five years or anything like that, but EVs can be a good choice. Electrified cars (plug-in hybrids and hybrids) can also be very efficient. And at the same time, get people on the road toward electric cars if that's what works best for them."
What is New in EV Technology?
Here's one that's particularly compelling, which is the new KIA EV9. It’s a three-row, fully electric SUV. The problem with EVs in the past was that a lot of those cars were not the type of vehicle that the average person needs.
Now we are seeing that change. The Nissan Aria is a great example. It is a small crossover SUV that is very comfortable. It's the kind of car that families want. The KIA EV9 has three rows of seating, which is the kind of car that people want for families, no matter how it's powered.
There's also a good number of performance cars like the Nissan GTR, the Chevrolet E-Ray, which is an electrified Corvette hybrid, and the Mustang Dark Horse. It all continues to evolve as time goes by.
Is an EV a Good Family Car?
What we always tell people is, if you're going to buy a new or used car, and you’re pretty serious about it, go to the dealership and bring your stuff with you. Bring your dog, bring your child safety seat, bring your golf clubs — the car should fit you. You shouldn't adapt to the car. It’s a big investment , so make sure it works for you.
And now what we're seeing with some of these plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars, (Volvo and Kia are great examples), they are finally the size and range that can work for the average person.
What Charging Technology Advances Are Coming?
More cars can accept fast charging now (not every car can automatically accept fast charging), and that's one advancement to consider. But even with a fast charger, you might still be looking at a 40- or 50-minute charge time.
It's not necessarily radical technology, but it is evolving to make it more accessible. One thing we know is that of the average person who owns an electric car, about 80% of those people charge up at home, so considering your charging abilities if you're going to buy an electric car.
Read on: How Much Do New And Used Electric Cars Cost?
Electric Vehicle Battery Advances
James Bell, director of corporate communications at Kia America, has further insight on advances in batteries and charging stations. Bell answers our questions about whether range anxiety still exists and how charging stations are being built faster than you may think.
Does Charge Range Anxiety Still Exist?
Range anxiety was only a thing with maybe the first generation of EVs. A lot of those were more commuter machines with an 80- to 100-mile range, which is usable when the average American drives 20 miles or 30 miles a day. Something with a 100-mile range will work fine.
Bell said Kia’s least expensive EV gets close to 300 miles of range. So if you're driving 30 miles a day, you're recharging once a week at most. Most EV buyers today are able to charge at home, and they're leaving their house with a proverbial full tank of gas every day.
We're starting to see more and more charging stations be built around the country, especially on arteries between city centers and large areas. One of the criticisms has been that there's a gas station on every corner, but it hasn't always been that way. It's the same thing with electric charging stations.
We're in a transitional time now. In fact, there's a gas station near my house where the owner planted some flowers and trees to make a little park, and he's now putting charging stations in that area. I think we're going to see more and more of that happening over the next year or two.
Battery Size Vs. Charge
CarPro's Laura Reynolds: When we spoke last time, you said 300 miles of range was a good number because it keeps the battery smaller and the car lighter. Do you see that number changing?
In this transitional time, we're already seeing advances in batteries. Sure, every car could have 500 miles of electric range — it's all dependent on how big the battery is. If you needed a cell phone that lasted a week between charges, well, guess what? It's going to be the size of a football because you need more battery. It's the same thing with cars. And so what's happening in the transportation space is some amazing new advancements in lightweight materials.
In the very near future, 300 miles of range will be the standard, and we'll get better technology pushing up to 400 mile range, which is the average mileage gasoline-powered cars get today.
Is 300 Miles of Range a Deal-Breaker?
Why is 300 miles perceived as such a low number for electric cars when gasoline-powered cars have a 300-400 mile range? With a 300-mile electric range, you’re not going to gas stations anymore — you’re charging at home or using public charging. So the cost is a fraction of what it is for going to the gas station.
Another thing to consider: how many times have you come home at night, noticed you're low on fuel, and said to yourself, 'I'll just fill up in the morning'? Then the next morning comes, and inevitably you're running late for some reason. If you have an EV, you can jump in the car and remember your fuel tank is empty. With an EV, the pressure to get gas is washed away. So not only are you saving money and preparing for the future, but they also offer more comfort and an easier life.
Read on: The States With The Most Electric Vehicles On the Road
EVs: To Buy or Not to Buy?
The next time you’re bombarded by ads for EVs, remember we’re still in a very transitional phase when it comes to batteries and charging stations. Advancements keep getting better and better and CarPro experts will keep you updated as changes are made. Be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter for the latest updates.
