David Reeck’s Post

Some EV players will find they were so early they are now wrong. "Some auto executives acknowledge they got ahead of the market with overzealous demand projections. Pandemic-era supply-chain shocks and a resulting car shortage created long waiting lists and early buzz for EVs, making the industry overly optimistic. Only later, as a barrage of new EVs hit the market, did executives realize that car buyers were more discerning than they expected. Many were hesitant to pay a premium for a vehicle that came with compromises. Farley and other industry CEOs are still confident that EVs will eventually take off, albeit at a slower pace than initially envisioned. But for now, the massive miscalculation has left the industry in a bind, facing a potential glut of EVs and half-empty factories while still having to meet stricter environmental regulations globally." https://lnkd.in/etye3Sw3

The Wall Street Journal article by Nora Eckert Mike Colias and Sean McLain paints a complex picture of the electric vehicle (EV) market and sheds light on the current challenges faced by major players like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Tesla. While this slowdown may seem like a setback, it's important to view it as a temporary pause in the rapid evolution of electric mobility. 🤔 From boom to bust? Not quite. The initial explosion in #EV demand was fueled by a confluence of factors: government incentives 💲ambitious 👨🏭 manufacturer targets, and pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions that inflated demand for any available car. This initial boom 💥 wasn't built on a foundation of broad consumer adoption. Many buyers were early adopters willing to pay premiums for novelty and environmental benefits. As the market matured, several factors led to the slowdown: - Higher sticker prices: EVs still carry a significant premium compared to gas-powered vehicles, - Range anxiety and charging infrastructure: Concerns about range and limited charging options remain significant hurdles - Rising interest rates: Increased borrowing costs further squeezed affordability. - Economic uncertainty: Global economic jitters made consumers more cautious 📈A recalibration, not a retreat. Despite the slowdown, it's important to remember that EV sales are still growing, albeit at a slower pace. Automakers are adjusting their strategies, focusing on: - More affordable EV options: Recognizing the price barrier, manufacturers are developing more budget-friendly models to broaden the appeal. - Improved range and charging infrastructure: Investments in battery technology and charging infrastructure are ongoing, addressing range anxiety concerns. - Hybrids as a bridge: Recognizing the continued demand for gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids offer a stepping stone for consumers hesitant about full EVs. The future is electric, but the road is winding 🌪 The recent slowdown doesn't signal the end of the EV revolution. It's a necessary recalibration, a course correction to ensure the EV market grows sustainably. It is an opportunity for automakers to focus on quality and affordability, building trust with consumers for the long haul. Government policies that incentivize EV adoption and infrastructure development will continue to play a crucial role. Consumer education about the benefits and realities of EV ownership is essential for broader adoption. The EV market may be experiencing a detour, but the final destination remains the same: an electric future. #ElectricVehicles #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #Innovation #FutureMobility my latest article on the topic https://lnkd.in/dbWB_g8F https://lnkd.in/dvv2h5BQ

Partners, realize putting Ethanol from Corn into Gasoline makes negative financial, engineering, and logical sense. However, the US Government forces Oil Companies to blend / supply this to gas stations. American citizens then, have little choice but to buy gasoline w Ethanol and put it into our vehicles. Unless we have free and fair elections, then the Liberal Progressive Socialist Democrats will force you buy EVs. Regardless of the facts that EVs make little financial, engineering, nor logical sense today or in the future. Woke Up Sheeple.!

Ever wish your car could talk to nearby bicyclists? 🚴♀️ Us neither, but now it can... apparently. 🤷 The FCC just dropped new rules for C-V2X tech, letting cars, roads, and even pedestrians exchange "Hey, watch out!" messages. Yes, your car might soon warn you about traffic jams before you're stuck in one. Or kindly suggest you slow down because a cyclist is around the corner. Ford’s all in—this could mean safer roads and fewer close calls. The FCC? They’re calling it a game-changer for wireless and transportation. But here’s the twist: This 5.9GHz spectrum sparked battles between the FCC and automakers for years. Now, it’s officially in play, with strict rules to keep the chatter productive. The question is—will this tech create harmony on the roads, or just make our cars snarkier than we are? #automotiveindustry #technology #dealership https://lnkd.in/gYRGmA2E

How do you think the results of last week's election will impact electric vehicle production and the auto industry as a whole? Here's an interesting perspective to consider. https://hubs.ly/Q02XpQ4z0

Reflecting on my contribution to this article discussing the political polarization surrounding electric vehicles, I'm compelled to share an additional narrative that didn't make it into the quoted segment. The conservative perspective underscores the significance of preserving freedom of choice in automotive technology, resisting the notion of outright bans on gas-powered vehicles. Instead, the emphasis lies on fostering a pro-choice environment where individuals can make informed decisions about their preferred transportation. However, it's imperative to recognize that true choice hinges on the availability of infrastructure and supportive supply policies. Without adequate investment in NEVI infrastructure and policies that stimulate the supply of electric vehicles, the freedom to choose becomes constrained. It's not merely about banning or allowing, but rather about enabling every American to exercise their right to choose. Current discussions about our policies should pivot towards facilitating accessibility to a diverse array of automotive options. Whether it's opting for the rugged Sibertruck or a diesel truck, the adrenaline rush of a Corvette or a Tesla, or even the practicality of an economy plug-in hybrid family vehicle versus a traditional gas-guzzling minivan, individuals deserve the autonomy to select what aligns best with their lifestyle and values. The current policy landscape should not focus on banning gas vehicles; it's about ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to make informed decisions and that this decision will align with the society's needs for combating climate change, improving air quality, reducing the cost of transportation etc. Even California post-2035 still allows 20% PHEVs in the mix, and the EPA regulation allows for more. Let's keep advocating for policies that foster inclusivity, allowing every American the opportunity to embrace sustainable transportation options by making it the better choice for most people. https://lnkd.in/gaMd9PQn

Winston Churchill famously said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This is why it is so important to understand the history of the modern electric car and course-correct in ways that ultimately bring about broad acceptance and ensure its long-term success. We should be asking key questions, like: “Do Mandates Work?” California’s 1998 ZEV Mandate did not, as envisioned. President Obama’s “One Million EVs by 2015” did not, either. If we’re being honest with ourselves, history tells us that California’s ban on gas-powered cars in 2035 will fail as well because it’s too fast and too soon for the market and willing consumers to deliver as expected/hoped. Food for thought. Consider that this is coming from a fan of EVs, not a detractor. My track record over more than three decades bears this out. – Ron Cogan https://lnkd.in/gyzH4fW9

Are EVs polarized? While the current political polarization around electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. may not last, it's clear that the underlying technology itself presents an opportunity to unite around shared financial and environmental objectives. It seems that knowing someone who owns an electric vehicle tends to increase interest and positive attitude towards EVs, as the firsthand experience often dispels common myths. Have you driven an EV or used our charging infrastructure? https://lnkd.in/egB4KsR9 #ElecVulum #HobbsandCo #electricvehicles #evcharger #evcharging #infrastructure

https://lnkd.in/guW8W3KV "In the map below, you can see the share of cars on the road that are electric. Don’t confuse this with new sales, where EVs make up a larger share than this. For context, this figure for the US as a whole was 1.2% in 2022. Again, this is so low because it takes time for new cars to replace all of the existing cars on the road, with lifetimes of a decade or more. Perhaps unsurprisingly, California has the highest rates, with a share of 3.5%. In fact, EVs are popular along most of the West coast (and parts of the East coast)."

„And yet, electric vehicles are the fastest-growing segment of the auto industry. Sales of electric vehicles, trucks and S.U.V.s hit a record last year, reaching 1.2 million for the first time, bringing the share of electric vehicles in the United States vehicle market to 8.5 percent of new auto registrations. While growth is slowing, this year is expected to set another record, analysts have said. But the boom is not happening everywhere. In California, which leads the nation in terms of the number of charging stations, 40 percent of new cars registered in San Jose last year were electric. But in Detroit, the country’s automobile capital, they accounted for only 3 percent and even less in Buffalo and Bismark, N.D.“ #electrification #electromobility #futureofmobility