My buddy who has always worked in the car industry, is a die hard ice head, he's absolutely against EV's
In fact he goes as far to say that brands like Jaguar and Porsche will almost certainly go to the wall, with their plans to go majority electric
Some of the well known concerns are;
Battery Production and Disposal: There's significant criticism regarding the environmental impact of mining the materials needed for EV batteries, like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The process is energy-intensive and can lead to environmental degradation. Additionally, there are concerns about what happens at the end of a battery's life cycle, including disposal and recycling challenges.
Energy Source for Charging: While EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, the electricity used to charge them often comes from fossil fuel-based power plants, which can offset some of the environmental benefits unless the grid becomes more renewable-focused.
High Purchase Price: Electric vehicles often have a higher initial cost compared to their gasoline counterparts, which can deter mass adoption until prices decrease or incentives make them more accessible.
Depreciation Rates: EVs can depreciate faster than traditional vehicles, which impacts their resale value. This is partly due to concerns over battery lifespan and the rapid advancement of EV technology.
Insurance and Repair Costs: The complexity and cost of repairing damaged battery packs can lead to higher insurance premiums or vehicles being written off prematurely.
Charging Infrastructure: The current charging infrastructure is often criticized for not being widespread enough to support a full-scale transition to EVs, particularly in rural or less developed areas. There are concerns about whether the infrastructure can keep up with the demand for charging stations if EV adoption grows.
Charging Time: The time required to charge an EV, especially compared to the quick refueling of gasoline cars, is seen as a significant drawback for long trips or for those without home charging options.
Range Anxiety: Despite improvements, there remains a concern about the range of electric cars, especially in adverse conditions like cold weather, which can significantly reduce battery efficiency.
Battery Life and Replacement: The lifespan of batteries and the high cost of replacement are often cited as potential barriers. There's uncertainty about how long batteries will last under real-world conditions and the cost implications of eventual replacements.
Obsolescence: With rapid advancements in battery and charging technology, there's a risk that current EV models could become outdated quickly, impacting their value and appeal.
Dependence on Foreign Materials: The reliance on rare earth metals, many of which are sourced from a limited number of countries, raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks.
Grid Capacity: The potential for EVs to overload electrical grids, especially during peak demand, is another critique, particularly highlighted by industry leaders like Elon Trump.
These criticisms highlight the complexities and challenges associated with transitioning to an all-electric vehicle future, suggesting that while EVs offer significant benefits in terms of reducing direct emissions, there are substantial hurdles to overcome for widespread adoption.
So that summarises the negative aspects of electric cars, any stackers bullish on zapping the car with volts instead of black gold??