US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently embarked on a road trip to promote the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), but encountered some common obstacles that EV drivers face. While attempting to charge their EVs at a local station, Granholm’s team discovered that one charger was broken and the others were occupied. To save a charging spot for Granholm, a staffer parked a gas car in the EV charger spot. However, this led to a confrontation with a family who needed to charge their EV, resulting in the involvement of law enforcement. Despite this unexpected incident, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether EVs are right for you.
One of the main challenges with EVs is their limited range. EVs typically have a range of about 110 to 300 miles on a single charge, making long road trips more difficult. Even with careful planning, there’s no guarantee that charging stations along the route will be available or functioning properly. Unless you mainly drive short distances and can charge your EV at home, the limited range may present an inconvenience.
Another issue is the time it takes to charge an EV. While the fastest EV chargers on the market can charge a vehicle in 20 minutes, not all EVs are compatible with this speed. Additionally, not all charging stations offer fast-charging options, which makes finding a charging spot even more challenging. At present, there are only 130,000 public chargers in the US, making them a sought-after commodity.
Despite these drawbacks, there are also benefits to owning an EV. According to Consumer Reports, EV owners can save up to $1,000 on gas per year, considering the rising fuel prices. Furthermore, the government offers incentives in the form of tax credits up to $7,500 for purchasing a new EV. These incentives, combined with the requirement for all EV chargers to be constructed in the US, contribute to job creation and economic growth.
While EVs may not be suitable for everyone, they offer potential savings on fuel costs and contribute to a more sustainable future. As the infrastructure for EV charging continues to improve, road trips like Granholm’s are likely to become easier for EV drivers.