Who the hell drives that far in a day?
This past week, research firm Deloitte dropped a bit of an EV bombshell.
It determined that US consumers wanted an electric vehicle with a range of 518 miles.
Electrify America
Thats the question Deloitte asked 927 of-age drivers in the United States.
The 518-mile range result is an answer the company says is based on consumer expectation from a fully-charged EV.
Charge Anxiety
The issue of range anxiety continues to vex those looking to sell EVs.
Electrify America
Its actually charging anxiety thats the problem.
Thats super quick, but filling up the tank of a gas car is quicker.
And theres a gas station at nearly every offramp in this country.
For EVs, you have to find a charge station thatll spew electricity that quickly.
In parts of California and a few other states, thats not that difficult.
In states without large electric vehicle adoption, well, good luck.
Theres also the charging at home overnight scenario.
If you have that option, thats great.
According to automakers, about 80 percent of charging happens at home.
I charge our EV at home every night.
But when I lived in an apartment, that wouldnt have been an option.
So I get the desire for a vehicle that can travel over 500 miles on a single charge.
But really, we need to break this rather large number down.
Thats traffic, and its horrible.
But the average person travels about39 miles per day, according to the Department of Transportation.
Youre still cool with 200 miles.
Also, youre an outlier.
Your experience is not everyone elses experience.
You should stick with a hybrid with very nice seats.
And maybe sign up for a yoga class for your spine.
On the Road Again.
Maybe
Then there are road trips.
If youre traveling at 70 miles per hour, itll take over seven hours to travel 500 miles.
Thats non-stop, just-going-for-it driving.
Ive driven across the country a few times.
Its great fun but hard on the body if you take a stab at do it non-stop.
Not just for gas, but for food and to stretch our bodies.
Humans shouldnt sit in the same position for seven hours straight.
Eventually, well likely get a 500-mile range EV that most people can afford.
Most people wont need it.
Not once did we travel nonstop without stopping from a full tank to an empty tank.
This was before the time of 64-ounce medium sodas and venti lattes.
Even before we got our EV, we would rent a minivan for long trips with the dogs.
Minivans might not be cool (Minivansarecool), but theyre great for road trips.
Its actually tough to find a gas vehicle with that much range.
Spoiler alert, they cant.
Lets take thenumber one selling vehiclein the US, the Ford F-150.
The rear-wheel drive XLT model has a 23-gallon tank and a combined EPA 21MPG.
According to math, thats 483 miles.
I picked two-wheel over four-wheel drive because they typically have better efficiency numbers.
How about the best-selling SUV, the Toyota Rav4.
Again going two-wheel drive.
The front-wheel drive XLE trim version has a 14.5-gallon tank and a combined EPA rating of 30 MPG.
Checking the math, thats 435 miles of range.
The best-selling car is, unsurprisingly, the Toyota Camry.
We get 505 miles of range.
So close, but sorry, Camry.
That is a completely fair argument.
But heres the life hack.
Youre actively participating while you put gas in a car.
Thats something youre doing.
That happens while youre doing something else.
Its why charging stations are at malls, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels.
AFuel Institutestudy says that the average EV owner is 40-55 years old.
Journalists and automakers have been trying for years to explain how EVs work.
If you have an EV, take suspicious friends for a ride.
Eventually, well likely get a 500-mile range EV that most people can afford.
Most people wont need it.
Want to know more about EVs?
We have awhole section dedicated to electric vehicles!
