LeftieBiker wrote:"Main" doesn't mean "everybody" in any definition. I agree that numerically, low fuel and ownership costs are the "majority" (if you prefer that word) driver of EV sales.
Who buys a Tesla Model S or a Model X for "low fuel and ownership costs"?
Yes, Tesla isn't quite a majority of BEV sales, they have only about 45% market share for pure electrics. When you add all of the PHEVs, Tesla has about a 25% market share. A significant fraction of other BEVs and PHEVs are sold to people that want a Tesla, but can't afford one. Or have the yearly drive to Grandma's house without any public charging so really need a PHEV.
I don't agree that low fuel and ownership costs are main reason for EV sales. Might be in some places, for sure. Might have been so when gasoline was over $4 per gallon. Clearly low cost is the reason for some people.
However, low ownership costs are partly created by subsidies. In the context of "how would the BEV market develop without subsidies", ~$10k in subsidies don't have much if any impact on the purchase of a $100k+ car. So I agree that subsidies did and will drive the sales of moderate priced BEVs, however the "Suck Amps" crowd and the slightly more sedate Tesla crowd would still likely be making and or buying BEVs. Subsidies or no subsidies. The other advantages of BEVs would also still apply. Quiet and smooth driving. No trips to gas station, can start every day with a "full tank". That part of the market would also be there.
Clearly low ownership costs is not the reason for everyone. Or Tesla wouldn't have that market share.
