We are set to get some 60 CHAdeMo chargers installed in the next couple of months in the Seattle Metro area. I predict this will radically change the forecast for EV's once people start using the
Quick chargers and relaxing about cold whether range loss. Even in the worst whether with the Climate control blasting, EV's are many times more efficient and cost effective than any other vehicle type on the road today. With over 10,000 miles on our car for less than $300 in electricity, it's just a matter of time till the next wave surges forward. Until there is an EV F-150, we just won't be able to make a fair comparison with the gas version... it's going to take a while before there is a comparable EV for every gas type vehicle out there today.
And what if someone is using that charge station as you roll up? How is that convenient? If someone is in front of you at the petrol station, you wait just a few minutes. Is someone going to wait a half hour...and then ANOTHER half hour to charge?
There's nothing quick about quick chargers. And it doesn't matter how many charge stations there are. To the average consumer, as someone mentioned, $30+ for an electric car will be the deal killer right there.
Do you really think someone who goes 65 mph on the freeway with several grade changes is going to pull over every 50 miles and say "Let's charge again! Gee, this Leaf is so efficient!" How is that going to square with efficiency in their mind? Are they going to be thinking about cost effectiveness when their two kids are in the back and you have to wait yet another 30 minutes to go every 50 miles? How is that efficient? How does this make anything but a negative statement about electric vehicles?
I've heard it said over and over again how you can stop to shop or eat when it's charging. How does that save you money? You just spent the money you thought you saved on a movie, clothes, sit down meals, Starbucks or whatever. I know don't need to eat every 50 miles.
The fact is, people's time is worth more than that.
There is NO comparable EV to any type of gas car because fuel efficent four door sedans can be had for $20,000 or a little more. That have a 300-400 mile range. That take only a few minutes to fill for another 300-400 miles. And EV's that have anywhere near the range of a petrol vehicle will cost what, $80,000? Is that Tesla S going to get 200 miles per charge going 70 mph?
We know Leafs can be sold to enthusiasts. But the idea that Joe or Joanne Cardriver will take the numerous down sides of an EV (very limited range, long charge times, high MSRP, decreasing battery life, additional money for a 220V home station, battery replacement cost, and at this point a mediocre heating system in winter that further reduces range) just so they don't have to put petrol in the car anymore strains credulity.
Electric cars may indeed be part of the future someday. Right now, to the average consumer, hybrids make far more sense and are much more practical.