- Joined
- Nov 8, 2012
- Messages
- 783
For now, you are correct and will probably continue for a little while.
The problem lies with the batteries currently used and the power density along with charge & discharge rates allowed, and cycles before needing replaced. Without some major breakthrough in batteries that could be retro-fitted in current EV's, the ones currently on the road have a finite useful life span.
EV's make up maybe 1% of cars on the roads worldwide today, even less when your consider all other types of vehicles like pick-ups, semi's, etc.
Consider how many more batteries would be required for just 50% of all vehicles on the roads. That's a lot of batteries and a lot of electricity to charge them.
Enter any other green, renewable energy source that on par or cheaper than batteries and EV's go the way of the Do-Do overnight along with the resale value.
I also agree that kids of today lack the qualification and desire to work a lot of the jobs available, but technology and automation is greatly reducing the need for workers as well.
I also look at the fact that I had a good paying job before retiring. That said, I bought a brand new F-150 4X4 about a year after I started that job. The "Out the door" price was in the neighborhood of 30% of my annual gross income. That same truck today runs around 80% of my gross annual salary.
Then you consider maintenance costs. Simple thing like a headlight that used to run a couple bucks cost you $25 and up these days. I used to always replace valve stem with new tire changes for around $5 for all four. Now it's $10-$20 each plus the cost to program the computer to accept the TPS monitor in them. Speaking of tires, I remember being able to buy a complete set of good tires for under $200 with free mounting and balancing. That amount might get you 2 cheap tires today and then add another $15-$20 per tire for the mount, balance, and other fees. The list goes on and many of those costs don't go away with changing to an EV.
Time will tell if EV's stay the wave of the future in transportation. I just think it's too big of a gamble right now. I also think that for most EV owners today, the EV is a second or third vehicle and not their only vehicle. There's always exceptions, but I think a vast majority fall into this category.
I've yet to meet the person who only owns EV's.
The problem lies with the batteries currently used and the power density along with charge & discharge rates allowed, and cycles before needing replaced. Without some major breakthrough in batteries that could be retro-fitted in current EV's, the ones currently on the road have a finite useful life span.
EV's make up maybe 1% of cars on the roads worldwide today, even less when your consider all other types of vehicles like pick-ups, semi's, etc.
Consider how many more batteries would be required for just 50% of all vehicles on the roads. That's a lot of batteries and a lot of electricity to charge them.
Enter any other green, renewable energy source that on par or cheaper than batteries and EV's go the way of the Do-Do overnight along with the resale value.
I also agree that kids of today lack the qualification and desire to work a lot of the jobs available, but technology and automation is greatly reducing the need for workers as well.
I also look at the fact that I had a good paying job before retiring. That said, I bought a brand new F-150 4X4 about a year after I started that job. The "Out the door" price was in the neighborhood of 30% of my annual gross income. That same truck today runs around 80% of my gross annual salary.
Then you consider maintenance costs. Simple thing like a headlight that used to run a couple bucks cost you $25 and up these days. I used to always replace valve stem with new tire changes for around $5 for all four. Now it's $10-$20 each plus the cost to program the computer to accept the TPS monitor in them. Speaking of tires, I remember being able to buy a complete set of good tires for under $200 with free mounting and balancing. That amount might get you 2 cheap tires today and then add another $15-$20 per tire for the mount, balance, and other fees. The list goes on and many of those costs don't go away with changing to an EV.
Time will tell if EV's stay the wave of the future in transportation. I just think it's too big of a gamble right now. I also think that for most EV owners today, the EV is a second or third vehicle and not their only vehicle. There's always exceptions, but I think a vast majority fall into this category.
I've yet to meet the person who only owns EV's.