The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is the most significant change the automotive industry has experienced in recent times. And to say that its acceptance has divided people thus far is a huge understatement.
But exactly how divided were the reactions? And are there any signs that the gap between those who support EVs and those who oppose them will close soon?
According to statistics published by JD Power, – This disparity is more of a growing divide than a gap. And the numbers show that within the next decade, that divide will grow to rival the Grand Canyon.
Overall picture of overall EV penetration rate
These statistics define this penetration rate as how many consumers would choose an EV if it were available, taking into account factors such as vehicle brand, class, and price range.
And the data is not encouraging.
While the overall EV adoption rate increased by one percentage point with the size of the briefing, a closer look at the state-by-state numbers tells a different, less rosy story.
Only 21 out of 100 buyers expressed an intention to purchase an EV.
california tips scale
The Golden State’s sheer size, population, and EV penetration make EVs appear more widely accepted than they actually are. Data shows that by 2035, 94% of cars sold there will be EVs.
But compared to states with little interest in EV adoption, like South Dakota, that estimate plummets to just 19% over the same period.
If California, one of the world’s largest EV markets, were not a factor, national adoption numbers would be even less encouraging than they are now.
The market is fragmented
The data reveals that EV-friendly states are seeing increased interest in EVs, while less EV-friendly states are seeing less EV interest.
Typically, EV-friendly states like California, Arizona, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and Colorado have seen increased adoption rates. Meanwhile, states that are less EV-friendly, such as Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and the Dakotas, have seen their already low adoption rates fall even further.
There are now more EV options on the market than ever before, but charging infrastructure remains unevenly distributed, with most public charging stations concentrated in just a few states (such as California).
Given the challenges that charging time and range pose for EV owners, it seems unlikely that states that currently require more public charging stations will be able to do so. The public is unlikely to demand them.
Unless EV charging stations suddenly become as widely available as gas stations, owning an EV will limit where people are free to drive. If you can’t drive to parts of the state due to range limitations or lack of charging facilities, owning an EV isn’t practical. Therefore, adoption rates in these states will increase slowly, if at all.
In other words, EV manufacturers should expect golden sales numbers only within the Golden State.
