During Inside Line's year-long test of the all-electric Mini E, the biggest challenge we faced was the car's limited range coupled with a lack of recharging stations... other than at the car's homebase here in Santa Monica, California. This, of course, would be an issue for any electric vehicle owner who resides in a megalopolis like Los Angeles.
But some of the top thinkers on the industry side suggest that we're blowing this problem out of proportion. Speaking today at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan, Robert Bienenfeld, American Honda Motor Co. Inc.'s senior manager for environment and energy strategy, product regulatory office, said that the vast majority of EV owners are, and will be, well-served by the driving range provided by the charging they can do at home.
Long-time EV proponents may regard the prospect of a large, quick-recharge infrastructure as a "badge of honor," he said, but ultimately, "very little charging is needed in the public sector."
Though many cities have concrete plans in place to build recharging facilities for the upcoming generation of electric cars, Bienenfeld argues that these will inevitably be judged as "stranded assets." -- Reporting by Bill Visnic, Senior Editor for Auto Observer
1919diesel says:
05:18 PM, 08/ 3/10
>>"the vast majority of EV owners are, and will be, well-served by the driving range provided by the charging they can do at home."
What that comment tells me is that HONDA thinks the market share of EV vs. Internal Combustion will be a VERY SMALL #.... small enough that the vast majority of EV owners (a majority of a small #) will be just fine without any charging infrastructure.
>>"During Inside Line's year-long test of the all-electric Mini E, the biggest challenge we faced was the car's limited range coupled with a lack of recharging stations..."
It amazes me that a giant automaker can just completely blow off the real-world issues that a professional auto journalist raised based on a YEAR-LONG experience of driving an EV!!! So, tell me Mr. Robert Bienenfeld, have you or your wife had any problems with range or convenience of charging locations driving your EV? That's right, YOU HAVE NO CLUE SINCE YOU DON'T DRIVE AN EV!
I was once optimistic on EV's but am now thinking improvements to IC engines will bring about "good enough" fuel efficiency, like 50 MPG for mid-sized vehicles which will make EV's just not practical or cost-effective enough for most mainstream American drivers.
ergsum says:
07:41 AM, 08/ 4/10
Coincidently, a newly completed parking structure in Traverse City's "Old Town" district designed by our architectural firm has 15 electric vehicle reserved spaces served by five charging stations (each station has three lines). In addition there is a bank of electric solar panels on the roof for 31k watts peak power and living "green" roofs on the stair/elevator towers.
http://www.9and10news.com/Category/Story/?id=242511&cID=1
nealibob says:
08:43 AM, 08/ 4/10
I agree that we probably will not see widespread adoption (i.e. above 5% of new vehicles sold) of EVs within the next decade. It could happen, but most auto makers seem to be betting on other options, so even if there is demand the supply will be limited in the short term.
I would really love to see the infrastructure get developed more. My wife and I rent an apartment, and while we could afford to buy a home, we would rather not do that right now. That leaves us without any real options for owning an EV. I do so much highway driving that we could never be an all-EV family, at least not any time soon, but most of our trips are less than 20 miles and would be served perfectly by a small, cheap EV. The first problem is the cars are insanely expensive for what you get, and the second problem is that we would have nowhere to charge it. We rent parking spots in a city lot behind our building, and I could see that as being a perfect place for EV charging stations. I fear that lack of practicality and standardization will kill any possibility of that ever happening.
What I worry about is EV infrastructure spending diverting funds from mass transit. It probably will not happen, but mass transit should always be the first transportation priority of any major city.
I would love to see an EV like the smart electric drive at the same price point (or lower) than the regular smart fortwo. I think that even a decade of taking losses on an EV would be worthwhile if you establish yourself as the market leader and an affordable brand.
That said, all I really want to see is the most efficient, least polluting option. I really do not care what form that takes, but I hope we can still have some fun with it!