If you believe the headlines you might read elsewhere, then America's electric-vehicle revolution is coming to a screeching halt. But the truth is that any forward-thinking company, investor or even car-shopper realizes that even if this transition may slow down, it's not going anywhere.
Lately, it seems like those in the EV charging space seem to get it. Despite industry and regulatory headwinds, uneven sales and an end to the EV tax credits next month, the infrastructure arena is only growing up, growing out and getting better.
The "Charging 2.0" era is the topic of discussion on this week's Plugged-In Podcast. My co-host Tim Levin and I have several bits of good news in the American EV charging space, including overall growth, quality improvements and—wait for it, wait for it, wait for it—more restrooms when you stop to charge up. Imagine that!
We discuss some of the biggest upgrades we're seeing on this week's episode.
But it's not all great news in the electric and sustainability space. This week, the (alleged) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will target the Obama-era scientific finding that carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles contribute to climate change. (The agency even calls that "mental leaps.") By going after that concept, it could kneecap pollution regulation for generations to come, including when it comes to cars.
So what does that mean for EVs, or your next vehicle? As Tim and I discuss here, I am not convinced this will mean some huge, long-term comeback for gas-guzzling V8 engines. (Sorry, Stellantis.) These companies have to compete globally and they face tougher emissions everywhere else, and even if EV demand in America is wavering, hybrid demand is through the roof. You might even call it the market speaking: electrification will happen over time, regardless of what this EPA does.
And speaking of demand, we have a lot to say about why drivers increasingly want hands-free highway assistance systems. It turns out that's the most in-demand new-car feature. So who's doing it best? We'll analyze from our recent car-testing.
Check out the show wherever you get your podcasts. We're on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more. If you haven't yet, please subscribe to the show and leave us a review.
And we're looking to answer more listener questions on the show! Drop your burning questions about EVs, EV buying and the future of transportation below, or email us at podcast@insideevs.com.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
