Source: Source_2: America’s EV Boom Suddenly Took Its First Hit After 14 Months Of Growth | Carscoops According to data from S&P Global Mobility, which excludes gasoline-electric hybrid models, a total of 97,833 new EVs were registered in the US in April. This means that EVs accounted for 6.6 percent of total registrations, falling from the 7.4 percent share they had in April 2024. A number of factors could be at play here. At the same time, overall light vehicle sales, regardless of powertrain, grew by 7.2 percent in April to approximately 1.5 million units. Speaking to Autonews, S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, said that beyond the usual range anxiety and charging concerns, “consumers are seeing media reports that government support for EVs is on the chopping block and automaker investments in the technology are slowing, undermining confidence in a product that doesn’t yet have significant organic demand”. . . . It wasn't until a punk kid shot off his mouth with a campaign chant while I was trying to charge my BMW that I realized there is an EV specific threat concentrated at EV charging stations. Few and far between, it is easy enough to find us 'tethered' to a charger for 10-30 minutes where anti-EV nuts can find us. In contrast, EV performance means easily avoiding confrontations. Just I can not afford to drive ICE or even Toyota's excellent hybrids. My home solar means I am driving for free within 50-100 miles of Huntsville. On the road, I stay at motels with free EV charging. It is only on cross country trips when using fast DC chargers that I am exposed to an unexpected, higher risk. Bob Wilson
In some bad areas this can expose individuals to personal crime also. Public electric vehicle chargers have drivers feeling unsafe at night
This is also a 'thing' for people who drive ICE power vehicles. One can 'gas and go' more a little quickly, but there's still a window of vulnerability where you, your car, and your wallet will be more vulnerable.
^ Excellent point. I spoke with a co-worker in our power group about BEVs just yesterday. The reluctance to adopt a BEV seems to center around range anxiety and cost rather than being victimized at a charging center.
Well lit, clean safe areas to gas up are a thing and plentiful - many brands specialize in that type of atmosphere. You generally have your choice in where to fuel up at these types of safe venues. Their calling cards are to be close, easy to find and conveniently located to travel routes - and they know that they must be well lit and safe to win the competition at attracting customers. Are you more vulnerable when fueling as opposed to sitting in a moving car - I would think so. Do people on trips and commuting charge up at home? - of course they don't - they must find a place to charge in an unknown area and be immobilized tied to that charger for 30 minutes or more. In 3rd world sanctuary cities that are located in the US that a person might not be familiar with this can be an extremely dangerous undertaking nowadays - an app doesn't know how safe the area is that it is taking you to and chargers many times can only be found with an app. Cost, range anxiety, fear of dealing with something new all enter into the equation of being hesitant to own an EV. For us we enjoy out of the way vacations to areas that some may consider desolate areas of the western US and remote areas in the eastern US - availability of charging is a laughable concept in many of these areas - I don't recall ever seeing an EV in these areas during our stays. ...and I better quickly add this disclaimer to discourage the highly excitable people- (though I doubt it will discourage them)- I drive a PHEV and have driven it for going on 7 years - maybe the best car I have ever owned. Am not opposed to EV's - am unexplainably attracted to the VW ID Buzz even though it is highly impractical for the trips just mentioned - now a plug in ID Buzz Hybrid with an internal combustion engine- electric motor and 600 mile range.... ....and yes you could bring a portable generator with ample amounts of fossil fuel strapped to your EV- or tow your own solar generating station into the boonies to charge up - or establish communication with as of yet unannounced aliens to beam down a power transference into your EV, or harness the power of the stars to charge your EV while you sleep or ................
Head on a swivel. Many an occasion to charge in sketchy areas. Last one was ironically in Vegas. Regardless whether refueling Dino juice or electrons, sometimes it's best to be ready to rock. Some states allow concealed carry - even w/out a permit. There's a great Android app, "legal heat" that tells you what the rules are, based on where you are. Refueling or just out for a walk, be safe.
