I frequently see this comment
Why do EVs need to be subsidized to get people to buy them? That’s fine if people want them, but don’t force them on those of us who don’t by mandating quotas of EV’s to be produced by certain years and nearly impossible to meet EPA regulations for emissions so that ICE vehicles won’t be produced.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a seismic shift in the automotive industry, akin to the move from horse-drawn carriages to combustion engines. This paradigm change is reshaping not just how we drive, but how we think about energy, infrastructure, and our environmental impact. While the transition is gradual, it’s also inevitable and transformative.
Many countries and states have set targets for phasing out new gas-powered vehicle sales, but these are set for future dates (e.g., 2030 or 2035) and do not affect existing vehicles on the road. In say 2030 you can still buy a brand new gas vehicle and drive it for another 20+ years if you want. Gasoline will still be available as long as people are buying it.
One role of gov. is to encourage the population to do something, and help is needed when the magnitude of the change is enormous. Governments have historically subsidized various industries, including the oil and gas sector, to achieve specific policy objectives. The subsidization of EVs is part of a broader strategy to transition to more sustainable transportation options.
Encouraging new technology adoption
Subsidies help reduce the financial risk for consumers adopting new technologies. This is especially important for any new industry.
Energy independence
By promoting EVs, governments can reduce reliance on imported oil, enhancing national energy security.
Present day examples
Mortgage interest deduction on tax return
To encourage home ownership which long term grows the economy.
Energy subsidies for oil companies
To keep fuel prices low which helps grow the economy.
Child tax credit
To encourage starting a family which long term grows the economy.
Energy efficient homes tax credit
To reduce waste and grow the economy.
Agricultural subsidies
To encourage farming to feed the citizens because hungry people do not contribute to/grow the economy.
Transportation subsidies
To encourage building more airports, highways, etc reduce fuel waste and travel time because these things contribute to and grow the economy.
Health subsidies
To encourage people to get immunized and protect all citizens from a plague. Healthy people contribute to and grow the economy.
Education subsidies
Smarter people make better decisions and plan ahead and grows the economy.
Environmental benefits of EV
EVs produce fewer emissions than traditional gas-powered vehicles, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. Subsidies accelerate this transition to cleaner transportation.
Economic stimulation: Subsidies can boost the EV industry, creating jobs in manufacturing, research, and infrastructure development.
Market transformation: Government support helps create economies of scale, eventually making EVs more affordable without subsidies.
Infrastructure development: Subsidies often extend to charging infrastructure, which is crucial for widespread EV adoption.
EV misinformation
First myth: The battery is going to need to be replaced. Nope. You should never have a need to replace the battery pack in the car. Manufacturers (at least my Kia) stand behind their work on the battery pack for 10 years or 100,000 miles! At that point they do not expect any degradation below 90% or something like that. You can’t buy any other appliance these days with that kind of confidence from the manufacturer.
Second myth: gasoline is cheaper. No, nope. If you charge your car at home overnight in most regions this is false. Sedans can easily achieve 4 miles per kilowatt hour. Assuming an 80 kw battery pack and let’s say you charge it to 90% and you stop driving it when it’s down to 20% (nobody drives a gas car until it’s tank is empty, same with an EV). This gives you about 220 miles of range on a single charge.
If your electricity rate is 8 cents per kwH then this costs then in this scenario, to charge the battery with 56kWh would cost $ 4.48 for the 220 miles. In general, it charges in 5 hours while your sleeping. If your driving out of town/state to visit family and charge on the road at a “DC Fast Charger” you can expect the rate to be about $0.20 per kWh.. but you only need to charge enough to get home to your drastically less expensive charger.
Third myth: Buying a home charger is expensive: Nope. A home “Level 2” charger that uses “Split-Phase” (“240 volt system” like your kitchen oven or outdoor A/C compressor) is maybe $200. Some automotive manufacturers even offer to pay for the home installation.
Why you should consider an EV
Practically zero maintenance. See my other blog page here: https://n5zy.org/2020-kia-niro-ev-at-32400-miles/