Electric vehicles: automakers are ahead of the customer

In the coming years, automakers will unveil dozens of new electric vehicle (EV) models. Ford alone has recently announced that it is investing $ 11 billion in the development of electric vehicles. A glance at EV investments from automakers around the world is revealing: $ 19 billion in the United States, $ 21 billion in China and $ 52 billion in Germany. It is clear that these experienced companies do not doubt the future market for electric vehicles, because many cities and countries in the world are beginning to phase out the conventional internal combustion engine.

However, it is difficult to educate and educate motorists. . And as a result, automakers are currently ahead of the customer. Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America, recently said that automakers need to "find a way to convince customers that there is a real benefit and benefit to having a vehicle Electrical. "

EVs and incentives automakers to manufacture them, the United States offer up to $ 7,500 in tax credit, depending on the size of the battery. Credit is however reduced after an automaker sells 200,000 units, including plug-in hybrids. GM is a company that expects to reach this ceiling before the end of this year.

Although many people know that EVs benefit the environment, they realize that these cars are cheaper to maintain and use than to help the electrical grid run more efficiently. EVs can load and flexibly serve as a demand response mechanism by charging them during off-peak hours. They can also help incorporate more renewable energy and possibly re-inject electricity into the grid, even by providing backup power during outages.

Many American states and other countries recognize the benefits of electric vehicles. In California, for example, electric vehicles are eligible for thumbnails of clean air vehicles, which allow single occupants to access high-occupancy lanes. The Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric all offer discounted rates for vehicle charging during off-peak hours.

In addition, California Governor Jerry Brown signed an order to reduce truck emissions and increase the number of zero-emission vehicles in the state. The new target of Governor Brown is five million of these vehicles by 2030.

Texas AirCheck Texas Drive has a Clean Machine Program that provides a discount up to $ 3,500 to replace a conventional vehicle with an EV, as long as certain county and revenue requirements are met according to the particular conditions of the vehicle. Austin Energy also provides discounted rates for off-peak fees with unique registration fees.

The New York Drive Clean Discount for Rechargeable Electric Vehicles offers up to $ 2,000 off electric vehicles. There is also a discount program on chargers that offers up to $ 5,000 in credit for the facility. Drivers with electric vehicles can also access high-occupancy lanes with a decal, prompting drivers with faster travel times. Consolidated Edison has a time-of-use rate plan for EV charging, while Cleanview Energy is offering a $ 75 rebate for a new EV ChargePoint residential charger

In Florida, Jacksonville Electric Authority awards a discount up to To $ 1,000 after the purchase or lease an EV. Electric vehicle drivers can access dedicated lanes for high-occupancy vehicles with a decal, and the car does not need to be tested for emissions. The Orlando Utilities Commission offers up to $ 200 per charging station for the companies that install them.

The Trump Administration Plan to relax federal energy efficiency standards 2022-2025 may create some risk for the EV industry. California and close to a dozen other states could, however, apply the existing rules on emissions even if the standards are lowered. According to the California Assembly Member, Phil Ting, who introduced this year a law banning gasoline cars by 2040:

With cars, the influence of California extends well beyond national borders. The largest car buying market in the United States, California, has historically established air quality standards that exceed those of the Environmental Protection Agency. State regulations also have a power of enlargement, since more than a dozen states have adopted California rules as their own. These rules must stay in place regardless of Washington's policy changes.

There is a need to redouble efforts to educate drivers and educate the public about the benefits of electric vehicles. There are also several resources that allow electric vehicle owners to easily find convenient charging stations to relieve their concerns of being left out and unable to "recharge", such as the ChargePoint dashboard. States should continue to support their energy efficiency goals to prevent industry from becoming unstable due to policy. And automakers must continue to support efforts to educate the general public about electric vehicles.

Constance Douris is vice president of the Lexington Institute and manages the energy portfolio. She has published research and given speeches on smart grid data, the cybersecurity of electric power and the impact of electric vehicles on the network. You can follow her on Twitter @CVDouris.