CNBC interviewed Toyota Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada recently (LINK HERE) and asked him for Toyota’s take on EVs.
“….(As) laws and regulations (that encourage the development of electric vehicles) come into effect in places like China and the U.S., car makers will have no choice but to roll out electric vehicles or risk going out of business,” he said. “Toyota is no exception, but we’re skeptical there would be a rapid shift to pure electric vehicles, given questions over user convenience.”
We agree with Toyota. Pure EVs are great for many drivers. And, we love them. But, mass electrification of automobiles will only result from improvement in what Mr. Uchiyamada calls “user convenience”. That is, people will choose their car based on the ability to drive it like, well, the car they drive now. Battery charging needs to be more like a gasoline filling station experience for user convenience to improve.
At Park to Spark©, we believe all electrification of transportation is great. But, the road to mass adoption of EVs must include the same (or better) “user convenience.” The best way to do that (for now) is an EV with on-board ICE for when waiting a long time to fill the battery isn’t practical.
Electric most of the time… Gas engine on-board when electric isn’t available. That is, at least in part, better “user convenience.”
Please contact us to learn more about how we can help you implement a common sense workplace charging strategy to help whichever type of EV your employees or customers choose.