Friday, August 16, 2013

WHAT HAS PREVENTED THE MASS PRODUCTION OF ELECTRIC CARS AND ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS ?

Electric Car Charging

Image Courtesy Of [Marcus]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Prevention of mass production of electric cars and electric charging stations had various discussions these days on personal and media front. Electric cars were introduced as an alternate to fuel cars in terms of environment protection and decreasing fuel reserves on the planet. Though electric cars were given huge hype by the media about their smooth journey but electric car industry faces several problems and criticism.

Reasons for prevention of mass production of electric cars
                There are various reasons that have affected the mass production of electric cars. Most of problems require vigilant methods to find and fix solution that hampers mass production of electric cars. Here are some of the reasons preventing mass production of electric cars are:-

High Prices and Reliability of Battery Packs
High prices of electric cars and the reliability of the battery pack, its cost factor in future and recharge infrastructure facilities are some of the predominant reasons why mass production of electric vehicles have slowed down and prevented. It’s a fact that compare to successful fuel run cars, electric cars did not gain the confidence of potential buyers because the consumers are worried about the unknown and hidden costs of the battery and its functionality. The electric car manufacturers do not reveal about duration of battery packs. The vehicle manufacturers also do not reveal the cost involved in the replacement of the battery packs. Apart from cost factor electric cars are not fully prepared to face challenges and did not meet the expectations of prospective customers in terms of performance and reliability.

Ambiguity over Resale Value, Infrastructure Plans, Recharge of Battery Packs
Some of the biggest concerns for consumers have in their minds are the resale value of the electric cars and charging Infrastructure facilities. Not enough infrastructure plans to establish recharge stations at consumer’s convenience. Long waiting hours to recharge the battery packs and less number of public recharging stations.  And moreover houses are not designed for recharging of car batteries. Electric cars do not have robust engine technology that a traditional and a gasoline car have. A good repair system is not in place to face major technical problems.

Auto-Manufacturers Concerns to Manufacture Electric Vehicles on Mass Scale
Auto manufacturers are still skeptic to manufacture electric vehicles on mass scale because right policies are yet to be framed by the government to encourage consumers and the industry. Either the automakers or the government regulations have impressed the consumers to offer special benefits like free parking or separate lanes for electric vehicles for smoother transportation. On top government lag behind in regulating financial companies for loan guarantee for vehicle manufacturers. The Initial sales performance statistics of electric vehicles lead to lot of criticism. Customer satisfaction levels about mileage of electric cars affected the sales in many parts of world. The supply and delivery also effected badly recently.

Infant Stage of Electric Car Technology & Political Reasons
The automobile technology for the electric cars are still in the infant stage and lot more progress need to be made to overcome the practical problems to compete with traditional gasoline cars. A remarkable change is definitely required by the electric vehicle industry to have a positive impact. Battery prices need to come down and production need to be improved a lot. Electric vehicle consumers are also worried about the facts like the oil prices might come down because of new discoveries of oil reserves in the recent months and also innovative drilling techniques and methodologies being invented. There has been significant improvement in the natural gas explorations also by which hybrid cars and cars run with natural gas has been successful so far. These concerns make consumers and electric vehicle manufacturers to rethink about the purchase and production of vehicles. The governing bodies i.e., counties and the electric utility companies have not come up with strategic plans to advance their existing practices in terms of recharging facilities to gain the confidence of consumers.


Lack of Awareness among the Consumers about Federal Tax Benefit

Federal Tax Credit
Image Courtesy of [Stuart Milles]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Despite government measures to give federal tax credit to consumers, the uncertainty continues in the minds of consumers for purchase of new electric cars and the progress of electric cars seemed to be bleak due to varied economic and other technology factors. US Government has raised subsidy to around 7.5 Billion for the progress of this industry, but the progress of electric vehicles have not met the market expectations. The awareness of tax credit for purchase of electric vehicles are not up to the expectations. Government regulations are not that encouraging and the regulations to the auto-manufacturers that make them to offer certain percentage of electric cars as a mandatory rule is not in place. Though electricity prices are far less compare to gasoline cars, but the assurance from the government for electric cars industry is far less compared to fuel and gasoline cars. Despite of down trends in EV industry- most of the surveys from research companies, auto analysts and manufacturers are in the opinion that there is a bright future of electric cars in coming years to come. Lot many companies especially major auto players would like come up with innovative technologies to manufacture modern electric vehicles once they gain momentum in this space.

Government’s Negligence to Follow Expert’s Recommendations
Both the state and federal governments have to concentrate on the recommendations given by experts to lay policies and regulations to create a viable market for electric cars. Efficient policies are yet to be framed for mass production and high sale of electric cars. An eye catchy effective national demonstration programs are required on constructive basis covering various geographical territories that would encourage sales and as well leasing of electric vehicles. A promising battery technology has to come up in the market in order to have a realistic growth of electric vehicles in terms of sales. Support from the government in terms of funding plays a vital role for improvised research and development of electric vehicle technology. Finally electric vehicles Industry need to build the confidence of consumers as a better alternate to fuel and gasoline cars.

These above socio, economic and technological factors are some of the main causes for prevention of mass production of electric cars and electric recharge stations.

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