Who Killed the Electric Car?
Sluggish sales of electric cars and hybrids may be attributed in no small to part to lack of education or public ignorance, a new survey has suggested. Generally speaking, car buyers across the United States know little to nothing about electric vehicles and hybrids, according to a statement by market research company Synovate released this week.
Fundamental basics such as the use of batteries, power sources and even the meaning of the word ‘hybrid’ itself were scarcely understood, with at least two-thirds unaware of the most rudimentary information. Needless to say, the findings have been directly blamed for the unimpressive sales of electric vehicles in the US, with the question remaining as who should bear responsibility.
Whether or not education on the subject will attract more business or perhaps put off those afraid of the more technical aspects, exactly who should provide this information is prone to debate. Dealers argue that the explaining all the ins and outs to potential customers would be hugely time consuming and costly, whereas certain governmental departments argue that the investments made in the electric automotive industry relinquish responsibility from office.
The general consensus seems to be that the industry can only move forward alongside proactive public education and the prompt addressing of subsequent issues raised, though how and when this is likely to be put into practice remains anyone’s guess.
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