The EV Question for Auto Executives: How Fast to Make the Shift?

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for decades, but only in recent years have they started to gain traction as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. With concerns over climate change and air pollution on the rise, many auto executives are now faced with the question of how fast to make the shift to EVs.

The answer is not simple. On one hand, there is a growing demand for EVs, especially in regions with stricter emissions regulations. In Europe, for example, new regulations will require carmakers to lower their carbon emissions by 37.5% by 2030. In the US, California has set a target of having five million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030. Auto executives who don't make the shift to EVs risk falling behind their competitors and losing market share.

On the other hand, EVs still face several challenges. One is range anxiety - the fear of running out of charge before reaching a destination. Although the range of EVs has improved significantly in recent years, it still lags behind that of gasoline-powered cars. In addition, there is a lack of charging infrastructure, which can make it difficult for EV owners to find a place to charge their vehicles when away from home. Finally, EVs are still more expensive than gasoline-powered cars, although prices are expected to come down as technology improves and production scales up.

Given these challenges, auto executives must strike a balance between investing in EVs and continuing to produce gasoline-powered cars. The key is to not abandon traditional cars too quickly, as they still make up the vast majority of vehicles on the road. Instead, companies should invest in both technologies and gradually transition to EVs as the market and technology mature.

This approach has been embraced by companies like Volkswagen, which has pledged to sell one million electric cars annually by 2025. However, the company has also stated that it will continue to produce gasoline-powered cars for the foreseeable future. Similarly, General Motors has said that it plans to launch 20 new electric models by 2023, but will still produce gasoline-powered cars for several more years.

The speed at which auto executives make the shift to EVs will depend on several factors, including government regulations, consumer demand, and the development of new technologies. However, one thing is certain - the shift to EVs is happening, and companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind. By investing in both EVs and traditional cars, auto executives can ensure that they are well positioned to meet the changing needs of consumers and the market.