Earlier this week, automotive execs came together to discuss the future of the industry at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI. As Green Car Advisor reports, one of the sessions at the seminar was titled "Full-scale Deployment: Making the Business Case." This particular session focused on discussing the need for widespread deployment of public charging stations. However, the discussion quickly turned around as many panelists argued that there's simply no need for a public charging infrastructure in the U.S.
The panelists suggested that most U.S. electric car buyers will find home charging more than sufficient to meet their needs. Robert Bienenfeld, Honda's senior manager of energy and strategy, suggests that although a widespread charging infrastructure may be required in order to convince buyers to adopt the new technology, he admits that "very little charging is needed in the public sector." Bienenfeld adds that the many of the chargers that will be installed in the coming years will become what he calls "stranded assets." This loosely translates to unused pieces of equipment that cost someone a lot of money.
The panelists also noted that advancements in battery technology will continue to extend the range of EVs, thus negating the need for public chargers for most drivers. In addition, range anxiety is now thought to be less of a concern as consumers gradually gain an understanding of electric vehicles. While we certainly don't have a problem with public chargers popping up everywhere, we feel obliged to ask you: is there really a need?
[Source: Green Car Advisor]
The panelists suggested that most U.S. electric car buyers will find home charging more than sufficient to meet their needs. Robert Bienenfeld, Honda's senior manager of energy and strategy, suggests that although a widespread charging infrastructure may be required in order to convince buyers to adopt the new technology, he admits that "very little charging is needed in the public sector." Bienenfeld adds that the many of the chargers that will be installed in the coming years will become what he calls "stranded assets." This loosely translates to unused pieces of equipment that cost someone a lot of money.
The panelists also noted that advancements in battery technology will continue to extend the range of EVs, thus negating the need for public chargers for most drivers. In addition, range anxiety is now thought to be less of a concern as consumers gradually gain an understanding of electric vehicles. While we certainly don't have a problem with public chargers popping up everywhere, we feel obliged to ask you: is there really a need?
[Source: Green Car Advisor]
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