The car industry is really at the crossroads on whether to go all out with the electric vehicles (EVs) or stay with the internal combustion engines (ICEs).
The Europeans, the Americans, and the Chinese are all in for the EVs as shown in their continued march towards ending the ICE era. Their collective call for the great reduction in carbon emission has meant switching to clean energy, which has been pointed to the electric vehicle.
The Japanese car makers, on the other hand, had the upper hand in the quest for a clean-energy car a decade ago but quietly gave up when they failed to come up with the perfect batteries. What they have mostly now) although they are fast catching up with the EVs, are the so-called hybrid cars that can run on combined battery and fuel power.
But many car buyers are asking if turning to EVs now is really worth the risk?
If you are especially in Asia, the No. 1 question before buying an EV is the infrastructure. Electric charging stations are slowly being put up in the metro, but when would be the convenient time for an EV owner to see that they are everywhere near them is yet to be determined. As we have said, they are being erected around Metro Manila. But what about those in the provinces when you go out for a ride in the countryside?
Although the prices of gasoline and diesel are still very high, the convenience of having them when you need them is tantamount to having a convenience store open around you 24/7. Even in the remote provinces, one can easily see several gas stations operating even in the middle of the night.
Another question bothering the prospective buyers of EVs is the high cost of acquiring one. The cost of America’s Tesla or the European Volkswagen is definitely very expensive for an ordinary local car buyer.
In the US, buyers of EVs were given substantial incentives for several years. But, we understand, thoseincentives are now being reduced significantly. Yes, the Chinese-made EVs that they are selling here have competitive pricing but many have second thoughts in taking the risk of buying one.
And, another question is that of the charging equipment. Unlike the ordinary fuel pumps in the gas station, the EV charger differs from every EV car manufacturer to another. Each one has its own distinct model and cannot be interchanged. Elon Musk and other EV car makers are not yet in talking terms with each other as they are still locked in a fierce battle over EV supremacy, that’s why a universal EV charger for all is not yet foreseeable for now.
• • •
THE CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show this Sept. 15-18 is one major motoring event which is keenly awaited by all car enthusiasts.
The organizer of the event is requesting all who will attend to buy their tickets only at the entrance gate.
The first 1,000 customers everyday will be getting a whopping 50 percent discount. So, be sure to line up early so you can see the more than a hundred latest cars with the newest green innovations.
The CAMPI PIMS’ theme this year is “Mobility + Humanity. Innovating for the Common Good.”