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Slate News

What Next TBD: Tesla’s Out of Juice. But Are EVs?

Aug 11, 2024
Nitish Pahwa, an associate writer for business and tech at Slate, and Paula Gardner, a business reporter for Bridge Michigan, dive into the current state of electric vehicles. They discuss the fluctuating public enthusiasm for EVs and the pressing need for better charging infrastructure. Despite challenges like supply chain issues and range anxiety, EV sales are thriving, especially in urban areas. The conversation highlights not just the cultural dynamics surrounding EVs but also prospects for innovation and collaboration in making electric transportation more viable.
29:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The slow development of charging infrastructure exacerbates range anxiety, hindering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles for long-distance travel.
  • Cultural and political dynamics significantly shape public perception of electric vehicles, leading to polarized opinions and debates about their future.

Deep dives

Challenges of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The challenges facing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly as users embark on road trips along established routes. For example, on a recent journey through Michigan, a team encountered significant difficulties locating functioning fast chargers, raising concerns about the viability of fully electric road travel. This experience highlights a broader issue of range anxiety, where potential EV owners hesitate to invest due to fears about insufficient charging options. Despite the intention to improve infrastructure, progress has been painfully slow, with only a fraction of planned charging stations being built, leaving many users frustrated.

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