Americano The case for energy humanism
Feb 27, 2025
Robert Bryce, an energy expert and author of "The Question of Power," dives into the complexities of global energy and electric vehicles. He highlights Ford's staggering $17 billion losses due to its EV strategy and critiques government subsidies that drive automakers into unprofitable terrain. Discussing energy humanism, he shares a personal story that illustrates the importance of energy access. Additionally, Bryce explores China's and Russia's influence on climate policies and the radical shift in the environmentalist movement amid changing political landscapes.
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Ford's EV Losses
- Ford lost $17 billion on electric vehicles since 2022, averaging a $50,000 loss per EV sold in 2024.
- Other automakers, while not reporting EV losses specifically, also experience similar setbacks, scaling back EV production.
Government Push and Market Misread
- Government mandates and subsidies incentivized automakers to produce EVs, leading to overinvestment.
- Automakers misjudged market demand, as most consumers don't prefer EVs, contributing to significant losses.
EV Adoption Challenges
- Despite initial enthusiasm, EV adoption in Britain slowed down as consumers showed less interest.
- The fundamental role of cars in American culture and the higher energy density of gasoline compared to batteries pose challenges for EV adoption.