14 DAY TRIAL // A recent survey conducted by Deloitte titled “Unplugged: Electric vehicle realities versus consumer expectations,” has revealed that people are still not ready to embrace the EV path. No less than 13,000 consumers in 17 countries across the Americas, Asia and Europe participated in the survey.
In order for all-electric vehicles to attract consumers, they would have to travel farther, require less charge time and retail for a lower price.
For example, the actual charging time of eight hours seems to be too long for consumers, who expect it to be of under two hours. Moreover, 23 percent expect it to be even faster than that, under 30 minutes.
As for the range, 63 percent of U.S. respondents expect an EV to be able to travel 300 miles (483 km) or more per charge. However, EVs on the road today can only travel a fifth of that distance.
Finally, perhaps the most disturbing aspect is related to money. Most consumers would like for electric cars to cost the same as an equivalent conventional vehicle and start below $20,000, but 78 percent of Americans said that $30,000 is acceptable.
"Vehicle range is clearly an issue among consumers," says Craig Giffi, vice chairman and automotive practice leader, Deloitte LLP. "American consumers have the highest range expectations with only 63 percent satisfied with a range of 300 miles - despite the fact that 77 percent of American respondents said they drive only 50 miles or less per weekday.
"The paradox here," Giffi adds, "is that current technology targeted at the mass market can usually accomplish a range of 100 miles between charges, which is twice as far as the typical American drives each work day. Yet, for some reason, the 100-miles-a-day capability is still unacceptable to most consumers; they want at least 300 miles between charges."
The survey has also found out that, despite what many of us would think, it’s not the environmental factor that motivates people to consider buying an EV, but the high fuel price.