EVs Hit the Real Street: Conference of Automotive Remarketing 2024 Session Report

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the talk of the town, but how much of what we hear is accurate? At the Conference of Automotive Remarketing, held March 28, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ, a session, titled “EVs Hit the Real Street” addressed some of the persistent myths surrounding EVs.

The session featured insights from Johan Verbois, co-founder of MA5 Used Vehicle Consulting Group of Antwerp, Belgium; Scott Case, CEO and co-founder of Recurrent; Kathryn Schifferle, founder and chief vision officer of Work Truck Solutions; and Jimmy Douglas, founder and CEO of Plug. 

Charged Fleet published a report on the panel discussion. The report "Busting Down Some Media Myths About EVs” takes a pragmatic look at the current state of electric vehicles (EVs) and addresses common misconceptions.

“Are electric vehicles on a long skid to the enterprise dustbin of Betamax, Blockbuster, and Blackberry? Or are they the coming automotive version of the ubiquitous Apple iPhone ready to solve all of our transportation problems? If you say yes to the first question, you may be believing too much of the latest media coverage. If you affirm the latter question, you may be enchanted with Tinkerbell.”

—Charged Fleet

The article acknowledges concerns about EVs being a passing trend. Schifferle rightly points out the similarity between EV losses now and those of Japanese automakers when they first entered the U.S. auto market in the 1970s trying to gain share. “The [Japanese manufacturers] had losses on that for a long period, because they had a strategy, and it worked.”

The article also addresses concerns about the reliability of charging infrastructure and its performance in cold weather. However, the panelists provide evidence to counter these concerns, showcasing advancements in EV technology and infrastructure and how user mindset can influence the entire EV experience.

“Verbois shared some lessons from Norway where more than 60% of vehicles on the road are electric. Europeans have a different mindset about EVs, he said. His son, for example, drove a Tesla into the Alps during the winter, and the trip took one hour more than normal due to more frequent charging. Waiting for a charge also provides the opportunity for other tasks, such as shopping, getting coffee, taking a driving rest, etc.”

‘You learn to live with it. It’s a change,’ said Verbois. ‘If we don't have the intention to make it work, it doesn't work. You have to make it work.’ ”

—Charged Fleet

The article underscores practical solutions to common EV concerns, such as EVs' increasing affordability and efficiency, continuous advancements in battery technology, and the expanding network of charging stations alleviating range anxiety. It also provides strategies to mitigate the impact of cold weather on battery range, such as preconditioning the battery and using cabin heating efficiently.

Furthermore, the article debunks the myth that EVs have no resale market. The growing popularity of used EVs, driven by lower operating costs and environmental benefits, demonstrates the increasing demand for these vehicles.

Overall, the article serves as a thought-provoking resource for potential EV buyers. It offers a balanced perspective that acknowledges the challenges while highlighting the significant progress made in recent years.

Read the full article here.