New York Times: Despite advances in electric-car technology, all-electric vehicles continue to pose challenges for drivers used to the convenience of gas-powered cars. The more limited driving range afforded by the battery, which seems to be the biggest problem for most drivers, has led to a condition called “range anxiety.” Not surprisingly, the country where electric cars seem to have made the biggest inroads is also one of the smallest, the Netherlands. Long known for its environmental activism, the country has been heavily promoting the use of electric vehicles by rapidly expanding the network of charging stations, granting hefty tax breaks, and offering free street parking and recharging in Amsterdam, its largest city. Yet, despite an eightfold increase in the number of plug-in electric vehicles sold in the Netherlands last year, sales continue to be lower than anticipated.
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While the electric car is an amazing new advancement in the automotive world, I just don’t believe the larger countries are ready to make the switch from gas to electric. Most people just don’t trust the electric car will get them from point A to B. Like stated in the article, a man who owned an electric car said that he would switch back to his gas car when something of importance would arise. I can completely understand his point. I would not want to risk missing a special appointment or meeting because my car lost power. Also, Electric cars really aren’t that convenient on time schedules. For example, if I need to get gas, I can quickly fill up in less than five minutes, but for electric, the charging can take four or more hours. No one has that much time to spare. The United States would need to add many charging stations and promote the positive outcomes in having an electric car. As of right now, I truly believe the cons outweigh the pros. In conclusion, The Netherlands may have advanced in electric car technology, but that is simply due to the fact that they are a very small country and driving long distances isn’t necessary.
If electric cars are a problem with driving range in a small country, like the Netherlands, imagine what would be the issue in a larger country, like the United States. All though the Netherlands are building more recharging stations electric cars are still inconvenient. The amount of money the country would use to build new recharging stations for these electric powered cars would end up causing the country to lose more money than if gas- powered cars were kept on the road. If scientists are so concerned about our environment they could build cars that are powered differently, for example water or a very popular resource. I do not think electric cars are convenient in any way. Recharging, driving range of a full charged car, and the size of the car are all down falls of electric- powered cars.