Vancouver Island region to consider phasing out gas stations

Calliope said:
Really? How do you know what I'm thinking? Actually, I've thought for years that we're long past time to do anything, and we're doomed within two or three generations, but a lot of people are telling me that there's still time to make meaningful changes in the speed of the oncoming climate disaster. I'm not sure I agree, but I'm trying to be more positive about it. I think anyone who hasn't looked at environmental issues around the world and considered the situation is wilfully blind, and those that have looked around and think that we're not going to get walloped across the head within the next 50 years or so in a way that will dramatically change our lives, if we live at all, is foolhardy.
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No. Climate change is not that dire of a problem. Virtually all the doomsday prophets have been wrong on it. There is plenty of time to address it. If you don't think so, direct you ire at the environmentalists who did everything they could to kill nuclear in the past - they were the ones who enabled the massive coal build out that happened in the 80s and 90s.

Calliope said:
Really? You know that to be true, do you? Are you sure there aren't any EV drivers in the US that don't have charging at home? Do tell me how you know that :)
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Forgot the word most, but yes its true that most drivers in the US already have access to overnight charging. I don't know why the EV crowd is hyper obsessed with the small portion that doesn't.
 
SouthernDude said:
I don't know why the EV crowd is hyper obsessed with the small portion that doesn't.
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Because making it easier for those that don't will help promote EV uptake -- the number one reason people I've met won't consider switching to EVs (and were surprised I did) is that they don't know where they'll be able to charge it. Tesla pretty much has solved the problem for those with concerns about range and road trips, but people who don't have charging access at or right near their homes won't consider EVs. (I had been eyeing a condo building with a public EVSE across the street, but in the end a lovely condo in a building with public charging in their parking lot became available. I was lucky.)
 
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I agree generally with SD's philosophy about the free market. But not on this one. I do believe that in some cases govt has a role in moving us in the right direction for the good of everyone. But how they do it is what matters. Providing incentives (like initial subsidies for EV buyers and building charging infrastructure) is a good thing. That will hasten mass production which eventually leads to lower prices.

Having said that govts can go too far, too quickly, like over building solar and wind while killing nat gas before we have an adequate electrical grid supply and infrastructure. There has to be a balance.
 
Calliope said:
Because making it easier for those that don't will help promote EV uptake -- the number one reason people I've met won't consider switching to EVs (and were surprised I did) is that they don't know where they'll be able to charge it. Tesla pretty much has solved the problem for those with concerns about range and road trips, but people who don't have charging access at or right near their homes won't consider EVs. (I had been eyeing a condo building with a public EVSE across the street, but in the end a lovely condo in a building with public charging in their parking lot became available. I was lucky.)
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You're missing the point. Loading up hyper urban areas with EV infrastructure isn't going to make EV adoption happen quicker because that only half-benefits a small portion of the driving population. In the US, all the major cities already have tons of DC chargers everywhere.

The real problem is that the long distance infrastructure along interstates and highways have gaps in coverage and nobody knows what infrastructure is present because there is little signage. The other barriers to adoption - like lack of awareness, lack of model selection, uncertainty of the longevity of batteries, and overall price - will reduce as the market develops. Remember that the modern EV market is really young. The Model 3 hasn't existed for 5 years yet. Every major car manufacturer is securing battery capacity right now. Tons of factories are being developed, cars are being designed. You won't see the results of all the investments until 2023-2025.

You can't expect EV adoption to go from essentially 0% to 100% in less than 5 years - especially when EV technology is still significantly improving year after year. Just be patient. Absolutely zero reason to rush anything.

Plus, it is better for the grid to not suddenly have tons of EVs come online to give time for the grid to decarbonize more, right? Rushing only causes mistakes.
 
Superior performance and lower costs of EVs should be enough. As for charging networks, the EV makers should put their shoulders into it.

Bob Wilson
 
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