Driving EV Democratisation With Affordability & Technology
One of the biggest barriers to EV ownership is accessibility, both financial and logistical. The term "Democratising EVs'' refers to making electric vehicles available to the general population - something Drew Meehan, EV Expert at TomTom, is passionate about.
Strategies for EV affordability, technology and infrastructure expansion
Democratising EVs could include:
- Using subsidies and tax incentives to make EVs more affordable. General Motors is offering a US$7,500 incentive on its EVs, partly due to the recent loss of a federal tax credit. Ford has reduced prices on some premium models, by up to US$7,000, although Ford's F-150 EV Lightning and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring have retained their US$3,750 tax credit.
- Advancements in technology will also increase affordability - especially in battery manufacturing.
- Expanding EV infrastructure is critical and quite beyond the drivers capabilities. Public charging stations are needed in public areas as well as workplaces, hospitals and universities.
Democratising electric vehicles and paving the way for an ‘everywhere network’
IT Consulting service TomTom, builds the technology used in ride-hailing apps, delivery services and in-vehicle navigation systems. The company is dedicated to revolutionising geolocation technology.
Meehan shared his thoughts on the democratisation of EVs with EV magazine.
“Despite the 2030 ban on the sale of new ICE vehicles, we cannot ignore the lack of affordable EVs on the market. To address this, we need to democratise the EV charging network for all drivers.
“The goal is to create an “everywhere network” in which more cost-effective slow-charging options are available and fit with the convenience of everyday life, not the other way around. For example, drivers need the option to slow charge their EV while doing the weekly shopping or taking a trip to the cinema. At the same time, slow charging is better for battery life, meaning the majority of EVs will have much lower wear and tear than ICE vehicles. Therefore, an everywhere network of slow chargers will also strengthen the second-hand car market, further enhancing the accessibility of purchasing an EV vehicle.
“Only as the market matures and we begin to witness the standardisation of public charging operators will we see a movement towards an EV environment that works for the many and not the few.”
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