Mark Reuss is president of General Motors, who has written the following lines ins his recent article:
The automotive industry is hurtling toward a future that will modify the transportation just like the electricity changed how we light the world. Electric and self-driving vehicles will modify the automotive landscape forever — it’s only a question of how quickly we get there.
Like any revolution, this one will be based on the demand. Beyond the environmental benefit, electric vehicle owners enjoy the performance, quiet operation, robust acceleration, style, and interior space. And EV owners like not having to purchase gasoline. We believe that most of these customers will remain loyal to electric cars.
But what about non-EV owners? Will they prefer buying electric automobiles? About 25 years ago, when we first considered getting into the electric vehicle business with a small car that had about 70 miles of range, the result was a ‘no’. But today, the results are far more positive towards a ‘yes’.
We just now held consumer clinics in Los Angeles and Chicago and presented people with six SUV choices: three gasoline and three electric. When we asked for their first choice to buy, 40% of the Chicago respondents select an electric SUV, and 45% in LA did the same. This is regardless of a several thousand-dollar premium on the cost of the electric models (but also before important government tax credits that we believe will continue to drive people toward electric vehicles and assist fuel market demand).
They had concerns, to be sure. Majority of the people stated they want vehicles that can match gasoline-powered vehicles in the range, ease of ownership and expense. The sooner we can break down these three significant barriers, the sooner electric vehicles will become mainstream.
To get the electric vehicle to first-string status, automakers simply must make it as good or better than standard the automobiles most people are used to driving currently. And we must deliver on our promise of making affordable, attractive EVs in the widest range of sizes and body styles possible. When we make it happen, electric vehicle adoption and acceptance will be widespread, and it can happen sooner than the majority of people think.
