In my opinion, the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology has veered drastically off course. A more pragmatic approach would have involved equipping these vehicles with the capability to generate their own electricity. This oversight is merely the tip of the iceberg. Presently, dealerships lack the specialized staff required for the maintenance and repair of most EVs. In instances where a battery is damaged, dealers often refuse to perform repairs, leaving the owner to foot the bill for an entirely new battery unit. Even when the battery itself is unscathed, a mere dent in the protective pack or shield can prompt recommendations for costly replacements.
This haphazard rollout suggests a lack of thorough planning, with early adopters bearing the brunt of these oversights. Despite being touted as the future of transportation for years, there's a conspicuous absence of a long-term strategy for managing these vehicles at the end of their lifecycle.
Certainly, there are opportunities for improvement. Regrettably, established automakers appear fixated on short-term financial results and the accumulation of carbon credits rather than genuine innovation. As Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, pointed out through his statements, the industry's shift away from purchasing Tesla's carbon credits doesn't signify a commitment to sensible EV development. Instead, we see Stellantis flood the market with 6,000-pound electric "muscle cars," a far cry from the efficiency that should define electric mobility. Take the Hummer EV as a case in point; its design philosophy starkly contrasts with the notion of efficiency, highlighting a broader industry trend of prioritizing carbon credit strategies over genuine sustainability.
Moreover, the narrative peddled to consumers—that one can enjoy the benefits of electric driving without compromise—feels disingenuous. This perspective doesn't even touch on the ethical quagmires associated with conflict minerals, their extraction processes, and the prevalent "green hypocrisy" within the industry.
These factors collectively underscore my profound disillusionment with electric vehicles, a sentiment fueled by both their operational shortcomings and the broader ethical concerns surrounding their production and marketing.