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Electric Vehicle Adoption: Are Motorists Reverting to Fossil Fuels?

Despite claims, only about 3% of EV drivers revert to petrol cars due to evolving EV technology and improved infrastructure.

The Transition from Fossil Fuel to Electric Vehicles: A Fact Check

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction globally, skepticism and misinformation often muddy the facts. A popular claim infers that 1 in 3 EV drivers revert to petrol vehicles, but this figure seems overblown. It’s more plausible that the rate may hover around 3%, but the lack of clarity in mainstream media reporting blurs these stats.

Common Difficulties for EV Driving

Researching on Quora, one can find several anecdotes about drivers abandoning EVs. Common complaints include range anxiety, inconvenient charging options (insufficient high-speed chargers or difficulties with apartment life), and lack of space in compact models like the Nissan Leaf.

An interesting story from a few years back recounts a driver switching back to an internal combustion engine (ICE) powered car due to his Nissan Leaf’s limited power. However, he complained that his ICE car was slower in city traffic, primarily because electric drivetrains can react instantly, whereas normal engines need a second or two to reach the right RPM and select the ideal gear.

Exaggerated Concerns?

Many of the issues raised in these anecdotes are dated, as EV technology has advanced exponentially in recent years. Most new EVs can now travel over 400 km on a single charge, high-speed chargers are becoming ubiquitous, and innovative solutions like kerb charging are addressing the issue of charging for apartment dwellers. Furthermore, larger models like the Kia EV9 can comfortably accommodate larger families or pets.

Contrasting Experiences

This discussion was sparked by an account shared by Arthur Hunt, who compared driving a petrol car in Sydney to his Tesla. The differences were numerous and noticeable, from the need to physically unlock the car and release the parking brake, to the lack of adaptive cruise control and the inability to reclaim energy when coasting downhill.

Rates of EV to Petrol Recidivism

But are drivers really giving up on EVs in favor of petrol? This seems unlikely in countries with mature EV markets like Norway, but it may hold some truth in less developed markets.

A March 2024 UK survey by Top Gear found that 91% of EV drivers would not go back to combustion engines. Similarly, 88% of respondents without driveways (who rely on public charging) said they wouldn’t switch back either. Only 4% of those surveyed said they would definitely go back to petrol-powered vehicles.

US Stats: Fact or Fiction?

Conversely, McKinsey’s survey claimed that 46% of US EV drivers were likely to revert to traditional engines due to inadequate public charging infrastructure and high upkeep costs. However, this figure seems to contradict the fact that the majority of EVs sold in the US are Teslas, and majority of Tesla owners have expressed interest in purchasing another Tesla or at least another EV.

Many factors could influence the results of this survey, including the bias of questions, the potential over-representation of non-Tesla owners, or even the possibility that some respondents did not actually own an EV. Some have also questioned if the survey was sponsored by oil companies to skew the results.

Further surveys across different geographical regions would provide a more comprehensive view, but until then, there seems to be little evidence of a mass switch from EVs back to petrol-powered vehicles.

Original Story at cleantechnica.com

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024