Sweet, I know that changes in population and factories are huge drivers to electrical demand, which may work to CA’s favor as both people and businesses flee the state. On the flip side, this puts a strain on the grids of growth states like NC and TX.
I also realize that not everyone will have an EV tomorrow. Cars have become very expensive and drivers are holding them longer than in the past; the average age of a car in 2001 was 8.9 years and by 2021 it had increased to over 12 years. With the high prices of EVs drivers will hold onto their cars for even longer in CA after the EV mandates go into effect.
The flip side of this equation is all the auto brands that are pledging to go all electric in the near future, including Jaguar (2025), Alpha Romeo (2027), Lotus (2028), Bentley (2030), Cadillac (2030), Lexus (2030), Mercedes (2030), Mini (2030), Rolls Royce (2030), Volvo (2030), Audi (2033), Chevrolet/GMC/Buick (2035). Granted, most of these brands are low volume niche players, but Mercedes, Audi and GM account for a lot of cars. My guess is that not all these brands will make the transition as planned due to lower than projected demand (we already see EV buyers going back to ICE or hybrid vehicles because of range or charging speed issues.)
This brings us back to excess electrical capacity at night. Has anyone seen any data about how much excess capacity there is nationwide, and how many EVs it will support?
Toyota, with the government’s blessing/support, was all-in on hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity. They spent billions and years developing that technology. (It’s akin to the VHS-Betamax war.)
If you don’t like Ca luckily you have 49 other states plus the District of Columbia to choose from.
Both my parents were diabetic and my Mom had a cooler which she filled with frozen ice packs when she traveled. I always have a bunch of ice packs in my freezer.
It sure where you are getting your info but there are literal waiting lists for EVs. I have not heard of people going back to ICE vehicles after owning EVs. Usually I hear about people wanting to switch both their cars to EVs after making the switch on the first one. Do you have a source for your assertions?
On California ISO - Today's Outlook , there is a “resource adequacy” graph. Based on that, the California grid has about 46GW of non-wind/solar capacity (nuclear, gas, hydro, etc.) at any hour of the day or night. Total capacity increases to about 58GW in midday due to solar. However, use during 6-8pm may exceed non-wind/solar capacity just as solar stops producing at sunset.
But you will note that the midnight-8am demand leaves enough headroom for 7GW that 10 million EVs charging at 7kW during the night hours will add. So 10 million EVs charging at night will not break the grid.
What is breaking the grid is air conditioning use.
For someone who doesn’t live in CA, you seem awfully concerned about their grid, car regulations, and population. Maybe just worry about your own state which can’t seem to provide everyone with potable drinking water? And which is losing population again?
Our fam (21 & 18 yr olds incl) is all EV or PHEV except for our old 2005 van we’re looking to get rid of. It is very rarely driven and has an undetermined issue with the ABS.
We will go 100% EV when our C-Max dies. Although I had a very fun moment with the C-Max last weekend. I was filling up the tank and called out to Mr. Stringbird, “Oh hey, it looks like gas prices came back down.” I got some odd looks from the person at the next pump over. I’m guessing maybe gas prices must have come down a while ago? shrug
We were only looking at the Ford F150 Lightning when we sold our 1997 truck earlier this year. That one is designed to be a generator - H would love to have one when he works out in the field… but there’s approx a 3 year waiting list according to the dealer we talked with.
Others have mentioned using EVs as generators, so I assume some other vehicles are set up similarly too, but maybe not?
You might see these folks as I’m sure there are some out there somewhere, but I’ve yet to meet one IRL. Those I know who have gone EV are quite happy with it. It’s a big reason we’ve started investigating them more.
This is a function of time and the adoption curve more than anything. People start with an EV. Until recently most of those were relatively short range. Now that there are all shapes and sizes with range of 250+ I don’t see most EV owners buying another ICE vehicle. They replace it with a second EV because now they aren’t limited to something like the Leaf or bolt, but can get a larger sedan or suv suitable for family trips, etc.
I mean, 15 years ago everyone I knew with a cell phone also had a landline and everyone I knew with Netflix also had cable. Things change.
On another topic, it’s important to note that the new federal incentives are for clean vehicles, not just EVs. This supposedly will allow for a wider range of technologies. Part of the impetus for the battery mineral requirements stems from emerging technologies that will repurpose mining waste products in places like…WV.
I love my EV. Had a bit of range anxiety but that dissipated when we finally took a long trip with it. I can’t remember what it’s like being in line at the Costco gas station and don’t miss it one iota.
Yes, if you live in an area with the infrastructure to handle EV vehicles. And you have the ability to wait overnight to charge your car during your road trip.
I suggest that driving from San Antonio to Marfa Texas would not be possible in EV only vehicles.
There will need to be a massive infrastructure build over the next few years to handle all of the EV vehicles. I can tell you that all of the natural gas suppliers are cheering on EV.
Not familiar with rural Texas, but you’d be surprised how many level 2 chargers are springing up in addition to the Tesla superchargers. Any females here also on the Tesla Divas Facebook group? If not, I highly recommend it. Not only do women chronicle their long road trips, but also you can ask any question, no matter how dumb you feel it is (ask me how I know) and you will get prompt, helpful answers and no mansplaining.
Sure it would. I just mapped it. There are at least 5 level 3 chargers on I-10 between Marfa and San Antonio. That not counting all the chargers in San Antonio or Fort Stockton or Marfa.
If there’s a Walmart or Sam’s Club there’s a good chance there’s a level 3 charger. That’s where tons of the Electrify America chargers are. Lots of new EVs come with free charging for EA too
Not sure where Marfa, Texas is, but here is a map of Tesla level 3 superchargers. The level 2 chargers,That charge about 50mph, are much more extensive.
