Winter and cold weather is just a few months away and that means more than just cold and probably snow.
It also means power outages.
Sometimes, these last for several days. Last year, for example, an ice storm in my area took down many trees and with them several power lines. The juice was off for almost a week.
How does one recharge an electric car in this scenario?
The answer, of course, is that one doesnt. Not unless one has a whole-house back-up generator that produces the 200 amp service necessary to power the fast charger. Most people dont have that kind of back-up power, because its expensive. The typical install is about $5,000 for the generator and supply/hook-up to natural gas, propane or diesel (which will produce emissions while charging up the zero emissions EV).
Fold this cost into the cost of your EV.
A smaller, more affordable portable generator the kind most people who have to deal with power outages usually do have costs less (about $600 for a 5,000 watt unit that will run a few 120v circuits and so keep the lights on and the fridge working) but doesnt produce enough power to run an EV fast charger. If you need a charge, itll be slow.
Hours.
This could be inconvenient if you need to get someplace now. Or even soon.
Maybe tomorrow?
Just another example of the pending problems people will be experiencing once EVs are shucked-and-jived (and subsidized) into their garages.
Contrast this scenario of hassle and expense with the minor inconvenience of a power outage when your car is liquid-powered. Unless the tank is empty, you can go right now no waiting, no hooking up to a gennie. And if its empty, all you need is a jug. Most gas stations have their own back-up power and the pumps will be on. Go get a gallon and youre good to go.
Its not just ice storms, either. There is a hurricane the androgynous Dorian bearing down on the east coast of the U.S. If it is strong enough and bad enough when it hits, the power will likely go off in many places. People will be wanting to flee those places, too because in addition to the power going off, the water may be coming in. That means lots of people on the road all at once. Running out of power before you can get out of dodge is another problem EV People will be dealing with.
Which brings up a seemingly reasonable question:
Why bother?
Why accept all these hassles and expenses?
Isnt it astonishing how eager people are to exchange something that works better (and for cheaper) for something that doesnt and isnt?
And they ask my why I drink . . .