Make no mistake. Change is taking place. The roaring engines and screeching tires are being gradually overpowered by a subtler, yet powerful, hum. It's the sound of electric vehicles (EVs). Most could agree that EVs are no longer a mere whisper but a buzzing electric current on the cusp of mainstream adoption. But as someone deeply entrenched in this shift towards a more sustainable mobility paradigm, I have to call a spade a spade—as others are doing in troves. EVs are currently in the valley of despair.
This fact becomes particularly clear in the recent article, How EVs Became Such A Massive Disappointment, by CNN writer Peter Valdes-Dapena. In this article, the author notes that Tesla has implemented price reductions, while Ford has recently lowered the price of its Mustang Mach-E and scaled back production of its electric pickup. Add to this, General Motors is contemplating reintroducing plug-in hybrids, potentially deviating from its previous commitment to transitioning directly to pure EVs, he writes. But wait there is more bad news rising. The EPA is contemplating relaxing regulations on automakers to enhance the sale of electric vehicles, signaling a shift away from aggressive plans to phase out gas-powered cars and SUVs.
Still, all is not doom and gloom for EVs. While Valdes-Dapena correctly observes the sad state of EV affairs, he also points that the American electric vehicle market remains stable according to Cox Automotive. In the fourth quarter of 2023, EV sales rose by 40% compared to the same quarter the previous year. Notably, EV sales in the United States reached a record high last year, surpassing 1 million units for the first time, Valdes-Dapena writes. I believe that is what we have to hang on to for now. No doubt that the march to sustainability will roll on the hatchbacks of EVs but it is just going to take a little bit longer than we expected. After all, we are watching EVs drive into the valley of despair.
Into the Valley of Despair
For those unfamiliar, the "valley of despair" is typically what one goes through after experiencing the initial euphoria and momentum of getting started on a grand idea. It could be anything. For example, when I decided to bring back this website, Mobile Gnosis, my energy was flying high. However, I hit the valley of despair about six months ago and realized there is hard work involved in making a website perform and execute. So, I went into that valley of despair for about a couple months. I would say sometime in the past month, I realized this wasn't a stupid idea after all. This site can, and will find, success (I hang my hat on that statement). But, I digress.
The point is that we all collectively are going though a similar valley of despair, or "trough of disillusionment" as I have heard it called before. But, alas, there is hope—and in this case—greener pastures are waiting.
Sputtering Along
Once bursting with the promise of a cleaner, quieter future, the EV market seems to be stalling. Consumer demand is tepid, and even stalwart automakers who pledged allegiance to electric propulsion are scaling back their ambitious plans. The electric dream, it seems, has faced an unfortunate collision with reality.
This is not uncommon. After the initial excitement of starting a new job or launching a product, many find themselves plunging into the "valley of despair." This concept, although not a strictly psychological term, aptly captures the emotional lows that people feel when they're in the trough between initial enthusiasm and achieving mastery. For EVs, this could be a watershed moment.
The challenge is not with the technology—they have already proven their capability. It's the infrastructure, the economics, and the psychology of change that's proving harder to shift than the metal that these modern marvels are constructed from.
Navigating the Valley
The question is not whether we can power through this valley, but how. We need to address the stark realities. EVs are still more expensive than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, and the charging infrastructure remains a source of significant anxiety for potential buyers. There are also misconceptions and a lack of awareness surrounding electric cars. Many still see them as novelties for the rich and environmentalists. The path ahead is indeed fraught with challenges, but this is no time to curse the darkness; it's time to light a torch and lead the way.
The key to emerging from this valley is multi-faceted. Governments need to provide incentives for both manufacturers and consumers, fostering the creation of more accessible and convenient charging solutions. Utility companies must work in tandem, ensuring that the grid can support an influx of electric vehicles. And all of this must be wrapped in a public awareness campaign that showcases EVs as the new normal, not a niche trend.
The Greener Pastures
The promise of electric mobility does not just lie in reduced emissions; it heralds a new era of transportation. We are on the verge of a technological and societal shift that could redefine the roads we take and the very air we breathe. By spotting and overcoming the obstacles that litter the valley we find ourselves in, we can reach the greener pastures. We will see the day where the roads are quieter, the tailpipes are silent, and the air is cleaner – a vision of mobility that is both beautiful and achievable.
There is too much at stake to turn back now. The future health of our planet depends on a shift away from fossil fuel dependence, and that shift is not only inevitable but imperative. Automakers, innovators, governments, and consumers—the onus is on all of us.
In conclusion, the shift to electric vehicles is a necessary one, and it's up to us to keep pushing through this valley of despair. However long the road may be, we must remind ourselves constantly of the rewards that await us—sustainable living, cleaner cities, and an environment that can withstand the test of time.
The path may be obscured by the darkness of the moment, but if we persevere, we will emerge on the other side, not just for the sake of the car industry, but for the betterment of our planet. The future may be silent, but in that silence, we may just find a powerful voice that speaks volumes for generations to come.
Maverick is the call sign of Mobile Gnosis publisher and editor-in-chief, Matt De Reno. Have a tip, story idea, or news item to share? You can send him an email at