Software glitches, inaccurate range estimates and clunky charging options all limit adoption
The adoption of electric vehicles represents the biggest shift in our energy and transportation systems in more than a century—but it’s also the biggest shift in consumer electronics since the debut of the iPhone.
On both counts, progress is accelerating in the U.S. And on both counts, we are far from where we need to be.A recent 1,000 mile road-trip in the longest-range electric vehicle you can buy brought this home for me. That journey was as worrisome as it was thrilling, and it clarified how much more needs to be done for drivers to have a consistent and satisfying experience on par with buying a gasoline vehicle.
Electric Vehicles: The Toyoda War
Akio Toyoda is the grandson of Kiichiro Toyoda, a man who started an auto division within his family’s business. That division, it must be said, came to enjoy a fair degree of success (those who want to know why the company is called Toyota, not Toyoda, can find out here). Akio Toyoda joined Toyota in the 1980s, eventually becoming its CEO in 2009. He knows a bit about cars. He also speaks his mind.
