Car Dealers' Shocking Plea: "Don't Electrify Our Pockets, Mr. President!
It's time for yet another thrilling episode of "Car Dealers vs. Electric Vehicles." In this edition, we find ourselves in the midst of an electrifying battle where car dealers are pleading with President Joe Biden to put the brakes on the electric vehicle revolution. No, you aren’t mistaken. These automotive titans, the guardians of your car-buying dreams, have suddenly developed a soft spot for "the consumer." But, are they really the heroes they claim to be, or is it just a clever disguise for their own interests? Let's peel back the layers of this electric onion, shall we?
The Dealers' Disingenuous Dilemma
Car dealers have never been the cheerleaders for electric vehicles. In fact, they've often treated EVs like that awkward cousin no one talks about at family gatherings. But here we are in 2023, with the EV market showing signs of life, and suddenly, car dealers are screaming, "Stop the EV madness!"
The drama began when a website called "EV Voice of the Customer" appeared online, bearing an open letter to the Biden Administration. Over 3,800 U.S. car dealers signed this letter, claiming that enthusiasm for EVs has stalled, and the White House's ambitious goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030 is just plain unrealistic.
Who's on the Naughty List?
Let's take a peek at who these dealers are. Surprise, surprise, most of them peddle popular brands like Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, and various Stellantis brands. You know, the same brands that are committing to go all-electric in the next few years. It's like watching a vegetarian protesting against vegetables!
(Oh, and did I mention that four of the signatories represent Polestar dealerships? Someone should check if they're okay; they might be suffering from an identity crisis.)
The Truth Behind the Smoke and Mirrors
Don't get me wrong; there are grains of truth scattered throughout this letter. EV sales have had their ups and downs this year. Legacy automakers like General Motors and Ford in the U.S. have struggled to adapt to the EV world. EVs are still relatively pricey - if you insist on ignoring Tesla - and our public charging networks resemble a game of connect-the-dots more than a reliable system. Education about EVs is lagging too. But let's not mistake the dealers' concerns for consumer advocacy.
Many car dealers have never been keen on selling EVs. Why, you ask? Well, they don't want to threaten their lucrative revenue from parts and repairs, they're not too fond of investing in on-site charging or dealer education, and they certainly don't want to change the age-old tactics that have made them wealthy during a century of gasoline car sales. It's all about the moolah, folks.
This is also why Tesla took the road less traveled with its direct-to-consumer sales model, and why most EV startups have followed suit. It's a bit like the cool kids setting up their secret club, while the car dealers are left outside, knocking on the door and wondering what went wrong.
“Current Regulations” and Other Fables
The dealers' letter claims that electric vehicle demand today isn't keeping up with the influx of EVs arriving at their dealerships due to "current regulations." Hold on a minute! These dealers conveniently omit the fact that these are global car companies with global goals. The U.S.'s push for zero-emission vehicles isn't far off from what the European Union, the United Kingdom, and China are doing.
So, dear dealers, it's not just about "current regulations." It's about global commitments, and maybe it's time to have a word with your automakers instead of pointing fingers at the White House.
The Broken Record of "Time"
The dealers ask for more "time" for battery technology to advance, for EVs to become more affordable, for a charging infrastructure to be built, and for customers to warm up to the idea. Time, time, time! But what does "time" mean in this context? Years? Decades? And at what cost? Do automakers postpone their EV goals indefinitely, keeping gas-guzzlers on the road?
The reality is that this is a technological transition, not a mere test of EVs. It's about automakers making EVs at scale, at affordable prices, and profitably. The auto industry has always chased performance and efficiency, even when it had to be dragged there by regulations. EVs represent the pinnacle of both.
And let's not forget the ongoing climate changes that the dealers' letter conveniently ignores. Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles won't solve all our climate problems, but it's a step in the right direction.
The Bottom Line
In the end, car dealers claiming to be the voice of the consumer sounds like fishermen claiming to be the voice of the fish. While the transition to EVs may have its bumps, it's a shift that's happening worldwide. The real question is whether America's car dealers will embrace the change or become relics of a bygone era.
So, next time you hear a car dealer crying for more "time" and fewer regulations, just remember that the only time they care about is the time it takes for their bank accounts to fatten. The electric revolution is here, and it's time to ride the lightning or get left in the dust. The choice is yours, car dealers. Choose wisely.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
