U.S. electric vehicles (EVs) have set a record with nearly a 300-mile battery range driving America’s demand for EVs.
Key Details
- The average battery range for an EV in the U.S. reached 291 miles per charge last year, quadrupling the 73-mile range from 2011.
- In the U.S., there are nearly 50 EV options, with the longest range being the Lucid Air Grand Touring, with an estimated range of 516 miles, according to Bloomberg reports.
- The country’s average battery range increased by 13% yearly, while the annual increase worldwide was 10%.
- A Bloomberg survey found that almost two-thirds of 5,500 respondents in the U.S. say that they would need an EV with at least 300 miles of range, and 10% would be okay with 200 miles.
Why it’s news
Americans spend more time in their car than anyone else, and EVs are reaching the point of being able to handle their long trips.
America lagged behind the rest of the world when consumers began switching to EVs, mostly because Americans like big cars that go long distances, and the original EVs were not satisfying those needs.
The earlier generation of EVs were small cars with batteries that averaged less than 100 miles per charge, but many Americans need a large battery life considering the average American travels 14,500 miles per year.
While many countries, such as Europe and China, still opt for the smaller, shorter-range EVs, American vehicle makers have begun adapting to the country’s needs by providing electric SUVs and vehicles with an average range of nearly 300 miles.
As American demand grows for EVs, brands like Ford, Tesla, and General Motors have begun releasing relatively affordable electric SUVs with long battery ranges to satisfy consumers, and since then, EV sales have tripled.
Just five cars, with an average range of 309 miles, were responsible for 70% of EV sales last year, according to Bloomberg:
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model 3
- Ford Mustang Mach E
- Tesla Model S
- GM’s Chevy Bolt EUV
The U.S. has hit a crucial tipping point with around 7.6% of all car sales being electric vehicles, with an estimated 25% in the next three years, as that number continues to rise there will be more EV advancements and more vehicles to choose from.