Electric vehicles are in high demand due to rising gasoline prices, concerns over carbon emissions and global warming. From the 2022 Washington Auto Show auto show, VOA looks at consumers and automakers who think electric vehicles will excel in the future.
Luxury and exotic cars flaunt their futuristic features. However, the main attraction on display at the recent Washington Auto Show 2022 was the EV pavilion, where battery-powered vehicles managed to steal the attention of visitors.
“One of the reasons I came to this exhibition was to find out what the future plans for car manufacturers, both individually and collectively, regarding the future of electric or hybrid cars,” said Jim Easterly.
Electric vehicle sales increased by 41 percent globally in 2020. Big car companies like Toyota and Ford are now producing more electric car models, which are not only fuel efficient, but also environmentally friendly.
“There is a higher demand for various types of vehicles with alternative fuels than ever before. Consumers seem very keen to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Maggie Clark, product expert at the auto company Toyota.
Mark Spencer and his son are willing to drive for 3 hours to attend the 2022 Washington Auto Show exhibition. He wanted to change his car and was interested in seeing electric vehicles.
He was looking for a vehicle with better mileage and price. However, he also had other considerations. According to him, car manufacturers need to lower the price of vehicles, so that everyone can afford them. That way, there needs to be an infrastructure that supports car manufacturers.
“Electric car users don’t have time to wait 30 minutes to charge an electric car,” added visitor Mark Spencer.
The Pavilion EV at the 2022 Washington Auto Show is sponsored by Washington, DC-based company Electrify America. The company is a network of fast charging stations available in various parts of the United States.
With the theme “the future is electric,” Electrify America aims to make it easier for consumers to use electric vehicles.
“The Tesla car company has been selling electric vehicles for a long time. The problem is that the cars are mostly aimed at the rich. If we don’t include Tesla, and put forward companies like Nissan, General Motors, Toyota or Hyundai which have big markets, America can quickly adopt electric vehicles at more affordable prices,” said John O’Donnell, president of the Washington Auto Show.
John O’Donnell added that American consumers are now more open to adopting electric vehicles, since the government provides tax credits and more incentives will be issued through President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan. [di/jm]