“With the recent wildfires, I’m more convinced than ever that climate change will prod consumers to make the shift to electric vehicles.” says Chang. “I’m not surprised at Governor Newsom’s recent declaration to make EVs the defacto transportation standard by 2035. For the first time in history, zero emission trucks and cars are a true possibility. Surprisingly, the main obstacles are not what everyone thinks. Most experts would immediately cite the need for an upgraded power grid and/or more EV charging stations. These are important factors, but it’s going to take three other things to bring us to a healthier, all-electric future.”

Chang pointed out that the lack of used electric vehicles currently hampers EV adoption. “A major advantage of gasoline powered vehicles is the staggering amount of relatively affordable used vehicles available to purchase or lease,” says Chang. “This is not yet true of EVs, which cost more on average to begin with and may have battery issues waiting for their second or third owners. Creating a resale system that provides reliable, used EVs to consumers will be key to getting more people out of their internal combustion vehicles.”

The Noodoe CEO adds that another impediment to go all-electric by 2035 involves lack of supply. “Right now, TESLA and most major car manufacturers report their respective lines of electric vehicles are sold out, even before getting off the assembly line,” says Chang. “Thus far, car makers have not been able to keep up with demand. The same is true with EV battery production, as there is deficit production of storage batteries across the industry. Simply put, people are simply waiting for EV models that suit their budget, range needs and lifestyle. Millions are waiting for electric pick-up trucks. Thousands are waiting for EVs with extended range. And everyone wants electric vehicles with as many price points as their gasoline powered counterparts.”

Lastly, Chang believes consumers must simply overcome their fear of EV technology. “Fear for the lack of charging stations,” she adds. “Fear of vehicles that have no combustion engines… that make no noise. Fear of excessive charge times or service on a vehicle that has numerous unknown parts. It is primarily fear of the unknown, fear of not understanding exactly what an “electric car” is. Fear of being different from parents, friends, and co-workers. Buyers of electric cars are still in the vanguard. They are either environmentalists, forward thinkers, like being “different” or otherwise not afraid. Who knows if there will be a problem with a battery, or a fire, or run out of battery while on the road, or any other real or imagined fears. Once we overcome these fears, the skies will clear, respiratory disease will decrease and the overall quality of life will improve for everyone.”