By Steven Symes 
It seems the EV bandwagon is breaking down in California and Europe, of all places as the market turns the page. While there will always be those who love electric cars, the days of their riding high on popularity and special privileges are over.
Dodge and Jeep EVs can drive away by themselves.
First, the big blow in California comes after the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles announced starting on October 1, EV drivers will have their carpool lane privileges revoked. It used to be with a Clean Air Vehicle decal affixed, those with Teslas and other all-electric models could drive in the carpool lane with only one person inside.
That comes after the federal government opted to not extend the program. For those who bought an EV largely so they can jump in the carpool lane during their morning commute, this is a real gut punch. After all, they might as well drive a Nissan Altima is they’re going to be treated like peasants.
According to The Detroit News, there currently are about half a million vehicles with active Clean Air Vehicle decals. Soon they’ll have to join the regular lanes with us plebs or start carpooling with neighbors.
Meanwhile, in Europe EV demand has cratered so much Ford is looking at slashing up to 1,000 jobs at its Cologne plant in Germany. Before anyone tries arguing the move is being made for another reason, Ford issued a statement saying, “In Europe, demand for electric cars remains well below industry forecasts.”
Imagine that.
We’ve heard over and over how we should “follow Europe’s lead” or “be more like Europe” as it led the charge into the glorious future EV utopia. It seems the bandwagon has broken down.
With automakers here cutting back big time on EV production, it seems the market has cooled for electrics in a hurry. When or if it recovers isn’t clear at the moment.
Image via LVMPD
Shawn Henry