'The Cars Are There But The Challenge Is Infrastructure,' Says Expert On EV Adoption Hurdles

Electric cars continue to sell, but the industry must address critical infrastructure issues to support wider adoption, according to Erin Keating, executive analyst at Cox Automotive.

Speaking at Thursday’s AutoRevolution: The Future of Mobility and EVs virtual event, Keating discussed the current state of the EV market, noting the industry's progress alongside its challenges.

Growing EV Sales and Increased Consumer Options

Keating highlighted that EV sales outperform traditional vehicle sales, marking an upward trend. “Sales are growing faster than internal combustion engine vehicles, and we’re up seven percent in July, up eleven point three percent year over year,” she said. The introduction of more models from various automakers is expanding consumer choice, driving this growth.

She explained that even though Tesla’s market share is declining, this is a positive indicator for the overall EV market. "We are seeing some brands like Tesla start to lose market share. But that's a good thing because that means a lot of good competition coming into the market, providing some good choice and optionality for people willing to experiment with the powertrain transition,” Keating said. This diversification in offerings gives buyers more flexibility, even as EVs remain a higher-cost option for many.

Infrastructure Remains A Barrier

Despite this progress, Keating emphasized the ongoing challenge of inadequate charging infrastructure. She pointed out that many potential EV buyers struggle with access to convenient charging stations, especially those living in apartments or without home garages. "Higher up on the list was lack of in-home charging,” Keating said, underlining how this issue affects many consumers.

She added that public infrastructure still isn't sufficient to meet the needs of a growing EV user base.

“It's infrastructure holding back more skeptical consumers,” she stated. This lack of readily available charging options is causing hesitation among would-be buyers, slowing the transition to electric vehicles.

The Road Ahead For Electric Cars

Despite these hurdles, Keating remains optimistic. She referenced Cox Automotive's 2024 study, which indicates that many EV skeptics could consider making the switch within the next few years. "I think we will continue to bring people [into the EV market]… We will get some of those skeptics on board as soon as they can feel some comfort level," she said, suggesting that better infrastructure could significantly increase EV adoption.

The growth of the EV market is evident, but the path forward depends mainly on resolving infrastructure limitations. Keating's insights suggest that while the industry progresses, much work remains to make electric vehicles a more viable option for a broader audience.

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