The Wyoming State Legislature's Proposed Ban on Electric Vehicles: A Political Move or a Futile Effort?
The Wyoming state legislature has recently proposed banning the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state by 2035. This proposal, however, has raised many questions and criticisms, questioning whether it is merely a political play to gain votes or an ineffective policy.
InThe Wake of Major Auto Manufacturer Announcements
It is often argued that since major auto manufacturers have already announced they will no longer produce gas cars after 2030, there will be very few cars available to buy by 2035. Toyota, for instance, has stated they will continue to produce fossil fuel vehicles as long as it is economically feasible, and BMW might follow suit.
Impact of Regulations on the Current Automotive Landscape
While the ban on EV sales in Wyoming is a valid concern, it is important to note that hybrid vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will still be produced. This ban will merely be a postponement of changes in the automotive industry. As of today, the number of registered EVs in all 50 US states is so insignificant that it barely affects the overall car market.
Consumer Readiness for EVs
There are several practical challenges that make EVs less attractive to many consumers. Filling a car with gasoline or diesel takes only a few minutes, whereas public charging stations can take hours to charge an EV. Home charging requires a 200-ampere breaker box and ownership of a property, making it unfeasible for many people.
Challenges for Apartment Dwellers and Non-Homeowners
Second-class citizens, such as condominium owners, apartment dwellers, and people without garages, carports, or driveways, face significant challenges. Many residential breaker boxes have an amperage of only between 60 to 100, and high-rise condominiums have limited parking spaces. Furthermore, grid capacity limitations pose a significant barrier for this demand configuration and public charging stations.
Global Relevance and Widespread Impact of EV Bans
Many countries are likely to resist adopting EVs, given their current infrastructure and population density. The production goals for EVs have been reduced from 62% to 37% by 2030, indicating a global reluctance to fully embrace electric vehicles. Mandated EV bans are unlikely to be successful, as there will likely be a significant revolt against such regulations, leading to such bans being ignored or abolished.
Free Market vs. Mandated EV Policies
The free market, without any tax credits, should determine the interest in any car, whether it is an EV or an ICE vehicle. Furthermore, there is significant opposition from environmentalists regarding lithium mining and extraction in America, which could limit the additional capacity for EV batteries.
Therefore, the Wyoming state legislature's proposed ban on electric vehicles in 2035 is more of a political gesture than a practical solution. Future policies need to focus on practical solutions that address consumer needs and technological realities, rather than imposing mandates that are unlikely to succeed.