Stating the obvious: EV makers will have to change drivers’ ‘fueling habits’

2011 Nissan LEAF Dash

While many electric-cars face various challenges to be accepted by the mass market, one major issue that must be addressed is an owner’s laziness to ‘fuel’ or recharge their vehicle. As Lindsay Chappell of Automotive News points out, “It”s a habit developed over decades of comfort and luck.”

“The yellow low-fuel light came on yesterday,” explains Chappell. “Or maybe it was two days ago. And wow! I”ve been driving for two days with my fuel warning light on! Now that”s fuel efficiency. Or dumb luck, or something.”

Obviously that can’t happen with electric-cars, When the battery indicator says batter power is low, a driver must pull over and find a charging station or get home to recharge.

Automakers like Nissan, Mitsubishi will have to train drivers to change their habits.

“If electric automakers can make that connection — no pun intended — they will have gone a long way to solving a technological shortcoming,” says Chappell.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)