18 percent of California electric vehicle drivers switched back to gasoline cars

A new study from the University of California, Davis, published in the journal Nature Energy last week, showed that 18 percent of electric vehicle drivers switched back to gasoline-powered cars from 2015 through 2019.

An article in Roadshow places the reversal on electric vehicles to charging, specifically at-home charging. The researchers found that the lack of reliable “Level 2” charging at home (a 240-volt plug, the kind electric dryers run on), led to drivers being more likely to switch back to gas.

According to the research, about half of the respondents who bought another EV had access to Level 2 charging, compared to the 30 percent who dumped the electric lifestyle, but had a proper plug at home. The research found owners were 53 percent less likely to buy another EV if they did not have access to convenient, at-home charging. 

Wiring residential houses for Level 2 chargers is costly. Most new 240V home chargers cost between $1000 and $2500 to install, and these chargers will charge a vehicle at a rate of 25-30 miles each hour, meaning it would take 10-12 hours to charge a battery that has 300 miles range of range.

Based on this study, it appears Governor Walz is putting the electric cart before the horse by mandating the sale of electric vehicles in Minnesota.