The tl;dr:
Sales of all-electric cars and light trucks in California had started off strong in 2023, rising 48% in the first half of the year compared with a year earlier. By that time, California EV sales numbered roughly 190,807 — or slightly more than a quarter of all EV sales in the nation, according to the California New Car Dealers Assn.
But it’s what happened in the second half of last year though that’s generating jitters. Sales in the third quarter fell by 2,840 from the previous period — the first quarterly drop for EVs in California since the Tesla Model S was introduced in 2012. And the fourth quarter was even worse: Sales dropped 10.2%, from 100,151 to 89,933.
I think Hybrids and PHEVs would be far more effective at buying ourselves some time. There’s the 1:6:90 rule. 1 EV has enough Li-ion to make 6x PHEVs, and 1EV has enough Li-ion to make 90 Hybrids. Most of the other material in a modern car is 90%+ recycled steel, which is extremely green.
If we assume ourselves to be Li-ion constrained (which seems likely over the next decade), then making Hybrids or PHEVs will get us more greenhouse gas emission reductions than EVs.
But you’re right. The key to reversing climate change is to stop consuming. Take the bus and/or subway sometimes, and you’ll probably save more on emissions than anything you’d do with an EV.
That’s a very interesting take regarding the batteries. Thanks!