Average Electric Car Driven 4,477 Miles Fewer Than an ICE Each Year, Study Finds
A recent study conducted in the United States has revealed that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) tend to travel fewer miles per year in comparison to their gasoline-powered counterparts, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids. The peer-reviewed study from researchers at the George Washington University (GW) used odometer readings from 12.5 million used cars and 11.4 million used SUVs listed up for sale between 2016 and 2022. According to Carscoops, it found that while most ICEs, hybrids, and PHEVs are driven similarly, battery-electric vehicles typically average 4,477 fewer miles annually. Researchers speculate that this difference may arise from the common practice of BEV owners using them as secondary vehicles alongside conventional or hybrid counterparts. Additionally, they have proposed that factors such as range anxiety and the relatively less developed charging infrastructure, in contrast to the well-established gas station network across the United States, might contribute to this phenomenon. John Helveston, study co-author and Assistant Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering at GW, says the average combustion car was driven 11,642 miles annually while the average BEV was driven 7,165 miles. Click here for the full story.
Volkswagen to Hit U.S. Market with EV Priced Under $35,000
On Nov. 9, Volkswagen announced its plans to launch an EV under $35,000 in the United States within the next two to four years. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker Nio said it is still considering whether or not they want to enter the U.S. market in 2025, reports CBT News. The CEO of Nio USA, Ganesh Iyer, stated that “Things have changed” with regard to global supply chains, geopolitics, and other elements that affect the company’s decision to sell its vehicles in the United States. Senior vice president and head of strategy at VW Group of America Reinhard Fischer continues, “We are not scaling back” plans for EVs in the U.S. market. Nio, founded in 2014, is a pioneer in leading the manufacturing of EVs in China. The company creates, develops, collaborates on the production of, and markets high-end smart EVs. Furthermore, Volkswagen also disclosed that to qualify for additional subsidies under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, it will explore localizing battery pack assembly for the sub-$35,000 EV. Fischer told a Reuters representative at the Reuters Events Automotive USA 2023 conference in Detroit that VW intends to manufacture the EV either in the U.S. or Mexico. Click here for the full story.
In 2026, EVs Will Have an Industry Standard Diagnostic System
Jon Lawrence's 50-year loyalty to General Motors products is being severely tested by the Chevrolet Bolt he bought new in 2019. Now on its third battery pack, Lawrence's electric hatchback has "bricked" — died on him — twice since he purchased it. Both times, the retired executive had the car flat-bedded to the dealership from his suburban Detroit garage. Each time, the dealership got it rebooted, but couldn't find the problem, reports Automotive News. "They don't have the capability to diagnose the car … and tell the consumer or service technician, 'Here's what's wrong,' " Lawrence said. "Wouldn't you expect that the 21st century of transportation would be more technically savvy than the one of 20 years ago?" Lawrence's Bolt — like all electric vehicles — lacks an industry standard onboard diagnostic system. While EVs do have some diagnostic capabilities, they all work differently. Now, starting with 2026 model vehicles, all that changes. California regulations, part of the state's Advanced Clean Cars II program, require automakers to phase in a standard EV diagnostic system similar to the onboard diagnostic system II found in combustion engine vehicles. Click here for the full story.
VinFast Plans U.S. Dealer Network With 125 Sales Points in First Phase
Vietnamese electric vehicle startup VinFast detailed plans for a nationwide dealer network, saying it expects 125 sales points in the initial phase and "hundreds" by the end of 2024, selling multiple models. Vietnamese electric vehicle startup VinFast detailed plans for a nationwide dealer network, saying it expects 125 sales points in the initial phase and "hundreds" by the end of 2024, selling multiple models, reports Automotive News. VinFast said Friday that it's received 70 dealer applications following its strategic shift in August from direct sales to a mixed model with third-party retailers outside of California, VinFast's first market in the U.S. "Updates on dealer agreements are expected to be announced in the coming months, which should allow VinFast to start distributing its EVs through 125 points of sales nationwide," the automaker said. VinFast began selling its VF 8 crossover early this year through its direct-to-consumer model in California. It currently has 13 showrooms in the state, mostly in Southern California. Click here for the full story.
Catching Recalls While Vehicles Are In-Transit
Recalls continue to be a challenge for automotive manufacturers, dealers, and consumers alike, as nearly 20 percent of all the vehicles on the road have an unrepaired recall. According to Wards that’s about 50 million vehicles with potentially life-threatening safety issues. For dealers, these vehicles can represent a significant liability issue and financial risk. It’s illegal to sell a new vehicle with an open recall and, in many states, an open recall on a used vehicle must be disclosed at the time of sale. Further, the FTC can fine dealers for selling Certified Pre-Owned vehicles with open safety recalls, even in the absence of laws prohibiting the sale of used vehicles with recalls. Failure by dealers to meet these standards opens them to substantial risk and can literally put their customers’ lives in jeopardy. And for consumers? Many are completely unaware they have a vehicle with an open recall, particularly if it’s a used vehicle with more than one previous owner. The vehicle manufacturers and NHTSA are certainly driven to make vehicles safe and protect consumers, and there are processes and requirements for notifications and tracking progress. Click here for the full story.
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