AAA: Interest in EVs declining as Kentucky builds twin battery plants

Interest in Electric Vehicles Declining in the US, AAA Survey Finds

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The American Auto Association is finding that the interest in electric vehicles is declining; instead, Americans are turning to hybrid models.

This is as Kentucky builds twin EV battery plants in Hardin County.

Consumer Trends and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Only 18% of U.S. adults say they would be “very likely” or “likely” to buy a new or used electric vehicle, according to a AAA survey. That’s down from 23% last year.
2. “Range is still an issue, and I think that ties into the other reason often given, which is charging options,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins with AAA Bluegrass.
3. Governor Andy Beshear has pledged to make Kentucky the EV capital of the U.S. The state has now approved 42 charging stations for a total of $27 million in federal funds.
4. “Every single year, more Americans buy EVs than the year prior. There are two things I think are needed to help that happen even more quickly: one is the price—the Inflation Reduction Act acted to cut the price of an electric vehicle—the second is making sure we have the charging network we need across America,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

Hybrid Models as a Compromise

Richmond resident Nicholas Riggs bought an electric Volkswagon SUV two years ago. He tells us he gets 220 miles on a full charge, which takes about six hours.

“For my family, we decided that having one EV made sense for us. The cost to drive it was of significant financial savings for local use,” Riggs said.

However, AAA’s survey found that one in three Americans say they would be very likely or likely to buy a hybrid. It’s a compromise that lessens anxiety for drivers by allowing them to enjoy an EV without as much worry over range or charging stations.

“Some people don’t even have the option of putting in a charging station at their home because maybe they’re apartment dwellers or they just don’t own their own home,” Weaver Hawkins said.

Investments in EV Production

• Toyota announced this year a $1.3 billion investment in battery electric vehicle production at the Georgetown plant.
• About seven months ago, Ford announced a delay in production at the second battery plant in Hardin County to better meet demand.
• The company estimates it will employ a total of 5,000 people in the small town of Glendale. The first plant is still scheduled to open next year.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
• SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of U.S. adults likely to buy a new or used electric vehicle.
• Number of charging stations approved and funded in Kentucky.
• Number of Americans buying electric vehicles each year.
• Price reduction of electric vehicles through legislation.

Explanation:

The article discusses the declining interest in electric vehicles (EVs) among Americans and the increasing preference for hybrid models. This is connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) as EVs are a key component of clean energy transportation. The article also mentions the construction of twin EV battery plants in Kentucky, which relates to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Specific targets under these SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content. SDG 7.2 aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, which aligns with the promotion of EVs as a clean energy option. SDG 9.4 focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable, which includes the establishment of charging stations and battery plants.

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The percentage of U.S. adults likely to buy an EV indicates consumer interest and adoption. The number of approved and funded charging stations in Kentucky reflects infrastructure development. The number of Americans buying EVs each year demonstrates market growth. Additionally, the price reduction of EVs through legislation indicates progress in making them more affordable.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wkyt.com