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DETROIT (AP) — America’s automakers have staked their futures on the notion that electric vehicles will dominate sales in the coming years, spurred by buyers determined to reduce carbon emissions and save on fuel.

But so far, while EV sales are growing, their pace is falling well short of the industry’s ambitious timetable for transitioning away from combustion engines. Instead, buyers are increasingly embracing a quarter-century-old technology whose popularity has been surging: The gas-electric hybrid, which alternates from gas to battery power to maximize efficiency.

So far in 2023, Americans have bought a record 1 million-plus hybrids — up 76% from the same period last year, according to Edmunds.com. As recently as last year, purchases had fallen below 2021’s total. This year’s figures don’t even include sales of 148,000 plug-in hybrids, which drive a short distance on battery power before a gas-electric system kicks in.


https://apnews.com/article/hybrids-electric-vehicles-auto-sales-charging-stations-97b444cfa752acbd3a5c244a3ee68abb

Maine has received a $15 million federal grant to install nearly 600 electric vehicle charging stations in more than 70 cities and towns, increasing the number available by more than 50%.

The Biden administration on Thursday announced the funding to pay for 62 DC Fast Charger ports and 520 Level 2 charging ports. The 582 ports will add to the 1,019 already in operation at 467 sites, according to Efficiency Maine, the quasi-state agency that develops energy efficiency programs.

Building out an EV charging network has been a critical part of the debate in Maine over establishing new rules requiring electric vehicle use. An “Advanced Clean Cars II” plan would require zero-emission vehicles to make up 43% of new car sales for 2028 models and 82% of new sales by model year 2032. Those include electric and fuel-cell vehicles, along with a partial credit for plug-in hybrids. Environmentalists are urging action to reduce tailpipe fumes that account for a large part of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposal has drawn criticism from car dealers, Republicans and others who say EVs are too costly for many Mainers and that EVs don’t have the charging range to drive across the state’s vast rural areas. The state Board of Environmental Protection postponed its vote on the proposal in December due to a storm, but now could take up the matter sometime after a new public comment period that ends Feb. 5.

https://www.pressherald.com/2024/01/11/maine-receives-15m-federal-grant-to-install-hundreds-of-electric-vehicle-chargers/

The number of registered battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in Maine has increased by 33%, from 9,244 in 2022 to 12,369 at the end of last year, the governor’s office said.

Adam Lee, chairman of the board of Lee Auto Malls, said being able to charge electric vehicles when not at home is one of several factors that customers consider. His dealerships are selling only about five or six EVs a month, a small share of the 600 to 700 vehicles he sells, even with “very good incentives,” he said.

Until recently Lee said his dealerships had trouble getting inventory because of limited supply, though more are now being delivered.

62 DC Fast Charger ports and 520 Level 2 charging ports spread out aren't going to bother the grid

patience my man

it will burn down soon enough

They want investments,wait untl the Spring when the Horse Track Opens like the rest of us

I would expect continued discounts at dealerships on EV's... they have inventory that is not moving.   

https://www.wsj.com/articles/hertz-tesla-and-the-perils-of-groupthink-electric-vehicles-auto-industry-dd50c158?st=9an81su90iofyp8&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
https://www.wsj.com/articles/hertz-tesla-and-the-perils-of-groupthink-electric-vehicles-auto-industry-dd50c158?st=9an81su90iofyp8&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink