Are Millennials / Gen Z ready for Electric Vehicles? ONN Electric

Millennials and Gen Z-ers who constitute the latest generation are often known for embracing and adopting modern practices and conventions. Gen Z-ers (people born between 1995 and 2010) are particularly known for their openness to new ideas and their commitment to various causes. With a large portion of the global population consisting of millennials and Gen Z-ers, it only seems appropriate to assume that millennials are ready for electric vehicles to take over in the near future. In a situation where conservation of any exhaustible energy source is of utmost importance, this question seems redundant. However, on the contrary, the answer is not that straight forward. According to a study by an organization called J.D Power, the enthusiasm shown by the age groups of 18-24 towards electric vehicles has drastically reduced from 2017 to 2019. The overall consensus in 2017 among the younger consumers was that electric vehicles were an absolute necessity. However, after having put the vehicles to practical use, there has been a substantial shift of opinion. In the latest report, they collectively opine that a complete change in the dynamics of transportation is not something that is achievable in a short span of time. It takes years or sometimes decades to change something that is individually a norm. The primary problem that they found in using electrical vehicles was the availability of charging stations. Youngsters are very unlikely to find charging stations at their residences. Since most of them live in rented houses, they are dependent on the house owners to provide charging points. Unfortunately, the landlords do not usually oblige such requests. What is more unnerving about the study is that 64% of the demographic has not even seen a charging point ever, let alone at their residence. In such a scenario, it is not a surprise that the urge to go electric is dwindling among them. Another reason causing the hesitation to make a shift from gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles is that there is a glaring shortage of proper advertising. Most of the ads that are coming out are about pickup trucks and sports cars. There has been only a minimal and insufficient amount of advertising for electric cars and bikes, resulting in a lack of awareness of affordable and alternative electric vehicles. This has reflected in poor sales of smaller electric vehicles including electric cars and e-bikes. The third major reason why there is a bleak fan base for electric cars is that they are blatantly overpriced as compared to conventional diesel and petrol powered automobiles. Young consumers often have to juggle student loan repayments, rent, commuting costs and a host of other demands. Considering that they have low starting salaries, budgeting a down payment and monthly payments on a $35,000 electric vehicle end up with it pretty far down the list. Despite all the shortcomings, it is not all bad news for electric vehicles in the near future. There is good news, according to the automotive consulting manager of J.D Power, Heather Raulerson. He says:

Increased advertising will raise awareness which could lead to an increase in electric vehicles being purchased. And this could lead to infrastructure changes across not only roadways but also where people live-giving landlords incentives, for instance, for installing charging stations for apartments/lofts, etc. It is a domino effect that must start somewhere to increase the number of consumers that will consider any form of an electric vehicle.

Despite the discouraging numbers and statistical evidence, it is heartening to see many youngsters resorting to eco-friendly products and practices lately as Sam Parkinson from Driven's likes the idea of having an Electric Transportation method which represents the greener and sustainable commute System. Hundreds of influencers on social media are emphasizing on the results of the detrimental habits of modern life and the need to repay the planet with sustainable practices. The awareness about depleting resources is rising among younger generations. It is no myth that the forthcoming generations will be left with no choice but to adopt a lifestyle that reduces the burden on the environment. In this light, one can hope for a future where more and more youngsters will resort to electric vehicles. With coming improvements in technology, EVs are likely to be more affordable and hence shall attract more youngsters.