As I understand it, in the very early days of the automobile, vehicles powered by electric motors were competing well with internal combustion vehicles. This was OK if automobiles were used exclusively in towns and cities. However, as roads improved, people wanted vehicles with a longer range, for inter-city transport. Since liquid fuels of the time had higher energy density than batteries of the time, electric vehicles lagged behind. And the infrastructure for refueling with liquid fuels far outstripped that for recharging (if there indeed was any infrastructure for that).

The same energy density problem is true today, although improvements in batteries and car design are narrowing the gap. Repowering infrastructure for electric vehicles is still well behind. But as EV range increases and recharging stations multiply, an inflection point will be reached, allowing much more general acceptance of EVs.

I love the internal combustion engine, but realize that progress and environmental stewardship are tending away from it. Appreciate what you have but embrace what's coming. Don't agree? I have a buggy whip I can sell you...

 

Oddly enough, just saw this post in my feed right after responding to a colleague about the proposed Subaru/Toyota EV effort. He is a Subaru and EV fan. The estimate is that EV adoption (not replacement) will happen in the 2030's or 2040's. Not sure if I am completely in agreement with that estimate and based on my conversations and studies of the market, EV adoption has been less than anticipated. Even as range anxiety and prices fall. I am in the market for an EV and just did extensive wiring in my garage for EV chargers. My XKR is not going anywhere, but I did recently configure an iPace for good measure. Extensive EV shopping and comparisons are planned for spring. As a multiple car owner (6) the idea of restomods including an electric drivetrain is something that interests me.

 

At some point the best solution would take cooperation amongst manufacturers. So highly improbable to ever happen...the battery swap idea from years back. I wondered what happened to that and wouldn't you know it is alive and well, besides all the logistical and financial issues, there is a company in China that has implemented a successful model. A three minute battery pack swap and back on the road. The article below addresses all the pro's and con's, how the car is bought without owning the battery, pay as you go model for the battery pack/power.

Motor Mouth: Is battery-swapping the future of EVs? | Driving

Obviously the way we are now with different range or power delivery packs for high performance vs low performance vehicles create different battery build profiles. I know, someone will complain that the battery pool idea is battery socialism. Video from article:

 

Battery technology has changed a lot. In the foreseeable future, I would expect the range issue to be less of an issue and inductive charging to be in place for most home garage and parking situations. Trying to copy a refueling system that is meant for ICE vehicles may not be the best approach. The discussion of where to locate my 240v outlets in my 2 bay garage got me thinking about how EV's will be charged in the future. There are drive over units that charge batteries now without having to plug in. I think these will be everywhere (home, work, restaurants, etc) and will simply charge you vehicle when you park over them throughout your day. The concept of having to plug in and charge your car overnight will be a long forgotten practice.