Next Surge of EVs Coming in 2020, Claims Engadget

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

2019 was a busy year for electric vehicles. Nearly every automaker came out with a concept for an upcoming electric vehicle or confirmed their decision to move toward electric vehicles. Not only was 2019 a busy time for EVs, but it was a busy time for all sorts of electrified vehicles, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Clearly, all sorts of electrified vehicles are finally becoming popular, despite the technology having roots that can be traced back to 1898 and Ferdinand Porsche's P1. And 2020 is set to be another great year for electric vehicles and the time when they finally cement their place in the U.S. market.

EVs Expected To Become More Popular

There are a few reasons for the rise of electric vehicles in America. Raising gas prices, good incentives for EV owners, and climate change are all reasons why consumers are making the switch to electric cars. Thanks to a good sales year last year, electrified vehicles now account for 2.5 percent of all new vehicle sales in the U.S. While that may not sound like a lot, electric vehicles are more popular than cars with a manual transmission.

As electric vehicles finally start to gain in popularity, automakers are responding with more and more offerings. According to Engadget, Tesla's done a lot for the electric car. The Model S was the best-selling EV between 2015 and 2017 with the sedan losing its dominance to the smaller Model 3, which became the best-selling EV in 2018. Tesla's not stopping, as it has plans to introduce the Model Y crossover in the near future and the wacky Cybertruck down the road. The brand's even going into the semi-truck truck game.

It's not just Tesla, though. Polestar, Volvo, Bentley, Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lexus, Volkswagen, Nissan, BMW, Mini Cooper, Ford, General Motors, FCA, and more all have plans for electric vehicles. We're sure there are more, but you get the picture. Nearly every major automaker that sells a vehicle is working on an electric car. Even Lexus, who's parent company Toyota has avidly stood by hybrids and hydrogen vehicles as the future of the automobile, has shifted gears with the UX300e. Automakers have even started to electrify iconic names, like Ford with the Mustang, to garner more attention for electric cars.

Infrastructure Remains An Issue

It's more than just cars, but motorcycle manufacturers like Harley Davidson have started to make the switch to electrified modes of transportation. Harley has reportedly resumed production of its LiveWire motorcycle, reports the outlet.

American may live trucks and SUVs, but automakers have already anticipated that change. There's the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQC, and more, all electric SUV that reveal that automakers are ready to make the change.

While automakers have been quick to pivot to electric vehicles, governments, especially the United States', have been slow to assist with the adoption of EVs. Some countries, like Germany and chancellor Angela Merkel, have called for more charging stations. But others, like America's government, are leaving the installation of charging stations up to automakers and private companies. That, hopefully, will change in 2020. As the outlet claims, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently argued in favor of spending $454 billion over 10 years to replace gasoline-powered cars on the road with EVs.

Whether that happens remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure, 2020 will be another big year for electrified vehicles.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods