Following on from Tuesday's newsletter, the data in the article in the url below represent an additional challenge to the wider adoption of EVs:
"Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever. The average age of a passenger vehicle on the road hit a record 12.5 years [in 2023], according to data gathered by S&P Global Mobility. Sedans like Holdsworth's are even older, on average – 13.6 years."
Why is this happening?
"Blame it mainly on the pandemic, which in 2020 triggered a global shortage of automotive computer chips, the vital component that runs everything from radios to gas pedals to transmissions. The shortage drastically slowed global assembly lines, making new vehicles scarce on dealer lots just when consumers were increasingly eager to buy."
The constrained supply, of course, also contributed to inflation, which is another factor:
"Since the pandemic struck three years ago, the average new vehicle has rocketed 24% to nearly $48,000 as of April, according to Edmunds.com. Typical loan rates on new-car purchases have ballooned to 7%, a consequence of the Federal Reserve's aggressive streak of interest rate hikes to fight inflation."
The result?
"It's all pushed the national average monthly auto loan payment to $729 – prohibitively high for many. Experts say a family earning the median U.S. household income can no longer afford the average new car payment and still cover such necessities as housing, food and utilities."
And, this is not just affecting sales of new cars:
"Used vehicle prices, on average, have surged even more since the pandemic hit – up 40%, to nearly $29,000. With an average loan rate having reached 11%, the typical monthly used-vehicle payment is now $563. Faced with deciding between making a jumbo payment and keeping their existing vehicles, more owners are choosing to stick with what they have, even if it means spending more on repairs and maintenance."
In order for EVs to be widely adopted, old cars need to be removed and, in order for this to make sense for the environment, the net effect needs to be carbon positive (i.e., replaced with EVs or hybrids). As with everything to do with climate change, it seems, we are doing too little, too late. Of course, the macro economic factors are not working in the planet's favor, but that has always been true. In order to divert from the pathway we are on, an intervention is required (and some leadership would be nice) – and most economists agree that the best intervention would be a revenue neutral carbon tax (see Strategic CSR – Carbon tax).
Take care
David
David Chandler
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Repelled by high car prices, Americans are holding on to their vehicles longer than ever
By Tom Krisher
May 15, 2023
Associated Press
