Summary
- The electric vehicle market is becoming more mainstream, but EVs are still polarizing
- ICE-ing involves combustion-powered cars blocking electric vehicle charging stalls
- Recent incidents at Tesla Superchargers involved diesel pickup trucks blocking charging stations
- Pickup truck drivers blocking Superchargers wasted their own time as well
- Blocking of electric vehicle charging stations shows that animosity towards EVs still exists, but hopefully will change as EVs become more popular
Article
The electric vehicle market has become mainstream, but there is still resistance from some combustion-powered car owners, as seen in recent ICE-ing incidents where EV charging stations are blocked. ICE-ing involves combustion-powered cars blocking electric vehicle charging stalls, causing inconveniences for EV owners, especially those relying on Superchargers for long-distance travel. Tesla’s Superchargers, as North America’s premier rapid charging network, have been subjected to ICE-ing incidents.
Two recent incidents stood out this month in the Tesla community. In one incident reported on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit, three diesel pickup truck drivers blocked a Supercharger in Pleasanton, Texas, and even placed Tesla charging cables on their vehicles’ beds in a seemingly mocking gesture. The irony of this ICE-ing incident is that by blocking the Supercharger spots, the pickup truck drivers wasted their own time. Similarly, a driver of a GMC pickup truck in Glendive, Montana, attempted to block all the chargers at a Tesla Supercharger in a hotel and reportedly told a Model 3 owner to “buy a gas car.”
While aggressive ICE drivers blocking Superchargers may be rare, the practice of blocking EV charging stations indicates that there is still animosity towards electric vehicles among a fringe group of drivers. As electric vehicles become more common and popular, it is hoped that this attitude will change. These incidents highlight that EVs are still polarizing despite their increasing mainstream adoption.
The incidents of ICE-ing at Tesla Superchargers emphasize the ongoing resistance towards electric vehicles in some circles. Although the majority of car owners have embraced EVs and charging infrastructure, a small group of combustion-powered car owners still exhibit hostility towards electric vehicles. These incidents serve as a reminder that further education and awareness are needed to promote acceptance and understanding of electric vehicles in the broader automotive community.
The response to ICE-ing incidents at Tesla Superchargers has sparked discussions within the Tesla community and the broader automotive industry about the ongoing polarization surrounding electric vehicles. As EV technology continues to advance and become more mainstream, it is essential to address and overcome the resistance from a small group of combustion-powered car owners. By highlighting these incidents and promoting dialogue, the industry can work towards greater acceptance and integration of electric vehicles in the automotive market.
The incidents of ICE-ing at Tesla Superchargers serve as a reminder that despite the progress in electric vehicle adoption, there are still challenges and resistance from some combustion-powered car owners. These incidents highlight the ongoing polarization surrounding electric vehicles and the need for further education and awareness to promote acceptance and understanding. By addressing these issues and encouraging dialogue, the automotive industry can work towards a more sustainable and harmonious transition to electric vehicles in the mainstream market.
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