Summary
- Electric vehicles and gas-powered cars had drawbacks in the early 1900s, with gas-powered cars dominating after the invention of the electric starter.
- The first wartime vehicles for the United States were used in a conflict with Pancho Villa in 1916, marking a shift in military tactics.
- The town of Columbus, NM now has DC fast charge stations for EVs, improving access for travelers in rural areas.
- The EV charging situation in rural areas often poses a problem due to unreliable stations and lack of usage.
- Challenges with EV charging in rural areas contribute to a cycle where businesses are hesitant to invest in infrastructure, hindering accessibility for EV drivers.
Article
Over 100 years ago, the automotive industry was in its infancy, with both electric and gas-powered vehicles facing various challenges. Gas-powered cars required a manual crank to start, making them difficult to operate, while electric vehicles had limitations in range. However, the introduction of the electric starter ultimately led to the dominance of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the market. During this time, ICE vehicles also saw their first wartime action in a conflict that served as a prelude to World War I.
In 1916, during the Mexican Revolution, Pancho Villa led a raid into the town of Columbus, New Mexico, resulting in a battle with U.S. soldiers and civilian casualties. This event, known as the Punitive Expedition, prompted the U.S. military to use cars and planes in combat for the first time, marking a significant shift in military tactics. While the border town of Columbus is now peaceful compared to 1916, it is still at the forefront of rural EV charging innovation, with the installation of a new DC fast charge station funded by the State of New Mexico’s Dieselgate settlement.
Despite the installation of the fast charge station in Columbus, issues with the station’s functionality have persisted, with some users reporting limited charging capacity and operational failures. This highlights the challenges of rural EV charging infrastructure and the need for reliable and efficient charging solutions to encourage EV adoption in remote areas. The current situation presents a dilemma where EV drivers may avoid rural locations due to inadequate charging options, while businesses may be hesitant to invest in charging infrastructure without a perceived demand from EV drivers.
The lack of reliable EV charging infrastructure in rural areas like Columbus hinders accessibility to historical sites and natural attractions in the region, discouraging potential visitors from exploring the area in an electric vehicle. While some EV drivers may still venture to these remote locations, the need for dependable charging facilities remains a crucial factor in promoting EV usage and sustainable travel. Addressing the challenges of rural EV charging requires a concerted effort to improve infrastructure reliability and raise awareness among users about available charging options.
In conclusion, the history of the Pancho Villa Raid and the subsequent military response in 1916 serves as a reminder of the evolving role of technology in warfare and society. Today, as the transition to electric vehicles gains momentum, the importance of establishing robust charging infrastructure in rural areas becomes increasingly critical to support sustainable transportation and encourage EV adoption. By addressing the challenges of rural EV charging, communities like Columbus can enhance accessibility, promote tourism, and contribute to the broader clean energy transition.
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