Summary
- E-bike and e-scooter sales have surged in the US, with a growth rate of 15.6% expected through 2030
- Two and three-wheeled electric vehicles are becoming popular for short distance travel and deliveries in big cities
- Safety concerns around batteries in small electric vehicles are a barrier to widespread adoption
- Policy measures and battery-swapping stations are being considered to address safety concerns
- Developing domestic battery production capacity can lead to a reduction in emissions and create economic opportunities in the US
Article
The rise of electric vehicles in the United States has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric motorcycles becoming popular options for transportation. E-bike sales have increased by 269%, while electric motorcycles also experience a surge in popularity. Shared e-bikes and e-scooters have seen record numbers of trips in 2023. These vehicles are not only becoming popular among individuals for personal transportation, but they are also changing the game for industries like food delivery and logistics due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
However, despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, there are still challenges that hinder widespread adoption in the United States. One major obstacle is the need for robust, longer-range batteries that can accommodate the average longer trip distances in the country. Safety and performance concerns with batteries are also prevalent, especially in the wake of fires related to uncertified batteries. Building trust in the batteries that power these vehicles is essential for unlocking their environmental and social benefits.
To address these challenges, policy measures and safety standards are being introduced at the city and national levels. The U.S. is also looking to ramp up its domestic battery production capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles. By reallocating a small portion of the planned battery production capacity, the U.S. could meet the demand for e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motorcycles, and mopeds domestically, reducing reliance on imports and lowering CO2 emissions.
With the growing battery production capacity in the U.S., the country is well-positioned to develop a robust supply chain for electric vehicles beyond cars and trucks. Component-sharing between electric cars and smaller electric vehicles could lead to the development of safer, more affordable batteries with better performance. As the market for alternative transportation options continues to grow, now is the time for the U.S. to seize the opportunity and capitalize on the demand for smaller electric vehicles.
Read the full article here
