Gas Over Electric, Senator Slams, Detroit Jams

The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier

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We’ve got that Friday feeling as we cover a new KPMG survey that reveals Americans powertrain preferences. We also talk about a Democrat Senator slamming a failed EV charging program, as well as an epic celebration as Ford opens its train station renovation.

Show Notes with links:

• A recent KPMG study reveals that Americans still favor gas vehicles over hybrids or EVs, even when prices and features are the same.
  • Only 20% of respondents would choose an EV over gas or hybrid vehicles.
  • 60% of US consumers want EV charging times of 20 minutes or less, while 41% of auto executives think longer times are acceptable.
  • Consumers prioritize safety, WiFi, and charging locators over self-driving features and in-car entertainment.
  • The preference for gas vehicles persists despite a global push for EV adoption, causing automakers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes to rethink their EV strategies.

• Democratic senator Jeff Merkley has been very vocal in his criticism of the progress of a $5-billion U.S. government program to deploy EV-charging stations which has only seven EV-charging stations operating under the program that was initiated back in 2021.
  • Senator Merkley has labeled the progress as a "vast administrative failure" and is calling for corrective action as he said "That is pathetic. We're now three years into this ...
  • Shailen Bhatt, head of the Federal Highway Administration, acknowledges the slow progress and cites states dealing with multiple programs as a contributing factor.
  • Merkley also criticizes existing rules that prevent EV-charging stations at rest stops.
  • Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expects about 1,000 stations to be operational by year-end and are still aiming for 500,000 nationwide…there are currently about 183k

• Michigan Central Station's six-year makeover concluded with an all-Detroit concert produced by Eminem, drawing thousands to the historic venue.
  • The concert featured performances by Jack White, Diana Ross, Big Sean, and other Detroit stars, celebrating the station's transformation.
  • Eminem surprised the audience by performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, followed by collaborations with Jelly Roll and Trick Trick.
  • The show concluded with Eminem's hit "Not Afraid," as he expressed his love for Detroit.
  • The station's restoration was part of a $950 million project, transforming it into a hub for Ford employees and public spaces.

Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
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