Diffusion Theory

Diffusion theory is fascinating to analyze through the emergence of new technologies. Women's right to vote, automobiles, smartphones, everything ever invented has gone through this process, some with more fortunate outcomes than others. Electric automobiles are still a semi-recently invented technology, so I'd like to analyze its past, present, and future possibilities.

One of today's most mainstream movements is the environmental/climate change one. Since Earth Day's founding there have been warnings of catastrophic climate change, the efficacy of fossil fuels, and rising sea levels. This movement has a major support from Millennials and Gen Z due to celebrities and young protestors such as Greta Thunberg expressing utmost support. The problem of climate change is one continuously waged in our congress and governments across the globe. While true environmental change can only be accomplished by mass producers of carbon emissions to go on the decline, that would require international agreement which is tasking to say the least. Not to mention, many countries could be hurt economically from going green, and others simply don't place environmental damage as the top concern on their list. Budget plans to combat climate change are also often too expensive, thus creating turmoil between those opposed. The Green New Deal is an example of this. Due to all of this, individuals take matters into their own hands and make small changes in their day to day routine.

Some people only use reusable bags, never use plastic straws, and buy an electric vehicle if they can afford it. The first modern electric car debuted in 1996 the EV1 made by General Motors. While those who had purchased the car loved it, it was not being adopted by enough people and was discontinued. I don't believe this to be due to price and rather lack of care to convert to electric. In an interview with former workers for GM it was stated that they scrapped the car for an "immediately profitable" project and switched focus to Hummers and trucks instead of preparing for "future consequences". So while they were the first to create the efficient electric car, they failed in adaptation because people were not concerned enough for future consequences of climate change to purchase the vehicle. 

Currently Tesla is the biggest name for electric vehicles. Climate change seems to be pushed down our throats, and while that is not a criticism, it seems to have a percentage of the population deeply concerned, and the rest of the population turned off to the matter. Those early adopters of the EV1 I assume were early adopters of Tesla automobiles. I expect the younger half of the population to be purchasing electric vehicles at a higher rate than the older half of our population, therefore adopting the technology sooner however, I theorize draw-backs. Electric cars simply sell for a higher price than gas cars do. So I would assume those in the lower income ranges will be late adopters or not at all.

I assume that those who do not care greatly for the climate change movement or simply think that them switching to an electric vehicle is pointless, and makes no dent on their carbon footprint would only adopt this technology for aesthetic purposes. If they saw a really nice Tesla and could afford it, sure why not switch over, but it's not a priority. I assume people like this are either late adopters or will not adopt ever. Another population I see never adopting this technology are those who dispute or criticize the climate change movement. For example, an electric car has many microchips in it, and it takes hours of heavy machinery moving soil, and burning fossil fuels to excavate the materials needed to make a single chip. I myself see common sense in that and understand how some may never adopt due to scrutinies like such.

There are negative consequences to electric vehicles. Many operate on autopilot mode where the driver does not have to engage with the car to get to their destination. This has been the cause of many accidents. Relying solely on technology for your safety is not a decision I'd make myself. Also, electric cars need to be charged. There are nowhere near the amount of electric vehicle charging stations as there are gas stations where I live and in much of the country. Places with many early adopters like California may differ. Charging takes long for these vehicles, there are concerns over the driving range on full charge, and replacing batteries is another concern as they're very expensive. To reiterate, the cons seems to be costs of purchase and maintenance, avoidance of collision, and impractical charging. 

I myself don't belive the positive effects of electric vehicles out way the negative ones. As someone who cares for the climate but believes we will only benefit from large scale change, I would not purchase an electric car. I dispute some reasonings for why electric cars are more green than gas cars, and a Tesla won't be in my price range for years anyways. After a cost-benefit analysis for this technology I can determine that for my individual needs, an electric vehicle is not something I would purchase, but for many it is and I don't oppose that decision. In my eyes the only affects from electric cars is individual, so all should analyze if it would work best for them.