Once hailed as the future of sustainable transport, electric vehicles (EVs) are now facing a surprising backlash. A growing number of EV owners — once proud pioneers of the green revolution — are now expressing deep frustration, even demanding a return to traditional gas-powered cars. What went wrong?

The Electric Hype is Fading

Despite record-breaking EV sales in 2022 and early 2023, recent months have seen a sharp decline in consumer enthusiasm. Sales growth has slowed, even in the face of new model launches, price cuts, and generous tax incentives. The once-promising momentum is losing steam, casting serious doubt on the long-term viability of a rapid transition to all-electric transportation.

So, what’s behind this shift in sentiment?

From Hype to Headache: A Reality Check for EV Owners

The EV honeymoon seems to be over. Owners are growing tired of the shortcomings that were once brushed off as minor inconveniences. The disappointment peaked with the underwhelming launch of Tesla’s Cybertruck, triggering a broader disillusionment within the community.

Even major automakers are scrambling to adapt. Tesla slashed prices again. Ford scaled back production of the F-150 Lightning and postponed a $12 billion investment in EVs. GM delayed three electric models and walked back its promise to produce 400,000 EVs by the end of 2024. Mercedes-Benz’s CFO described the EV market as “brutal,” prompting discounts across the board. Honda dropped its affordable EV plans with GM altogether.

These strategic pivots signal a broader industry reckoning — the electric revolution isn’t going as planned.

Fire Hazard Fears Are Fueling Doubts

One of the most alarming issues? Fires.

While studies show that EVs aren’t more prone to catching fire than gas cars, the way they burn is vastly different — and terrifying. Traditional fire suppression methods don’t work on EV battery fires, which can reignite even after being extinguished. Firefighters often have no choice but to dunk the entire car in a water tank — and even then, the danger persists for days.

This terrifying scenario has eroded trust among many owners, especially when EV fires have been known to destroy entire homes.

The Green Illusion? Environmental Claims Under Scrutiny

EVs are often marketed as “zero-emissions” — but that label is increasingly under fire.

Unless an EV is charged exclusively with renewable energy, its environmental footprint is tied to the local electricity grid, which in many areas still relies heavily on fossil fuels like coal and gas. Moreover, the production of EVs — particularly the batteries — involves environmentally damaging and ethically questionable mining practices.

Cobalt, a critical battery component, is often sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where reports of child labor are rampant. The disconnect between green marketing and harsh production realities is leaving many owners disillusioned.

The Price of Going Electric Keeps Climbing

Beyond ethics and fire risks, there’s the practical reality: EVs are expensive — and not just up front.

Owners are reporting skyrocketing charging fees, particularly at Tesla Superchargers, where overage fees now apply after 80% battery capacity. Long waits at crowded charging stations only add to the frustration. Some drivers have even resorted to sleeping in their cars just to secure a charger by morning.

Then there’s the cost of insurance, which is often higher for EVs due to pricey battery systems and complex repairs. And while EVs generally require less routine maintenance, when things do go wrong, they can go very wrong — especially when it comes to battery replacement, which can cost thousands.

Add rapid depreciation into the mix — EVs tend to lose value faster than gas cars — and the total cost of ownership becomes a bitter pill to swallow.

Is This the Beginning of the End?

The dream of a clean, quiet, and cost-effective electric future is starting to crack under the weight of real-world problems. With major manufacturers scaling back, charging networks buckling, and consumers losing faith, the EV industry faces a critical crossroads.

And for a growing number of drivers, the road ahead doesn’t look electric — it smells like gasoline.