The ongoing mobility evolution normalising electric vehicles (EVs) is commendable, and it is sufficient to compel drivers into buying one, for EVs are eco-friendly, fun to drive, and are widely believed to cut fuel/energy costs. Yet the adoption of EVs is not being preferred over combustion engine vehicles, meaning the transition may be stalled.

Let’s delve deeper into what is really impeding the reception of EVs despite countless automakers churning out a myriad of flashy electrified vehicles, equipped with high-end, sophisticated tech.

Affordability: The biggest roadblock

First things first, one must bear in mind that EVs definitely cost a fortune—courtesy of the tech underneath, its costs and the meticulous engineering behind. The pricey aspect of low EV reception is also backed by Ashley Nunes, a senior research associate at Harvard Law School, as she says: “We looked at 13 years’ worth of electric vehicle prices in the US, and in inflation-adjusted dollars, the average price of an EV is going up, not down.”

Despite a 25% drop in battery prices in 2024, EVs still have higher upfront costs than petrol vehicles, especially in markets with limited subsidies or high interest rates. As per the data, China is leading in EV affordability, with two-thirds of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in 2024 priced lower than their internal-combustion counterparts. Emerging markets like Thailand, Brazil, and Indonesia are also benefiting from affordable Chinese models.

In contrast, European markets seem unfortunate as they registered a trivial change in EV pricing, with significant premiums for BEV SUVs. The US is facing similar challenges, with high prices limiting mass adoption.

Charging infrastructure

Across regions, charging availability is another grave bottleneck, because even in countries with rapidly expanding public networks, many drivers are worried about EV charging infrastructure. Urban dwellers of apartments and households without off-street parking face significant hurdles installing home chargers—an issue common from the US to Europe to parts of Asia.

Meanwhile, public charging is growing, but at an inconsistent pace. Some regions have established extensive, fast-charging systems, while others are relying on slow chargers or have networks prone to outages.

Even in areas with plenty of chargers, compatibility issues, queues during peak time, and variable pricing negatively affect consumer confidence.

Thus, for most people, the question isn’t just whether EVs are technologically capable—it’s whether they can be conveniently powered.

EV performance issues

Besides the limited range in EVs, another anxiety which continues to deter buyers is performance, a key factor when daily commuting is in question. While drivers in colder climates worry about range degradation in winter, rural and long-distance drivers question whether charging stops will extend their journeys.

And while modern EVs perform well for most urban travel conditions, options suitable for towing, large-family transport and heavy hauling are still not in abundance.

In many countries, EVs are often purchased as complements rather than replacements. Households buy an EV for short trips while keeping a separate petrol vehicle for long-distance or heavy-duty needs. This treatment signals not only uncertainty but also the limited availability of EVs that meet all use cases.

Limited availability

Another barrier to wider EV adoption worldwide is the mismatch between what consumers want and what’s available to them. Buyers chasing large SUVs, minivans, or low-cost compact models have limited EV options, and this is where China stands out for offering an incredible array, ranging from ultra-compact city cars to low-cost electric SUVs.

Notwithstanding these woes, projections by industry analysts suggest redressal, as new models planned through 2026 are expected to close many of these gaps. However, as of now, many shoppers struggle to find an EV that fits their lifestyle, budget or feature expectations.

Production challenges

EV manufacturers are adjusting expectations as adoption appears to have slowed, and some major automakers are restricting EV production plans, scaling back partnerships or delaying capacity expansions.

These shifts are equally driven by slower demand growth and partly by uncertainties in supply chains, charging network development and regulatory environments.

With automotive unions and policymakers worldwide bracing for an electric future, upcoming regulatory standards, especially in Europe, will compel manufacturers to expand affordable EV offerings.

EV sales trends

The surprising part of the picture is that global EV sales are climbing, with varied momentum. Markets such as the US and Europe have registered slow growth compared to previous rates, while China and emerging markets are accelerating, thanks to lower prices and broader model availability.

This trend was also observed in other regions, with affordability and infrastructure increasing adoption speed.

Global EV manufacturers’ total sales so far in 2025

What’s the future of EVs?

Despite setbacks like unbearable prices, insufficient charging infrastructure, and performance limitations, the global EV transition is nevertheless moving forward, and more affordable models are on the horizon.

Competition in battery technology is also intensifying, and infrastructure networks are expanding with each passing year. With these elements combined, the barriers holding EV drivers back will gradually diminish, most likely.

For now, the EV landscape is one of uneven progress, not fully ready to cater to all kinds of drivers worldwide.

Scientists have presented a real-world picture of an upcoming science fiction movie, Project Hail Mary’s, plot – dimming of the sun.

The film, set to release in March 2026, revolves around a lone scientist trying to uncover the secret behind the sun’s brightness decreasing by one percent in a year and five percent in two decades.

Experts say this scenario is only hypothetical as if it happens in reality, humanity would be wiped out.

A planetary scientist from California Institute of Technology, Professor David Stevenson, said that such a change would wipe out humans from Earth, adding, “Extinguishing life on Earth could take a long time as there are many creatures that live underground.”

Currently, Earth absorbs much of the energy from the Sun and reflects only 30 per cent back into space, thus keeping the planet warm.

Using scientific calculations, experts reveal that if the sun’s brightness drops, Earth will cool rapidly.

Only 0.22 per cent less energy from the sun, while it was going through a 70-year quiet period known as Maunder Minimum, resulted in the Little Ice Age on Earth. The temperatures in northern Europe dropped by 2°C between 1645 and 1715.

Though humans are facing the worsening impacts of global warming, global cooling would prove even catastrophic.

A recent report reveals that only a 1.8°C drop in global temperature would disrupt food chains by cutting the production of maize, wheat, soybeans, and rice by 11 percent that’ll result in a mass famine.

A total of 5.3 billion people could die in just two years if crop production fails due to low sunlight. 

Tech billionaire and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has expressed concerns about the H-1B visa programme, stating that it is being “gamed” by select outsourcing firms in the US.

The tech tycoon emphasised that authorities should address the misuse of the H-1B visa system rather than dismantling it entirely.

What is H-1B visa?

H-1B visas allow U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, and are mostly used by Indian citizens, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.

During a recent podcast with Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Musk highlighted that America has “long benefitted” from the contributions of talented Indian migrant workers, while acknowledging the issues around the “misuse” of the H-1B programme.

Manipulation in H-1B visa lottery system 

Outsourcing firms have faced backlash for manipulating the lottery system, including submitting multiple applications for the same worker and hiring low-cost contract employees instead of filling speciality roles, BBC reported.

Musk firmly stated, “We need to stop the gaming of the system,” but he disagreed with those advocating for the complete shutdown of the H-1B system, arguing that such a move would be detrimental to the U.S. economy.

Recent data from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) indicates that approvals for H-1B visas from Indian outsourcing companies have dropped to their lowest level in a decade, with a significant decline in initial employment petitions.

Besides H-1B visas, Musk also commented on former President Trump’s tariff policies, which he believes distort markets, noting that negotiations for a trade deal between the U.S. and India are ongoing, with an agreement expected by year-end.