Bill Gates explains the main problem with electric cars after buying one
YouTube: Marques BrownleeIn an interview with tech YouTuber Marques ‘MKBHD’ Brownlee, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates revealed that he has bought his first-ever electric car, the Porshe Taycan, but thinks there is still a major obstacle for them.
As one of the richest men in the world (second to be exact, according to the latest numbers), Bill Gates now spends much of his time working on his philanthropic efforts, focusing on climate change and global health.
When discussing his work with Brownlee, Gates explained that electric vehicles are one of the most optimistic areas for reducing emissions, as they become increasingly popular.
Wikimedia CommonsThe business magnate says that many car manufacturers are moving “super fast” to do electric cars. “I just got a Porsche Taycan, which is an electric car – and I have to say, well it’s a premium price car, but it’s very, very cool. That’s my first electric car, and I’m enjoying it a lot.”
But, Brownlee asks what, if anything, would put people off buying electric cars besides the price. Bill Gates explains that the main problem still facing electric vehicles is their range, as the batteries can only take them so far.
“If you want to go long-distance, the pervasiveness of recharging, the time to recharge, compared to filling up a tank of gas,” he said.
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“The amount of energy that’s going in per minute of filling your gas tank is kind of mindblowing,” Gates continued. “Gasoline is very dense energy – 30 times more dense than the current lithium battery.”
There are also benefits of the electric car, besides just doing your bit for the environment. The Microsoft boss highlights reduced maintenance costs, as well as not having to pay for gas.
However, insurance also comes at a premium on many electric cars, and the base price is still a fair bit higher than combustion-engine vehicles.