According to recent reports, car dealers are informing auto manu facturers that they have too many electric vehicles on their lots and are dialing back orders until their current inventory is soId. Scott Kunes, Chief Operating Officer at Kunes Auto and RV Group, explained that his company is turning away additional EV inventory.
“We have turned away EV inventory. We need to ensure that we have a good turn on it,” he said, as reported on Business Insider. Kunes said that automakers are “asking us to make a Iarge investment….and we’re just wanting to see some return on that.”
Sam Fiorani, Vice President of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, outlined how EVs aren’t practical for many Americans as they would have to alter their lifestyle when switching from a gas-powered car. “It’s not just that these vehicles are expensive — which they are. We’re talking about a much more nuanced Iifestyle change,” said Fiorani. EVs obviously have a more constrained range than gas-powered vehicles, and charging stations can be sparsely located.
EVs are also notably more expensive than traditional combustion engine-based cars. According to Consumer Reports, the average sale price of an EV is over $61,000, or $12,000 more expensive than the overall average in the auto industry. “It’s hard for the average customer to make that leap while spending an extra $10,000,” Fiorani continued.
Electric vehicle horror stories have also plagued the news, where consumers share personaI anecdotes of the dysfunctionality of these cars. Recently, a Ford F-150 Lightning owner was forced to ditch his EV on a road trip from Winnipeg to Chicago.
The all-electric Ford pickup retails for well north of $100k. However, based on the sentiment from disgruntled consumers, it seems this truck does not live up to its price tag. The man called electric vehicles the “biggest scam of modern times” after his experience with his F-150 Lightning.
While many have lofty projections for EVs in the Iong term, it’s safe to say that these vehicles are not ready to replace the reliability of traditional automobiles. Although, this hasn’t deterred some woke, blue states in the U.S. from preemptively enacting electric vehicle mandates.
For example, California announced it would ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Such mandates have drawn concern, particularly from automakers who will be forced to play within the guidelines of these new regulations.
“Whether or not these requirements are realistic or achievable is directIy linked to external factors like inflation, charging and fuel infrastructure, supply chains, labor, critical mineral availability and pricing, and the ongoing semiconductor shortage,” John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said in a statement. “These are complex, intertwined and global issues.”
Also, many concerns surround the feasibility of a mass transition to electric vehicles. As it stands, this could limit people’s autonomy as driving ranges are limited and charging infrastructure is insufficient. Furthermore, there couId be an affordability crisis as many Americans can’t even afford a new car, let alone the price of a new EV.
Why do some people place coins on gravestones?
Coping with the loss of a loved one is a challenging journey, even when they rest in a visitable site. Many individuals express their deep connection by leaving intricate offerings like flower arrangements, and in certain cultures, even snacks. However, the tradition of placing coins on gravestones holds a distinctive significance, primarily associated with military personnel, carrying a profound meaning for veterans and their families.
The origins of the practice are somewhat unclear, with claims suggesting a historical connection to the Roman Empire, though lacking concrete documentation, according to Snopes. Regardless of its historical roots, one undeniable truth remains, those who serve in the armed forces, along with their loved ones, endure sacrifices that often surpass common understanding.
The custom of leaving coins on gravestones can be traced back to the Vietnam War era, where it served as a practical means of communication amidst the divisive political climate surrounding the war. Leaving a coin became a subtle yet meaningful gesture, avoiding potential contentious discussions with the soldier’s family about the politics of the war. This revelation is shared on the American Legion Website.
Beyond its practical origins, the tradition of leaving coins on gravestones has evolved into a symbolic act of showing respect and honoring fallen comrades. Each coin type carries a distinct meaning in this poignant practice. A penny symbolizes a simple visit, a nickel holds sentimental value as it signifies shared experiences in boot camp, a dime represents serving together, even briefly, before a transfer, and a quarter, perhaps the most significant, indicates that the individual was present during the time of death, offering solace to the grieving family.
This tradition of military personnel leaving coins is not the sole connection between the military and monetary symbols. Challenge coins, a beloved military tradition, have deep roots dating back to World War I, symbolizing unity among those who have served. While challenge coins hold sentimental value and represent unity, they lack any monetary worth.
Coins, as symbols, extend beyond military traditions, playing roles in various cultural practices. Coins are often seen as symbols of good luck, goodwill towards newlyweds, and objects for making wishes. Throughout history, there have been instances of individuals being buried with their wealth, although not necessarily in the form of coins. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, was reported to be buried with two-half dollars over his eyes.
While the specific symbolism of currency may remain unclear in the tradition of placing coins on gravestones, the practice signifies a bond that transcends superficial understanding. It serves as a powerful and enduring tribute, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those in the service and their families, ensuring their dedication is never overlooked or forgotten.
Leave a Reply