In an interview, US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed her confidence in the strength of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, despite recent reports of a slowdown in EV adoption. Granholm highlighted the record-setting electric vehicle sales of 1.4 million in 2023 as a testament to the industry's resilience.

Granholm addressed concerns regarding the build-up of EV inventories at dealerships, stating that manufacturers had overestimated demand for their vehicles. Nevertheless, she pointed out that plug-in electric vehicles accounted for a notable 10% of car sales in December 2023, demonstrating a growing market.

Major automakers, such as Ford and General Motors, have adjusted their production goals for EVs due to these changing market dynamics. Ford announced a reduction in production for its F-150 Lightning by half in 2024, while GM dropped its shorter-term target of 400,000 EVs by mid-2024. However, both companies reported an increase in EV sales in 2023 compared to the previous year, indicating sustained growth.

The energy secretary emphasized the importance of expanding the EV charging infrastructure to support further adoption. Granholm revealed plans for a charger buildout in 2024, with the goal of addressing concerns related to range anxiety and the availability of charging stations. At the end of 2023, there were already 170,000 publicly available charging stations in the United States, with 900 new stations being added weekly.

Granholm highlighted the efforts made by the Biden administration to enhance the charging network, citing the allocation of funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The aim is to construct additional charging ports, ultimately enabling President Biden's goal of 500,000 publicly available charging stations by 2030 to be achieved earlier than anticipated.

The focus of the charging expansion will be on areas such as rural and urban regions, low-income communities, and multifamily dwellings, where the charging infrastructure is currently lacking. By addressing these gaps, EV adoption can be made more accessible and inclusive.

The energy secretary encouraged potential EV buyers to consider the practicality of their everyday driving habits and recommended using EV route planners to alleviate concerns about range anxiety during longer trips. Granholm also highlighted that a significant portion of charging can be done at home, providing convenience for many EV owners.

The oversupply of EVs, which has contributed to the inventory buildup, may present an opportunity for prospective buyers as prices could potentially decrease. Additionally, the EV tax credit has been transformed into an upfront discount in 2024, allowing buyers to benefit immediately.

As the EV market continues to evolve, Granholm suggested seeking advice from friends or neighbors who already own EVs and conducting thorough research before making a purchase. She also suggested renting an EV to gain firsthand experience and familiarity with electric vehicles.

While some reports have raised concerns about the pace of EV adoption, Energy Secretary Granholm maintains optimism regarding the industry's future. With record sales in 2023 and plans for an expanded charging infrastructure, the electric vehicle market is positioned to thrive and play a significant role in the ongoing energy transition.

(Note: Information regarding 2024 projections and Cox Automotive's report on EV sales in 2024 were not included in the article as per the instruction to only use entities, numbers, and dates mentioned in the original text.)