YouTube influencer Marques Brownlee, believes that some of the electric cars produced by manufacturers such as Tesla are intentionally designed to be difficult to repair, which can result in expensive repair bills for the owner.
Brownlee also believes that this is a deliberate strategy by car companies to discourage people from buying used electric cars and instead opt for buying new ones.
Brownlee talked about her recent experience with an electric car charging station and how it highlights the importance of charging infrastructure in the electric car experience. He was approached by a woman at a mall plaza who was struggling to charge her Tesla at a ChargePoint charging station.
Brownlee helped her by providing the necessary adapter and guiding her on how to initiate the charging process. However, the charging still didn’t start, and he suspected that the charging station might be broken, as the adjacent electric car was charging without any issue.
He emphasized that “charging infrastructure is just as important as the car itself in the electric car experience.” The process of finding a working charger with the right adapter, speed, and payment options can be challenging and frustrating for those who are not familiar with technology. He points out that the charging infrastructure is often overlooked and less talked about, as it is not as glamorous as the cars themselves.
“At this point, I’m like, this could be one of those things where you don’t know what’s wrong,” he said.
The Youtuber also mentioned the importance of having charging stations available at public places and buildings. She shares that there are six charging stations in front of her studio, and he is in touch with the building management to ensure that they remain available for electric car owners.
“Imagine explaining to your parents, your grandparents, or anyone who’s not super adept with technology especially, that instead of going to a gas station, they need to make sure they find a working charger with the right adapter and all this — it might take longer, it might be a slower charger, it might be broken.”
In conclusion, Brownlee stressed that the electric car experience is not just about the car but also the charging infrastructure. The availability and accessibility of charging stations with the right payment options and adapters are crucial to making electric cars a viable option for everyone.
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Marques Keith Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, is a popular American YouTuber, technology reviewer, and internet personality. He was born on December 3, 1993, in Maplewood, New Jersey, and grew up in West Orange, New Jersey.
Brownlee’s YouTube channel, MKBHD, primarily focuses on product reviews, primarily for smartphones and other consumer electronics. His videos often provide detailed technical analysis and feature interviews with industry leaders, and he is known for his high-quality production values and straightforward presentation style.
As of 2021, Brownlee’s YouTube channel has over 14 million subscribers and has been recognized as one of the most influential technology-related channels on the platform. He has also been featured in a number of media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, Wired, and The Verge, among others.