Electric cars are the future of the automotive industry. They offer a cleaner and more sustainable option compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. However, the adoption of electric cars in Japan is much slower compared to other developed countries. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Low Electric Car Market Share in Japan
Compared to other G7 countries, Japan has a very low percentage of electric cars in the national automotive market. Currently, electric cars only make up 1% of the total number of cars on the road in Japan. This is in stark contrast to Germany, where the market share of electric cars has reached 18%.
The Role of Toyota
Many critics have pointed out that Toyota’s lobbying is one of the main reasons behind the low number of electric cars in Japan. The largest carmaker in Japan prefers hybrid cars over electric cars. However, this is not the only reason why electric cars are not gaining traction in Japan.
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The Parking Challenge
In Japan, many people do not have a garage to park their cars. Instead, they rely on parking lots to store their vehicles. Moreover, it is illegal to park on the side of the road in Japan. This is due to the country’s susceptibility to earthquakes. In the event of a disaster, parked cars on the side of the road can hinder evacuation efforts.
Parking buildings in Japan are trying to address this issue by providing electric car charging facilities. However, the charging ports, their position, and shape are different from each other, and the sizes of electric cars vary. This results in the need for specific modifications to be made to parking buildings, which can be costly.
Practicality and Tactility
The Japanese culture values practicality and tactility. This means that people prefer things that are functional and efficient. The lack of electric car infrastructure in Japan makes it impractical for people to switch to electric cars.