By JD Marshall Host & Founder, The Trailhead Network
Oh The Hilarity
I keep seeing all this talk in my feeds about electric vehicles (EVs) for off-roading, and honestly, most of it isn’t exactly throwing confetti for the idea. Let me ask you a question though: what if we’re just replaying an old scene from history, where new tech gets the cold shoulder before it takes the world by storm?
It seems like we might be missing a crucial part of the joke here – the part where skepticism turns into a ‘why didn’t we get on board sooner?’ moment.
Resisting Change: A Historical Echo
Think back to the early 1900s when cars started replacing horses. There was resistance, skepticism, even ridicule, especially when early problems arose. Sound familiar?
Today, some of us are chuckling at EVs like our great-grandparents chuckled at Ford’s Model T. But history showed us who was on the right side of progress. Mocking EVs today? We’re potentially the horse-and-buggy die-hards of the 21st century that we’re left behind.
The Environmental Shift: From Smog to Silence
Back in the day, swapping horses for cars meant trading manure-filled streets for smoggy air – not exactly a win-win for the environment. But here’s where we can one-up our predecessors: EVs offer the chance to tread lightly, literally.
They’re quiet, meaning we can enjoy nature without disturbing it, also conquering the environmentalist argument that vehicles are wildlife disruptors. It’s a chance to align our passion with environmental stewardship and wipe out an argument for trail closures.
All Options on the Table: Learning from the Past
Just like early motorists who experimented with steam, gas, and electric cars, we should be open to exploring all avenues – EVs, hydrogen, you name it, including a multi-pronged solution going forward.
The first cars weren’t perfect, and neither are the first-gen EVs. But improvement is part of the journey isn’t it? Dismissing new technology out of hand? That’s like clinging to the telegraph in the age of the smartphone.
Practicality and Progress: A Balancing Act
We’ve got to be real about what EVs can and can’t do right now. But let’s not forget, early cars couldn’t do much either. They broke down, they were slow, and they weren’t exactly cross-country champions. Yet, innovation and design turned them into the off-roading beasts we love today. EVs are on a similar trajectory – not perfect, but promising.
Just Don’t Be the Punchline
Here’s the deal: If we’re too stubborn to recognize the potential of EVs, we risk becoming a joke in the history books. Remember the folks who thought airplanes were just a fancy kite? Let’s not be those guys.
It’s not about abandoning our roots; it’s about growing new branches. After all, if we don’t evolve with the times, we might just get left behind in the horse feces too.
What Do You Think?
We love hearing from our readers and listeners! Share your thoughts, questions, or off-roading stories.
- Website: The Trailhead Network
- Email: JD@thetrailheadnetwork.com
- Phone: (719) 408-0132
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