EVs Are the New Cool

A quick stint at the LA Auto Show last week revealed a host of 2018 car models that were overwhelming. I bounced on the press days from reveal to reveal, as the automakers touted their new vehicles and spoke about how the auto industry is changing. And the change is big.

We’re on the cusp of a revolution—but not in the war on car design or driverless technology, but in our thought process. As with most decisions, the “why” is of utmost importance as we move forward.

In regard to cars, the “why” in creating electric vehicles and driverless tech over the last 20 years has never been stronger than it is now. I actually feel sorry for some of the manufacturers who are still building gas-powered cars only (not plug-in hybrids or EVs), as the competition is fierce.

Thinking that the world needs to change isn’t as important as making the world change. Elon Musk didn’t ask the world if they wanted an EV. He just built the best dang car that money could buy and made it an EV. As a trailblazer, he set the tone, didn’t look back and actually didn’t care what anyone else was doing. And now they’re all following suit.

2018 promises to be a spectacular year for cars. We have Jaguars, Hondas, Toyotas and virtually everything else on the books for my show each day to give you a chance to see what’s best. And the news that Jeep will be creating a new 2020 Plugin Wrangler is a landmark event. It’s now “cool” to be electrified.

There was a day when cigarettes were cool. Not anymore. Racism? Not cool. Sexism? Not cool. The world consciousness is changing, albeit one mindset at a time. But that’s evolution and that’s how we roll.

What is cool are EV cars and bikes, simple transportation systems, space tourism, communications and entertainment that is actually … entertaining. Animal treatment, conscious awareness and many other things in 2018 will make our lives better.

Sure, we have rough edges in the political arena, but what’s important is that how you think is what you’ll get. Complain about things and you’ll get more to complain about. Be grateful for what you have and you’ll get more of that.

So keep your mindset clear, peaceful, simple and positive in 2018. The car companies are, and we are all benefiting from it. The question is, “What will you be doing in 2018 that will make your world a better place?” You don’t have to start a massive company or try to change the world, but you can easily separate your trash, not litter, be kind to people around you and pet your pooch as often as possible. Easy peasy.

Yes, the 2018 cars are coming and they are taking us on new roads to the future. And yes, there will be driverless cars very soon. And even though there may be some rough edges, R&D nightmares and failures, we will succeed in creating a great life for ourselves.

And we’ll look mighty cool doing it … while driving an EV.

For more from Fireball, including the Fireball Malibu Vlog, visit fireballtim.com or kclproductions.com.