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Courtesy of Fisker

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As inflation and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causes gas prices to creep north of $7 per gallon in some parts of Los Angeles, more drivers are considering electric vehicles as an alternative. But for many EV manufacturers, supply chain challenges and production delays are gridlocking their ability to capitalize on the rising demand.

Even before this year’s stark rise in gas prices, consumers had begun buying more electric and hybrid vehicles, which accounted for 6.2% of all new vehicle purchases in the U.S. last year (up from 4.2% in 2020), according to auto industry research firm Edmunds.

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The days of Southern California's gigantic car dealerships may be numbered.

That's because a statewide push toward electric vehicles, which require less maintenance than gasoline-powered cars and can be sold more easily online, is forcing automakers to rethink the retail experience.

Earlier this month, Volvo Cars said all their vehicles will go electric by 2030 and be sold online. Ford announced a similar move last month, and other large car companies, including General Motors, have also announced plans to sell mostly electric-only vehicles during the next decade. And they have made efforts to move to online sales and virtual showrooms.

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