The “industry” didn’t change direction, customers did by losing interest in the Volt - partly because tax credits ran out. No PHEV/plug in hybrid models have been successful that I know of. We looked at the Prius PHEV, it made no sense whatsoever for the price.Until they figure out how I can seamlessly drive cross-country without recharging friction, I’m not really interested. The Chevy Volt seemed like the range solution to me, with its small gas engine that charges the battery, but the industry seems to be going in the direction of 100% electric plug in.
I'm a convert, driving an ICE vehicle makes me question why.
One word: Range.
One word: Supercharger.One word: Range.
In the next week, I plan a 600-mile trip (each way.) I already know where I'm going to stop, half-way, and take on 10-11 gallons of gas. The whole break, including stopping at a sub shop for lunch, will take me about 15 minutes.
Granted, I only make this trip a couple of times a year. The rest of the time, I would love to have an EV. But owning another vehicle doesn't make financial sense at this point.
Another point that's sometimes forgotten is that range decreases in the middle of summer and winter, when you need a lot of heat or air conditioning.
I agree that we're almost there. Advances in battery technology, more charging stations, and faster charging capabilities are closing the gap. As more people buy EVs, production ramps up, lowering costs to help compete with IC engines.
The fundemental problem has always been to match the energy density, and ease of storage, of gasoline and diesel. Hydrogen, LPG, LNG, and liquid biofuels have all shown promise, but never quite managed to come out ahead. It's looking like electric may finally get us out of the fossil fuel age.
One word: Supercharger.
I live in a very remote area, nearest Supercharger is 100 miles away but it's easy to charge at home get on the SC network and go.
Price
When the price of EVs come down to below $20,000 and the range is significantly increased, then I may consider one.
Is anyone else patiently or impatiently waiting for the anticipated exciting news to come this afternoon?
Not at all excited, but curious to see what will be promised.
Last year, I discovered the video of the "Autonomy Day" presentation on Youtube a couple of months late, and watched it in its entirety to see what was promised: Tesla 3 would be running around town as robot taxis in 2020. Tesla 3 car owners would be able to sign up for their cars to serve as taxis to generate some revenue.
There are still 3 months left in the year, but it would take a miracle for it to happen, meaning for Tesla cars to be truly autonomous. Tesla cars are just now barely able to read traffic lights and stop signs (with what reliability?), while Waymo cars have been doing that for years. And I still see Waymo cars around town with a safety driver.
Waymo cars have lidars among the sensor suite, while Tesla cars do not have lidars, but that is of no relevance. Lidars detect obstacles, but do not read traffic lights or stop signs. The computer uses vision cameras for that, and Tesla cars have them as the primary sensors.
My neighbor with a Model 3 (yes, there are some in Texas!) is still waiting for the call for his to be used as a taxi. He's 75, so maybe he should not get too excited about this and use his "remaining time" for a better purpose?
Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk is expected to unveil a "million-dollar battery" soon — perhaps during the company's Tuesday "Battery Day" event. The new battery is speculated to last for a million miles after one charge.
A million-mile battery does not mean you can drive a million miles between recharges. It means a battery that will last for 1 million miles or more before it can't hold a charge strong enough to power an electric car anymore. Regular recharges every few hundred miles would still be needed to keep a car or truck powered.
Today's batteries face limits on the number of times they can be recharged. Right now, most car batteries are rated to handle about 1,000 full charges total. Manufacturer warranties on car batteries top out at about eight years and 150,000 miles — which is proving conservative, as car batteries in general are outlasting their warranties. A battery that lasts 1 million miles could handle 4,000 full recharges or more.
How does 200mph & 2 sec 0-60 help the average person? I mean how many are drag racers or care to be so? Seems like a waste vs. improving range & affordability imo.My shareholder friend just reported this from today’s meetings:
54% increase in range (in 2.5 to 3 yrs).
Less cost. $25,000 car is coming in 3 yrs. Tesla/Elon are dedicated to affordability.
Model S Plaid by end of 2021: 200 mph. 2 sec, 0 to 60 mph. Less than 9 sec in 1/4 mile.
I cannot imagine the feeling of driving 0-60 in 2 seconds!