Battery based electric vehicles of today and tomorrow.

[drssg]

I’m surprised that Tesla’s Model 3 has sold as well as it has. While it’s significantly cheaper than the other Tesla models, it’s still a good $40k-50k. For that, you get a car with no dashboard controls, and the speedometer is on an iPad-like display on the center console.

If I eventually buy and EV, I suspect it will be from one of the more established manufacturers. It’s a lot of money to invest, and I would want to feel confident that the company will still be around in 10+ years.

 

[JasperFrank]

Just got back from vacationing in France. We mostly used short haul city to city bus lines for transportation. All of the buses we rode on were pure electric and made by Chinese companies. Yutong was the most common. I can't even recall hearing a single ICE idling or starting at the bus stations. This was a huge transition from the last time we were in France, in 2012. Most of the buses we rode then were diesel or hybrid-electric. Big change in only 6-7 years.

 

[fried1765]

Battery tools are actually useful. 100 percent electric vehicles are about like the battery tools of 1990. Not very good. And all of this zero emissions bull crap is completely wrong.

AOC doesn't think so!

 

[airbiscuit]

Luddites think so

 

[drssg]

For anyone that’s interested in talking about the politics behind EVs, there are topics over on Friendly Politics. IIRC, this is about the forth attempt to have a non-political discussion about EVs.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Just got back from vacationing in France. We mostly used short haul city to city bus lines for transportation. All of the buses we rode on were pure electric and made by Chinese companies. Yutong was the most common. I can't even recall hearing a single ICE idling or starting at the bus stations. This was a huge transition from the last time we were in France, in 2012. Most of the buses we rode then were diesel or hybrid-electric. Big change in only 6-7 years.

Yutong Bus and Coach - Launch of the first full electric bus in France - YouTube

Yutong is a huge company throughout much of the world. There is another video showing one of their factories that is so modern.

We in the USA seem to be winning the race to the bottom all around. I had no idea how far we have fallen behind in world standards. We are busy infighting about everything. 65 years ago we were exporting vehicles world wide and providing jobs that once was improving the standard of living.

If Tesla has not come along and used their aerospace and solar energy storage batteries knowledge to build self driving electrical vehicles would we even be aware how behind the times we are compared to Europe and Asia technology and its implementation?

My goal is to have a fully self driving vehicle so I can stay mobile even as physical limitations may increase.

Yes I would like to have a Tesla yesterday but right now that is not in the cards but maybe a 5 year old Nissan Leaf can be next year as a proof of concept and experience of learning about EV ownership.

Here is another article that mentions Norway and China's leadership in EV's. The reader comments are telling.

There are more than 2 million electric vehicles on the road around the world | Ars Technica

 

[aczlan]

I think the ability to tow and a range of 200 miles or better will be import in rural USA as well to drive the demand for EV's. I picked up a 2010 Subaru Forester two years ago and I plan to keep one around for towing and bad weather. An electric version would be nice. Tesla being an aerospace and battery maker gives it an edge over car makers trying to electrify because they had to start from scratch to make a vehicle chassis and they do it mainly with robots more and more.

I agree. I need a 60 mile range to get to work and back, but if I have a doctor's appointment, a kids game, etc I often need 120-150 miles or range (in the summer, add a percentage to account for defroster and heat use in the winter).
200 miles with seating for 7 would fit the bill, but I can buy a lot of fuel in my current 20mpg car for what it would cost to get an EV.

Aaron Z

 

[Agvg]

Tesla by fare the leading EV manufacturer, no one are close so US have a nr 1 posisjon I the EV world, without Tesla no one of the old giants would have done more than talk and fancy mockups and prototype than never would have been released to the public.

 

[Agvg]

You in the us have low fuel prices, and as I understand it not the best electrical grid, 3 phase is not std delivery so home charging might be an issue.

 

[wheelbuilder]

I think the electric car business needs the equivalent of the 20 lb propane tank as a battery. Keep a small semi permanent battery built into the car, but have a large battery that is either automatically swapped, or easily user swapped for the main charge. Run the whole bit like the propane tank swap so it is quick and simple. The battery charging is handled by a business and is done offline from the car. No waiting for a battery to charge as a customer. Batteries can get better without being tied to a car.
For the driver, it's just like buying gas.