Grumpycat
Elite Member
As you say, doesn't matter what is around the corner. But you are wrong in why it does not matter. Doesn't matter because no matter the density one can have a 300 mile EV carrying 4 in comfort for under 300 Wh/mile, today.Does not matter who is developing an EV. The design is still limited by the limited energy density and the high cost of the batteries . Don't bother us with the story that new high energy density batteries are just around the corner.
For estimating purposes gasoline is $3.00/gallon and electricity is $0.10/kWh. (Those are higher prices than I pay.)
300 Wh/mile at $0.10/kWh is $0.03/mile.
$3.00/gallon at $0.03/mile is 100 miles for the same cost as a gallon of gasoline. So I keep forgetting just what is it that renders today's EV technology unviable "until a big battery breakthrough!" ??
A 263 mile, 140 MPH, 5.3 seconds to 60 MPH, Tesla Model 3 is $39,900. Some states have incentives, Federal "subsidies" expired in 2016. No "battery breakthrough" is needed. The technology is here.
2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD is accurately EPA rated 240Wh/mile. So rather than 3¢/mile used in calculations above it is only 2.4¢/mile. 12,000 miles/year would be $288. At $3/gallon and 30 MPG $1200. Savings of $7296 over 8 years. 16 oil changes at $50 each saves another $800. Not going to compete with cheap under-$20k cars on cost but the Model 3 is a much nicer car and competes competitively with similar trim.