EVs

[giant_mtb]

Well, that method was tried with the first hybrids; and it fell flat. The Prius was the first real success in that segment and it was intentionally "spacy."

Fair point. But look at Tezlas.  They're normal, good-looking cars.  I mean, they have the whole Tezla Hype to go along with them which helps sales, but.

[Laconian]

The Bolt doesn't look that weird IMO. There are stranger ICE cars out there like the Civic or the Spark.

[RomanChariot]

Well, that method was tried with the first hybrids; and it fell flat. The Prius was the first real success in that segment and it was intentionally "spacy."

What other hybrid cars were available in the United States before the Prius? The Prius and the Insight are the first real offerings that I can think of and the Insight was weirder than the Prius.

[BimmerM3]

The Bolt doesn't look that weird IMO. There are stranger ICE cars out there like the Civic or the Spark.

I agree, but the overall shape is that of an econobox, not a sports sedan. I think that's more what everyone is talking about here.

[Soup DeVille]

What other hybrid cars were available in the United States before the Prius? The Prius and the Insight are the first real offerings that I can think of and the Insight was weirder than the Prius.

The first gen Prius looked like an Echo.

[2o6]

I feel like the Bolt is a City-car style mono space because GM had more intention of selling in Europe and Asia, realized that Europe was a waste of time, then by that point the car was too far along in development.

[12,000 RPM]

I agree, but the overall shape is that of an econobox, not a sports sedan. I think that's more what everyone is talking about here.

I think they were trying to make it look like a crossover. Thing is you gotta go full crossover or leave it alone. Bolt is like a preemie crossover.

The EVs people want that hold their value look good. Tesla would have been DOA if the Model S was not good looking.

[RomanChariot]

The first gen Prius looked like an Echo.

Which was a dorky looking car in its own right. Tall and narrow sitting atop tiny looking wheels.

[Soup DeVille]

Which was a dorky looking car in its own right. Tall and narrow sitting atop tiny looking wheels.

But visually the same as an Echo; only after it mare itself different did it really take off.

[BimmerM3]

I think they were trying to make it look like a crossover. Thing is you gotta go full crossover or leave it alone. Bolt is like a preemie crossover.

What? No. It's the same shape and similar exterior dimensions to the Fit and Versa.

[RomanChariot]

But visually the same as an Echo; only after it mare itself different did it really take off.

Yes but a big part of that was that it was moved up to a larger size that made it more appropriate as a family vehicle. The 1st generation Prius and Insight were too small to be anything more than a second car.

[Morris Minor]

And the Kona Electric's fraternal twin: Kia e-Niro.
https://youtu.be/AR5sDwF5aBM

[NomisR]

I think they were trying to make it look like a crossover. Thing is you gotta go full crossover or leave it alone. Bolt is like a preemie crossover.

The EVs people want that hold their value look good. Tesla would have been DOA if the Model S was not good looking.

It's trying to appeal to the general public that was turned off by the typical EV car, but unfortunately, at the price point, when you consider the cost cutting quality in the car, it doesn't work for normal crowds.  And because it doesn't have the "look at me, I drive green" appeal, it doesn't attract that many typical Prius crowd.  And of course because of the meh exterior, it doesn't attract the car enthusiast crowd. 

[12,000 RPM]

I mean, regular cars that look like the Bolt but cost half what the Bolt does are having trouble selling. Whatever. Looks aside I am sure the Bolt is excellent and even worth the price. But after the G I can't do ugly cars.

[r0tor]

The Bolt is a $40k econobox... Just makes no sense.

Does attractive designed sheet metal really cost more then ugly designed sheet metal?

[Galaxy]

Head of Product Strategy at VW Group Michael Jost just dropped a bombshell. In 2026 the last development projects based on combustion engines will be started. They expect to sell the last cars with a combustion engine in 2040.

No english sources yet.

[12,000 RPM]

Smells like a stock market fanfic to me. Has VWAG sold 1 EV yet???

On the upside, at least they aren't making as crazy of a bet on autonomy. "2026 is the last year we will develop cars with steering wheels"

[Galaxy]

Smells like a stock market fanfic to me. Has VWAG sold 1 EV yet???

On the upside, at least they aren't making as crazy of a bet on autonomy. "2026 is the last year we will develop cars with steering wheels"

They are not really traded on the stock exchange in any big quantity.

Currently the e-Golf, and the e-Up!.

[giant_mtb]

While it seems ridiculous to have such far-ahead predictions, those numbers don't seem terribly far off/unfeasible. 

[Galaxy]

While it seems ridiculous to have such far-ahead predictions, those numbers don't seem terribly far off/unfeasible. 

It is not really that far ahead. 2026 is a little more then one development cycle. Also there are some far reaching decisions that have to be made. For example the factories in Hannover, and Emden during their next refit cycle, will be retooled for electrical production. Also there is the problem with regards to battery cells. VW estimates that in 2025 150 GWh in battery capacity, currently in Europe there exists production capacities for 20GWh. They are assuming that they will need to make their own cells, rather then just being able ti buy them.

[GoCougs]

While it seems ridiculous to have such far-ahead predictions, those numbers don't seem terribly far off/unfeasible. 

Except for the facts that at present, most people can't afford EVs and no automaker can make money selling them...

[Galaxy]

Except for the facts that at present, most people can't afford EVs and no automaker can make money selling them...

[veeman]

It's all about China.  Or at least a lot about China. 

http://energyfuse.org/global-automakers-face-new-challenges-chinas-electric-vehicle-mandate/

[12,000 RPM]

Except for the facts that at present, most people can't afford EVs and no automaker can make money selling them...

Most people can't afford new cars at all, and plenty of manufacturers are making money selling EVs.

[Morris Minor]

I think a great low-cost bridge to EVs and and full green credentials is via a used hybrid. Second-hand Prii are reliable and don't cost an arm & a leg.

[r0tor]

Probably in 15-20 years from now "range anxiety" will belong to gas powered automobile owners as gas stations start to close

-mind blown-

[shp4man]

They'll need to significantly upgrade California's enviro wacko strangled, expensive electrical delivery systems to make EV's viable here. No way could they ever hope to power even half the cars in the state.   

[Laconian]

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2018/12/04/chinese-company-says-it-will-soon-cross-100-battery-threshold-slay-the-internal-combustion-engine/#20c0f3211740

It's a Chinese company, so take it with a grain of salt.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea I will also believe it when I see it. Plus the Chinese govt may only allow those batteries to be installed in Chinese cars... yuck. NEXT lol.

[Morris Minor]

One thing, touched on in the Kona Electric review, was questioning the wisdom of putting the charge port just above the front bumper - a vulnerable location. I know they do this on many EVs, e.g. Renault Zoe, Nissan Leaf, but a relatively light bumper thumper could easily put your car on the disabled list.