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Top-level
 @drahardja @alienghic It sounds like Toyota is moving aggressively now that they think they have a good enough battery roadmap. It'll take a few years for that to translate into real cars, but they seem to be actually doing it now. Don't sleep on the Chinese, either. 5 comments
 I thought AC propulsion's liquid fuel engine trailer was a neat idea. Why carry around an engine when you don't need it most of the time. http://www.evnut.com/rav_longranger.htm It'd probably be even better if something like that was available and we could drop the size of the battery packs some. Though if the new rapid recharge battery chemistries work out maybe it wont matter.  @alienghic @steve The problem in the US is the awful state of the charging infrastructure. Doesn’t matter what your car can do if you can’t find a charger to give you the juice. The charging infrastructure is reportedly better in North America than South America. And the high recharge rate batteries Toyota was teasing are still several years away, so there's still more time to build out chargers before it matters.  "Other domestic-only Chinese EV companies seem to struggle with quality and reliability issues as they seem to lean too much on flashy features and not enough on the fundamentals, probably to keep costs extremely low." Well put. Have ended up with a few rental cars made by lesser known Chinese makers and you don't realise how much refinement and functionality is missing until you're behind the wheel. In some cases the flashy tech is dangerous, getting in the way of driving. |
Gregory's Server
@steve @alienghic I’m actually partial to Toyota’s PHEV plan, and I think the Prius Prime is the most practical everyday car available in the US today. But they do need to embrace EVs to capture the growing market. Glad they’re finally trying to do it right.
I’m bullish about the Chinese company Geely because it’s a majority owner in Volve/Polestar and Lotus, and those companies are producing really compelling electric platforms on which to build new vehicles.
Other domestic-only Chinese EV companies seem to struggle with quality and reliability issues as they seem to lean too much on flashy features and not enough on the fundamentals, probably to keep costs extremely low. I don’t see evidence that they’re going to break into the global market any time soon.
@steve @alienghic I’m actually partial to Toyota’s PHEV plan, and I think the Prius Prime is the most practical everyday car available in the US today. But they do need to embrace EVs to capture the growing market. Glad they’re finally trying to do it right.
I’m bullish about the Chinese company Geely because it’s a majority owner in Volve/Polestar and Lotus, and those companies are producing really compelling electric platforms on which to build new vehicles.