Automakers must build cheaper, smaller EVs to spur adoption, report says

boem@lemmy.world to Technology@lemmy.world – 700 points –
Automakers must build cheaper, smaller EVs to spur adoption, report says
arstechnica.com
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Everytime I consider buying an EV I do some research and they always seem to have all of the bells and whistles. Then I get to price and it’s like $60,000+ and I can’t help but wonder how much cheaper it could be without all of the added features.

Edit: I’m not going to reply to everyone and I really should have mentioned since it’s not immediately obvious but I’m Australian. No Chevy volt and and all vehicles are imported increasing prices on top of the usual AUD imbalance.

This. Just this, so much. How much would a battery, an electric engine and safety shit cost?

I've seen conversion kits for old trucks under $10k. So there's your answer.

Unfortunately said kits are often lacking in range unless you're willing to fill your truck box with batteries, because you can't really retrofit a "skateboard" style battery.

I literally want that skateboard with seats and a steering wheel. Hell, give me a diesel burning heater and a washer fluid bulb I have to stomp on like I have in my old truck, I'm not picky

I just bought a used 2022 Polestar 2 under 20k miles for $35k.

Chevy bolt at least has half of the features but still quite a few, I would say a very set of features to include, but I do imagine it would only shave less than 5k if the bolt had the most basic of features. That means it would be 1-2k cheaper as a used vehicle. I do think it's the more reasonable priced vehicle, and we need more competitors to this vehicle. On the other hand, most of the cost is the battery and it just something researchers must be paid to bring innovations for and its just not reasonable to pay them cheap as they are doing a great thing for humanity. However, this forces companies to charge higher prices and should instead be subsidized without trademark/IP protections restricting its adoption.

And they almost killed the Bolt.

The only reason they didn't is because China is getting ready to ship stupid cheap cars to the US.

Is that true? Last I heard they couldn't pass safety regulations.

I would be for it, we need more companies to show Hyundai how to child proof cars... By child proof I mean making sure the car isn't so easy to steal, a child could do it.

China can't but their corporations are welcome to submit cars to American testing to sell here. Look up Greely Automotive.

Greely Automotive.

I have never heard of them. I'm not knowledgeable on cars but their newest generation looks very interesting. If they can break the US market, I hope they can lower prices. Thank you for bringing them to my attention.

This. For most of my trips I could use a glorified golf cart.

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