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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The problem is they're also adding all this other shit that adds up costs. Just make a car, but it doesn't use gasoline. That's it.

I got a barebones Chevy Bolt. Simple car - absolutely perfect for the city at times when public transport isn't an option.

What's more - it has AndroidAuto/Carplay (mandatory in any future car purchase for me).

GM subsequently cancelled the model (though rumours say they'll bring it back?) and are building bigger cars instead. Ridiculous.

What we need is a smaller, practical EVs and a robust charging infrastructure. (especially in condos/rentals)

Similar experience from a European.

I own a 2015 Vauxhall Adam. It's a brilliant little petrol car, 3 doors, very small and very reliable.

GM canned the model in 2019. It makes no sense to me, if they had stuck a battery in it for an electric version I'd have been sold in a heartbeat.

But no, GM wants to focus on big cars that I don't want. I don't want anything bigger than a 3 door hatchback, I'm only 20 and have no kids, why do I need some massive fuckoff SUV????

I will never understand how the same people that made the Volt and the Bolt made the Hummer EV

It's such a different style, architecture, and platform that you practically can't share any parts. So whatever they learned from 10 years of selling EVs went out the window.

Unfortunately, GM wants to get rid of Android Auto and Apple Carplay. They want to exclusively use Android Automotive. It looks like Android Auto but it's standalone. GM claims this way the smart software will be more integrated with the car's hardware... which sounds ridiculous to me.

Edit: More clear (I hope)

It's utterly ridiculous. I will not buy a car without AA/Carplay (I don't want Android Automotive).

There's so much wrong with their proposal. I don't want my credentials to persist on a shared car! I already have a device that I take with me that has all the connectivity/data I want.

Basically, if 'forced' to buy a car without AA/Carplay they'd better throw in a suction cup mount to stick over top of of the built in display so I can use the device I already pay for...

@aesthelete@lemmy.world

The true purpose is most likely the car has more of your info. Probably a mix of gathering metrics on their cars and selling your data.

Oh - undoubtedly. And potential revenue stream from services. None of this is for the benefit of the consumer.

Some of the aftermarket AA kits are actually pretty decent. we basically have a big tablet mounted over the original dash of the safira .

Any suggestions? Which do you use?

Can't find the exact model we bought of aliexpress a few years ago. But I'd recommend watching some reviews on the Chinese AA screens. Good working ones are a dime in a dozen sadly.

GM claims this way the smart software will be more integrated with the car’s hardware… which sounds ridiculous to me.

They likely want to go the Tesla route: features people have to pay multiple times for, rented features, recalls via software update, etc. I believe investors rewarded them when they made this announcement. Everyone should know that in most cases what's good for investors is bad for customers.

I suspect that Chevy is worried they won't be able to compete against the Kia EV price point, but that's just speculation.

But don't you want your car to sing to you while it drives itself like a maniac during rush hour because the AI literally wants to beat traffic (very physically).