What is a good idea to auto manufacturers, and where is the bleeding edge of engineering? Is an EV merely about building compliance vehicles?
It seems that every time you turn around, there is another new EV announced. For example, Mullen announced a new crossover SUV and a forthcoming solid-state battery. Other legacy brands like Lexus will premiere their first ever electric vehicle in 2023. The RZ450e will have a… yoke wheel.
We know that companies are pressured to meet not only market needs, but also emissions regulations. I wonder at times if these automakers even care about sustainability or efficiency. Electric motors last quite a long time, but how about that big, heavy battery?
Sure, there are new technologies related to manufacturing processes and big ideas in batteries that will prove to be giant steps in the evolution of EV design. At the current state, however, many cars are looking like the same old cars with the same platforms – with a lot of extra feature creep. It seems that minimalistic design is essential to cut down the anxiety of learning the latest UI.
My mind turns once again to the home run that Aptera could be. That is, if the Sono Sion doesn’t beat them to it. It probably won’t, as the Sion will be delivered to EU customers.
It just makes sense that our vehicles, particularly in the desert southwest, ought to be equipped with solar. This requires a total efficiency redesign mindset, which has me wondering if the large automakers are too big to succeed in this respect.
Sure, big people movers and stuff haulers are great, but with the economic conditions we are currently in with high inflation, where is the super light and capable, ultra-efficient commuter EV? The XL1 is an interesting hybrid concept at over 100,000 euros. Could an American brand accomplish such an efficient vehicle? Once again, Aptera will fulfill this need (and be much less cramped).
From where I sit, it seems that EVs today please the eyes more than they fulfill actual efficiency. It’s a somewhat frightening observation when you consider where our values actually lie.