There’s no two ways about it, Tesla Motors offers, at the very least, a genuinely interesting product. Although the new automaker has something new and different, that’s not going to stop GM from creating something competitive.
According to The Detroit News, General Motors CEO Dan Akerson is skeptical of the notion that full-electric vehicles are desired by Americans at this point in time, but understands that the future may not be this way.
Of all the GM brands to take on cutting-edge California-based Tesla, who better to do it than good old Cadillac, right? “If you want to compete head-to-head with Tesla, and we ultimately will, you want to do it with a Cadillac,” Akerson said. It’s a tough market, and Tesla wasn’t the first to try it, as we all know. “Does anybody even remember Fisker? I mean, there were a number of them; they are all gone.”
Ouch.
On a related note, Akerson knows how the numbers will work with Volt sales. “We’ll sell more (Chevrolet) Volts and lose less money on the Volts than they’ll lose on the (Tesla) Model S,” Akerson said.
Interestingly enough, Tesla has turned a profit this year, merely because of the sale of California zero-emission vehicle credits and other credits. Even though Tesla might not seem to be a real threat on paper yet, the company is moving very quickly. Tesla paid back its $465 million in Energy Department loans an incredible nine years early, and the stock price has soared; Elon Musk’s company is now worth over $22 billion.
Meanwhile, it’s said that GM is working on bringing an EV with 200 miles of battery range to market while aiming for a price point of under $30-$40,000.
Comments
“Does anybody even remember Fisker? I mean, there were a number of them; they are all gone.”
“We’ll sell more (Chevrolet) Volts and lose less money on the Volts than they’ll lose on the (Tesla) Model S,”
Those are some pretty bone-headed comments by Dan Akerson for someone who is trying to compete in the EV market. I wonder what GM investors think about him following the path of Fisker and expecting to at least lose money in the process.
Every manufacturer that enters the EV market and does not at least beat Tesla, runs the risk of looking like a loser to a little guy, and ends up helping Tesla in the process. It is almost a no-win situation for these large automakers. They have to really hit a home-run on the first swing.
I really think they should just market the ELR and let the comparisons be. These are two different cars and will target two different buyers.
The ELR will do fine but I do not see I doing great volumes as the price and limited use of the vehicle as being a coupe will come into play.
Also there are the Tesla disciples who read, eat and breath everything Elon Musk states on the web.
Of Dan wants to challenge the Tesla then take the electric parts of the ELR and put them in a sedan and let her rip as a full electric car. GM has the technology to out do the Tesla now with their better batteries and electric motors. They can make a new lighter sedan that will take this segment to the next level. GM and everyone else was afraid to take on this high dollar segment and Tesla proved with some creative marketing on the web you can pull it off.
The Fiskar failed just due to poor management and poor marketing. The system they had was fine and if marketed properly they could have pulled it off but they did not have the deep pockets of Musk or his line of Web Marketing BS to pull it off.
GM could take them on and win easily but it needs to be a equal class car in segment body style and driveline.
See they could sell a ELR but not a full EV. On the other hand those who want EV will not buy a ELR either. They are apples and oranges to many.
If Musk want to win he needs to make a $30K car that will charge in mins and last 300 miles. This not an easy task as corporations with more technology and money have been looking for this holy grail for years. Elon has nothing anyone else does not have but the will to try a segment that no one else believed in.
I see his battery swap deals as desperation because he has made no more inroads on batteries than anyone else.
He wasn’t talking about the ELR taking on Tesla’s current offerings directly, he was talking about developing an entirely new Cadillac model, or models.
My point is GM already the technology to top Tesla. All they and everyone else in the industry missed on was the point people will pay near $100K for a sedan with a full electric powertrain.
Once they decide to enter this segment they can easily top Tesla’s technology. The key for them is to top their marketing. It is not so much the car that has sold these cars but the idea of the car presented to these folks. Tesla’s marketing has made this car seem exciting and has got peoples interest. Their real challenge is to get this type of car cheaper and more advanced to fit the needs of people who do not own 2-3 cars.
You’re right Scott. GM could have made a car as good as the Model S. They just didn’t want to. The S-Class Mercedes, the 7 series BMW, the Audi A7, etc. all are in the approximate price range of the Tesla Model S. There’s plenty of proof you can sell cars in that price range. Burying your head in the sand will not solve Detroit’s long range problems.
Cadillac needs to work it’s way up. Look at how poorly the Equus and Phaeton did in North America. Cadillac can’t just go from making a $45K CTS and jump right into the $100k market. What are they doing now? Working their way up with the new CTS with the intent of bringing the flagship LTS to market in a couple years.
Just because YOU personally think something is easy and a good idea doesn’t mean you actually know what the proper/best/right move is. Basically uneducated opinions don’t mean anything.
Stodgy GM. Doing business the old fashioned way for a hundred years.
Sure, they *could* try to compete, but they won’t. They can’t move that fast. They think people want to have an inefficient gas engine in their “electric” car. They are surprised Tesla made a profit. They didn’t think Tesla would ever make it.
Guess what! Old people and old business models are set up to fail. Can’t think of new things. Like trying to tell me that McDonalds is working on a Burrito to compete with Taco Bell. Oh, sure, they *could*. But they won’t.
I really don’t think anyone gets it. Musk already won. His primary goal was to prove the time has come for electric cars to be better than internal combustion engines or ICE. The fact that all other manufacturers are now forced to compete and hopefully build better cars than the Model S is exactly what he was shooting for. Even if Tesla failed now he won.
Oh yeah, I own a Model S and stock, which I bought at $144 a share. And frankly, if the company and car failed tomorrow I also would have played a very small part in driving the world to get off oil. A small price for me to pay compared to the money I lost in real estate values 5 years ago. And that didn’t help future generations other than giving them a lesson of what not to do. A lesson that we just can’t seem to learn.
So, I say, Thank you to everyone at Tesla! No matter what happens now, you beat the naysayers.
Like Ferris Bueller said at the end of the movie, “It’s over, go home!”
I have to agree with you on the point of getting us off oil. We need to keep exploring, it may not be the electric but this needs to happen.
A combination of all efforts is what will ultimately get the job done. With everyone supporting all aspects we’ll make it happen sooner!
After decades of selling junk products designed by accountants, I can’t believe the arrogance of these large manufactures. Keep talking smack Dan…we’ll see the world prefers GM marketing or Tesla quality.
Any company can built a nice car for 100k! That’s not impressive!
Now do that for 30k 40k then I’ll take notice
Then take notice. Tesla offered the Model S with a 150 mile range battery, the 40kw. With the $7500 rebate you could have bought one for $52,500 with a 160 mile range. Something that all other companies had been unable to deliver. A total electric car that goes over 100 miles per charge. This car was cancelled due to lack of sales! You and everyone else passed so they simply built the cars that people did want! Tesla, like all other great companies gave people what they didn’t ask for. A totally electric car that doesn’t compromise style, comfort, convenience, or performance. All the other companies have done to date is talk about it.
I bought a P85+ loaded for well over $100k. Best car I have ever owned. And to make a statement that any car company could do this begs the question, why didn’t they? The macro view here is what impact Musk and the Tesla team has had on the industry and ultimately the world. You cannot deny them that accomplishment. Any other success beyond that day-day is just icing on the cake.
Let me get this straight. ANY company can build the car rated BEST IN THE WORLD among all cars reviewed by C.R. (and multiple other reviewers) and best in safety by NHTSA? ANY company can build an electric car that everyone REALLY WANTS? If that is true – why haven’t any big car companies done so thus far? Let me get it straight – car companies do not want profit, do they?
Note that Tesla Model S is outselling REGULAR luxury cars in the same price bracket – such as Audi A8, BMW M7, Lexus, Mercedes, etc, etc, etc.
It is not “just an expensive electric car” – this is the best car in the world below 200K PERIOD! And it is only the FIRST car Tesla has designed.
And folks we have found the Musk Kool Aide drinker.
One must ask why is it the best or so great? Does it handle better than all other sedans, No! Does it have more comfort and better options than any other sedan? No! Does it have any better batteries and electric motors than any other model EV/ No!
Time to stop and say Emperor Musk has no clothes as to give credit where it is in his court he proved a EV in this segment will sell. But what else has he brought to the table that anyone else can not do? Well we are listening.
Also for the $50K Tesla. Yes you can option one down to this point but most are $75-100K and not stripper models. This car is a toy for the rich and the key will be will they like it enought to not be distracted and not buy another EV.
Many of the Tesla fans are not people who own them or even have driven one let alone lived with one. I would be suprised if many who espouse their virtue have even seen one as they are rare outside California.
This game is far from over and everyone will have EV cars but the key is to find ways to sell them and make them cheaper in the long run with greater range and shorter charge times. This is a growth segment but it will be years before it replaces gas or any other oil based power system.
We are not going to run out of oil anytime soon so we have time to let this grow.
Oh my goodness. Until you own and drive one for a month or more your comments are like teenagers who talk about sex that haven’t done it yet! So you’re one of those that doesn’t care about future generations. Do you have any children? Why don’t you share your feelings with them or your relatives kids if you don’t have any. Sorry kids, I’m going to use up the oil. Can’t afford the $100k Tesla because of all the other frivolous toys and expenses that don’t need a return on investment.
* Could you live in a house 25-50 % smaller?
* Take a few less vacations?
* Pass on the 29′ boat and buy a 20′?
* Forgo the swimming pool you use 3 times a year?
* Granite countertops in your kitchen?
* Crown moldings ever going to save the world?
It’s simple, the world is solar powered. Don’t believe it? Take the sun away from earth and we’re all a block of ice in 24 hours. Spend $130k on a car and solar panels and never use another drop of oil. Do you like supporting everyone in the Middle East?
All the while getting to drive the best car in the world. Not a bad trade. Funny how everyone HAS to have a ROI to buy an electric car but none of those other toys or trips have to bring in a return.
The game is OVER! It is absolutely OVER! Because of Tesla’s success the electric car is here forever. No matter who wins the production war the credit goes to Tesla. Just be happy about it.
Look for ways to support anyone or any company who can get us there sooner instead of tearing them down. You’ll sleep better too.
Not to nit-pick on one aspect of what you said, but are you actually aware of where the US gets it’s oil supply from?
Best car in the world is subjective to needs.
I wouldn’t even be able to drive to my cottage with a Model S.
Just because you aren’t putting gas directly into your car doesn’t mean you aren’t using petroleum products every single day and a lot more often than you likely realize.
I guess I picked away at more than one thing you said. Just a lot of annoyances in your post. You remind me of Christians trying to pump the Bible down people’s throats and are stunned when people don’t share the same ideology as they do.
Please do me a favor.
Do not lump Christians in with this cat.
I am a Christian and I like most do not cram our belief down people throats. In fact we do not like these folks behavior either as they even try to cram it down our throats when we have similar faiths.
The Eco people are similar some are out there were the buses don’t stop in Nuttsville but there are some that are reasonable and understand it is a work in progress.
The monkey wench in this deal is it is a fight like Edison vs. Nicola Tesla on who will come up with the right packages and product that will set the standard for the industry. The one who wins will be like Westinghouse and control the market.
Also there are many who know this is a pipe dream and take the government funding with full knowledge they will never get to their goal and take the money and run. The sad truth is there are many dishonest people in the environment movement and they are willing to take a buck from anyone. Just look a the many companies that have taken our tax dollars paid their executives and ran off with the money while the DOE just sits there and defends them.
Anyways a plus up to you Andrew good to see someone support reality.
Wow that must be some potent stuff you are smoking.
If you really want to do your kids some good go out kiss a tree on the non mosey side and go buy a Cruze Eco.
I do not live in a Mc Mansion
I take few vacations
I hate boats
I swim in a lake
My counters are linoleum
Crown Moldings are no where to be found
I do have a profound grip of reality and common sense. I know little oil comes from the Middle East in this country and only a little is used on the east coast.
I know if the pipeline is approve by the president that we could solve even the east coast oil issues. But he is playing political games with his base over this.
I know Wind, Solar and Tesla are all improving and need to be invested in but are no where close to solving our replacement of oil.
I know that the IPCC report has shown that while carbon gases have increased the climate is not getting hotter. I love their desperation on saying it is hiding in the bottom of the ocean.
I know that the Chicago Carbon Exchange has tried very hard to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes to make money and control our economy with their ploys on the environment.
Sorry I don’t buy into the utopian fantasy that if we all buy Tesla’s we all will be able to live in harmony with the fuzzy bunnies.
The truth Is many people who represent themselves as your friend and your defender is not your friend. Too often they will reach out to shake you hand and stab you in the back with the other. I trust the folks who are honest about their dishonesty as they are so much easier to spot.
I do not want the Tesla to fail, I would like to see GM get into this game and out do Tesla. I hope they both and other make viable models that will grow and improve with time. But I am not knave enough to think we are even close to replacing oil let alone ready to run out like it is tomorrow.
These are issues and problems we need to solve over time and not damage economies and companies while we are working to a solution. We may save the future children from oil but we would very well hand them a limited economy and take a step back in living quality.
52k for a commuter car is not going to sell in high numbers! Build something that normal people can buy and use!
The truth be known the Tesla is like the Kim Kardashian of the Automotive world. Lots of looks, lots of internet publicity and little in talent. The internet and marketing has made both stars with little real substance.
I hope GM takes their advanced EV system and fits it to a more expensive car as I believe they could really challenge here. Imagine an electric car with styling similar to the Elmirage on a smaller more efficient car. Even a larger full EV version of the EVR would be interesting. Remove the ICE and install more or a larger battery.
Ok Tesla lovers what is so much more advanced about the Tesla powertrain that any other electric car?
What is better about the electric motors over say the Volt motors.
What is better than size or capacity of the batteries?
What if GM used they more advance battery from the Volt in a larger size in a full electric car what would keep it from doing just what the Tesla does?
I hear it is great and it is wonderful but seldom do you read or hear why. The car it self is styled nicely and is innovative with the rear hatch and seat if you like sitting backwards. But technology wise where is this car so much more advanced?
Now no hype or fiction just real facts that you can back up.
Lets hear it. What Technology does Tesla hold that no one else has or could duplicate?
This is your chance to present your case in reality. Please post where the info can be backed up it ain’t BS if you can back it up.
Answers won’t satisfy you as well as driving a Model S yourself. But I’ll give it a try.
* Have you ever turned the heater or AC on without starting your car while in a restaurant? I do.
* Can you drive all day in town only touching the brake pedal at 3mph or less? I do, how long do you think my brakes will last?
* Have you ever had a manufacturer download new features and options overnight while your car is in your garage without charging you a penny? Tesla does to my car.
* Can you pack 66 cubic feet of luggage in any other sedan produced today? No.
* Can you see how fast your car is moving when your wife is driving it while on the other side of the planet? I can.
* Can you surf the web on a 17″ screen in your car or any other? No, only Tesla has that right now.
* Does any other car company use space grade fasteners to create super strength when bolting frame parts together?
* Does any other 4 door sedan have a lower center of gravity or drag co-efficient as low as Tesla? No.
* Will I ever replace the following? No.
Belts, engine oil, filters, air cleaners, alternators, starters, exhaust parts, mufflers, gas tanks, gas lines, seals, or any of the 2000 parts included in a typical internal combustion engine and transmission.
* Can I go 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with any other 4 door sedan for less than $110k and keep the car in warranty? no.
No one can speak to the details on how Tesla did this any more than you could find out how to make Jack Daniels Whisky. Any why would they tell everyone anyway? The bottom line is it works! If JD whiskey didn’t taste good they would have been out of business years ago. You want to explain why something tastes good? You can’t. Nor can I or anyone else truly explain what it is like to drive a Model S. Just take the time to go do it. Then you’ll understand.
This is where hype exceeds the total product! I think tesla has been over inflated and been given a rating it simply doesn’t deserve!
It’s funny people say Cadillac can’t be respected in a segment unless they have been in that segment for 2 or 3 generations of that car, but start up companies like tesla bring a car to a new segment and it’s seen as the best car ever! Would someone please explain why this is?
It’s all about the drive. I can’t possibly explain how amazing the car is with words. Just go test drive one and all will be clear. You’ll understand first hand. Oh, and take your kids no matter how old they are and ask them what they think. No matter if they are 5 or 60 years old. Just take them.
Not good enough!
You give us subjective qualities here but no real proof that this car technically is any more advanced a even a Nissan Leaf.
Now where in Gods name can you say that no other car company could easily duplicate or surpass this car at that price point.
I have driven a hydrogen powered car, the Volt many times and other advanced systems and they are neat and the torque is greats. Many people who have never driven a well advanced electric system has no idea that it is so much more than a glorified golf cart.
The new CTS will drive circles around the Tesla and Cadillac could easily apply a an electric system to it sans a gas engine. I could easily see them do 0-60 times on par with a V series with the higher price point of this car.
The fact remains the Tesla only has broken ground on identifying a segment few thought would work. They built a good car but the reality other than creating a segment they have not done anything technically that anyone else has or could do.
Elon has better pull the belts tight as the other have noticed and are now willing to take a look a this segment. The problem is it is a limited segment at this price point as you can only sell only so many S class and 7 series let alone Tesla S at this price point.
But a company like GM can toss in the advanced toys they have that are just too expensive for the Volt right now and create a market for them to cover the development cost. As the price comes down they can then apply them to the cheaper EV cars and create better EV cars.
Elon has money but even his reserves are limited. He may remain a player in this limited segment or he may cash out or partner with a larger MFG with deeper pockets to make a cheaper car. I expect the latter.
But in the end I am sorry just a feeling is not enough. I will agree it is a nice car but not the world changing car you make it out to be. It will just be another electric car in the history of electric cars that opened a new price segment.
On the other hand it is a life style car as you have to plan your life around how much charge you have and how far you have to go in a limited amount of time. The one who makes a electric car that people do not have to alter their life style or habits around will be the ground breaking car.
All the same challenges occurred when the gas powered car was invented. There were no gas stations. The world is littered with large companies that thought they were untouchable. I hope these miracle companies you speak of pull it off! I really do, and so does Mr. Musk. That was the point. But if he hadn’t built this Model S everyone would be crying about the Fisker and how electric cars can’t be sold.
Explain to me why it is so difficult for you to congratulate their success? I don’t get it? Is it because he is from South Africa? Because if that is it, consider this, his great great grandfather lived in the upper Midwest! His heritage is Minnesota or Wisconsin. Does that help? It’s just beyond me why so many people complain and moan about this great new AMERICAN company. How long have we all been waiting to lead the automotive industry again? Ever since Japan smacked us down in the 80s we have been laying on the ground. Tesla comes along and makes great strides but you have a totally negative attitude.
Don’t get it.
What part of my giving them credit in breaking a segment that no one else has made and that I do hope they do well in my post do you not understand? I am just not willing to make this like they invented the light bulb because they did not do anything technically advance here to move the EV car forward in other acceptance to a higher market segment.
I do not give a turkey if Elon is from Iran, In other words what the hell difference dose it make where he is from? You just do not get the reality that all he has done is paid a lot of money here to build a car in a high price segment that no one else did and pulled it off. As for the car it is nothing any more special if anyone else had done this but they just did not see enough interest in this segment. Elon to his credit took the risk and created the segment not the electric car.
One has to remember as you pointed out in the early days of the automobile. Yes the industry was littered with cars companies and in the end only a few survived. The Elon Musk of the day was Alexander Winton who was a master of publicity who was in the news often for the feats of his moderately to higher priced cars not unlike the Tesla today.
But while Mr. Winton was out making news others like Cadillac were standardizing parts, Ford was making a affordable cars for the average man. Packard was building a better car. In the end Mr. WInton was lost to history as one of the first builders of the car but never completing the deal of advancing the car over the others who left him behind.
Elon has left his mark on the market but it is up to him to advance his cars technology and or a lower price to embrace more buyers over a long run. He has marketed things well but it takes advancements to keep up. Once others hit this segment he will be a in race of catch up.
The Fiskar failed due to the lack of money and mismanagement. Henrik Fiskar was a designer not a manager of a company and just never got a handle on it. I still have original concept drawing of his framed and on the wall of may garage. So do not say I had no interest in this car.
All I can say is you still have not answered my questions on what advancements other than creating a market segment has Elon made? What is better about the car battery wise or motor wise than what anyone else has? These are what will move them forward or in time the market will eat Musk like they did Winton.
At this point I can see by your deflection and spin that you have no real answers and just have a blind love for this car. That is fine but keep your feet in reality as you do not fool many.
The only thing I have against this car are those who are out there not being honest about it like yourself. It is like someone owning a Fiero and trying to convince me it is the second coming of Ferrari. While it may be a good car the Tesla is not a ground breaking car per say but it is a segment busting car. Credit the truth not fantasy.
Why does Cadillac need to work it’s way up to a certain segment? Tesla didn’t and the stupid public bought it!
No one has to work up to this class as it is unto it’s own.
This is a specialty segment that if done properly can make money much eaiser at a lower volume. While doing this they can offset the cost of development and advance the entire line of electric powered vehicles at GM.
GM would have liked to have done this segment first but most thinking at the time by all MFG was that it would be too difficult of a sell. Musk did prove differently but they need to take note it was the marketing that has put the car on the map and not so much any new developments.
It is easy to make and do things with a $100K car that you can not do on a $35K car.
Cadillac does need to work to recover their image and status in the world with the gas powered lines as they just do not hand you the lead even if you have to best product you still have to earn it with the publics trust and interest. They will get there with that.
In this segment at the moment there is only one short term competitor and Cadillac can compete here easily with the right car. The key is they can not take forever getting in as other will also enter this segment and there is only so many buyers.
Elon now has his first car issue in the news. A woman with unintended acceleration.
I generally chalk these up to human error but Tesla engineers told the owner that the car has a built in safety that only lets the throttle go to 92% and the down load from the car shows a 18% to 100% application.
It will be interesting to see what the cause was.
These new drive by throttle even in gas cars worry me at times.
Mercedes Benz have worse classes than before thus
1. C-class (W204 except C63 AMG coupe,S204) all classes
2. CL-class (C215,C216) all classes
3. CLS-class (W219,W218) all classes includes CLS shooting brake all classes
4. E-class (W212 includes coupe,S212,V212) all classes
5. G63 AMG : 3 km/liter in city,1 km/liter on highway
6. GL-class (X164) all classes
7. GLK-class (X204) all classes
8. M-class (W163,W164) all classes
9. ML-class (W166) all classes
10. S-class (W221,S221,W222) all classes
11. SL-class (R231) all classes
12. SLK-class (R170,R171,R172) all classes
1st to 12th classes except 5th class are low traction ,easy slide ,tail flick, have economy 1-5 km/liter and below 1 km/liter. Cause of low traction ,easy slide ,tail flick, have economy 1-5 km/liter and below 1 km/liter is rear track than front track in Mercedes Benz classes included AMG,Brabus,Lorinser. The interior in all classes,over 170 cm people are Inconvenient.
The Mercedes Benz CGI turbo intercooler,CGI biturbo intercooler, petrol engine turbo intercooler and petrol engine biturbo intercooler classes included AMG, Brabus, Lorinser are unstable horsepower ,unstable torque ,have economy 1-5 km/liter and below 1 km/liter. In both ones make happen both thing, will have economy 1-3 km/liter and below 1 km/liter.
Since PU trucks and SUVs sell more than other categories it is about time GM put that volt technology in a midsize SUV… Not a crossover… a MID SIZE SUV. There are people who don’t want huge trucks and SUVs that have grown huge in the past 7 years.
People are drawn to Tesla because it is new, and NOT GM. Tesla has the cool factor on its side, and Dan’s positing Tesla as the underdog only boosts the company’s street credit.
EV buyers are not looking too make the ‘safe’ choice of GM and money of these shoppers are wealthy enough to take the risk.
I love Caddy but it is the down market choice here regardless of price. The notion of 100,000 Caddy EVs makes me chuckle. I don’t think they will sell.
I don’t own a Tesla it is well out of my price range, however, I’ve driven one ( I’ve also driven and A8, 750il, and a s55AMG) and have talked to 6 different people that own them. I can personally attest that HANDS DOWN the Model S is by far the best car I’ve ever driven, acceleration in all these cars was VERY impressive, although I didn’t clock any of them the difference in the chest compressing force was undeniably profound! The best way to describe it is to put yourself in a high speed roller coaster while sitting on your memory foam mattress. If you friends have glasses on in the back seat they will inevitably be on the back dash before you get to the 1st traffic light. The only car I’ve been in that was faster, albeit far less comfortable and MUCH louder was an ’04 Carrera GT (didn’t get to drive though :(). The Model S only has 4 moving parts in the drive train. As some of the previous discussion has gone, I would agree with both sides; There is NO reason GM couldn’t build a better car with the exception that they corporately think like dinosaurs, they simply won’t. That was Elons whole point, he knew it could be done but that none of the giants were willing to do it. I have two acquaintances that have Nash Metropolitans from the ’50’s, they both claim that they get greater than 40 MPG. Which begs to ask why in more than 60 years haven’t the giant car companies improved on that??? Why are we just now barely starting to get back to 40 MPG. Elon Musk/Tesla has brought the automotive world out of the dark ages and now into the digital world much like Gates took IBM’s DOS and made something happen with it, in fact changed the world with it. Which stock would you’ve rather owned in the late ’80’s & ’90’s IBM or Microsoft. Just before Gates started MS, IBM was the behemoth of the then known computer world they owned the market. I think that is the point…..Just my two cents
Some really good points. I think a lot of this lack of fuel economy pertains to cheap gas in the US, the interests of Big Oil, and consumer satisfaction with the status quo?
Where is Nash today? Did consumers embrace these cars? NO! GM & Ford sort of ate them alive with Chrysler lapping up the remaining crumbs.
I personally do wonder if “electric” cars are the solution considering the low cost of natural gas. I’m also really curious about PSAs air compression system which in and of itself justified GMs investment.
As much as Musk/Tesla are on what I see as a winning track, I see severe limitations with LiOn batteries and all electric. I’ve done a lot of research on Fuel Cell and although it is in it’s infancy and distributing or producing pure hydrogen to fuel PEM FCs is counter productive, I believe the future sweet spot is an SOFC/Electric hybrid using Graphene batteries. The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell can run on any hydrogen rich fuel i.e. Gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas with out any converters or scrubbers all the while not “burning “it. The Graphene batteries take a charge much like a capacitor yet are capable of trickle out put, and are extremely light weight and cheap to produce. Whether that combination will ever happens remains to be seen, but “I” believe it is an all out winner.