Tell me you know nothing about Chinese EVs without telling me you know nothing about Chinese EVs. BYD’s best sellers are actually plug-in hybrids, which is in no way “stolen” from Tesla.
Hybrids were an necessity when large batteries weren’t feasable (in the first Leaf, for example, the 24kw battery was about 80% of the cost, it’s amazing they could sell it at a profit at all).
Falling prices and increased capacity means that isn’t really the case any more, and it’s not really worth the complexity of a hybrid.
Hybrids were a great transition technology that never got as widespread as it should have, but now pure EVs are practical, and approach legacy car prices. They’re still a little high but it’s in the ballpark enough that the low operating cost make it worthwhile
Tell me you know nothing about Chinese EVs without telling me you know nothing about Chinese EVs. BYD’s best sellers are actually plug-in hybrids, which is in no way “stolen” from Tesla.
Whatever happened to hybrids? Why did we all the sudden decide we need to push for 100% electric nationwide?
Hybrids were an necessity when large batteries weren’t feasable (in the first Leaf, for example, the 24kw battery was about 80% of the cost, it’s amazing they could sell it at a profit at all).
Falling prices and increased capacity means that isn’t really the case any more, and it’s not really worth the complexity of a hybrid.
Hybrids have all the issues of both combustion and electric cars and none of the benefits. Well, except for fast refueling.
Hybrids were a great transition technology that never got as widespread as it should have, but now pure EVs are practical, and approach legacy car prices. They’re still a little high but it’s in the ballpark enough that the low operating cost make it worthwhile