Blank slate narrative is a mistake, and that needs to change

[AeroWolf]

Interesting video that just posted. Enjoy.

Where the #$&! Is My Compact EV Work Truck!?

Interesting video, but he i think he underestimates some of the difference between the 90's and today:

1) Towing and payload rating systems between brands were not really standardized until 2008 with the Nevada uphill road test.

2) Safety regulations increasing vehicle parts (increased production cost), weight (material cost), and technology (licensing costs of the IP associated with these systems): rollover, airbags, side impact, crumble zones, seat belts, backup cameras, vehicle accident memory., ABS brakes, etc.

3) Environmental costs associated with production facilities, not just end product CAFE fuel standards and emissions.

Slate could possibly make it to $20k if component production is primarily done in Mexico with final assembly in the US to mitigate tariffs

 

[KevinRS]

Interesting video that just posted. Enjoy.

Where the #$&! Is My Compact EV Work Truck!?

A couple of issues. Those 1995 models wouldn't pass the current tow rating tests, some by a long shot. Some might struggle on the test grade unloaded. Current trucks have to have more horsepower and torque to pass. With EVs, you do have to lug around the EV battery, so that impacts payload and towing capacity as well.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

With EVs, you do have to lug around the EV battery, so that impacts payload and towing capacity as well.

But EVs have no engine, transmission, exhaust, etc. so the weight of the battery doesn't have as great an impact as many are led to believe.

For an experiment, compare the weight of any given electric vehicle with a comparably equipped car with an internal combustion engine. Be sure to match drivetrain - for example, rear-wheel drive versus all wheel drive. I made this comparison a few years ago and was surprised to learn that EVs are around (or at most? It's been a while...) 10% heavier when compared to similar fossil-fuel burning vehicles.

The issue came to me when trying to better understand why EVs tend to wear tires more quickly. Some Tesla owners were getting only 10,000 miles out of the original set of tires, when they were rated at ~40,000 miles.
Most reports blamed the 'extra weight' of EVs - so I looked it up. Since I found EVs weight wasn't that different, I concluded that it was the immediate acceleration that was more to blame. And I get it - that power is intoxicating and addictive!

 

[AeroWolf]

But EVs have no engine, transmission, exhaust, etc. so the weight of the battery doesn't have as great an impact as many are led to believe.

For an experiment, compare the weight of any given electric vehicle with a comparably equipped car with an internal combustion engine. Be sure to match drivetrain - for example, rear-wheel drive versus all wheel drive. I made this comparison a few years ago and was surprised to learn that EVs are around (or at most? It's been a while...) 10% heavier when compared to similar fossil-fuel burning vehicles.

The issue came to me when trying to better understand why EVs tend to wear tires more quickly. Some Tesla owners were getting only 10,000 miles out of the original set of tires, when they were rated at ~40,000 miles.
Most reports blamed the 'extra weight' of EVs - so I looked it up. Since I found EVs weight wasn't that different, I concluded that it was the immediate acceleration that was more to blame. And I get it - that power is intoxicating and addictive!

I prefer the old "Days of Thunder" explanation (RIP Robert Duvall).

When you were running ICE engines your car weighed half as much usually and your tires were meant for that.

Now your EV weighs twice as much and your tires stayed the same size, and your burning them up.

Not the exact quote, modified for today.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

I prefer the old "Days of Thunder" explanation (RIP Robert Duvall).

When you were running ICE engines your car weighed half as much usually and your tires were meant for that.

Now your EV weighs twice as much and your tires stayed the same size, and your burning them up.

Not the exact quote, modified for today.

But it's wrong! EVs are not twice as heavy.

Unless you're trolling, then ha ha.

 

[AeroWolf]

But it's wrong! EVs are not twice as heavy.

Unless you're trolling, then ha ha.

A lot of the tire issues come down to drivers lead the foot at the pedal that you mentioned.

But I have also noticed when comparing specs on dealer websites between similar EV/ICE vehicles, the car is around 1.5 times heavier, and those LRR tires are a little thinner if not half as wide.

Not as drastic as Open Wheel vs Stock Car (nothing stock about a stock car) racing. And Stock car tires are nearly twice as wide as the tires on "stock cars"

 

[Tom Sawyer]

A lot of the tire issues come down to drivers lead the foot at the pedal that you mentioned.

But I have also noticed when comparing specs on dealer websites between similar EV/ICE vehicles, the car is around 1.5 times heavier, and those LRR tires are a little thinner if not half as wide.

Not as drastic as Open Wheel vs Stock Car (nothing stock about a stock car) racing. And Stock car tires are nearly twice as wide as the tires on "stock cars"

Without getting into a big argument over vehicle weight, here are some AI results on the matter:

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 AWD has a weight of approximately 4,065 pounds, while the 2022 Toyota Camry AWD weighs around 3,600 pounds.

3,600 x 1.5 = 5,400. The Model 3 falls far short.