The state of U.S. made EVs remains underwhelming and now looks to remain so for many more years to come. US automakers remain hooked on high margin trucks, and EVs are too often large SUV types or extremely short in range.
I don't want to promote the horrible labor practices that, in part, make Chinese EVs so much more affordable, but tariffs and bans don't seem like the best way forward.
@Defiance I don't mind NOT engaging in a race to the bottom of worker treatment and environmental regulation but without competition it doesn't seem like the domestics will ever move smaller/cheaper. So any protectionist legislation really needs to be paired with powerful incentives to reshape the domestic market
@mrcompletely Excellent point. We need the right incentives or we'll keep getting 200mi range odd looking EVs for well over $30k, or giant 3 ton trucks that cost $80k (but only $600 a month on a 7 year loan, lol). To be fair, I've not read the relevant details of the Inflation Reduction Act, so maybe there are some incentives away from the current norm. I'm also big on plug in hybrids because you can go full EV most of the time, but have the range when necessary (e.g. I drive from NorCal to SoCal about every other month, 330 miles).
@Defiance plug in hybrid seems to be the state of the art for most people and it's what we'll look at next time we need a vehicle
(I feel like I should pin the caveat for future reply guys that yes I know public transit is the real answer and only support EV/hybrid as transitional technology)
@mrcompletely I really like the RAV4 Prime, even though it's an SUV. It would let us drive fully electric for 90% of our driving, but still make it to LA without having to stop and charge for an hour. But they are hard to find and expensive (MSRP plus $10k!)
I'm also with you on clearly stating the primacy of public transit. I mean, for me, that should go without saying, but online discourse doesn't appreciate such subtleties.
@Defiance@mrcompletely I have encouraged my wife to look at the RAV 4 plug in. She has Highlander reg Hybrid and while it gets insane mileage for such a big car (too big), fully electric option is great and the RAV 4 is perfect size.
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