GM's Bolt EV to make epic comeback next year, multiple models teased

mailpup said:

This reminds me of an amusing YouTube video I came across recently of a guy whose Tesla was stuck on the side of the road until a another guy stopped to help him. It confused the guy when the Tesla owner asked if he had some gasoline. It turns out it was for a gasoline powered generator the Tesla owner kept in his trunk so he could recharge his dead Tesla.

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I have to wonder whether the Tesla owner was able to manage the issue of how far they could drive on a charge? Even with my PHEV, there's a list of a substantial number of charging stations on the vehicle's built-in navigation system. Plus, you can get multiple different apps for smart phones that tell you where charging stations are.

If someone is unable to manage their trips based on the simple math and widely-available information about charging station locations that is needed to manage a trip on an EV charge, perhaps they should not own an EV. It's not that difficult of math (probably middle-school level). The most difficult thing is, perhaps, finding charging stations - at least as I see it.

scavengerspc said:

Or run their AC's. They had blackouts LONG before EVs were even a thing, and will for maybe a few more years. But in your line of thinking, I have decided to blame the order to cut back electric usage on gas stations. If everyone could refuel at home, we wouldn't need one every half a block sucking up the amps.

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Very true, but if everyone has an EV and they charge it at home, then the grid for each neighborhood needs to be able to support the added load. Right now, I doubt there are many neighborhoods where that is true. The situation is like the situation in the early 1900's when EVs first made an appearance on the market. Unfortunately, because of costs, the market decided gasoline was more economical. If the market hadn't decided that then, things would likely be very different now.

That said, I don't think we should turn back yet again. Battery tech has improved and continues to improve. Sooner or later, it will be more than good enough to suffice. The distribution capacity of the electric grid will improve, too, IMO.

The other option is to let the utility company control the charging for the vehicles. There's a program like that in my area. I don't participate, but then again, I only have a level 1 charger and a 13.6Kwh battery to charge. Most of the time, I can charge it from E to F overnight.

scavengerspc said:

Not EV owners. Tesla owners. Hell, I don't like them either, and I had 2 members of my staff that drove them until their more recent purchases started falling apart in no time.

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Sounds about right for a Tesla. IMO, a POS on wheels.

ZedRM said:

Unless the range is at least 350miles, can charge to full in 15mins and will last 15 to 20 years, I'm not interested..

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Depending on your local climate, rust might have its way with the vehicle in 15 to 20 years. I had an 06' Prius hybrid, and that is the prime reason I got rid of the vehicle. All else was fine - no signs of battery wear, and I kept up-to-date on all service requirements.