The first EV startup that emerges with a dumb EV (minimal software to actually operate) for around $30K will have a best-seller. Nobody actually wants the subscription-based car, it's gradually being forced on consumers via industry collusion.
Why does it have to be a startup? You can buy a dumb EV for under $30K today from GM. And yeah, it does sell pretty well.
The vast, vast majority of EVs sold today are not forcing subscriptions of any kind on their customers. A couple minor carmakers are trying a new business model.
It doesn't have to be a startup, no. But GM is discontinuing the Bolt, which I assume is the car you're referring to. And as far as I know, most EVs are evolving in the direction of more software complexity, not less. When I say a dumb EV, I'm talking analog knobs and buttons, no touch screen, no over-the-air updates. A disconnected vehicle.
We can worry about that next year. I fully expect GM to walk back some of it's recent announcements based on strongly negative feedback from customers.
Fair enough, let's not reverse-Osborne a company that, as you say, stands a good chance of walking back their announcements (despite having already lost a sale at our house). If GM is axing the Bolt, though, I hope they hold to their word at keeping the Equinox close to the same price point.
“Range” is a euphemism for wasted lithium, cobalt, and/or copper that could be better used elsewhere (I.e., building more PHEVs). If your grid is natural gas you may as well bring your fuel with you.
Sure, if you want to lease a car, lease a car. But the idea that I can buy a car but have to pay a subscription for heated seats is ridiculous. Not everything in our lives needs to be a subscription.
