I’m not sure how true that is, at least in the USA. Almost all OEMs are targeting the mid to top end of the market for EVs (SUVs, trucks, luxury models). Almost no one is coming out with an entry level model that would be the equivalent of a “Toyota Corolla” EV, that is, a bare bones car that runs on a battery. Yes, there is some protectionism going on with preventing the Chinese from entering the market, but I think most of it is just OEMs trying to maximize profit to a grotesque degree.
Maybe my point wasn’t clear, let me try restating it: a battery with wheels will still be super expensive, because batteries are by far the most expensive part of the car. That’s why EVs tend to be sold as premium cars, that way you feel the price is justified.
China can sell you the battery on wheels because their government is subsidising those cars in order to invade the western market, they are using the old trick: sell at a loss, become indispensable, enjoy your slaves.
I think I understand your point but various European OEMs are making small EVs in the 30k euro or less range that are not being brought to the US market. Examples include the VW ID.2 and ID.3. It’s not like VAG doesn’t have a US presence but they’re still only selling the $40k+ ID.4 and the $60k+ ID Buzz in the US market. The Volvo EX-30 was announced as a $30k+ entry level EV that was supposed to target the lower end of the market but by the time it wound up in the US the base model is now $42k.
I’m not sure how true that is, at least in the USA. Almost all OEMs are targeting the mid to top end of the market for EVs (SUVs, trucks, luxury models). Almost no one is coming out with an entry level model that would be the equivalent of a “Toyota Corolla” EV, that is, a bare bones car that runs on a battery. Yes, there is some protectionism going on with preventing the Chinese from entering the market, but I think most of it is just OEMs trying to maximize profit to a grotesque degree.
Maybe my point wasn’t clear, let me try restating it: a battery with wheels will still be super expensive, because batteries are by far the most expensive part of the car. That’s why EVs tend to be sold as premium cars, that way you feel the price is justified.
China can sell you the battery on wheels because their government is subsidising those cars in order to invade the western market, they are using the old trick: sell at a loss, become indispensable, enjoy your slaves.
I think I understand your point but various European OEMs are making small EVs in the 30k euro or less range that are not being brought to the US market. Examples include the VW ID.2 and ID.3. It’s not like VAG doesn’t have a US presence but they’re still only selling the $40k+ ID.4 and the $60k+ ID Buzz in the US market. The Volvo EX-30 was announced as a $30k+ entry level EV that was supposed to target the lower end of the market but by the time it wound up in the US the base model is now $42k.
Ah, turns out we just had very different definitions of “cheap” or “small”.
Here in Italy the basic vehicle is the Panda, which you get for €16k. €30k vehicles are mid market, €40-50k is high end.
Haha yeah. American “small” is different, sadly.