Hey Necho, thanks for making me aware of Sandy Munro. Just watched his video where he interviews Elon re the cybertruck -
link
There are many things there that increased my confidence of the bright future of EVs. (The 6 minute ad from about 3:00 showed a lot of sophisticated manufacturing machines - I wonder how much any of that is here in oz - the sort of stuff needed if we want to improve our manufacturing sector).
One thing Elon explained, that I suspected for a long time, is how far behind traditional car manufacturers are. Some posters on HC have pointed at Ford and GM's slow down in their EV plans (from memory one of them is losing up to 30,000 per EV) - as evidence that EV's are not going anywhere anytime soon. Elon said (14:15) that his goal is to bring car manufacturing into the 21st century. The traditional makers when presented with a new way of doing things get blocked by a bunch of MBA's and lawyers who make you do nothing. (15:20). This explains why they cannot compete with Tesla and BYD.
A couple of "innovations" in the cybertruck - which are not really innovations at all since engineers have know about this for a long time - are:
- the use of 48 volt electrical system (instead of 12 volt), and
- steering by wire.
These provide many benefits, but traditional automakers are reluctant to change as they are stuck with their old mentality (like Nokia and Kodak were).
When asked about a low cost car for the masses (31:40) Elon smiled and said he could not release any info other than that
they are working on it and when it comes out it will blow people's heads off.
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On a different note, there are many people on this forum with varied experience in all sorts of topics, from which we can all learn something. It is sad that some get into heated arguments over stupid issues - mostly wanting to have the last word. Please let's keep the discussions civil, and when you post what you claim are facts then provide evidence, and if you post opinions please provide sound reasoning. I am tired of people putting baseless claims. I understand at times people might misunderstand, mistype, or whatever, but when it's pointed out please accept it gracefully.
Cheers all and let's hope things will be better this year.
(20min delay)