Gentlemen, this is an
Gentlemen, this is an endurance race, not a sprint. In historical records of most technological advancements, there are highs and lows as both consumers and corporations, realize what works and the cost. First of all, hardly five years have passed since the Volt and the Leaf arrived for anyone to buy past the compliance models sold in California and other states. Next, as Tesla has shown, to enter a market with a set range based on commuter assumptions, the case in the Leaf and Volt as to the 35 miles of the commuter's range in the USA, and then have Tesla show that 240 miles is possible with a battery pack and then a supercharger station deployment nationwide, the rules change quickly. Then, there is the "invisibility factor ((IF)." That is, manufactures do not advertise and dealerships, who make more money from other models sales and service, do not promote the vehicles, then, the majority of car buys do not know they exist. Enter the role of government, state and federal, incentives. In states with involved government as to tax breaks and installation of charging stations, EV's have been more successful. Of course, Tesla destroys this concept as it does not advertise but gets free publicity each day, both positive and negative and has no dealerships but sells only EV's. So, now, the first "waves" are past. The BMW range extender has issues. The Leaf has not progressed much in five years. The Volt has improved this year and is having great success. Tesla, again, improves the old models via the Internet. How can anyone compete against Tesla? Even the Bolt shall be, in my humble opinion, DOA for two reasons. First, the DC Fast Charging is not standard and GM is not installing fast chargers at dealerships. In fact, most Chevy/GM dealerships do not have public access charging units and the Tesla Model 3, with free Super Chargers access is going to be the car everyone with more than a basic knowledge of EV technology, shall want to wait and buy. The new Volt, in fact, may be a Bolt crash factor as Americans who pay for convenience, shall drive the Volt and rely on the engine rather than have a Bolt and have to wait for hours to recharge, to pay for recharge and to pay extra for DC Fast Charging. I have a 2011 Leaf that, not matter what, has a range of 60 miles. With DC fast charging available, this car meets my needs. I got it used and, combined with solar power, it is successful as to the goals I set out. I bet thousands are happy even with an I-Miev for that reason. So, what shall people buy in 2016 to 2019? We shall see.