Several legacy automakers are being accused by industry experts of deliberately slowing the transition to electric vehicles by pushing hybrids, lobbying against stricter emissions rules, and delaying affordable EV production. As Chinese EV makers and companies like Tesla rapidly expand, critics warn traditional car brands risk losing the future of the global auto industry by protecting their aging gasoline business for too long.
I’m not watching the video, but with Biden it was all this BEV initiative which, in theory, makes sense. However, Trump took office and relaxed all those regulations and goals, so of course their not pushing for change. Also with adding data center after data center, the grid is already taxed, and then you add millions of grid-dependent cars to the mix?? It doesn’t add up.
Hybrid, for all intents and purposes is a solid way to go. A Honda Accord that normally gets I think it was 28/36 can now get 48/47mpg and achieve PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle). We’re lowering emissions by a lot and also removing foreign oil dependency. I also think until alternative battery technology catches up, it doesn’t make sense since lithium is scarce and dangerous. Sodium ion would be a game changer I think could help extend hybrid ranges being 60mpg or even further as they can assist more with higher power and recharge faster, reducing the needs for the gas engine. I feel it’s like a laptop, a higher power CPU is great, but needs a bigger battery. Well usually battery output is conservative to make it last longer, but if you didn’t need to worry about recharging times it could output more juice since it could recover faster through regenerative and opportunistic charging.
It doesn’t help when America is obsessed with massive SUV and trucks that don’t offer any hybrid alternatives or even BEV. The other issue with fully BEV is weight! Tires are far more expensive due to being to handle at least 50%more weight. I wouldn’t be surprised if older concrete driveways have additional cracks and damage or asphalt warps more from the added weight the driveways aren’t built for those amounts.
the US obsession with large vehicles is very much a product of capital. large vehicles, SUVs specifically, are the legacy of a 1970s safety and efficiency carve out to protect AMC’s line of “non passenger work trucks”.
the Jeep Grand Cherokee then exploded (literally in many cases) into the scene and, due to its regulatory status, could be made far cheaper and thus far more profitable than any other vehicle type.
rather than closing the loophole, it was enshrined and became the target of every automaker because it was the most profitable line of vehicles. it went from like 5% of vehicles sold to over half in 10 years. it has continued to climb.
at this point its hard to even find a non SUV or crossover (the even cheaper version) being developed and sold. they are an absolute cash cow due to the lack of safety and efficiency regs that apply to them, compared to sedans and wagons, etc. it is quite literally all they want to sell to you, and the only lip service paid to safety is that getting into an accident with one of these behemoths will be fatal (due to bumper mismatch) unless you’re driving one too.
most americans were quite obsessed with fuel efficiency after the 1970s, but capital couldn’t make as much off that as selling giant, unregulated boxes with massive engines. so the consumer had to be manipulated to think they actually wanted big garbage compactors that kill people.
great summary of context and present: Climate Town - How Your Parents Ruined Driving, A Rich History of Why It’s All SUVs Now
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:
I just wish the tradeoff with hybrids wasnt cutting the gas tank in half. why must the range be kept so low
My guess it’s room for the battery. Don’t lose to much trunk space or leg room.