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cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,032
2,714
UK
I just read the news that the intense Chinese competition, slowing auto sales, and the expensive transition to EV is causing Volkswagen to shutter three plants in Germany, cut tens of thousands of jobs, as well as cutting pay by 10%. Things are getting real serious real fast.
The troubles started way way back.
 
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WC7

macrumors 6502
Dec 13, 2018
392
295
I think because the EVs are 'simpler' than ICE ... the technology will come from all over the world. It's just a commodity. Maybe not a 'simple' as solar collectors, but EVs are another tech that is global ... maybe in the future EVs will come from even lower cost areas ... India, S. Africa, Brazil??
 
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WC7

macrumors 6502
Dec 13, 2018
392
295
The initiation often starts in N. America, but then the manufacturing/tech then flows everywhere.
 

jz0309

Contributor
Sep 25, 2018
11,318
29,878
SoCal
I just read the news that the intense Chinese competition, slowing auto sales, and the expensive transition to EV is causing Volkswagen to shutter three plants in Germany, cut tens of thousands of jobs, as well as cutting pay by 10%. Things are getting real serious real fast.
What is really happening here? The “troubles” are quite old, this is now highlighted by the unions, they are asking the government to protect the employees, demanding incentives for new EVs and such, highly politically motivated and the German chancellor is already reacting … you also need to understand that VW is partially owned by the government (the state of Lower saxony has like a 25% stake), the unions are extremely strong… and if you look back 15 or so years when ”Diesel gate” happened, VW got away with it, everything to protect the jobs, consumers were screwed over.
this is way out of context of the thread and highly political, so I’m ending here.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,057
1,386
VW dropped the ball on EVs, it's not a money thing, it's a we can't develop software internally thing. They are now financing Rivian, which if rumors are correct, it is to gain access to Rivian's software/hardware...

VAG has the money to be able to have been a front runner in EVs, but they didn't. It's on them.
 

Mega ST

macrumors 6502
Feb 11, 2021
368
509
Europe
There is not enough demand from their home market for EVs.
Many people rent apartments and don't have car ports or chargers next door. They need to find a new empty parking space every other day. Many companies don't provide parking or chargers as well. EVs are a permanent hassle if you don't live in your own house. Sometimes just being in the wrong EV charging program having the "wrong" card is enough to let a charger NOT top you off except for some minimum reserve.

EVs were too expensive and are not "people's cars". Only if you have more than one vehicle one might work for short distance commuting and be some EV.

We bought a new (small) car recently. With combustion engine for range and usability. Both of us independently had this preference. Made by VW Group BTW.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
56,893
55,830
Behind the Lens, UK
There is not enough demand from their home market for EVs.
Many people rent apartments and don't have car ports or chargers next door. They need to find a new empty parking space every other day. Many companies don't provide parking or chargers as well. EVs are a permanent hassle if you don't live in your own house. Sometimes just being in the wrong EV charging program having the "wrong" card is enough to let a charger NOT top you off except for some minimum reserve.

EVs were too expensive and are not "people's cars". Only if you have more than one vehicle one might work for short distance commuting and be some EV.

We bought a new (small) car recently. With combustion engine for range and usability. Both of us independently had this preference. Made by VW Group BTW.
EV’s work for a lot more than just short commutes for lots of people. Our main car is an EV. When it comes time to replace Mrs AFB car it will also be an EV.
No more ICE car purchases for this house.
 
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Mega ST

macrumors 6502
Feb 11, 2021
368
509
Europe
I would just not want to route my drives along charging points. Fast charging stresses the battery every time.
I would consider some EV only for defined distance commuting from a place with a permanent private charging point available.
I use (electric) high speed trains for most of my longer distance travel.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
56,893
55,830
Behind the Lens, UK
I would just not want to route my drives along charging points. Fast charging stresses the battery every time.
I would consider some EV only for defined distance commuting from a place with a permanent private charging point available.
I use (electric) high speed trains for most of my longer distance travel.
Sounds like you need to do a bit more research.
90% of charging is done at home. If travelling longer distances the charging points are located mostly on the motorways or the popular routes, so no need to change your route at all.

The battery management system takes care of the battery maintenance, so no need to worry about how many time you fast or rapid charge the battery. It will outlast the car most likely.
 
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Mega ST

macrumors 6502
Feb 11, 2021
368
509
Europe
At my home I cannot charge. I just report my situation and preferences. I love to top off the tank in five minutes and be good to go for at least an entire day's range.
If EV work for you that's perfectly fine.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
56,893
55,830
Behind the Lens, UK
At my home I cannot charge. I just report my situation and preferences. I love to top off the tank in five minutes and be good to go for at least an entire day's range.
If EV work for you that's perfectly fine.
I charge at work mostly. It’s free and I’m there for 8 hours anyway. Saves me lots of time having to travel to petrol stations and fill up.
Generally once a week is enough.
 

cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,032
2,714
UK
There is not enough demand from their home market for EVs.
Many people rent apartments and don't have car ports or chargers next door. They need to find a new empty parking space every other day. Many companies don't provide parking or chargers as well. EVs are a permanent hassle if you don't live in your own house.
That I fully agree with. I would not have an EV if I didn't have my own driveway and smart charging point.
Sometimes just being in the wrong EV charging program having the "wrong" card is enough to let a charger NOT top you off except for some minimum reserve.

EVs were too expensive and are not "people's cars". Only if you have more than one vehicle one might work for short distance commuting and be some EV.

We bought a new (small) car recently. With combustion engine for range and usability. Both of us independently had this preference. Made by VW Group BTW.
This, nah. That can easily be resolved. Especially when living in Europe this short vs long distance distinction is just not necessary. The infrastructure is plenty good enough. As good as every car on the market be it new or second hand can go further than one's bladder can hold itself. Plenty of cheaper second hand models available as well, except in the absolute bottom of the market unless the early Nissan Leafs work for you.
 
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