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CNet:
On the eve of the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac has surprised the media with a first look at an upcoming electric crossover SUV, perhaps the first of many electric vehicles to come for the marque.
After recently learning that the Cadillac luxury brand would become General Motors' "lead electric vehicle brand," we all expected to see an EV unveiled soon, just not this soon. That said, we've only so far seen renderings of the electric crossover with few details regarding specs.
The EV's name and specific details regarding its powertrain and range will be revealed closer to an also yet-unspecified launch window. So far, what we do know is that it will be based on GM's upcoming future "BEV3" electric vehicle platform. The electric Caddy crossover will be just the first in a range of vehicles to make use of the platform, which has been designed to accommodate front-, rear- or all-wheel drive configurations. Expect to see BEV3 underpinning a wide range of GM vehicles globally over the next few years.
Has "Electric Vehicle" been cemented in automobile circles as a mark of luxury?
(Score: 2) by bobthecimmerian on Friday January 18 2019, @01:20PM (1 child)
That all makes sense to me. I know a guy with a Tesla Model S and the battery range drops significantly in hot weather (or maybe it's cold? I can't remember which). The range decrease is on the order of 10-15%. So in addition to dealing with battery deterioration, it would make sense to factor that into your decision.
I've been working from home for five years. Before that my commute was 60 miles each way. If I can avoid it, I'll never do that again. I'd rather live in a rat trap near work than spend three hours a day sitting in a vehicle between work and a mansion.
(Score: 2) by bzipitidoo on Friday January 18 2019, @03:36PM
60 mile commute? Ouch. Sounds like a Los Angeles area commute.
I recently bought a used Leaf, in some haste thanks to my previous car failing. (Started leaking antifreeze past the head gasket, a known problem with those particular Chevy engines. Also known that it's not an easy fix, can't just replace the head gasket, best to replace the engine. Or junk the car.) So I felt a lot better about buying an all electric from the shady used car dealership than a gas burner. Figured that way I'd avoid nasty surprises down the road with whatever major engine and transmission troubles the slimy salespeople covered up.
One other thing about the all electric. If you desperately need a little more range, drive slower. Others have said even the difference between going 40 mph and 30 mph is pretty big, with the slower speed giving you 20% to 30% more range. I can confirm they are correct. Partly that's because the Leaf has terrible aerodynamics, around 0.3 cd. Of course going 30 mph all the way turns a 40 mile, 45 minute drive on the freeway into a 90 minute drive on streets, but that's still faster than having to sit for an hour at a charging station along the way.