The simple fact is that adding complexity adds unreliability, because there's more to go wrong and the consequences are likely to be more expensive.
And obviously saving the planet by creating demand for new cars isn't the way either. The motor industry need to come to terms with a shrinking market, and face up to the fact that building complex cars will inevitably reduce demand. Cautious buyers won't engage...as in current "disappointing" sales of EVs, and anyone who buys and gets burnt fingers will think twice before engaging again..
My experience is that drivers have begun to understand that EVs are not the universal solution to new car needs and that options are changing..
Why is this?
I don't believe EV range is, in itself, the reason people are not flocking to buy. It is anxiety about the availability of rapid chargers and associated freedom to go where and when you choose.
There are concerns about insurance: NFU doesn't want to insure EVs, other insurers are pulling out of the market.
When an EV is damaged repair times can be lengthy, because of a shortage of competent body-shops and poor parts availability.
MY experience of the Tesla didn't burn me, but it did dissapoint.
i doubt that I'll ever buy a new car again and I feel that I'm not alone. Dealers are already discounting new EVs that are in stock quite heavily through "deposit support" contributions. I suspect that we will see subsidised insurance next.
In parallel with this owners are finally realising that you don't have to buy a new car every 3 years, there are excellent used cars on the market. COVID changed the car buying dynamic, so buying a used car no longer involves going round a series of local dealers, instead browsing a website or two, looking nationally, and then buying online with home delivery. I bought a 2016 car in 2022, it might have been new from the condition, the recorded mileage was trivial. I saved £30k (yes, £30k) on buying the same car, new and didn't have to wait 6 months. It came with a 2 year manufacturers warranty which I can extend up to when the car is 15, provided that the car is correctly serviced by a main dealer. This is shrinking the market for new cars and keeping the price of good used cars firm.
We live in interesting times, indeed....
