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1. gottor+(OP)[view] [source] 2023-09-03 19:51:19
> Is this supposed to be a massive difference?

I'm not sure how helpful it is to compare different cars.

Here's a more apples-to-apples comparison: a 2023 Kia Niro (which is itself a conventional hybrid, with a gasoline engine and a small battery and electric motor) compared to a 2023 Kia Niro EV. Almost everything is the same except the drivetrain. The EV[0] is ~500-800lbs heavier than the hybrid[1] depending on trim level and options, which is basically the difference between an empty car and one loaded with four adults and some luggage.

[0]: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/niro-ev/2023/specifica...

[1]: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/niro/2023/specificatio...

replies(1): >>Anthon+M9
2. Anthon+M9[view] [source] 2023-09-03 20:46:54
>>gottor+(OP)
> Almost everything is the same except the drivetrain.

Which is kind of the problem, because it implies they took a frame designed for the ICE powertrain and stuck some batteries it, which isn't the optimal way to do it.

Even then the difference is in the nature of 20%, which doesn't seem huge?

And the weight is going to be directional proportional to the size of the battery, which can be of arbitrary size. Electric vehicles with a >250 mile range are nice, but the average commute is a sixth of that.

I'm fairly expecting someone to soon make a sporty little sedan with a 75 mile range and a trailer for road trips that adds +300 miles worth of battery and gives you a place to put your luggage. And then you don't need the trailer 98% of the time and that thing is going to be actually lighter than the equivalent ICE car.

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