Is it the end of the ICE age?

[atomic_hoji]

Originally Posted by NYC-SE

The "powerband" of an electric motor is infinitely more useable that that of an ICE engine. Full torque available at zero RPM,
...
The real problem with electrics is the lack of charging infrastructure and the charge time required for current batteries. Once we standardize charging equipment and fully deploy it EVs will really take off.

^ This. Electrics have great potential for performance; although the revving and sound of an ICE is lost and the noise and vibration is part of the feeling of driving. Which to be honest I like and will keep me with one for as long as I can; daily run-about and family vehicle will eventually become EV I suspect as things change over the next 10+ years.

I agree, the biggest problem is the capacity and range. I work with a guy who does a 3-4 hr trip on weekends home, but has to stop at very calculated places to charge for 30 mins; 30 mins assumes he can roll in and charge, and not wait. If I want to visit friends that live several hours away this holiday, I'd have to stop 2 or 3 times, at very calculated places.. Just doesn't work for any realistic travel outside of major urban areas. And even then, anywhere you live is all under the assumption you've put out for (or had your massive government tax-back pay for) a proper, 220V charging station at home; relying on public charging alone is impossible anywhere except very specific places. The capacity of the vehicles and the infrastructure is still advancing and extremely costly at the moment - which is weird in some ways because the electrical infrastructure, the foundation of distributing electricity, has been around for years and years, it's literally just the installing the charging stations. But, it like advancement it will get here in time.

I think the maintenance costs will be stupid expensive for these first couple of generations, not because the electric motor is complicated - although there are long-life fluids in the pure EV Focus (Fiesta?) that I had checked out.. should ask what his maintenance schedule says about fluids - but because a. it's still very specialized, so specialty shops will be charging (no pun.. but, hah!) a premium, and b. there is no repair and no reman parts - it will be very much a broken = replace, and those motors, drivetrains, controllers, etc.. are very expensive. Once out of warranty we'll see how often problems arise and what the costs are. In future, when all mechanics/technicians are all trained, motors get re-wound and new bearings installed so reman units are available, etc.. I think it will become more like today - we'll always pay out a constant stream of money for routine maintenance, and big money for something like a blown head gasket now or burnt up windings on a EV motor in future; it's the way the automotive industry works, which given it's a massive, billions upon billions of dollar industry with probably millions of jobs associated, I doubt that will change drastically.

Or we're all wrong, in 25 years we'll all use self-driving pods that pop in and out of our little home "portal" and the units will be massively reliable, nearly maintenance free, and automatically roll to a central hub for repair or replacement so there is no worry or cost to the consumer and transport will be a thoughtless, second nature experience, like taking a shower.
...
...
...
Doubt I'll see that in my lifetime. lol

-- Adam