TRANSPORT EVOLVED EPISODE 189: GIGA MEANS BIG

EV Channels Review

This episode of Transport Evolved delves into several significant topics in the EV landscape of early 2014. The discussion on Tesla's Gigafactory highlights its ambitious scale and potential to drastically reduce battery costs, positioning it as a visionary project. The program also critically examines the BMW i3, with a strong sentiment from former BMW ActiveE drivers that the i3 misses the mark. Key criticisms include its high lease pricing, smaller battery pack and range compared to the ActiveE, and a perceived disconnect between BMW's product development and driver desires. The show also touches upon the Honda Fit EV's impending discontinuation, the surprising effectiveness of wireless charging for plug-in hybrids like the Prius, and the robust nature of Nissan Leaf battery packs when subjected to abuse. Finally, the episode explores the varied motivations behind EV purchases in California and questions Nissan's approach to gathering data from Tesla Model S owners.