THE BEST AND WORST OF 2022, AND WHAT'S TO COME IN 2023 - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 628

EV Channels Review

This Autoline After Hours episode reflects on the best and worst of 2022 automotive trends and looks ahead to 2023. The panel discusses the ambitious Mercedes-Benz EQXX concept with its 625-mile range, questioning its practicality and cost versus consumer demand for a more attainable 450 miles. Chrysler's Airflow concept is deemed a dated design, with uncertainty surrounding the brand's future within Stellantis, overshadowed by Dodge's EV efforts. GM's dedicated EV platform strategy (Ultium) is contrasted with Ford's retrofitted approach for the F-150 Lightning, with the consensus leaning towards GM's long-term scalability. The discussion highlights the current perception of EVs as luxury niche vehicles, citing the high cost and limitations like towing for the F-150 Lightning. The entry of tech companies like Sony and Apple into the automotive space is explored, with skepticism about their profitability given the capital-intensive nature of car manufacturing. The VW ID. Buzz is analyzed as a potential halo vehicle but unlikely to be a mass-market savior due to its expected high price point, echoing the fate of the resurrected Beetle. Cadillac's ultra-luxury Celestiq is viewed as a brand-image play rather than a volume seller, with the Lyric positioned to attract mainstream luxury EV buyers. A KPMG survey reveals a significant drop in executive expectations for EV market share by 2030, with Tesla leading the pack, but no GM brands receiving votes. The panel debates the pace of EV adoption, citing high costs, charging infrastructure challenges, and consumer preference for the convenience of gasoline cars, though acknowledging ongoing technological advancements and regulatory pressures. The episode concludes with a stark look at Tesla's market cap decline, questioning the sustainability of its valuation amidst broader market shifts and Elon Musk's controversial ventures.