morgan20

Products from BYD, Li Auto, Leapmotor, Changan, XPeng, Seres Auto/Huawei among others encompassing cars, SUV/crossover, minivans, and trucks. Changan's Hunter, introduced in 2023, claims to the be world's first EREV pickup truck. For light duty trucks (like Changan Hunter and future Ford F-100 and F-150 Lightning), the comparison is valid because the compromises and complexity inherent to EREV aren't mitigated by compelling benefits for customers or the manufacturers. As I mentioned earlier, a commercial grade truck like Super Duty might be better suited to EREV in certain applications. One of them Chinese automakers that has rejected the EREV approach is Nio, which promotes battery swapping. One of the big shots at Nio said: Shen Fei, Nio‘s Senior Vice President and CEO of its Onvo brand, stated that given the increasingly mature charging infrastructure, large-capacity battery range extension represents a significant waste of resources. Not only do these systems occupy valuable cabin space, but the range extender unit itself, which adds an extra 15,000 yuan (2,100 USD) to the cost, also creates an unnecessary financial burden for both manufacturers and consumers.

Thanks Texasota my friend, we're also in agreement that it is going to be a very long time before BEVs displace ICE and hybrids in the USA. Even without EREV, multi energy powertrain offerings encompassing gasoline + diesel (for Super Duty) + hybrid + battery electric should serve Ford trucks well into the next decade, if that's what the Ford big shots decide to pursue.

EREV is a flawed compromise by definition, tow vehicles or not. For a next gen Ford F-100 or F-150 Lightning to be introduced in the late 2020s, the proper approach would be to take advantage of continuous improvement in pure EV design and engineering so that a single propulsion element, the electric motor, is tightly integrated with more efficient utilization of battery cells, which extends electric range, which obviates the need for a Plan B, an internal-combustion engine range extender. As costs for batteries continue going down and EV charging infrastructure continues to expand, the case for EREV keeps gettin' weaker and weaker. Even in China, the only market where EREV ever came close to being considered a "success" thanks to government incentives from them Commies, the direction is clear: In 2024, EREV sales [in China] exceeded one million units, with 23 brands offering models. However, in 2025, growth has slowed. Li Auto, the brand largely credited with popularising the EREV approach in China, has seen its sales fall sharply for five consecutive months and has now shifted focus toward pure electric vehicles. The decline in EREV sales is closely tied to improvements in pure electric vehicles (EVs). Three main factors are contributing to this trend: Longer EV range – The average range of newly launched EVs in 2025 exceeds 500 km, with some models surpassing 600–700 km, approaching the range of conventional fuel vehicles. Expanded charging infrastructure – By the end of 2024, China had 12.82 million charging units, representing a 49.1% year-over-year increase, with fast-charging stations of 120–180 kW becoming increasingly common. Lower battery costs – Goldman Sachs projects that battery costs will fall to 99 USD/kWh in 2025, 40% lower than in 2022, allowing EVs to reach cost parity with fuel vehicles without subsidies. As a result, the core advantage of EREVs, mitigating range and refuelling concerns, is diminishing. While EREVs may continue to serve areas with limited charging infrastructure or users who prioritise “absolute range freedom,” their role may increasingly become a niche choice. Future developments in solid-state or sodium-based batteries could further reduce the relevance of fuel-based range extenders.

Ford's head honcho said previously that it's not a question of 'if' it succeeds and hits the price target: Ford CEO Jim Farley says the company’s planned $30,000 electric truck has reached the prototype stage, describing the effort as an internal Apollo style mission with little margin for error. The question is how soon will the skunktruck arrive at Ford dealerships?

Yea, I agree. If the Ford big shots want to do their multi energy thing with F-100 and next gen F-150, the most appropriate power train options would be: gasoline engine, both NA and turbocharged Powerboost (regular non plug in hybrid) Pure EV (battery electric) For F-100 and F-150, EREV amounts to an unnecessarily complex version of the third option without a significant benefit to customers or to Ford’s bottom line. If Ford is really into this EREV jazz, Super Duty would be more appropriate.

Ford big shots actually admitting their mistakes? That's askin' a lot! 😄

Yea, but what the average customer does care about is the ability for a company they are considering doing business with to deliver what it promises. That’s why the big shots at Ford must be relentless in their efforts to get CE1/UEV products to market on time (or earlier), in high volume, with high quality. No excuses

The big shots at Hyundai recognized that bland, inoffensive cars ain't going to build the brand: Hyundai was not known for standout design in the past. The brand built its reputation on value and reliability. That approach worked, but it rarely created excitement. Over the last few years, that has changed. Hyundai’s latest models are sharper, more expressive, and harder to ignore. The company is now producing vehicles that generate conversation rather than blend into traffic. Much of that shift can be linked to Brad Arnold, now officially Chief Designer and Head of Hyundai Design North America. His promotion reflects Hyundai’s commitment to design as a core strategy. Arnold understands the North American market and brings a clear creative direction. His leadership suggests Hyundai will continue pushing toward designs that connect emotionally with buyers while standing out globally.

Cool, same here! Did Xtreme Xperience at Putnam Park last month, drove a 296 and a 911 (992.2) GT3. Fun fun fun

Did you get a survey from JD Power after you took delivery of your Boxster? 😊

Yea, better than any of Hyundai's current unibody sedans

Anyone with common sense should recognize that charade for what it is. My local Chevy dealer in Martinsville, IN certainly does (they sell GMCs and Buicks too!) 😄

Yea, the big shots in GMC marketing are probably graded on how well they pretend the Silverado doesn't exist. 😄

Yea, exactly. Hopefully around that time a proper, great lookin' pure electric successor to MME is released too.

Latest Honda Insight is a rebadged e:N2 for Japan. It's imported from China. Production is limited to 3,000 units.