The i3 apparently did much better in Europe where small cars are more common.  Agree it was a little of an oddball, but I’d bet cost was the biggest issue it faced for what it offered.  The range extender was an option which made it even more expensive, and without extender the small battery capacity limited driving range for a vehicle in that price range.  I don’t think it had much chance of succeeding even if it had looked great.  The expensive technology BMW used to keep weight down, well under 3,000 pounds, did not help either.  I would consider a BEV that size if price was right provided range wasn’t way too short.  The Fiat 500e is the closest car I can think of, and it’s not that cheap and range is still too limited.  The main problem remains the same — adequate range is not affordable for many buyers and or compared to ICE or HYBRIDS.

I still believe that this entire "merger" was pushed by the Japanese government to bail out Nissan.   Honda has always been proud of its independence. I therefore can't believe company leadership, on its own, said, "Hey, let's merge with Nissan!"   

Just replace diesel with gas.  How difficult can that be.

Using a diesel is a non-starter with EPA regulations. Military vehicles don't have to meet those requirements.    Plus why pay more for fuel and maintenance costs, if you don't have to. 

Meanwhile, across town:   https://www.gm-trucks.com/next-gen-silverado-hd-ev-hybrid/

Given how the online press operates these days, that a given no mater what. 

Because they didn’t want the EV losses to detract from the ICE financials.  It’s better to say ICE has this much revenue and a 8% margin (e.g.) while the startup EVs are losing a lot than to just say we only had a 2% margin.  But it does lead to stupid headlines.

Why did the Ford big shots decide to break out Model e financials in the first place? None of Ford's competitors do this.    Even though the head honcho said more than once that Model e is like a startup, the media constantly harps on its financials, just like this one that says Ford's Money-Guzzling EV Crisis

I actually prefer the refreshed model, although I wish the body color section above the gray area of the front bumper, which rises into the headlights, was integrated a little more cleanly, and looked a little less tacked on.  

Maybe they have a plan C?