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A comment on Tesla's batteries aim to rework the math for electric cars and the grid.

Re:Tesla's batteries aim to rework the math for electric car... by dougmwne on Thursday May 14, 2020 @01:52PM (#23182923)
With gas prices what they are and likely to be there for the next few years, now is a great time for Tesla to hit purchase price cost-parity with ICE vehicles. Hopefully this new battery can deliver on that promise. In theory, we could look at total cost of ownership and say that a Tesla is a good buy, but unless the sticker price looks good there are plenty that will keep buying sub-$2 gas guzzlers.
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Re:Tesla's batteries aim to rework the math for electric car... by marvin on Thursday May 14, 2020 @06:11PM (#23186195)
It's also lethally good for consolidating their lead in tech and manufacturing cost. Fossil car manufacturers have been given the apparent gift of lower gas prices, but this is really a curse in disguise.

While fossil-fueled cars may now be a good cost proposition for a few years more, this means that there will be even less incentive for the established manufacturers to develop their EV programs. Meanwhile, Tesla keeps charging ahead, investing billions per year and iterating with feedback from three generations of vehicles in the field. Battery prices were dropping 14% per year even before Tesla's insane R&D programs. It won't stop.

Assuming Tesla can stay somewhat profitable and don't hit any liquidity-induced catastrophes on the way, the established manufacturers will be in big trouble when the other shoe drops along with a possible oil price comeback in a few years. This has been two decades in the making, but everyone will still act surprised when EVs are suddenly the obviously best option.

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