Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
I didn't know that, but I was also thinking globally.
The Bolt sold in similar quantities and was not simply an ICE vehicle converted to EV.
There's usually reasons why things aren't different than they are, so that makes sense.
Wasn't it Musk that said new technology needs to be 20% better before people will abandon what they are used to?
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If you go globally then you have WAY more manufacturers to the split volume and lots of different regulations. (US school bus regulations are VERY specific right down to where those rails that run down the side have to be located)
The Bolt wasn't just a converted ICE vehicle but it isn't a clean sheet EV design either. GM's BEV2 platform is the Gamma platform modified to accommodate a moderate sized battery in the floor. It is a 2nd gen product.
- Current electric school buses are the equivalent of the Spark EV. 1st gen - converted ICE
- Something like the eCascadia is more like the Bolt. 2nd gen - derived from an ICE platform but with more modifications and more custom components. (Like motors integrated into the drive axles)
- Given time (and volume) we will see clean sheet designs.
A Jouley is already more than 20% better than a diesel school bus - you just need to get districts to think about budgets over a decade instead of just year by year.