> don't be surprised if Ford/GM/Chrysler combine forces for a huge battery factory of their own.
They could do that, but they haven't really woken up to the huge threat to their markets that electric cars are posing. They still believe that ICE cars are what people really want. Ford has just announced now that it will begin designing hybrid vehicles. They're a few years behind.
If they decided now that they're going to fund their own gigafactory, it would only be ready in 4-5 years. Where do you think Tesla is going to be then? If things go as planned, in 4-5 years, Tesla could have sold 2+ million Model 3's, and be on its way to more new models.
> when all major automotive companies have EV vehicles, what's going to differentiate them? The accuracy of the self driving software? Entertainment options within the vehicle? Serious question.
- Better performance. The Model 3 isn't a model S, but you can be sure that it will kick the Leaf and Chevy Bolt in the balls.
- A supercharger network that's already in place. Other vendors all have major catching up to do.
Another thing to consider is, Tesla has a lot of expertise and an EV designed from the ground up to be electric. Other vendors can't just come up with that tomorrow. It takes time to design and refine a product. IMO, by the time Ford really wakes up, they will largely be fucked. Not just because of Tesla, but because all other vendors are already ahead.
They could do that, but they haven't really woken up to the huge threat to their markets that electric cars are posing. They still believe that ICE cars are what people really want. Ford has just announced now that it will begin designing hybrid vehicles. They're a few years behind.
If they decided now that they're going to fund their own gigafactory, it would only be ready in 4-5 years. Where do you think Tesla is going to be then? If things go as planned, in 4-5 years, Tesla could have sold 2+ million Model 3's, and be on its way to more new models.
> when all major automotive companies have EV vehicles, what's going to differentiate them? The accuracy of the self driving software? Entertainment options within the vehicle? Serious question.
- Better performance. The Model 3 isn't a model S, but you can be sure that it will kick the Leaf and Chevy Bolt in the balls.
- Slicker looks
- Brand appeal. Don't underestimate this. Think Apple.
- A supercharger network that's already in place. Other vendors all have major catching up to do.
Another thing to consider is, Tesla has a lot of expertise and an EV designed from the ground up to be electric. Other vendors can't just come up with that tomorrow. It takes time to design and refine a product. IMO, by the time Ford really wakes up, they will largely be fucked. Not just because of Tesla, but because all other vendors are already ahead.