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Toyota is taking the Corolla electric

446 points · 838 comments · cisc

  1. apparent · · focus · HN ↗
    I was surprised to read the headline because this is going in a different direction than most car companies. For example, VW, Ford, GM, and others have been axing electric vehicles that they started selling a few years ago. They discovered that most people who wanted EVs had already purchased them, and the rest of the market wasn't interested enough to pay the price premium.

    Then I read the key quote and realized that Toyota isn't transforming the Corolla into an electric vehicle. They're simply going to offer an electric option. That's much less of an interesting headline, which explains why it wasn't chosen.

    > “Whether it’s a battery EV, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, or internal combustion engine vehicle―whatever the power source―let’s make good-looking cars that everyone will want to drive!” Toyota’s CEO said at the Japan Mobility Show.

    1. Dr4kn · · focus · HN ↗
      Today there isn't really a price premium for electric cars. With Gas prices being what they are the demand is naturally increasing.

      Even with normal Gas prices EVs are cheaper

      1. asdff · · focus · HN ↗
        You are forgetting the elephant in the room: the charger at home and all the implications that brings in between costs and actual possibility of installation at all.
        1. lern_too_spel · · focus · HN ↗
          You just plug it into the wall like a computer. I don't know why you think you need to install anything.
          1. Sohcahtoa82 · · focus · HN ↗
            If you only need level 1 charging, or you already have a 240v outlet in your garage, sure.

            Otherwise, you're gonna need an electrician to put a 240v outlet or dedicated EV charger.

            1. rootusrootus · · focus · HN ↗
              [delayed]
          2. apparent · · focus · HN ↗
            Some people have to park on the street and therefore do not have anywhere to plug in anything. Also, some people park in apartment buildings where there are no outlets near many of the spots.
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