• Both prices include a complimentary three-year subscription to a variety of in-car features, including the company’s Level 2+ driver assist and an AI-powered personal assistant. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
      • OminousOrange@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        4 months ago

        Story time. I had to drive my MIL’s CRV home (2hr highway) recently. A quarter of the way there, the cruise control/other “driver assist” functions failed because the sensors behind the big H emblem on the front couldn’t see through a bit of dust on the front and still wouldn’t work after an attempt at spit shining.

        And they live on a gravel road, so it apparently happens often.

        I never understood why they bought that car.

  • ililiililiililiilili@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    36
    ·
    4 months ago

    Just what we need. Another 100k EV. Why can no US automaker make a small EV hatchback or sedan with good enough range for 20-30k? I sure wish I had the freedom to buy a BYD Dolphin or Seagull.

    • Kit
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      11
      ·
      4 months ago

      The Bolt is returning later this year and is rumored to be sub 30k.

      • ililiililiililiilili@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        4 months ago

        That’s very true. The recalls for the Leaf and Volt also concern me. They do not seem safe or reliable. I totally get that China isn’t the standard-bearer for quality, but they definitely have more experience making EVs. I feel like anywhere around $30k is steep for the Volt and (considering your insight on battery cooling) way too much for the Leaf.

    • SkunkWorkz@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      edit-2
      4 months ago

      The battery pack is basically the expensive part. For a US car maker a 20k econobox EV doesn’t make sense. The margins are just too small because the battery eats most of the cost. BYD can sell these small cars because they get the batteries for much cheaper since they produce their own batteries from scratch and the Chinese government subsidizes their battery industry.

  • Empricorn@feddit.nl
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    21
    ·
    4 months ago

    About 6 figures for a single vehicle and only limited time access to car features without paying more every year after that? Are EV companies insane!? No one even wants AI, I certainly wouldn’t pay for it! Where are the affordable electric vehicles made for the working class, not tech bro millionaires??

    • Mr_Blott@feddit.uk
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      4 months ago

      The consumers who buy subscriptions are the problem. If this isn’t a total flop because of the subscriptions, it proves it’s the people who are insane

      • Nyssa@slrpnk.net
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        4 months ago

        I mean for a lot of things there just aren’t any real options. Lots of software packages are no longer available without a subscription. Heck, I’ve been looking for an app to guide me through evening stretches and I can’t find anything that’s just a single purchase.

    • Ulrich@feddit.orgBanned from community
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      4 months ago

      Driver assistance is one of those times I think AI is actually smart and works well.

  • BarqsHasBite@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    7
    ·
    4 months ago

    Afeela is starting to become a little bit more than just a feeling. The electric vehicle, which is a joint venture between Sony and Honda, is finally available for preorder. And it only took five years to get here.

    All those people that downvoted me yesterday because I said EVs take time need to pay attention to that bit.

    • ShepherdPie@midwest.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      19
      ·
      4 months ago

      Tesla released the Roadster in 2008, and Nissan released the Leaf in 2010. It’s currently 2025. The Tesla is almost old enough to vote, so it seems like they’ve had a significant amount of time.

      • BarqsHasBite@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        ·
        4 months ago

        The point here is the time from when you say “go” to the time you are ready to sell. That’s 5 years.

        Inb4 Lemmy’s famous misreading: Yes they should have started earlier. That’s not the point here.

  • MangoPenguin
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    4 months ago

    Given Sonys general fixation on weird expensive niche features, I wonder if there will be any market for this thing.