EVs Have Gotten Too Powerful
15 hours ago
- #Automotive History
- #Technology
- #EV Performance
- Historical instances of cars triggering political reactions, like Australia's 'supercar scare' in the '70s and the UK's debate over the Lotus Carlton in the '90s.
- Modern EVs are pushing power outputs to extreme levels, with models like the Lotus Evija exceeding 2,000 bhp and BYD's U9 hypercar nearing 300 mph.
- The EV horsepower arms race is driven by marketing and image-building, despite the practicality and enjoyment of such speeds being questionable.
- Heavy batteries in EVs compromise handling and increase unsprung mass, affecting performance and safety.
- Instant torque delivery in EVs poses challenges for average drivers, with concerns over control and suspension damping.
- Carmakers are improving EV dynamics with advanced suspension and stability control systems, but the question remains if there's such a thing as too much power.
- The focus on rapid recharging technology, like Mercedes' 850 kW charging, may be more impactful for EVs than sheer acceleration.