Originally posted by Barg
Hi Zip
Yes, there are EVs with solar roofs (Toyota and a few others). But not available in Oz yet. As a retired farmer I well understand your reservations with 4x4 capability and towing. Sure a load will reduce drive time, but that is also the case with petrol and diesel. As for driving in water EVs are superior for a number of reasons (see Rivian specs). On boats: Did you know that electric boats are common in Europe. And all large ferries and barges (circa 5,000 units) in Europe are in the process of being converted to battery power. I'm not sure about the low-range dynamic (would have been a must for me to), but I'm think the electric drive train allows for this. All that said, it is worth saying that EVs are still in their infancy, but the tech is advancing at an exponential rate - along with the drop in cost, like all new electric gadgetry. Nothing now will stop the momentum clear.png.
Just a quick one on the low range capabilities of an ev.
With an electric motor you get 100% torque from zero revolutions. That's why the modern evs are so quick off the mark. They don't have to build revs to develop power like a combustion engine does.
Secondly, because of the control system of the electric motor, it can adjust it's output thousands of times a second. You'll notice these evs don't experience wheelspin even though they are delivering so much power to the wheels.
That's because electronic motor control gives you the ultimate traction control.
So, an ev will actually be even better, traction wise, in the slippery stuff.
Remember the first time you drove a modern 4wd with traction control and hill descent ? Remember how good it was compared to an old purely mechanical 4wd system ?
Well, electric drive is just a better version of that again.
