Everybody loves a fight, and it seems like some want to portray the Model 3 and the Bolt as gunslingers at the OK Corral. Two cars drive in, one drives out.
But here's the problem with that view. . . It's becoming apparent that Tesla alone can't meet the demand for electric cars. Other companies have to join in this great undertaking, converting our automotive fleet away from petroleum fuel. The Bolt and Model 3 will be synergistic. The (presumed) success of each will validate the other, and their combined success will build a viable and growing market segment of mass-market BEVs.
That doesn't mean it's going to be a love-fest between Tesla and GM, though. There's still the matter of. . . pride. Both of these companies have a lot to be proud of. GM is one of the biggest car makers in the world, with the most legendary history, inextricably intertwined with the culture of the USA, and they've accomplished much with the Volt. Tesla is a rock star among the staid automotive industry, crusading for electric vehicles, with a charismatic leader and the Apple-like aura of "technological disruption".
So, this is not the OK Corral. This is more like an olympic event. This is the BEV event at the olympics, and there's going to be a pedestal at the end with gold, silver and bronze medals. And you know, both GM and Tesla have their eyes on the gold. They both feel like it's within reach, and neither of them wants to settle for silver.
Bronze, I think, is somewhat up for grabs. Maybe Nissan? The only losers in this competition are the car makers who haven't invested in BEV powertrain technology. If Tesla wins this competition, GM won't be the loser. The loser will be Fiat-Chrysler. You have to play to win, man!
But here's the problem with that view. . . It's becoming apparent that Tesla alone can't meet the demand for electric cars. Other companies have to join in this great undertaking, converting our automotive fleet away from petroleum fuel. The Bolt and Model 3 will be synergistic. The (presumed) success of each will validate the other, and their combined success will build a viable and growing market segment of mass-market BEVs.
That doesn't mean it's going to be a love-fest between Tesla and GM, though. There's still the matter of. . . pride. Both of these companies have a lot to be proud of. GM is one of the biggest car makers in the world, with the most legendary history, inextricably intertwined with the culture of the USA, and they've accomplished much with the Volt. Tesla is a rock star among the staid automotive industry, crusading for electric vehicles, with a charismatic leader and the Apple-like aura of "technological disruption".
So, this is not the OK Corral. This is more like an olympic event. This is the BEV event at the olympics, and there's going to be a pedestal at the end with gold, silver and bronze medals. And you know, both GM and Tesla have their eyes on the gold. They both feel like it's within reach, and neither of them wants to settle for silver.
Bronze, I think, is somewhat up for grabs. Maybe Nissan? The only losers in this competition are the car makers who haven't invested in BEV powertrain technology. If Tesla wins this competition, GM won't be the loser. The loser will be Fiat-Chrysler. You have to play to win, man!