While waiting for the ER, I came across t
his Motortrend article about Ford's agreement with Rivian to produce the first pure EV Lincoln SUV. It is illustrative of the challenges - pointed out frequently by forum members - that traditional automakers face in the BEV transition. What left my mouth slightly agape was this explanation of the respective contributions of Ford and Rivian under their agreement (perhaps not news to others here):
Under the agreement, Rivian's chassis provides a full electric powertrain with battery pack, electric motors, suspension, axles, and other key components. Ford will design the entire "top hat"—or body and cabin—of the vehicle, but must ensure the electronic control unit, infotainment systems, and other electronics can play nice with Rivian's electrical architecture.
So the main value-add that Ford doesn't relinquish to Rivian looks to be software? But only software for the components in the "top hat". At least their sterling reputation as a nimble and innovative software powerhouse augurs success here...
This situation brings to mind the late Roman Empire as new enemies challenged imperial authority all along her periphery. Instead of responding with vigor and alacrity, the leadership in Rome decided to supplant tangible authority with abstract control by signing treaties with local warlords who agreed to defend territory from the barbarians in the name of Rome and under her nominal control. By following this policy of minimizing short-term pain, the Empire soon signed itself out of existence.
Not sure where Tesla fits in this analogy - maybe the Huns? And I suppose the Empire kept on trucking for a while longer in the East in the form of the Byzantines (maybe they're VW?).
Anyhow, antiquity aside, I can't believe how blindly these traditional OEMs seem to be marching to their own irrelevance.