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      01-22-2021, 11:55 AM   #10
David70
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Drives: 06 Z4M Coupe - 13 Cadillac ATS
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ted99 View Post
What are the compromises of using an adapted ICE-capable platform over a dedicated platform? A dedicated EV platform generally offers the following:

1) Longer wheelbase for a given overall length giving a better ride over lousy roads.
2) More interior space for a given overall length because of cab-forward design and lack of a center tunnel.
3) "Probably" lower weight.

What are the advantages of using an ICE-capable platform over a dedicated EV platform?

1) Possibly lower cost as the platform can be amortized over a larger production run and no need to tool up a completely different production line.
2) The EV's look more "normal" in their proportions. This could be an advantage in the early days of EV adoption for the general buying public.

Early adopters of electric propulsion technology actually welcomed looking "different". Until the general public realizes the greater space efficiency of the EV-specific platform and it's "cab-forward" look, a more traditional look may be an advantage. Remember how VHS won over technically superior BetaMax for entirely non-technical reasons.

Whether intentional, or the result of having current management make lemon-aid out of lemons left by previous Board decisions, BMW may actually fare well in the transition period with these compromised platforms because it's products look so conventional (grills excepted).
If you design a new EV platform you can make the car look like whatever you want. Only reason Tesla's or whatever looks different is that is what they decided to design and build. Only reason to use an existing platform for an EV is cost and I think every Engineer would say EV's are so different than the ICE that to optimize it the best thing is to start over.

With the benefit of cost using the existing platform I think BMW will struggle as "value" isn't what they are good at and cross shopping EV's, this will put BMW at a disadvantage.

Honda/Acura went the other route and is using the GM platform

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...da%20vehicles.

Quote:
This report lines up with official news out of Honda and GM that the two automakers would team up to build two electric vehicles and the first would go on sale in 2024. In both of these instances, it's likely that, as noted by Honda back when the partnership was announced, Honda will design the vehicles and the Ultium battery platform powering them will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character.
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2006 Z4M Coupe - Stromung exhaust, ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete

Last edited by David70; 01-22-2021 at 12:18 PM..
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