This is where we need to push the EV car industry, to the same place as the PC industry. For some, they want an Apple; self contained, sealed, "works well (in their opinion)", fully integrated hardware/software black box, and is worth the cost for the convenience. For some we want the opposite; choose from hundreds of suppliers of components that follow a standard of connectivity, where savvy users/builders can build a custom machine to their exact specs. To address ELDee's comments, there would be strict requirements for safety equipment and performance; things like an airbag kit with sensors that is approved by NHTSA when installed to spec, would be required kit to get a license plate, in addition to minimum speed/accel and braking requirements for highway/autobahn use. This would mean that standard safety equipment would still be the domain of large manufacturers, and high performance suspension, tires etc. would still be very pricey items...but building a baseline, 180hp, 250 mile range, 4 seater including all required 100mph safety equipment (airbags/seatbelts/chairs, abs, laminated glass, crumple/impact modules, frame/battery protection, lighting) should still be theoretically cheaper than an "Apple" by a lot, and would be a unique creation suited to the builders cost/need/want specs. If I could add a little of my own work, know-how, and choices into an EV and bring the cost down to 15-20k I think that would make the EV adoption complete.
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