Major car brand to launch radical electric rival to Tesla’s Model 3 saloon with ‘thin’ design for the ‘joy of driving’
HONDA is set to reveal a rival electric car to Elon Musk’s Tesla Model 3 with a brand new design.
Part of a new 0 Series, the motor will have a “thin” design, playing into a new ethos on the “joy of driving”.
Seven 0 Series cars will have weight reduction and aerodynamic performance in mind when produced.
Honda is hoping to bring them to market by 2030.
With lightweight aluminium frames, the cars will undergo a process first started by Tesla – die-casting.
It brings down weight and costs in the car production.
Tesla revealed its new-look Model 3 in January, after it underwent an extensive upgrade.
First released in 2017, the new version is set to give drivers more freedom than ever with a record distance between required charges.
The car has gained a reputation as one of the world’s best-selling EVs, with over 2 million sent out.
Tesla also slashed the price from £42,000 to £39,990 even after the upgrade.
It involved changes to the tyres and a “chiselled” front end help to reduce road and wind noise.
Better seat ventilation and individual heating was also added to make it as comfy as possible.
Honda will have a challenge ahead if it hopes to match Tesla as one of the front running EV car providers.
After the Model 3 upgrade, only the Mercedes EQS and Fisker Ocean offer a higher range of mileage, and both for a much bigger price.
It turns out drivers can actually get sick from travelling in an EV.
Single-pedal driving, one of the most celebrated features of the cars, may turn out to cause one of the invention’s worst physical side effects.
As more drivers ditch their gas-guzzling cars for environmentally friendly EV options, the side effect of nausea has been noticed, according to ABC News.
“[EVs] can cause some people to get sick,” John Voelcker, a former editor of Green Car Reports and a contributing editor at Car and Driver, told the news station.
“Strong regenerative braking, which recaptures max energy, can cause motion sickness. There is a learning curve to lifting off the accelerator in an EV… you have to modulate it.”
Voelcker admitted that he had felt queasy himself at least twice while riding in the back of a Tesla.
Why aren't people buying EVs?
AS OF January, many EV makers reported slow demand. Reuters said there are a few valid reasons for a slow in demand:
- High initial costs. Many automakers, like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford have conducted “price slashes” on their flagship EVs to attract new buyers, though demand remains slow.
- Higher insurance costs. Some insurance companies cite fire risks, high costs of battery replacement, and higher vehicle weight as reasons for higher premiums.
- Charging anxiety. A large percentage of people remain fearful of being in a situation where they won’t be able to charge if they run out of battery due to a lack of infrastructure.
- Range anxiety. In many instances, EVs still don’t have the range and infrastructure of gas-powered vehicles.
- Poor performance in extreme temperatures. Reduced range in extremely hot or cold weather makes potential buyers wary.