Electric Vehicle Design Manifesto

This is an open design manifesto to all manufacturers of cars, trucks, and electric vehicles. Considering the current average transaction price of a new car in the US is over $50,000 we need manufacturers to design and produce cars that save owners money--both upfront at the purchase and downstream in operation.

Inexpensive Batteries

This is the most expensive part of the (electric) car. Automakers, embrace lower-cost lithium iron phosphate or sodium battery chemistries that can deliver savings today. Continue to develop other chemistries like solid-state, but don't rely on the home run--get on base by shaving $3,000-10,000 off each car by utilizing these alternative chemistries.

Cut the amount of batteries needed by delivering more efficient cars--smaller, more aerodynamic cars like the Tesla Model 3/Model Y or the Kia EV6 go a lot further on fewer batteries than some of their competitors. Fewer batteries and higher efficiency have a notable side benefit--they take less time and money to charge!

800-1000V Battery Architecture

This has an indirect effect on efficiency and costs and does, admittedly, add higher cost components to the design of the vehicle. However, 800-1000V architecture makes fast charging sessions more efficient and contribute to lower overall impacts to the grid which, in turn, results in less grid and transmission investments by utilities and therefore lower overall electricity costs for all.

Safety Systems

Stop padding the bottom line by adding software, electronics, and sensors for safety features that don't really work or save lives. Take a careful review of all systems like lane-keeping, crash avoidance, emergency braking, etc. and ensure all such features result in real differentiation and improvement vs no such feature.

In addition, stop electrifying things like door handles that simply make things more expensive and more expensive to repair. Some of these (e.g., electronically actuated doors) arguably make the care MORE dangerous when the 12V battery goes low or dies by rendering those doors and locks inoperable.

Software Architecture / Hardware Integration

Leverage best practices from Tesla and create a comprehensive software platform that can span multiple cars and car platforms. This software should provide low-level access to functions and systems within the car. Stop creating new software platforms for each generation of a car. This saves costs for all concerned and offers consumers a chance to maybe see a reduction in prices from their all-time highs. Develop the RIGHT platform ONCE and PERFECT IT as you continue to sell cars with it.

Self-Driving

Autonomous self-driving cars are a "holy grail" of the industry, but the only legitimate service out there offering true autonomy, Waymo, requires specially outfitted cars and EVEN THERE have been reluctant to move into areas with lots of inclement weather and snow (think Chicago, New York, Boston, etc.). While I think there is some value (safety, attention, and fatigue-wise) to drivers for the smart highway cruise control--point-to-point navigation where the driver is required to respond at a moment's notice is not a feasible system and certainly not one that is going to yield significant revenue or profit for automakers. For me, this is a "continue to develop but don't expect consumers to foot the bill for something that requires them to be free beta testers" type technology.

Vehicle to Load/Home/Grid

Drivers and owners are looking for ways to save money on the purchase and on the operation of their cars. Vehicle to load/home/grid (V2X) gives folks a chance to reduce costs by charging their vehicles at times of the day with lower costs, buffer their own consumption at home by using stored energy in their car (typically 2-7 days work of electricity for the average home), or even MAKE MONEY by selling electricity back to their utility. In addition to these direct savings, there are indirect savings available by reducing grid and transmission demand reducing utility investments and thus overall cost of producing and delivering electricity. Hyundai, GM, Ford, and even VW offer some level of vehicle-to-load/home/grid functionality today. There are even programs in New York, California, and other states that allow EV owners to take advantage of lower charging costs and revenue generation in the form of selling electricity to the utility. I want to stress that this is something every manufacturer should be rushing to do. Further, it offers THEM a chance to become distributed energy aggregators offering utilities virtual power plants and energy on demand. Truly a valuable thing. Just in case I haven't made the case clearly enough...

THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY FOR MANUFACTURERS TO SHAVE COSTS FOR BUYERS ON TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP BY OPENING WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON THEIR ENERGY. IT IS BETTER AND EASIER THAN SO-CALLED ROBOTAXI AUTONOMY THAT'S SUPPOSEDLY COMING ANY DAY NOW.

Now that you've made it to the end of my design manifesto, what do YOU think? Let me know in the comments below.