-Why couldn’t you put heavy things in the bed if there were batteries hidden under it? If it were designed as a dedicated EV, there would be no problems with the structure or suspension. It would be designed to handle the load.

Except the Avalon is actually, you know, good. Sure, it’s completely bland visually, but underneath it’s actually very comfortable and has driving dynamics that you would NOT expect. It’s the car equivalent of that one forgettable guy who secretly has a huge python.

How exactly is dreadful handling, poor traction, a lack of structural rigidity, and a high center of gravity supposed to be an asset to a truck?

Hell, the benefits of of an electric truck are myriad, more than just the instant torque and lack of a gearbox. Let’s review the primary weaknesses of a pickup truck:

I’m talking about the truly dreary crossovers with base engines, your Chevy Equinoxes, Nissan Rogues, Mitsubishi Outlanders, Hyundai Konas, etcetera. And that’s not even counting abominations like the Spark Activ and other plastic-clad econoboxes masquerading as off-roaders.

Notice, however, that almost every single one of those was a luxury car, or the top trim engine choice. The overwhelming majority of crossovers are slo-o-o-ow.

I just plug my phone into the car’s speakers and put an audiobook on Speak Selection. But you gotta find the right voice, not stick with the shrill, tinny stock Siri or whatever. I let myself get pulled into the book by the dulcet tones of a robotic Australian with a voice that’s smooth like fake butter.

Meanwhile, crossovers are still languishing north of 10 seconds in many cases.

I think what they mean is “the first EV that competes directly against a mass-market ICE car of similar price.”

Urgh. This is such a shame, as the premise of a sentient car is still a compelling one. It just needs to be done right.

Tragically, the only way you can get something close to a CRX nowadays in terms of weight and power is by bolting a silly turbocharger to a Mitsubishi Mirage.

How exactly is the MS any different than a grand tourer as it currently exists? It’s big, luxurious, has a fancy suspension, and long range.

I certainly want nothing to do with modern performance BMWs and Mercedes. I want to drive to have fun, dammit, not get flung around by an engine that has power but no character. Flaws are important to the character of a car. That’s why I want a stick, even if it’s slower than a dual-clutch doohickey. I want to use it…

Just pointing out that whether or not the law is BS is irrelevant. They did the crime, they gotta do the time, just like everyone else. That’s the great thing about the rule of law—no exceptions for the rich and powerful. Ideally.

Don’t worry, there was still PLENTY of illegal activity, including a glorious rainbow of fraud, more than enough to make up for the fact that they weren’t looting vaults with big sacks that have green “$$$” painted on the side.

Atmospheric pollution actually does cause deaths. Various pollutants, particularly those from diesel soot and nitrogen compounds, are linked with many thousands of deaths every year in the US, from everything including asthma to various cancers. You can’t prove that a particular car is directly responsible, but you…

“The law is BS” is, thankfully, not a legally valid argument for breaking said law.

This is great. Score one for the rule of law. Now if only the bankers whose fraud and illegal gamble-fest caused the Great Recession would face similar censure and consequences.

They seem to be pursuing a multi-battery-lineup strategy. The downmarket Leafs (Leaves?) will get 30 or 40 kWh packs, suitable for between 100-150 miles, and the highest capacities are probably 60 kWh like the Bolt.

If they wanted to make a car with mass market appeal, they’d make the new Leaf less ugly (seems to be so far) and make sure it at least gets a much longer range and/or a much lower price (I’m not holding my breath). Instead they’re fiddling around with the cruise control.