I present this here for those who believe that EVs, that is people movers, will tend to look like toasters over time.
And double duty! You can get to your work and have toast at the same time!
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It is simply the most efficient shape for an autonomous EV. Even Toyota gets it. https://www.motortrend.com/events/toyota-kayoibako-ev-concept-first-look-review-electric-van-2023-japan-mobility-show/
Once you don’t have to drive the car, the style won’t matter. Comfort and practicality will. No one cares what their Uber looks like. People will soon see their personal vehicles in the same utilitarian way they consider Ubers.
It will go like this. Toaster cars will first be robotaxis. People will like the space and amenities and wonder why their personal car can’t provide the same.
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People who care about style will care about style. Nobody wants to climb out of a rusty 1965 Pinto. Or a minivan.
Some won’t, of course, but maybe there’s a reason Hertz and Avis and all the rest only rent new cars, and the Rent-A-Wreck companies are an afterthought in the market.
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Sure, it is the most efficient in a world where the laws of physics are different. So maybe it is the most efficient to move people from baggage claim to long term parking (that is a bigger version called a bus). But not for driving any significant distance…or driving with just one or two people in the car.
Mike
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One might also note that shape may not be significant driving at 10 mph in rush hour, but may be different issue at 65 on the freeway to the airport.
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Huh? I love our Sienna! Holds 7 passengers, or 2 10’ kayaks, full sheets of plywood or drywall…what’s not to like? Happy to agree on the Pinto.
IP,
fighting tooth and nail to keep this amazing vehicle, that still looks pretty new even at 21
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Only to a point and not if it significantly compromises functionality. A Rolex watch is stylish, but still has the same basic form factor of a Timex. Autonomous cars will be the same.
If one isn’t driving, one no longer cares about acceleration, handling, horsepower. What matters is headroom, interior space, and comfort. What form factor maximizes interior space? A toaster on wheels.
If you are a passenger on a five hour road trip would you rather do so in the bucket seat of a sleek sports car or a swivel captains chair in a toaster van?
Batteries are improving so much that aerodynamics are not going to matter all that much.
You can order one here - 2025 VW ID. Buzz: The Electric Bus | Volkswagen
There was a promotional piece, passed off as “news”, on the CBS national news tonight. The “reporter” noted they cost $60-$70K, and asked the VW rep about that. The rep expressed total confidence that people will spend over 60 large, for the gimmicky little thing.
# delusion ## [noun]
*de·lu·sion di-ˈlü-zhən *
1 a : something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated
b psychology : a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary
Steve
I agree. Bought my first minivan in 1990 and have owned at least one continuously since then - until I moved up to a full size van a few years ago.
They’re far more versatile and useful than any SUV.
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