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According to https://cleantechnica.com/2018/02/26/can-tesla-learn-chevy-bolt-production-ramp/ https://cleantechnica.com/2018/02/26/can-tesla-learn-chevy-b..., T

by kjksf 9y ago

According to https://cleantechnica.com/2018/02/26/can-tesla-learn-chevy-bolt-production-ramp/ https://cleantechnica.com/2018/02/26/can-tesla-learn-chevy-b..., Tesla managed to build Tesla 3 faster and in greater volume that GM managed to build Chevy Bolt. Is that accurate? I don't know but I'm pretty sure manufacturing a completely new car in volume is challenging for any car company, including those that are 100 years old, have tons of money, existing factories and lots of employees.

mikeash 9y ago
It’s true but a bit pointless. GM isn’t building a lot of Bolts because there aren’t that many buyers for them. If demand suddenly spiked to a million cars a year, they could probably ramp up to meet that demand fairly quickly. Tesla is ramping up pretty quickly too, though. I think the main difference is that Tesla is being watched by everybody and they’re getting production cars out early. When GM takes some time to ramp up production, people mostly don’t notice or don’t care. For one example I was personally interested in, the plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s Outlander has had its US release delayed five years due to production constraints. I think it might finally be available, judging from their web site. I really wanted one back when it was supposed to come out in 2013, but in the intervening half decade I bout a Tesla, reserved another one, and no longer want to buy something that burns any gas.
- cmrdporcupine 9y ago
  Honestly, GM isn't building that many Bolts because they simply don't have the batteries for them. There's usually a waitlist for the ones they have. They sold every single one they manufactured last year.
  - mikeash 9y ago
    Really? I test drove one a few months ago and the dealer had three on the lot. Cars.com shows 47 currently available within 30 miles of my zip code in the DC suburbs.

by kjksf 9y ago

mikeash 9y ago

It’s true but a bit pointless. GM isn’t building a lot of Bolts because there aren’t that many buyers for them. If demand suddenly spiked to a million cars a year, they could probably ramp up to meet that demand fairly quickly. Tesla is ramping up pretty quickly too, though. I think the main difference is that Tesla is being watched by everybody and they’re getting production cars out early. When GM takes some time to ramp up production, people mostly don’t notice or don’t care. For one example I was personally interested in, the plug-in hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s Outlander has had its US release delayed five years due to production constraints. I think it might finally be available, judging from their web site. I really wanted one back when it was supposed to come out in 2013, but in the intervening half decade I bout a Tesla, reserved another one, and no longer want to buy something that burns any gas.

cmrdporcupine 9y ago
Honestly, GM isn't building that many Bolts because they simply don't have the batteries for them. There's usually a waitlist for the ones they have. They sold every single one they manufactured last year.
- mikeash 9y ago
  Really? I test drove one a few months ago and the dealer had three on the lot. Cars.com shows 47 currently available within 30 miles of my zip code in the DC suburbs.