3 ms·

Internal combustion engines are complex but, to fix them, we have a century of knowledge and a mature ecosystem: parts distributors, aftermarket, shops, amateur

Internal combustion engines are complex but, to fix them, we have a century of knowledge and a mature ecosystem: parts distributors, aftermarket, shops, amateur mechanics, books, courses, you name it. I'm very hesitant to buy a hybrid that's so complex only highly specialized mechanics can repair them (specially certified mechanics at the dealership) and the repair ecosystem is 1% the size. If it wasn't unsafe I'd prefer a Willys jeep that I can fix myself with chewing gum.

hulitu 3y ago
The main issue is that car mechanics can only repair mechanical parts. Everything electric is above them.
WorldMaker 3y ago
Car shops have nearly as much existing knowledge repairing electronics. Most of what they need isn't "highly specialized" so much as "differently specialized". The biggest problem right now is that the training/retraining costs on those different specializations aren't current always economically worth it because overall EVs have fewer parts and need fewer maintenance cycles. That's likely going to be economic factors that will keep the repair ecosystem smaller in the long term, too. Not because the knowledge is "tougher" and "more certified" (existing work had certifications, too, just different ones), but because it is overall going to involve fewer supply chain "partners" and fewer, less frequent customers.
- user3939382 3y ago
  Your comment is valid for EVs but I’m commenting specifically on hybrids. The complexity I’m worried about comes from having both systems in the car.
  - WorldMaker 3y ago
    Fair enough. I think this is why hybrids are an evolutionary dead end in cars. GM said the era of the hybrid was already over when they discontinued the Volt in 2019, and I agree with that sentiment. They were a transition technology for a transition that is mostly already past and 2019 is a good enough death date for it to me. (I still drive a 2012 Volt myself, so I lived the transition. I would not recommend to anyone buying in 2023 a hybrid, and I expect my Volt may move on to a second owner for some time, but I would recommend an EV first to anyone that isn't the potential buyer for my car when it is time to sell.)

hulitu 3y ago

The main issue is that car mechanics can only repair mechanical parts. Everything electric is above them.

WorldMaker 3y ago

Car shops have nearly as much existing knowledge repairing electronics. Most of what they need isn't "highly specialized" so much as "differently specialized". The biggest problem right now is that the training/retraining costs on those different specializations aren't current always economically worth it because overall EVs have fewer parts and need fewer maintenance cycles. That's likely going to be economic factors that will keep the repair ecosystem smaller in the long term, too. Not because the knowledge is "tougher" and "more certified" (existing work had certifications, too, just different ones), but because it is overall going to involve fewer supply chain "partners" and fewer, less frequent customers.

user3939382 3y ago
Your comment is valid for EVs but I’m commenting specifically on hybrids. The complexity I’m worried about comes from having both systems in the car.
- WorldMaker 3y ago
  Fair enough. I think this is why hybrids are an evolutionary dead end in cars. GM said the era of the hybrid was already over when they discontinued the Volt in 2019, and I agree with that sentiment. They were a transition technology for a transition that is mostly already past and 2019 is a good enough death date for it to me. (I still drive a 2012 Volt myself, so I lived the transition. I would not recommend to anyone buying in 2023 a hybrid, and I expect my Volt may move on to a second owner for some time, but I would recommend an EV first to anyone that isn't the potential buyer for my car when it is time to sell.)