In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Small EVs wont flourish in our market!
- Was is folly to open a TFL bureau in Southern California?
The first question comes from a rather irritated reader who thinks that small EVs will be a failure in the United States.
Q: (ViaTwittwr/X @NathanAdlen): Nathan Small EVs are finished in America!
I said it before and now I see that small EVs like the Nissan Leaf you guys got is going to be discontinued in America soon. Same goes for the Chevy Bolt and that Mitsubishi (i-MiEV) bucket of bolts and the (BMW) i3 and so on. My point is that not any American I know wants a small car and especially one that’s electric. It’s like kryptonite for most people and they won’t sell any in the south.
I live in Tennessee and I rarely see smaller electric car and that’s because no one wants them.
Nathan, I am not trying to be a jerk about this and I don’t wanna appear rude to you and the guys. I appreciate that you answered my question But I have to call out this idiocy because people are delusional.
– Seedy78
A: Thanks for the message, but I think you’re a little off target.
Sure, many EVs have been discontinued, but so many gas vehicles have as well. In addition, while it’s true that the Nissan Leaf will stop production soon, it simply going to be replaced by a more modern EV. It might even be called “Leaf.” While nothing’s confirmed, it’s looking pretty likely.
I used your message today because you mentioned something that was recently on my mind, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Odd thing about that EV, it was somewhat revolutionary in its design as it (overseas) was able to be a gas or all-electric vehicle with minimal fuss for the automaker. In many ways, it opened the door for other automakers to visualize multiple powertrains in a modern car.
I also kind of liked the way it was designed. In fact: I drove one way back before it officially came to the United States at a driving event in Fontana, CA. It was right hand drive, and I was fascinated by it. Some people idolized these cars, others vilified it. I thought it was interesting, but it couldn’t match the Nissan Leaf.
As for the future: while you’re correct about some cars being cancelled, like the Bolt, you missed something important. You neglected to mention that the Bolt will be making a comeback sometime next year. In addition, Nissan and Mitsubishi are teaming up to build more EVs and electrically assisted vehicles.
I caught a glimpse of the CA-MiEV concept (pictured), and it looks like a cross between an older Prius and some sort of futuristic tiny hatchback. Color me interested, especially given Mitsubishi and Nissan’s recent announcements, and possible larger partnerships.
I thought this little Mitsubishi was interesting, so here’s what the automaker said about the CA-MiEV concept.
“The sophisticated design aesthetic of the Mitsubishi Concept CA-MiEV is a bold leap into the future. Its supple yet vigorous exterior catches the eye while serving as a canvas to express the advanced next-gen EV technologies embedded beneath its sleek surface. The highly efficient next-gen EV powertrain includes lightweight components in an integrated electric motor, inverter, and charger module that help to reduce power losses. The vehicle is also equipped with a magnetic resonance wireless lithium-ion battery recharging. With its 28-kWh main drive lithium-ion battery pack and streamlined aerodynamics, this EV concept has a range of up to 185 miles. Advanced safety technologies like Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Mitigation are also incorporated into this handsome and futuristic EV, along with convenient features like remote-controlled air conditioning and battery recharging.”
Honestly, the little thing looks ready for production – AND – Mitsubishi needs something to take the place of the soon-to-be discontinued Mirage. Stay tuned!
– N
The last question comes from a fan who is displeased with my move to California.
Q: (RE: Nathan’s move to California)
I’m having a hard time believing that you’ve voluntarily moved back to California. I left here 10 years ago, and it was the best move I ever made. Nathan, I can’t stand the people or the traffic and especially the policies that make California the worst state in the nation. I mean, it’s utterly packed with homeless, hopeless people. Theft is crazy and so are the lenient cops.
Seems to me that you moved back to California under protest and are trying to make the most of it and I can understand that. You want to keep your job and you want to keep making fun videos. I really enjoy watching your stuff, But you’re to go back to California was a terrible one. I hope you come to your senses soon and move on from there.
Maybe work for somebody else who’s based in a state that you can actually enjoy safely. And I’m having a hell of a hard time believing that you can actually afford living out there. Last month I was out there visiting my mother and I had to pay almost $20 more every time I wanted to fill up my gas tank.
I hope you make the most of it and I hope you manage to live there safely and comfortably. I am a fan of TFL, but I am upset that you were pushed to move to such a terrible place.
– L. Seven
A: Hi there.
To be honest, I am a bit surprised that people are so annoyed with this decision. I see it in the comments of many of my new videos, and it’s a bit depressing.
Let me be clear: this move was my choice, and it involves my family (many of whom live here) and expanding this business. You know, I don’t just work for TFL Studios, and this is the place I think I need to be. In addition, I will agree that it’s extremely expensive, and we have to be more vigilant. This is part of the price we have to pay, but there is an upside.
Just remember: this is the place my family came from, and where I was raised. I think that my opportunities will increase by being here. I certainly will have unique opportunities with vehicles, press events and more – just by being here.
Oh, and the California beaches, events, food and coastal weather make me happy.
– N
p.s. Some of the roads here are epic too!
