Let's talk Tesla again.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Wow... What a stupid outcome. Proof positive that bureaucratic regulation just stifles any innovation.

First I've heard of this too. I guess BMW forgot to line the pockets of those regulator bureaucrats. Curious how many of those CA reg's have stock in Tesla.

In the big picture its unfortunate. Many other brands are close to offering similar designs but they might rethink and not feel its worthwhile and 'pull the plug'.

How will this affect the future thinking buyers for the 2015 Toyota fuel-cell vehicles?
The state has already approved $200 million in funding to build about 20 stations by 2015, and a total of 40 by the year after that.

Read more: Toyota shows off Fuel Cell Vehicle, will be on sale in 2015 | CES 2014: Car Tech - CNET Blogs

[jyl]

Maybe then BMW will increase the ICE fuel tank size to a useful capacity and program it to come on before the battery is 5%. They deliberately restricted the car's functionality to get approval, most of the reviews complain about this, now they are free to make it a better car. I wonder if they left room in the packaging for a few extra gallons and if the firmware can be easily upgraded?

Edit: the Euro version has a larger fuel tank so that's one thing that can likely be fixed pretty quickly.

[coldstart]

The requirement for "white" carpool/HOV lane stickers was the car needed to be a pure electric. BMW did not meet that requirement. It isn't "bureaucratic regulation"; the BMW i3 did not meet the requirement.

Tesla is an interesting phenomena. I really like the Model S sedan but its stock is overvalued.

[cockerpunk]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I believe these would be the relevant facts at hand. I would have an easier time supporting the Volt as a experiment in new technology if I weren't paying for it. Honda didn't ask the government to fund its experiment with the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

I can go buy a practical, simple, reasonably fun to drive Mazda3/Ford Focus/Hyundai Elantra for under $20k that gets 33+ MPG. Or I could spend twice as much (after tax credit) for a complicated, equally practical, and distinctly not fun Chevy Volt that gets about the same MPG. Tell me again why the Volt makes sense. I'm not a big Prius fan, but at least they get better MPG and don't cost much more.

ah, both toyota and honda have taken both US government, and Japan government monies to develop hybrid, electric and fuel cell cars.