Some understand that battery technology is key to controlling or at least shaping our energy future and that vehicles are only the wrapper around the candy. Harnessing electric energy is complicated and implies different variables based on the purpose. EVs for example require low weight, high density batteries with high cycle count in order to attain at least parity with traditional gasoline engines. The goal is to drive long distances, recharge as quickly as possible and offer a battery solution that will consistently hold its charge for many years. The solution also must be cost competitive. Yet, EV development is moving at a faster pace than expected only a few short years ago, and Tesla may even announce a sub $100/kW battery at its Battery Day event on September 22nd. But others are also working hard, not only to compete in the vehicle manufacturing sector, but more broadly -and far more lucrative- battery technology sector. See below Mercedes-Benz city bus first to production with solid-state batteries. https://flip.it/1S2VhQ
Batteries are still basically crap, decades or work and billions of investment and we haven't got much. 50 years ago we were supposed to be on Mars and have flying cars. NASA at present doesn't even have a rocket to get men into space. Go to the big Las Vegas Comdex show and the star will probably be yet another TV. Point being is that technology is hardly moving at the pace it was 50 years ago (medical tech though is moving at a very fast pace). As for batteries, how come there isn't a shirt/coat that cools or heats, all powered by a battery weighing 1lb, and lasts all day? They can't even do that and that's not asking too much is it?
Let's just all watch TSLA's battery day next week and/or follow their latest patent work .. like us2020/0144676
EV is not only about batteries. Tesla is competing on technology and value. I’ve read an article about German and Japanese companies lamenting that even if they can have a better battery, they’re many years behind in tech that powers Teslas. Another article talked about how Tesla continually upgrades their cars for free, while other car companies only look for ways to extract more money out of you over time, by selling you all kinds of maintenance, parts and services. They may not even survive if you simply buy their car and never contact them again.
You may want to watch this webcast to get the current point of view of the semiconductor provider for these EVs: https://investors.nxp.com/events/event-details/nxp-teach-series-bmselectrification No actual names of car manufacturers are mentioned, but if you read between the lines you know who is intended. For future readers of this post: I'm not sure how long this webcast will remain available online.