Sandy Munro goes to the factory and is impressed. So was I watching what Kanoo is doing. They have something different and I am confident there will be demand.

Check out what is happening at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3Sj2jJmug8

The video is at https://youtu.be/WZe6X804wQI and is well worth watching -- even if you just want to think about how to run a successful business.

All that said, I would buy one if something reasonable was available. More vehicles that make sense to me (and for me) are appearing on the market. Here are the ones in that category.

• Ever since the BYD Dolphin was released in China I have been a fan. It would still be my first choice from those that are likely to become available here within the next year.
• A newcomer that looks really good is the MG Mulan. All of the reviews have been very positive.
• I would settle for a smaller car (such as the Wulan Hongguang Mini EV, Ora GoodCat and such if they ever make it to the world market.
• Finally, Tesla's not yet announced $25k vehicle (Model 2, Model A, ???) would be on my list if it hits the market.

The one thing I really want is Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. They can be fully discharged/charged without damage, last many more cycles than Lithium ternary batteries and they don't catch fire. All current BYD cars have them, the low-end Teslas as well and the low-end MG model.

If you haven't figured out why the Chevy Bolt isn't on my list, the answer is "LG". They used LG Lithium ternary batteries and many fires later they, um, still use them.

There are about 100 EV manufacturers in China. They come from the tiny and cheap WuLing mini EVs (and many competitors) to some seriously high-end models. BYD and Tesla actually make a profit on EVs but probably most other companies do not.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries amount to about 70% of the market in China. Tesla is using LFP batteries in its standard models but most non-Chinese manufacturers and still using Lithium ternary batteries. LFP is cheaper and last longer. Their disadvantage has been a lower energy density but they are catching up. CATL has recently introduced a new LFP battery that also uses magnesium that has a higher energy density with no increase in cost.

Stellantis and Toyota lead the naysayers with the Stellantis President saying that EVs cost and will continue to cost a lot more to produce than ICE vehicles. This makes no sense as there are way fewer parts in an EV. The only expensive part is the battery and battery technology continues to change at a rapid pace. The President of Volvo disagrees and Volvo will be introducing smaller EVs next year.

In non-Chinese markets there are mostly relatively large EVs in the market. But, that is starting to change. The BYD Dolphin is one example which is starting to be exported to Europe. Tesla has also announced that its new smaller EV (it doesn't have an announced name yet but let's call it the Model 2) will appear on the market in 2023. Their plans are to produce more of the Model 2 then all other models combined.

While you may not want a Dolphin or Model 2, their introduction is going to put further pressure for lower priced EVs. It's pretty close to the time when you can pick the price you are willing to pay for an EV and then wait to see what is available.

The US market is currently pretty interesting. The Chevy Bolt has been discounted to under $30,000 and, maybe, it now has batteries that don't catch fire. The downside is that it is an orphan. That is, GM has a new skateboard that is being used in all its newer vehicles but not the Bolt. But, if you are in the US and need a lower-priced EV now, it may be your best choice.

Bottom line is stay tuned. Things are changing rapidly.

• Maserati enters the EV space with the Gran Turismo Folgore EV. Three motors. Lots of power. If you want to own something close to a Tesla Model 3 for 5 times the price.
• Honda has announced its first electric SUV for 2024. As General Motors will build it, it sounds like a Chevy Blazer with different bumpers.
• Toyoda, President of Toyota motors continues to claim people don't want EVs.
• People continue to like the Hyundai Ionic 5 but availability continues to drop.
• BYD has, so far, decided to only sell the Dolphin in China. (Too bad as I would buy one.)
• On the high quality but really small circuit, the Microlino is pretty interesting. Very small, front open 2-seater. You can see a review by The Fully Charged Show.  Note that the reviewer is 6' 5" tall and he fits. On their web site they say it has "space for two adults and three beer crates". I like their attitude. Check them out at  https://microlino-car.com/en/microlino

There is more happening but this will give you the flavor of things.

I have never bought from them and have no relationship with them but they seem to offer a lot of interesting systems at what appear to be decent prices. (If I was in the U.S., I probably would have bought my last grid-tie system from them but with shipping costs and import issues I elected to buy it locally.)

If you are looking for solar options, they web site will at least show you some options.

The big question is whether it will be available outside of India.

The Feifan R7 is the best example I have seen so far. The Electric Viking reviews it and his review is worth a watch. The entry level model is for sale in China for less than $30,000 and includes a decent-sized battery pack and lots of state-of-the-art technology. Even if this is not the right car for you, it's price and features is going to force other players such as BYD to both keep prices down and add technology.

Hertz said they would buy those cars over the next five years. Deliveries will start in early 2023 with the Bolt EV and EUV.

If this happens, it's a good thing. Assuming that EVs really are nicer to drive, people renting an EV will get more people exposed to the EV experience.