GRA said:
we're only now moving into the era where affordable BEVs that will (likely) be acceptable to mainstream consumers will soon (well, Tesla-soon) arrive.
I am impressed by what I've seen of the upcoming Chevy Bolt, with its announced 60 kWh battery and price not terribly higher than what we paid for our 2011 LEAF. The Bolt won't have the Supercharging network or upscale appeal of the Tesla Model 3, but if the Model 3 ends up significantly delayed or more expensive than promised, then the Bolt may end up selling well.
Still, the Bolt represents no more than incremental progress, as most consumers will likely eschew it in favor of much cheaper ICE models. (Remember the LEAF vs. Versa comparisons?) For this reason, I think Tesla's approach of starting at the top of the market and working their way down, while marketing electric drivetrains as a "premium" feature, makes the most sense.