Are Automakers MISSING The LITTLE Details That Make The Difference NEEDED In A Forward-thinking EV?

One of the things I love about AutoSpies is twofold:

Firstly, we have a relatively active batch of commenters. You may love/hate the users but there's one thing that's certain: The opinions held by our user base are strong.

Second, users have the opportunity to "vote" for comments they agree/disagree with. Every now and then there's a strong opinion that gets brutal feedback.

This happened recently when a user noted that the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQC had a rather large start/stop button on its dash, which rockreid pointed out: What are you starting, exactly? Then they noted that the traditional automakers are essentially archaic whereas Tesla takes a different approach that lacks a key fob. A Model 3 owner simply gets in the vehicle, which recognizes the app on your mobile phone or credit card key, and you simply just put the car in drive — off you go.

Here's the thing, Spies: I think many people got hung up on the fact he trashed the start/stop button. What the user, rockreid, was getting is straightforward: The usual suspects are still thinking traditionally when there should be a greater emphasis on innovation within these all-new, forward-thinking vehicles.

I don't think he's wrong. At all.

Another example is found with the displays being equipped in today's latest and greatest vehicles. Tesla's incredibly large monitors have connected with the market. Some automakers have recognized this and have done their best to mimic Tesla's move. Other automakers still are putting square, 8-inch monitors in their latest and greatest vehicles that feature fuzzy resolution that looks home in an early 2000s projector screen.

Where's the retina displays and fluid video graphics? You won't find that in today's Hyundais/Kias, Toyota/Lexus or Ford vehicles.

THINK: In Porsche's more hardcore vehicles like the Boxster Spyder and GT3 RS, the company ditches the door handles in favor of nylon door pulls and even the marque's logo is changed from an emblem to a sticker. Do either really save weight? No! It's merely done as a reminder that you're operating something different from the norm.

All that said, I've got to ask: Are the usual suspects MISSING the LITTLE details that make the difference NEEDED in a forward-thinking, EV? Do things like key fobs and displays matter to YOU?

SanJoseDriver - 9/11/2018 2:51:55 AM

-5 Boost

I won't miss the key fobs when they're gone and the lack of a button to turn the car on/off is something I always mention to people getting in a Tesla for the first time. It may seem like a small thing, but is a totally unnecessary step in an EV. You want to turn off the car? Step out and walk away... done.

EVisNow - 9/11/2018 3:12:17 AM

-6 Boost

I have less than 100% success rate with the phone as key feature on my Model 3 so the jury is still out on that although I know many owners are adamant that they now can't accept a substitute.

As for the large screen and the removal of the gauge cluster, my family and I have zero problem with it. All the fuss about distraction has subsided since the Model 3 became more popular and more people have first hand experience with it.

Another must-have from Tesla that other automakers stubbornly resist is OTA software update. It's inherently advantageous to both the consumers and the manufacturer to have this extremely cost effective method to improve the cars with minimal disruption to the owners. Also the concept that the car continues to improve after months and years in use seems so alien that only Tesla can pull it off.

SanJoseDriver - 9/12/2018 2:50:17 AM

-3 Boost

Hmm, which smartphone do you have? iPhone or Android?

MDarringer - 9/11/2018 8:13:05 AM

+8 Boost

So what happens if your phone dies or you misplace it?

xjug1987a - 9/11/2018 8:50:08 AM

+6 Boost

Or someone hacks your phone, then steals your car. Or unlocks your house and empties the place.... perhaps all this innovation is leaving folks vulnerable?

pdperry23 - 9/11/2018 11:51:32 AM

-2 Boost

What happens when your key fob dies or you misplace it? (Idiot!)

Vette71 - 9/11/2018 7:12:22 PM

+5 Boost

Key fob dies after a few years. And you get two. Well used phone needs charging several times a. week. Big difference.

MDarringer - 9/11/2018 7:48:29 PM

+4 Boost

I've literally never had a key fob fail.

xjug1987a - 9/11/2018 7:55:52 PM

+3 Boost

pdperry... act your age (23?) not your iq... talk about idiots...

SanJoseDriver - 9/12/2018 2:52:17 AM

-2 Boost

There is a credit card sized (literally) NFC key that you get with the Model 3. It can unlock and start the car, you just keep it in your wallet. They are also only $10 to replace if you lose them.

atc98092 - 9/11/2018 12:08:04 PM

+7 Boost

For me, I wouldn't want the car automatically powered up if I enter the car. I might be vacuuming it out, cleaning the windows, or just retrieving something from the glove box. I might be getting in the car, but waiting for a passenger, so don't need to whole system activated (and using power) until I'm ready to go. I'll stick with a start button.

But I do like the idea of a smart card. It takes less space (less bulky) than a fob, no battery to replace, and likely wouldn't be damaged by moisture. But, then you don't have a button to open a powered hatch from a distance. Trade-offs have to be made.

EVisNow - 9/11/2018 12:39:42 PM

-3 Boost

There is a "button" to turn off power if you want. Unless you do the vacuuming more often than you drive, it's a no brainer which should be the default setting.

SanJoseDriver - 9/12/2018 2:57:28 AM

-2 Boost

When the car is idle is uses like 1/1000th the power of when it is moving. The screen and sound system could run for a solid month 24x7, maybe longer. 30min with the door open and screen on will have 0 impact on battery. Also, wouldn't you want to listen to some music while vacuuming or cleaning the car? Really no reason to even turn it off completely.

TomM - 9/11/2018 12:31:55 PM

+3 Boost

So far - the biggest mistake manufacturers have made with Hybrids and EVs - is their styling - which has been so far off the beaten track as to be Weird.

If the Volt had been a more plain sedan - it would have sold a lot more units. Certainly there are people who would NEVER buy a prius as well.

MrEE - 9/11/2018 1:17:57 PM

-1 Boost

It is the cost of change that has kept the industry in it's rut. Only fear of falling behind has forced the Germans to "get off the pot". Plus most would rather let someone else take the risk and instead be a fast follower.

vdiv - 9/11/2018 7:15:40 PM

-2 Boost

Traditional automakers are missing the details, they are missing the integration, and they are missing the essence, what is important in a vehicle and what is frivolous. Tesla vehicles have a start/stop function, it is simply integrated in the rest of the vehicle operation. To "start" propulsion power one presses on the brake pedal before shifting into D or R. To "stop" propulsion power one puts the vehicle in Park and gets off the driver's seat. Climate is independent from propulsion, has its own electric compressor and controls. So do the body control, and the infotainment screens.