This topic could get really complicated but my first thoughts are... what are the likes of Volvo, Saab (if the still exist) for northern Europe and contenders in the for North Canada/Alaska doing? These guys clearly have a more urgent/pressing need not only for weather challenges but they tend to be a little "greener" than the rest of the world.
Now for some fun stuff. So I hear/read (have not researched) that these EV vehicles have "technology" (water jackets, battery aircon, other tricks) up their sleeves to maximise battery life etc. plus other "tricks".
Now I guess many of us were thinking that compared to modern diesel engines a battery and electric motor has to be more reliable? I know the Peugot give an 8 year warranty on their EV batteries but what about all the surrounding tech? Heat pumps, coolers, chillers, heaters, regenerative brake and all those pesky CPUs that control these systems.
I think that in reality we are really looking at a vehicle market life of no more than 8 to 10 years and pretty much a net zero scrap value.
Motoring is going to become a completely new world, market and mind set.
I see Fiat have recently launched their hybrid 500 and Panda range. A good starting point in terms of vehicle size and expected use etc. I need to read up in more detail on the technical / warranty side.
Meanwhile with the ban on combustion vehicles rapidly approaching (just over 10 years for UK) will motor companies now push forward or hold back on hybrids and concentrate on maximising their combustion vehicle income whilst holding back on EV (but investing in EV R&D) so they can hit the ground in 10 years time with the latest and most reliable technology thus avoiding getting caught up in the changeover period where they are potentially vulnerable to all sorts of issues?