I thought that the introduction of regular production BEVs would spell the end of the limited production compliance cars for California and also in other states which sign onto the California regulations. I couldn't have been more wrong.
GM's Bolt has a dedicated production line and is sold nationwide, but lately it is proving to be the exception rather than the rule. BMW's i3 is available nationwide, but its sales have been low. BMW analyzed the situation and found that consumers tend not to buy vehicles which look like a college undergraduate's science project. In response to their findings, the next BEV from BMW will be through their Mini unit. People like some familiar styling and feel in their automotive purchases. Consumers also shy away from high price tags, so this newest electric Mini Cooper will sacrifice some range for a lower entry price. When it arrives in North America, the new electric Mini will be sold nationwide.
Other auto companies have cut way back on their BEV plans to concentrate on Europe. (The list includes Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, and VW.) Ford signed on with VW for electric vehicles and I don't know what Toyota is up to with BEVs, but they are investing in hydrogen fuel cells and plugin hybrids.
So, where does this leave FCA? Will the next generation 500 BEV cross the pond? If the Mini Cooper BEV proves to be a winner, maybe FCA will consider sending the Fiat 500 BEV our way. The fact remains that FCA will need a compliance car. Toluca, where the Fiat 500e was built, is starting to look pretty empty. We (non-insiders) don't know what is going in there. If Compass production remains in Mexico, will FCA build the PHEV version there? Will there be another compliance car from Toluca?