[Martinjlm]

Originally Posted by 90503

Isn't this whole calendar year/model year of a car becoming more and more a relic of the past? Given that cars, the 6thGen Camaro for example, is basically the same year after year, isn't the model year pretty much moot?
If they really have no changes, why worry about the model year? A one year newer car just doesn't have the wow factor of being that new anymore...Just sayin'...

A Z06 is something new, but when it was built is more interesting than what model year they attach it to...Does it really matter? EVs will likely be even more non-distinguishable year to year to year.

Rules for model year are set by NHTSA, so no it’s not moot. Change everything or change nothing, you still have to follow the rules for model year designation.

To be honest, in the short run, expect EVs to have MORE changes model year to model year. There are a few reasons for that.

1. Battery technology and electric drive technology continue to advance. Companies will need to stay current, so that will mean running changes in some areas. Even though Tesla Model S had few visual changes over the years, their battery configurations have change a lot. You used to be able to get a 65 kWh single motor car. Now I think the smallest battery configuration is 85 kWh and I think everything is at least dual motor. Even though Tesla made most of these changes on the fly, NHTSA still requires them to establish discreet model years.
2. Now that most automakers are trending towards skateboard platforms, the ability to change and add new top hats provides a lot of flexibility to make quick design changes and portfolio additions.

Eventually the horizon will settle out a bit and the rapid additions and changes to EVs should slow to a more normal pace.