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Of course not.
Clearly there was research, but I think there was next to no appetite prior to Tesla.
Look at how much money was plowed into green diesel by VAG and others. Had it not been for the emissions rigging scandle diesel would have taken a hold in the US - one of the largest car markets. Without that scandle and Tesla I don't think EVs would be where they are today.
The Prius was realsed at the end of the 90s and imo until Tesla was the model for EVs - and still is for many cars.
hugo7
Do you really think the rest of the auto industry was doing no research into electric vehicles? He just appears to be a great self publicist who took someone else’s business and made a big noise. He did not invent the electric car and didn’t make the batteries that power them. It’s not like the rest of the auto industry was 20 years behind him.
Somehow he appeals to incel weirdos and has made a slightly greener version of the car attractive to people who would otherwise be likely climate change deniers.