Well, the Tesla Model 3 standard has about 3,000 cells (1400 less than long range), weighs about 300 lbs less than the long range, and only loses about 40 miles in range (272 to 312).
My argument is that the repeated statements about the statistics of driving say electric cars with lesser range should serve a large percentage of the driving public. Ergo, this would lend a standard range to be sufficient for persons who are average, some who are slightly above average, and all who are below average drivers in those statistics. If the government and companies want to force as many people as possible to electrify why not build more cars at a lower cost?
But I do agree, for those persons who are needing more range, a small engine (for example the Wankle going into Mazdas) are more effective as they only start when needed, and batteries can be reduced down much further to only meet the average drive. Taking the Model three above, if 2900 cells get you 282 miles and 4400 get you 315, then maybe 1000 cells get you 80 miles and the weight savings may be a wash, but it still meets the goal of reduced emissions which is why EVs are coming out in the first place (since engine should rarely be needed based in average usage).
Just thinking, not the expert. But with a APU in the Revolution, that may be what Ram is considering, build electric for the average commute and engine power to motors for long range and towing.
