I think I'll start searching the web about EV, long daily commutes on the mainland and cross country treks.

I have a feeling it is a nightmare.

Hawaii not so bad.  We only go around in circles anyway.

fify

SNIP

Is it true that a battery replacement costs as much as a new car?

There are more parts on a gas car than an electrical car and more parts prone to wearing out on a gas car too. With electrical cars you pretty much have batteries, wires and electric motors for propulsion while a gas car you have so many more moving parts in the propulsions system that can all go wrong and be harder to replace.

There are more parts on a gas car than an electrical car and more parts prone to wearing out on a gas car too. With electrical cars you pretty much have batteries, wires and electric motors for propulsion while a gas car you have so many more moving parts in the propulsions system that can all go wrong and be harder to replace.

Most mechanics cannot work on an EV.  So it's harder to find competition to do it cheaper because you end up having to go to the maker.  So it's harder due to not as many available to fix your car.

Even with all the tech in modern cars, your older mechanics cannot run the diagnostic unless they purchased the very expensive sensor reader.  Nor do they have the equipment to re-calibrate the sensors.  So often they have to send it out to someone who does or the maker.  So it is slightly harder to replace parts, even something as simple as a bumper or side mirror.  I know some insurance claims adjusters who told me this.

There are more parts on a gas car than an electrical car and more parts prone to wearing out on a gas car too. With electrical cars you pretty much have batteries, wires and electric motors for propulsion while a gas car you have so many more moving parts in the propulsions system that can all go wrong and be harder to replace.

Obviously, you have never trouble shot a motor vehicle or boats electronics.
In the 60's and 70's it was super easy.
Then electronics and computers came along.

I helped a friend work on his 67 Camaro.  This was in 2000.  I was amazed at how little wiring there was. Pretty much like 5 wires in the entire engine bay.  And so much space, you could fit in the engine bay. You didn't have to remove 1 part to get to another either.

even the simplest of components on a Tesla run on a CAN.

Ford
Toyota
Mitsubishi
Porsche
Tesla
Chevy
GMC
Jaguar
Audi
Volvo
Honda
Nissan
Mazda
Mercedes
Volkswagon
Mini Cooper
Kia
Hyundai

... plus a few makers that I've never heard of before.
https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/g32463239/new-ev-models-us/

If everyone is developing competing EV designs, what are the odds the components, interoperability and functions are the same?

Imagine Kimo's Garage trying to diagnose, get parts, and repair all those brands and models.

Chrysler did one great thing IMO.  They introduced standardized parts programs for all their vehicles.  The door and window switches, radios, headlight controls, dash knobs and buttons, seatbelt buckles, and so on fit every make and model of every Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge vehicle after the year this began.  That reduced waits when ordering parts, reduced warehousing space, inventory numbers, and eliminated errors and confusion when buying parts for shops and consumers.  It also increased the number of vehicles at the junk yard that might have the parts someone needs.

Hopefully the EV sector can develop a standards "board" and make sure every car you buy isn't like switching between a MAC and Windows machine each time.

If the standard is based on the fitting of chargers into the car, then were screwed.