This is the kind of thing that is definitely convenient. But absolutely not needed. Electric/ electonic door locks is an added complexity. Or is it? You certainly don't need a mechanical key lock mechanism and a electronic mechanism. The problem with an electronic device is I think failure with the device. But maybe I'm overthinking this.
Some kind of central door locking is convenient of course, when letting passengers in. But it need not be so complex and interlaced with so many things. I don't need the locking system to tell me when it's ok to lock and unlock, with the doors locking automatically when I go, and sometimes relocking when I step out of the car and forget to switch the system all the way off (some cars will lock you out if you exit with the keys in the ignition, even when running!). I used to have some cars that had central locks, of the sort that would unlock all the doors when you turned the key twice, or had a button you could push once you'd unlocked the driver's door. My old Mercedes had vacuum locks that did this with no electricity at all.
You're absolutely right that it doesn't. In fact electronic switches can be extremely simple. Cars today are loaded with them
Makes sense. I recently replaced a broken power window motor. It was like $40 brand new and that included all the parts needed to move the window up and down. I searched also for crank mechanisms. They were to my surprise going for as much as $120. They were heavier and more complex too.
No. That is stupid. I carry a keycard and my phone. It is very foolish to rely on a phone to gain entry into a vehicle.
Though of course those features are not specific to EVs, but modern cars in general. One of the factors in replacing my last car, a diesel, with an EV was that it had some sensors fail, which were expensive to replace. Nothing wrong with the basic mechanism of the vehicle itself, just the sensors which were monitoring it. It also had most of the features you mention, keyless entry, automatic locking doors, etc.
Totally! In fact I think there are probably more with gasoline cars. Computer controlled fuel injectors, Mass airflow sensor, Oxygen sensor, coolant temperature, sensor, manifold air pressure sensor, throttle position sensor, camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, two transmission sensors, vehicle speed sensor, spark knock sensor, fuel temperature sensor, oil pressure sensor, brake sensor and at least two dozen more.
Just guessing.
IMO a hybrid is like a driver from 1910 having a horse on board just in case.
