When BRP / Can Am does introduce an electric version of the Spyder, seeing what technology they utilize will be an indicator of what we might expect from the vehicle.
Granted, the Gen 3 RT series is a larger overall chassis and bodywork platform than the Gen 1 and Gen 2. This can allow for grafting in electric drive components, and keep the weight low, with good front to rear weight bias. My curiosity will be how they couple the motor to the drive wheels. Will BRP retain a central mounted drive motor, or design and incorporate a modern technology electric motor as part of the rear wheel, or as part of all three wheels?
Utilizing three smaller drive motors, one per wheel, each with regenerative capability, would or could improve overall vehicle handling, safety and with front wheels pulling, assisting the rear, acceleration, cornering, and even braking can be improved.
As many folks understand, even as simply as comparing EV performance to a cordless drill, battery technology is one portion of the performance output. As battery capacity increases, provided adequate discharge rates can be exploited, that allows for improved higher output from the motor. Comparing to the cordless drill, years ago, when the first cordless tools arrived, the motors were brushed type, with primitive speed controls and NiCd batteries. Many of us found the convenience of a cordless tool handy. At the time though, the cordless tools had the disadvantages, compared to there plug it in counterpart's, of short battery life until discharged, and often barely enough torque / power from the motor, along with a two step switch / speed control.
Now, with technology, we have moved away from those early NiCd batteries, thru the NiMh battery era, into the latest battery types. As battery performance improved, the motor types have improved, voltages of the operating systems have gone from 6 volt, to 7.2 volt, of early types, to the point where some tools are now approaching 50 volts. Battery capacity has increased, safe discharge rates are improved, and recharge times are a fraction of what we first accepted, plus the batteries are much lighter weight.
Telephone technology is similar. Was not that long ago when we had phones that were wired to the phone system, you rotated the dial to enter the number being called, later came push buttons, and now these days, cell phones dominate compared to old school wired phones.
Will an electric version of the Spyder succeed or fail? My guess is that those of us that grew up on gasoline powered vehicles will eventually pass away, and with that, the newer generations behind us will embrace newer technology as rapidly as it is released.
Will the newest technology always be best, or last for eternity? No, change happens. When you consider, the gasoline engine, now maybe about 140 years old, has gone from large displacement, low power output make / break type engine designs to run early 1900s equipment, then became refined for early automobiles, to the high output, fuel efficient engines of today, it becomes obvious that technology happens.
Consider that the steam engine, and even steam engine powered cars competed for acceptance and survival, when gasoline powered cars arrived. Fast forward, and EV type machines are competing against gasoline powered cars. Recall it was not that long ago, when Toyota released the Prius. Certainly no high performance machine compared to EV offered now.
As for how the politics manipulate, subsidize and somewhat force things upon us, be it EV, TSA, Covid Vaccines or whatever, those antics have gone on forever. Again that will not change, and is wasted breath to discuss.
Regarding environmental impacts, we shall never know, but if we asked the early inventors of internal combustion engines, and showed them the modern day concerns of pollution, and environmental drawbacks to obtain raw materials and produce fuels, would those same inventors still have gone forward. They probably would have gone forward since they were improving things away from external combustion engines that heated water to steam, by burning coal or wood.
Whether we embrace or loathe new technology, typically it is unavoidable.
Last month, we got our first hybrid vehicle. Not a plug in, or electric only, but a gasoline burning hybrid. So far, it is a very nice vehicle, smart beyond compare, efficient, powerful and more. Durability and enjoyment over time will be a factor. Simply time will tell.
Not to be fully onboard for electrics though, I still have two stroke motorcycles and lawn equipment, a non ethanol gasoline powered lawn mower, my 2010 Tacoma and the 99 Ford van with that 5.4 litre V8.
If I was asked back in the 1980s or even 1990s if electric cars would be common, my answer would have been a solid no. My greater fear today though, and knowing it is well in development, is electric aircraft, including electric airliners.
Have fun, avoid political talk so you avoid those bancations.
