"By contrast, a modern Tesla Model S supercar has a battery pack which powers a single water-melon sized motor linked directly to its wheels. Engineering wise, its brilliant. Mechanical Engineering wise, its a huge loss of accumulated knowledge and craftsmanship."Electric cars are not just a motor and wheels. Other than the engine and drive train, they have all of the same mechanical systems a conventional car has: suspension, steering, brakes, air conditioning, air bags, crumple zones, aerodynamically designed exteriors, etc.