Since the V2 news dropped the Empire Drone team, to avoid causing more confusion, made the decision to remain silent and not join the fray. Since the dust has, somewhat, settled we think it's best to lay-out what dealers know. Especially now that folks are calling "conspiracy" between dealers and Autel.
Here are the order of events:
- 4/20/21 Smart Controller Pre-orders open to dealers. Pre-order window to close 5/7/21. We pre-order a ton because we know they are going to be a hit.
- 4/29/21 Spring Savings ("The Fire-sale") announced. Up to 30% savings. This announcement was a total surprise and had our team making quick updates before the sale started 5/3/21.
- 5/14/21 Spring Savings ("The Fire-sale") cancelled. It was supposed to run for weeks, and again this announcement caught us off guard. "The unfortunate delay comes as a result of the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips, which has impacted our production schedule and supply chain."
- 6/4/21 V2 Product Announcement via email from Autel. The news spreads like wildfire before we even get a chance to read the communication from Autel. Again, caught off guard.
And here's what we know about the systems as of right
now:
- EVO 2 V1 will work the SC V1, it will not work with SC V2
- EVO 2 V2 will work the SC V2, it will not work with SC V1
- LiveDeck will not work with EVO 2 V2, it will still work with EVO 2 V1
- EVO 2 V1 and V2 will be the exact same drone except for the chip and 2.4/5.8 frequencies. Batteries and all other accessories to remain the same.
- Along with no chips being available, there was no long-term future with the previous chip manufacturer. The old chip manufacturer was on the "entity list."
- The new chip manufacturer is not on the "entity list." This leads the way to NDAA compliance which is a huge deal for long-term competitiveness for Autel in the United States. Especially when many American bids and contracts require "non-covered" parts and components when using federal money. Anyone who works for the federal government, wins a federal contract job, or tries to procure drones with a federal grant knows what a PITA it is trying to use "Chinese" drones. You're left with the current crop of NDAA compliant drones which are no where near the capability of Autel (We would know, we represent most of the NDAA compliant drone manufactures).
- Fun fact. DJI Executives wake at night in a cold sweat when they dream of NDAA compliance, because they know they can never achieve this with their current tech roadmap.
In conclusion; dealers have, unfortunately, both been blind-sided by the manufacturer's announcements and now bear the brunt of customer dissatisfaction. Do we remain a firm Autel partner? Absolutely. They are one of the best partners we work with and make some great products with a bright future. Are we defending this move by Autel? Nope! As a dealer, we like consistency and the ability to plan. Can they make V1 and V2 play nice so this all goes way? No idea. Do we have crystal ball to know where all of this is going? Hell no, we are along for the ride just like you all.
That being said we'll keep doing our best to bring great tech to the market, and support you guys in every step of the way.