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OT: Electric vehicles

Refined my ass. A $130k for a model S is not nearly as refined as a $130k Benz
Someone should have told the article’s author that starting off so defensively is a terrible approach that fails to persuade and mostly just highlights the author’s insecurity about his/her purchase decision.
 
I'm not going to copy-paste the entire article, but there are a number of interesting points made. Here are a few:

1. Why do I want an electric vehicle?

Remember flip phones, fax machines and dial-up modems? You want an electric vehicle because they are generationally improved products: quieter, quicker, more refined, more efficient, offering superior vehicle dynamics, less maintenance and lower per-mile operating costs. For the millions of American commuters able to charge at home, overnight, EVs will be cheaper and more convenient. For them, recharging could take seconds a week, the time it takes to plug in before you go in the house at night. For them per-mile costs will be measured in pennies, not quarters. In one survey, four out of five new-car buyers can charge at home. You want one because EVs are better for the environment. According to the U.S. EPA, the average EV produces about two-thirds fewer emissions than an IC car in a well-to-wheel analysis, which counts emissions from producing/delivering either fuel or electricity. On a life-cycle basis—including end of use—an EV’s total emissions are less than half that of a comparable gas-powered vehicle. You want one because the preponderance of the auto industry’s genius is laser-focused on making EVs progressively more awesome while combustion technology is about as good as it will ever get. If you say it’s good enough, I have a question for you: What are you smoking?



5. What if I want a Tesla?​

Pull the trigger. The cars are awesome. Thanks to the company’s ever-growing network of fast-charging stations you can go where you like and live where you like. It certainly helps that long-range Teslas can go more than 300 miles between charges and recuperate 162 miles in 15 minutes. In a word, practical.



11. What about plug-in hybrids?​

I’m not a fan, except in Ferraris. Designed to operate for short distances in EV mode and then, as necessary, engage the gas engine, PHEVs were intended to be transitional products, literally bridging the distance between gas and electric range. In practice, PHEVs often serve power and performance, not efficiency. Some PHEVs can’t go 10 miles on electrons alone. The other issue is psychological. Studies show that PHEV users don’t plug them in very often, or at all. This negates the public good for which PHEV tax credits were awarded. Meanwhile, PHEVs have the same maintenance needs as conventional IC cars.


13. Bonus question: Is the current network of charging stations adequate?

... Anyone considering buying an EV will first want to know where to charge it. For most—about 80% of buyers in the U.S. in 2021—the answer is at home, typically overnight, or at a workplace garage. ...
Number 11 is so wrong. I've got 1,480 miles on the PHEV and only about 140 on gasoline. 26 of those 140 were driving home from the dealer since they never charged it. And most of the remaining gas miles is from me forcing to use up some gasoline. I still have the original gasoline in the car from the dealer and I may put in a fresh $5 worth in December.
This user plugs in either in the morning, evening before dark or both depending what I think I'll need that day or what I did use that day. Some days I don't need to plug in at all.

As far as maintenance goes, how often should I change the oil if I drive 600 miles a year on gasoline?
I sold my last ICE car in July with the original tires on after 5 1/2 years. Hell, I only took it to a car wash twice and washed myself twice during that time. Maybe put on 2 sets of wipers and did maybe 6 or 7 oil changes.
Also as I figure it right now I may only get about 1/3 of the tax credit using my last years 1040 and doing the math for the credit. Retired people don't make much taxable income and a PHEV would be a very good choice for those who only do short distance local driving.
 
"Remember flip phones, fax machines and dial-up modems?"
Hell, I remember party lines, 5081 cards and punched paper tape.
Also, cars without head rests, seat belts, air bags and mini spares.
And cars with ash trays, cigarette litters, shift on the column & clutches.
 
Seems like the WSJ article riled up the usual cast of EV naysayers. Too bad - the author is correct. ICE cars are yesterday's technology. EVs are the future.
Riled up? No. Cracked up? Oh yeah.

The author didn’t say what you just said. The insecure author did exactly what I said he did. It was obvious, so if you can’t see it, we cannot help you.
 
quick update on the F150 lighting. Most of you know I also bought an VW ID4 earlier this year. This is really a comparison between the two. They are very different cars so I will only discuss similar functions. First, let’s talk about the apps (Ford pass vs MyVW). A lot of functions are done through the apps. Ford pass is so much better than MyVW. Really disappointed with MyVW because its slow and doesn’t connect half the time. Second, one pedal driving/regenerative breaking. The Lighting is more sensitive and brings the vehicle to a complete stop. The VW is less sensitive and just slows down the vehicle. My personal preference is VW here. I find myself short of the stop signs or red lights in the Lighting often and have to apply gas again. Third, battery/range reporting. Ford does a much better job estimating range. VW can be wildly off based on hwy or city driving. Lastly, the complimentary charger. Ford‘s charger provides the option of 240v, VW doesn’t. The VW charger does provide a plug cover and Ford doesn’t. This makes a difference if you do outdoor charging.
 
quick update on the F150 lighting. Most of you know I also bought an VW ID4 earlier this year. This is really a comparison between the two. They are very different cars so I will only discuss similar functions. First, let’s talk about the apps (Ford pass vs MyVW). A lot of functions are done through the apps. Ford pass is so much better than MyVW. Really disappointed with MyVW because its slow and doesn’t connect half the time. Second, one pedal driving/regenerative breaking. The Lighting is more sensitive and brings the vehicle to a complete stop. The VW is less sensitive and just slows down the vehicle. My personal preference is VW here. I find myself short of the stop signs or red lights in the Lighting often and have to apply gas again. Third, battery/range reporting. Ford does a much better job estimating range. VW can be wildly off based on hwy or city driving. Lastly, the complimentary charger. Ford‘s charger provides the option of 240v, VW doesn’t. The VW charger does provide a plug cover and Ford doesn’t. This makes a difference if you do outdoor charging.
Neither vehicle has regen break settings?
 
quick update on the F150 lighting. Most of you know I also bought an VW ID4 earlier this year. This is really a comparison between the two. They are very different cars so I will only discuss similar functions. First, let’s talk about the apps (Ford pass vs MyVW). A lot of functions are done through the apps. Ford pass is so much better than MyVW. Really disappointed with MyVW because its slow and doesn’t connect half the time. Second, one pedal driving/regenerative breaking. The Lighting is more sensitive and brings the vehicle to a complete stop. The VW is less sensitive and just slows down the vehicle. My personal preference is VW here. I find myself short of the stop signs or red lights in the Lighting often and have to apply gas again. Third, battery/range reporting. Ford does a much better job estimating range. VW can be wildly off based on hwy or city driving. Lastly, the complimentary charger. Ford‘s charger provides the option of 240v, VW doesn’t. The VW charger does provide a plug cover and Ford doesn’t. This makes a difference if you do outdoor charging.
In my experience VW/Audi seemed (my last Audi was a 2018 Q5) behind the times in electronics interface/entertainment. Our kids' Mazda 3 had a slicker interface and mobile phone integration than the Audi Q5. Audi/VW builds a solid mechanical car, but they could use some help in other areas.
 
quick update on the F150 lighting. Most of you know I also bought an VW ID4 earlier this year. This is really a comparison between the two. They are very different cars so I will only discuss similar functions. First, let’s talk about the apps (Ford pass vs MyVW). A lot of functions are done through the apps. Ford pass is so much better than MyVW. Really disappointed with MyVW because its slow and doesn’t connect half the time. Second, one pedal driving/regenerative breaking. The Lighting is more sensitive and brings the vehicle to a complete stop. The VW is less sensitive and just slows down the vehicle. My personal preference is VW here. I find myself short of the stop signs or red lights in the Lighting often and have to apply gas again. Third, battery/range reporting. Ford does a much better job estimating range. VW can be wildly off based on hwy or city driving. Lastly, the complimentary charger. Ford‘s charger provides the option of 240v, VW doesn’t. The VW charger does provide a plug cover and Ford doesn’t. This makes a difference if you do outdoor charging.
There are a few things on the Ford Pass App I'd like to see added for PHEV's
Like on the front page the total # of miles on battery and total # of miles on gasoline.
And also MPG on gasoline.
In the Charge Logs The Est. distance added is always --MI. Never gives a number.
 
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50% range loss for 7,000 lb trailer for both Rivian and F150 Lightning.


People can make their own choices (not a huge difference IMO between EV and ICE-go ahead and scream "nearly double!!" I don't care):

"The F-150 Lightning was able to travel about 90 miles before needing a charge, but they didn't run it until it was completely dead. Efficiency came in at 0.7mi/kWh. Meanwhile, the GMC Sierra covered nearly 160 miles, and the dash display showed 8.9 mpg. It cost Tommy less than $30 to charge the Lightning, though it took a good amount of time. The gas truck used about $100 in fuel, but you can fill it up almost instantly."

 
I wonder how far the Silverado can tow. They claim a standard range of 400 miles. Has a fast charging battery too.
 
I'll buy a model of one of those and use it as a door stop. 🤣
My doorstop goes 0-60 before I even press the accelerator pedal and looks like a flying triangle. 😀

Each to their own, but what an ugly eyesore that “cyber” truck is. It’s screams “look at me (I have no sense of aesthetics whatsoever)“. How does a company that designs the Tesla Roadster also create such a thing?
 
It's going to be insanely popular. Not just because of the unique look, but wait till they reveal the final specs and features. And given Tesla's manufacturing expertise, it will become the best selling electric pick-up.
We shall see. It has been discussed here- the yoke and the wacky (IMO) design will turn off a lot of buyers. Don't know what the EV hierarchy is after Tesla, but would think Ford is up there, and wonder if Kia or Hyundai would introduce and EV pickup. Hyundai and Kia are doing a decent job with SUVs. Will also be curious about how the Rivian pickup is received. The video posted above (maybe by you?) compared the Rivian and the Lightning, and those reviewers liked the Rivian for a variety of reasons, but admitted that the F150 would likely appeal to pickup truck aficionados. That is where I think the Cybertruck may fall short in market penetration, but that is just speculation.
 
It's going to be insanely popular. Not just because of the unique look, but wait till they reveal the final specs and features. And given Tesla's manufacturing expertise, it will become the best selling electric pick-up.
Shall we list all the extremely ugly things in history that were insanely popular? We could start with slavery. Racism. Xenophobia. Greed. Acquisitiveness. Groupthink.
 
We shall see. It has been discussed here- the yoke and the wacky (IMO) design will turn off a lot of buyers. Don't know what the EV hierarchy is after Tesla, but would think Ford is up there, and wonder if Kia or Hyundai would introduce and EV pickup. Hyundai and Kia are doing a decent job with SUVs. Will also be curious about how the Rivian pickup is received. The video posted above (maybe by you?) compared the Rivian and the Lightning, and those reviewers liked the Rivian for a variety of reasons, but admitted that the F150 would likely appeal to pickup truck aficionados. That is where I think the Cybertruck may fall short in market penetration, but that is just speculation.
If you're looking for a traditional pickup, or working a job site, the Lightning.
If you want an off-road adventure vehicle, it's the R1T. There's some gray areas in there, but that's the gist from what I've seen/heard.

Cybertruck is designed for both + throw in the pop culture appeal that it will bring. Most important, the Cybertruck will be a profitable vehicle for Tesla. Their track record of profitability speaks for itself with industry leading margins.

I could go into a long rant about production, but it wouldn't be anything I haven't said in the past. In a nutshell, hoping EVs/Tesla would go away was the wrong strategy and the cost of sitting on their hands for years continues to be evident for legacy auto. Can they make some great EVs? Yes. Can they reach profitable volume production? There is no evidence to suggest they can.
 
If you're looking for a traditional pickup, or working a job site, the Lightning.
If you want an off-road adventure vehicle, it's the R1T. There's some gray areas in there, but that's the gist from what I've seen/heard.

Cybertruck is designed for both + throw in the pop culture appeal that it will bring. Most important, the Cybertruck will be a profitable vehicle for Tesla. Their track record of profitability speaks for itself with industry leading margins.

I could go into a long rant about production, but it wouldn't be anything I haven't said in the past. In a nutshell, hoping EVs/Tesla would go away was the wrong strategy and the cost of sitting on their hands for years continues to be evident for legacy auto. Can they make some great EVs? Yes. Can they reach profitable volume production? There is no evidence to suggest they can.
Has an updated price been revealed for the cybertruck?

For those that have been worried about when I get my Lightnining, according to the Norfolk Southern tracking system, it was in Harrisburg, PA at 2:30 this morning.
 
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For those that have been worried about when I get my Lightnining, according to the Norfolk Southern tracking system, it was in Harrisburg, PA at 2:30 this morning.
I’m excited for you. The wait and resulting anticipation with an ordered vehicle is a great experience.
 
I’m excited for you. The wait and resulting anticipation with an ordered vehicle is a great experience.
On the Lightning forum, which I have linked to before, it seems that the wait becomes more protracted the closer the vehicle moves to the dealership. My Lightning has made nice progress, but the delivery window is Nov. 6-12, which I am fine if I receive mine in that window. The delivery has been ahead of schedule for a lot of buyers though.
 
50% range loss for 7,000 lb trailer for both Rivian and F150 Lightning.


People can make their own choices (not a huge difference IMO between EV and ICE-go ahead and scream "nearly double!!" I don't care):

"The F-150 Lightning was able to travel about 90 miles before needing a charge, but they didn't run it until it was completely dead. Efficiency came in at 0.7mi/kWh. Meanwhile, the GMC Sierra covered nearly 160 miles, and the dash display showed 8.9 mpg. It cost Tommy less than $30 to charge the Lightning, though it took a good amount of time. The gas truck used about $100 in fuel, but you can fill it up almost instantly."

Wow, sounds like the F-150 Lighting is a POS. Tech still not there yet. No thanks!
 
Wow, sounds like the F-150 Lighting is a POS. Tech still not there yet. No thanks!
Similar range loss for ICE vehicle. Another swing and miss by you!! Many of us don't give a shat about towing. If towing something heavy a long distance matters, maybe an ICE vehicle with 8 mpg is for you.
 
Similar range loss for ICE vehicle. Another swing and miss by you!! Many of us don't give a shat about towing. If towing something heavy a long distance matters, maybe an ICE vehicle with 8 mpg is for you.
Enjoy your 90 mile range for towing. LOL! Wake me up when an EV Yukon Denali comes out with 420 HP, 400 mile range, and can fully refill in 5 mins.

Tech just not there yet.
 
Enjoy your 90 mile range for towing. LOL! Wake me up when an EV Yukon Denali comes out with 420 HP, 400 mile range, and can fully refill in 5 mins.

Tech just not there yet.
The EV Denali that is coming has like 750hp and 400 miles of range.
 
We shall see. It has been discussed here- the yoke and the wacky (IMO) design will turn off a lot of buyers. Don't know what the EV hierarchy is after Tesla, but would think Ford is up there, and wonder if Kia or Hyundai would introduce and EV pickup. Hyundai and Kia are doing a decent job with SUVs. Will also be curious about how the Rivian pickup is received. The video posted above (maybe by you?) compared the Rivian and the Lightning, and those reviewers liked the Rivian for a variety of reasons, but admitted that the F150 would likely appeal to pickup truck aficionados. That is where I think the Cybertruck may fall short in market penetration, but that is just speculation.

 
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Why do keep posting on the EV thread? Can you go back to arguing with your shadow?
LOL. I’ve contributed more useful and unbiased EV info here than you or the other Tesla sack gargler.

What’s even more ironically hilarious is that a couple of you Teslerati keep accusing others, with whom you disagree, of “being paid” when nobody in the thread behaves more like they’re being paid than y’all.

“How dare you call a Tesla product ugly, you meany Mildone.” 🤣
 
LOL. I’ve contributed more useful and unbiased EV info here than you or the other Tesla sack gargler.

What’s even more ironically hilarious is that a couple of you Teslerati keep accusing others, with whom you disagree, of “being paid” when nobody in the thread behaves more like they’re being paid than y’all.

“How dare you call a Tesla product ugly, you meany Mildone.” 🤣

You literally stopped adding anything new to this thread since around the 3rd page.
 
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Best guess for pure EV (chart is mixed with EV and Hybrid), and not sure why Volvo models s60 and XC60 are not listed? (but they are not pure EV):

Tesla: 390,814
Ford: 28,089
Hyundai: 19, 510
Kia: 17,564
Rivian: 12, 281
Nissan: 10,074
Polestar: 6,548
 
I know some are dubious about Rivian's chances of ever becoming profitable. While I'm not especially bullish, they do have a nice contract to build Amazon delivery vehicles.
 
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