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OT: Electric vehicles

From what I'm reading, the attempts to eliminate side-view mirrors and replace them with cameras has run into some roadblocks in terms of view quality. Basically, it's a great idea that seems problematic when driving over bumps or other irregular road surfaces.

I use my mirrors extensively when I drive. So any solution that inhibits my clear view of my surroundings ain't gonna fly with me.

And yeah, actually, it's possible that side-view mirrors can, in certain configurations w/certain cars, actually eliminate, or at least minimize, the loud and uncomfortable pressure buffeting that might otherwise occur when driving with the windows down.
If more people used their side view mirrors we have substantially
fewer accidents on the roads.
 
If more people used their side view mirrors we have substantially
fewer accidents on the roads.
Probably. Although they’d first have to learn how to set them up. Just about everyone has them angled in too much, where they can see the side of their car. So they don’t really see what’s in their blind spots in the rear view mirror. Angled correctly and you can’t see your car in them at all.

I suppose blind spot monitoring helps those folks. A little, at least.
 
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There was an auto exec on CNBC yesterday discussing the benefits of hybrid for short and long distance driving. Based on lack of a national charging network why not push hybrids and then see if in 10-20 years shift to all electric takes hold?
 
There was an auto exec on CNBC yesterday discussing the benefits of hybrid for short and long distance driving. Based on lack of a national charging network why not push hybrids and then see if in 10-20 years shift to all electric takes hold?
The legacy auto industry would love to delay BEVs as long as possible and return to the good old days.

Lack of national charging network? Says the auto exec. Be leery of the source of that claim. Charging infrastructure has been growing and will continue to do so.

I don't see the allure of hybrids. A tiny, insignificant battery, with all the hassles of owning an ICE. It's an ICE in disguise. See article below. I'm glad this is finally getting some attention.

"The International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) show that even the WLTP test is far from reality, particularly for hybrid cars, which rely on the combustion engine about twice as much as test results show."

"Emissions have still been falling every year, and that's a real success," Peter Mock, Europe managing director of the ICCT, said. "But the big problem is the hybrids - that's what's deceptive."

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...missions-test-hybrid-cars-sources-2022-02-04/
 
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Ran into a guy recently who had the first Maverick I have seen “in the wild.” The guy loved it. Got the basic hybrid like mine on order. He has put on 1,200 miles in two weeks ! 500 miles on one tank of gas. And only $20,000 !!! Parked next to my Chevy Colorado there was almost no size difference. Wish the bed was a bit bigger, but with all the bungee cords plus a tailgate that has various positions, I think I will be fine with the kayak.He turned it on for me and you can barely hear it. Back seat may have more room than mine. Love that you never have to plug it in or find a charging station. Has regenerative something or other which means you just drive and drive forever without worrying about max miles.I expect that by 2024 Ford will come out with other versions—half doors and two doors which will have longer beds. Since the electric Lightning already has 200,000 reservations, an electric Maverick and probably Ranger are coming.
 
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The legacy auto industry would love to delay BEVs as long as possible and return to the good old days.

Lack of national charging network? Says the auto exec. Be leery of the source of that claim. Charging infrastructure has been growing and will continue to do so.

I don't see the allure of hybrids. A tiny, insignificant battery, with all the hassles of owning an ICE. It's an ICE in disguise. See article below. I'm glad this is finally getting some attention.

"The International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) show that even the WLTP test is far from reality, particularly for hybrid cars, which rely on the combustion engine about twice as much as test results show."

"Emissions have still been falling every year, and that's a real success," Peter Mock, Europe managing director of the ICCT, said. "But the big problem is the hybrids - that's what's deceptive."

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...missions-test-hybrid-cars-sources-2022-02-04/
I would be wary of any story promoted by a "think tank" named the International Council for Clean transportation. Europe is trying to atone for their sins of Dieselgate, which was propagated by the huge VW conglomerate.

"The ICCT studies used actual emissions data from over 100,000 plug-in hybrids from sources like company car databases"

The article itself notes that company car drivers are not incentivized to charge the plug-in hybrid. :
"The real-world deviation is even higher for company cars, likely because drivers have less of an incentive to charge the vehicle - a cheaper option than refuelling."

IDK what the percentage of fleet cars and company cars are on the road vs. privately owned. Coincidentally, was talking with someone who was relating an experience with a local auto parts company that owns several local stores, and they have (or are) changed/changing their delivery fleet to hybrid because of the huge $ savings in fuel.

I think you overstate the "hassles" of owning an ICE vehicle. It really is not that big of a deal to go for an oil change/maintenance every 5-10K miles. Over time, it may even be less of a hassle then having to hunt for a charger and the extra time to charge vs. fill up with fuel.

The plug in hybrids that offer decent EV range are excellent options: such as Honda Clarity (48 miles), RAV4 (42 miles), Ford Escape (37 miles), Lexus NX450H+ (36 miles), and Hyundai Santa Fe (30 miles) are great options for those with commutes of 20-25 miles, which covers most of the round trip, and for some who want to run on all electric can top off at work or nearby (if charging exists). Of course, the benefit is not having to be tethered to a charging network and not having to deal with range anxiety if driving on a long trip. Best of both worlds.
 
Ran into a guy recently who had the first Maverick I have seen “in the wild.” The guy loved it. Got the basic hybrid like mine on order. He has put on 1,200 miles in two weeks ! 500 miles on one tank of gas. And only $20,000 !!! Parked next to my Chevy Colorado there was almost no size difference. Wish the bed was a bit bigger, but with all the bungee cords plus a tailgate that has various positions, I think I will be fine with the kayak.He turned it on for me and you can barely hear it. Back seat may have more room than mine. Love that you never have to plug it in or find a charging station. Has regenerative something or other which means you just drive and drive forever without worrying about max miles.I expect that by 2024 Ford will come out with other versions—half doors and two doors which will have longer beds. Since the electric Lightning already has 200,000 reservations, an electric Maverick and probably Ranger are coming.
Ford has been plagued with production delays on the Hybrid Mavericks. Very disappointing.
I have the Ecoboost version, because I wanted AWD, and the fuel mileage has been disappointing. Other than our trip to Florida, when we averaged 29 mpg, the winter blend of gasoline and cold weather around town mileage has been in the mid teens, which sucks. Partially wished I went for the hybrid, but still wanted the AWD for winter driving, and glad I got the Ecoboost. Things should continue to improve with hybrids and plug in hybrids.
 
Ford has been plagued with production delays on the Hybrid Mavericks. Very disappointing.
I have the Ecoboost version, because I wanted AWD, and the fuel mileage has been disappointing. Other than our trip to Florida, when we averaged 29 mpg, the winter blend of gasoline and cold weather around town mileage has been in the mid teens, which sucks. Partially wished I went for the hybrid, but still wanted the AWD for winter driving, and glad I got the Ecoboost. Things should continue to improve with hybrids and plug in hybrids.
Knightshift, you have a Maverick? If you don’t mind telling me, when did you order and when did you get delivery. I was well aware of the overwhelming demand when I ordered in October. The microchip shortages, truck driver shortages, other parts shortages, etc. are really hurting the car industry. You drive by any car dealer and all they have are used cars on the huge lots.People started ordering in June so I knew there were well over 100,000 ahead of me. Salesman was totally up front about telling me, at least May, maybe even August. I am in no rush so that is fine with me. I went with the hybrid, because in addition to only being $20,000 I wanted to rarely need gas with the current high gas prices. Plus my 2012 Chevy Colorado has 126,000 miles and I have never owned something this old with so many miles. I have done little to it in terms of repairs but I am just getting a little antsy about it.
 
Knightshift, you have a Maverick? If you don’t mind telling me, when did you order and when did you get delivery. I was well aware of the overwhelming demand when I ordered in October. The microchip shortages, truck driver shortages, other parts shortages, etc. are really hurting the car industry. You drive by any car dealer and all they have are used cars on the huge lots.People started ordering in June so I knew there were well over 100,000 ahead of me. Salesman was totally up front about telling me, at least May, maybe even August. I am in no rush so that is fine with me. I went with the hybrid, because in addition to only being $20,000 I wanted to rarely need gas with the current high gas prices. Plus my 2012 Chevy Colorado has 126,000 miles and I have never owned something this old with so many miles. I have done little to it in terms of repairs but I am just getting a little antsy about it.
Ordered in June, took delivery in early/mid December. Drove it to the Gator Bowl.

Here is a good thread/website to follow Maverick hybrid orders. And to your point above, the Maverick hybrid is not a plug-in, but relies on regenerative braking to recharge the hybrid motor.

 
Ordered in June, took delivery in early/mid December. Drove it to the Gator Bowl.

Here is a good thread/website to follow Maverick hybrid orders. And to your point above, the Maverick hybrid is not a plug-in, but relies on regenerative braking to recharge the hybrid motor.

I am on there lol. You drove to Florida right after you got . You must not have had much of a break period, although people don’t seem to ease in vehicles like they used to. I went with the Velocity Blue. Good to see car companies bringing color choices back. Seems like 90 percent of vehicles are black, white, or some shade of gray/silver.
 
I am on there lol. You drove to Florida right after you got . You must not have had much of a break period, although people don’t seem to ease in vehicles like they used to. I went with the Velocity Blue. Good to see car companies bringing color choices back. Seems like 90 percent of vehicles are black, white, or some shade of gray/silver.
Yes on the break in, but asked the dealer specifically, and they said no problem.
Good luck with the hybrid, when you get it. As you noted, the chip problem is not particular to Ford or the car industry. Overall, it should serve you well. Will say that I was disappointed I could not close the tailgate with the tonneau cover on the back with the front wheel off my mountain bike. Since no vehicles were available to test drive or view, I went with it. I will be OK with it for light hauling/firewood, etc.
 
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Yes on the break in, but asked the dealer specifically, and they said no problem.
Good luck with the hybrid, when you get it. As you noted, the chip problem is not particular to Ford or the car industry. Overall, it should serve you well. Will say that I was disappointed I could not close the tailgate with the tonneau cover on the back with the front wheel off my mountain bike. Since no vehicles were available to test drive or view, I went with it. I will be OK with it for light hauling/firewood, etc.
Just wrap a few bungee cords around the tires and hooks and it won’t go anywhere. I went with the drop in bedliner which is what I have currently. I have read that Ford is getting a lot of non-traditional truck buyers—buyers who have never owned a truck, ladies, folks in cities, people who are buying a Ford for the first time, and just average Joes who are thankful something is out there for $20,000. Best of luck with yours.
 
Yes on the break in, but asked the dealer specifically, and they said no problem.
I'm a bit too late with this advice in this case, but for the future...

Regardless of what your dealer may have told you, pretty much all cars/trucks/vehicles share some common break-in requirements. One of those requirements, unless purchasing a vehicle off the lot that has been test-driven a lot, is that it's generally not good to drive at the same speeds (same engine RPMs) for long periods of time prior to some manufacturer-defined break-in mileage period.

The break-in period isn't just for the engine, but also has to do with other moving parts throughout the vehicle. But the thing about long trips is probably mostly about the engine and can be mitigated by (a) keeping below a certain speed/rpm and (b) intentionally varying speeds so that the engine doesn't running at the same RPM for long periods of time. Cruise control, during the break-in period, is bad unless adjusting it constantly during the trip.

In my experience, the manufacturer is always a much more accurate resource of information for their vehicle's specific break-in needs than their dealers. Even mechanics working for dealerships may not actually have accurate information about it. Although it can be hard to get that information out of the manufacturer if it's not already published in their user manuals or shop manuals.

I said pretty much all because there are some vehicles where the engines are effectively broken in by the manufacturer prior to delivery. But the only cases I've heard about where this happens are high-end high-performance supercars. The vast majority of consumer cars require some break-in period.
 
I'm a bit too late with this advice in this case, but for the future...

Regardless of what your dealer may have told you, pretty much all cars/trucks/vehicles share some common break-in requirements. One of those requirements, unless purchasing a vehicle off the lot that has been test-driven a lot, is that it's generally not good to drive at the same speeds (same engine RPMs) for long periods of time prior to some manufacturer-defined break-in mileage period.

The break-in period isn't just for the engine, but also has to do with other moving parts throughout the vehicle. But the thing about long trips is probably mostly about the engine and can be mitigated by (a) keeping below a certain speed/rpm and (b) intentionally varying speeds so that the engine doesn't running at the same RPM for long periods of time. Cruise control, during the break-in period, is bad unless adjusting it constantly during the trip.

In my experience, the manufacturer is always a much more accurate resource of information for their vehicle's specific break-in needs than their dealers. Even mechanics working for dealerships may not actually have accurate information about it. Although it can be hard to get that information out of the manufacturer if it's not already published in their user manuals or shop manuals.

I said pretty much all because there are some vehicles where the engines are effectively broken in by the manufacturer prior to delivery. But the only cases I've heard about where this happens are high-end high-performance supercars. The vast majority of consumer cars require some break-in period.
Got a link for that?
Given the traffic and the break up in the trip to 2 parts, the constant speed was not a huge problem. We kept the speed max 70-75, which should not be a problem. Modern cars are hopefully engineered for these speeds. We already had close to 500 miles on the vehicle before the trip anyway.

This is straight from the Bronco owner's manual, put out by the manufacturer:

"For the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), Ford recommends you avoid driving at high speeds, braking heavy, shifting aggressively, or using your vehicle to tow."

Unfortunately, they do not define "high speeds."


Blogger's view:
 
I would be wary of any story promoted by a "think tank" named the International Council for Clean transportation. Europe is trying to atone for their sins of Dieselgate, which was propagated by the huge VW conglomerate.

"The ICCT studies used actual emissions data from over 100,000 plug-in hybrids from sources like company car databases"

The article itself notes that company car drivers are not incentivized to charge the plug-in hybrid. :
"The real-world deviation is even higher for company cars, likely because drivers have less of an incentive to charge the vehicle - a cheaper option than refuelling."

IDK what the percentage of fleet cars and company cars are on the road vs. privately owned. Coincidentally, was talking with someone who was relating an experience with a local auto parts company that owns several local stores, and they have (or are) changed/changing their delivery fleet to hybrid because of the huge $ savings in fuel.

I think you overstate the "hassles" of owning an ICE vehicle. It really is not that big of a deal to go for an oil change/maintenance every 5-10K miles. Over time, it may even be less of a hassle then having to hunt for a charger and the extra time to charge vs. fill up with fuel.

The plug in hybrids that offer decent EV range are excellent options: such as Honda Clarity (48 miles), RAV4 (42 miles), Ford Escape (37 miles), Lexus NX450H+ (36 miles), and Hyundai Santa Fe (30 miles) are great options for those with commutes of 20-25 miles, which covers most of the round trip, and for some who want to run on all electric can top off at work or nearby (if charging exists). Of course, the benefit is not having to be tethered to a charging network and not having to deal with range anxiety if driving on a long trip. Best of both worlds.
You never have to hunt for chargers. Your EV knows where they are. Range anxiety is only a thing for non-EV owners. I was there myself.

You're accustom to the hassles of ICE ownership, which is why you don't consider them hassles. It doesn't have to be that way. I guarantee you've spent more time at gas stations in the last 2 years then I've spent at charging stations. Don't forget cost of fuel, service, and maintenance associated with ICE. Very little, if any service for a BEV.

Hybrids cannot level 3 fast charge. Having to stop and wait for level 2 charging would indeed be a PIA, so I doubt a hybrid owner is going to wait 1+ hour for ~30 mi of range at a level 2 charger rather than just filling up at the pump. Also, not all hybrids are plug-in. All long distance travel/highway miles will be under the power of the ICE.
 
There was an auto exec on CNBC yesterday discussing the benefits of hybrid for short and long distance driving. Based on lack of a national charging network why not push hybrids and then see if in 10-20 years shift to all electric takes hold?

I do not understand the need for hybrids. EVs are far superior - and much simpler to build and so many less parts to maintain. In 10 or 20 years, EVs will a majority of vehicles on the road.

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You never have to hunt for chargers. Your EV knows where they are. Range anxiety is only a thing for non-EV owners. I was there myself.

You're accustom to the hassles of ICE ownership, which is why you don't consider them hassles. It doesn't have to be that way. I guarantee you've spent more time at gas stations in the last 2 years then I've spent at charging stations. Don't forget cost of fuel, service, and maintenance associated with ICE. Very little, if any service for a BEV.

Hybrids cannot level 3 fast charge. Having to stop and wait for level 2 charging would indeed be a PIA, so I doubt a hybrid owner is going to wait 1+ hour for ~30 mi of range at a level 2 charger rather than just filling up at the pump. Also, not all hybrids are plug-in. All long distance travel/highway miles will be under the power of the ICE.

I'll note this again - the single best thing about owning an EV means never going to a gas station.
 
Not a dig at Tesla specifically... but rather an indictment of self driving capabilites as they stand today

Autopilot does not stop for red lights or stop signs. Autopilot is an ADAS system designed for highway driving. Much like cruise-control.
This tragedy is the result of driver error.
 
Copy Tesla or else....


 
Got a link for that?
Given the traffic and the break up in the trip to 2 parts, the constant speed was not a huge problem. We kept the speed max 70-75, which should not be a problem. Modern cars are hopefully engineered for these speeds. We already had close to 500 miles on the vehicle before the trip anyway.

This is straight from the Bronco owner's manual, put out by the manufacturer:

"For the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), Ford recommends you avoid driving at high speeds, braking heavy, shifting aggressively, or using your vehicle to tow."

Unfortunately, they do not define "high speeds."


Blogger's view:
I don't have a specific link. This is knowledge I've gained over the decades being somewhat of a "car guy" and researching the crap out of all this sort of stuff.

First, the break-in period with newer cars isn't as critical as it once was. So what we're talking about here is doing stuff that can help with the longevity and reliability of the engine (and other components). So not critical, but still a good idea especially if you plan to keep a car for 10 years or a 100,000 miles.

Ford doesn't specify the speed (which is unhelpful of them) but it's really engine RPMs that matter anyway. Depending on the gearing in the transmission, a 6 cylinder Bronco probably revs somewhere around 2300-2500 at 70mph whereas a 4 cylinder Bronco would rev somewhat higher. Keeping things under 3000 RPMs would be ideal, although that might be tough at 70mph in a 4 cylinder. Basically, you want to avoid putting too much pressure through the engine until it's had time to loosen up and for expanding/contracting components to settle-in.

So hopefully you weren't doing a lot of full-throttle 0-60 runs at stoplights during your first 1000 miles. 🙂

The thing about varying speeds is mostly about varying the pressure on vehicle components that expand/contract some during that first 1000 miles. I've read some great explanations of this over the years, from engineers, but don't have links unfortunately. But if you're really curious, hunt around online and you'll find useful info.
 
Full self driving and Auto Pilot are two different systems
And the names for both are misleading. They both imply that there is no need for human intervention. Fine print be damned... idiots don't read that stuff...As seen by all the accidents and social media/ youtube videos or there
 
And the names for both are misleading. They both imply that there is no need for human intervention. Fine print be damned... idiots don't read that stuff...As seen by all the accidents and social media/ youtube videos or there
There’s no fine print, the car literally tells you what it can/can’t do when you switch into auto pilot. Idiots can overcome any and all logic, it’s not the car’s fault.
 
There’s no fine print, the car literally tells you what it can/can’t do when you switch into auto pilot. Idiots can overcome any and all logic, it’s not the car’s fault.
I agree...It's not the car's fault. It's the fault of the marketing team and/or Elon to name it something that would suggest that it is something that it is not.
 
It doesn't matter auto pilot or FSD. The names for both are suggesting that they are capable of more than they are.
And what has been the result of this evil marketing deception?
There must be a disproportionately higher risk of death/injury with these systems engaged, right? Show the data.
We'd all love to see that you really care about safety rather than a pathetic hatred for that scumbag Musk.
 
And what has been the result of this evil marketing deception?
There must be a disproportionately higher risk of death/injury with these systems engaged, right? Show the data.
We'd all love to see that you really care about safety rather than a pathetic hatred for that scumbag Musk.
I don't have to prove anything. The investigations and lawsuits will answer one way or another in time. Only a brainwashed zealot would argue that something that's named auto pilot or full self driving... but isn't capable or legally allowed to do what its named... is not deceptive. By the way... your hero launched a pile of satellites... and they all crashed and burned.
 
I don't have to prove anything. The investigations and lawsuits will answer one way or another in time. Only a brainwashed zealot would argue that something that's named auto pilot or full self driving... but isn't capable or legally allowed to do what its named... is not deceptive. By the way... your hero launched a pile of satellites... and they all crashed and burned.
So you have nothing other than pathetic insults. Classy post. Stay off the boards when you're drinking.
 
Especially love it when he sings the praises about FSD's safety as it tries to kill a guy on a bike at the 25:20 mark.

 
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