EV thread

[freedom_in_4low]

They're also great because the wife can keep her 5 pounds of linked keychain bobbles (with maybe 4 actual keys) in her purse instead of hanging it off the ignition switch and making it go bad prematurely.

I like the keyless thing as long as there is mechanical backup.

 

[Zorba]

then it probably had a dial or some stupid shift lever on the column? My wife's benz shifter is the right stalk on the column, the same one that all my other cars use for the windshield wipers. I put her car in park while driving 40 miles an hour thinking I was cleaning the windshield...

Oh I hate the "dial" shifter. Of course, I also think that the automatic transmission is a harbinger of the downfall of humanity.

I "think" it had a dial - my nephew and son in law both have dials on their Dodge Rams. Completely, fucking unusable. All that does is encourage what I call the "American Automatic Transmission Driving Technique" - always on the brakes. I shift an automatic - primarily downshifting to slow the car or hold it on a hill, although I'll sometimes set it to keep it from upshifting in stop and go traffic so it isn't always shifting up,down,up,down... That dial setup makes the vehicle completely undriveable as far as I'm concerned. I guess some of them have steering wheel paddles (??) that give you some measure of control. That's better than a poke in the eye with a mascara brush, but that doesn't give the driver direct control and I detest anything on the wheel other than the horn. The whole thing is yet another answer to a question nobody was asking - let's electrify this so that we can make it less reliable and more expensive.

 

[mxz800]

 

[InOmaha]

I recently bought a new Chrysler minivan for work. It's about as top-of-the-line as you can get. It's freaking impossible....Back up to a curb and the thing acts like it's been rear-ended. Still haven't figured out how to turn the horn off when it's locked or the remote start is used. It's a breath of fresh air getting into the TJ after that.

My wife's hybrid doesn't turn on when it starts. It has a bqckup beep speaker like a dump truck. I put duct tape over it to mute it down to an acceptable decible level.

If I have my key it goes to my settings, my wife's key her settings. When we have them both the driver's seat has gone stupid and has moved completely forward and up.

 

[Apparition]

Source

"California’s bold electric vehicle targets are about to be put to the test. On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to hold a public hearing to discuss whether it would approve California’s plan to require all vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emissions by 2035.

The state’s zero-emissions plan saw some progress in August 2022, when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a landmark plan to phase out new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, as noted in a Reuters report. CARB then requested a Clean Air Act waiver from the EPA in May 2023. The waiver is necessary for California to enforce its planned stricter emissions standards.

The EPA’s official website describes California’s waiver request as follows: “The Clean Air Act allows California to seek a waiver of the preemption which prohibits states from enacting emission standards for new motor vehicles. EPA must grant a waiver, however, before California’s rules may be enforced.”

The upcoming public hearing on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, is poised to open a crucial phase in the plan’s journey. The EPA will accept public comments until February 27th, 2024, before deciding whether to grant California the requested waiver or not."

 

[Apparition]

The United States Department Of Energy Has Been Letting Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Lie To The Public About Their Efficiency

EV manufacturers can “Multiply the efficiency” of their vehicles“

There's a bombshell electric vehicle cheating scandal. Turns out Biden's EVs aren't near as efficient as they claim.

““Emission cheating scandals, they seem to be a dime a dozen. Right? In the past 8 years, 2 major automakers were pursued by regulators for misrepresenting emissions records. Volkswagen and Daimler paid billions in settlements and fines, but now 2 Washington attorneys say the government has its fingers on the scale When it comes to fuel efficiency of electric cars, it's the government cutting corners and misleading the public. Listen.

Well, it is a form of corporate welfare hidden tax on consumers. The whole point of this multiplier, they call it, is to Privatize the benefits so Tesla can sell credits and pass on those savings to its buyers, but socialize the cost.

Here's how it works. Under a Department of Energy rule, carmakers multiply the efficiency of electric cars by a factor of 6.67. Test a 2022 Tesla Model Y in a lab, and you'll find the vehicle getting the equivalent of 65 miles per gallon. But according to the government, the model y's equivalent fuel efficiency is 430 miles per gallon. Now wondering why you haven't heard about this before?

It's hidden buried deep in the federal register on page 36,987 of volume 65. Probably didn't see that, did you? But wait, it gets worse. Not only is the government helping companies exaggerate their efficiency, they're also handing out compliance credits on the basis of those scores, Which are tradable for, get this, cash. The credits amount to millions and millions of dollars.“

 

[Westtown Willy]

That dial setup makes the vehicle completely undriveable as far as I'm concerned.

Look, I'm sure you could get an 'app' to eliminate the dial, just drive with your smart phone in your hand and shift by app...

The EPA will accept public comments until February 27th, 2024, before deciding whether to grant California the requested waiver or not."

will they accept those by way of texted dick pics?

Kinda like NY's 'snitch on your mask mandate violating neighbors' toll free text messaging system?

 

[mxz800]

 

[bmcgc]

When I was a kid, flat tires were common. Cars got a tune-up every 12,000 miles. If it was a performance car it also got a valve adjustment. At around 100,000 miles, if it was still running, it got a valve job. AC, PS, PDB were only found on luxury cars or higher end models. Many cars were column shift manuals and an AT was rare on trucks or lower end models. Full service gas stations with a mechanic on duty were common. Every time you bought gas, the hood went up for an oil check. Higher mileage cars frequently needed a half quart or so of oil at every fillup. There was no such thing as self service gas stations. A 30,000 mile tire was a high end and expensive tire. Many times people bought recaps and got around 15,000 miles before they needed replacing.

Three years ago I gave my sister a 2017 Fusion SE. 2.0T. At 165k it has never had an alignment and the only mechanical repair has been a water pump. The leather is still like new, everything still works. It just got it's fourth set of tires.

Despite a few things that I do not like on modern vehicles and EV's, I do not want to go back.

Not all vehicles work in all localities or in each persons particular situation. My Santa Cruz board is filled with owners complaining that the SC can't tow a travel trailer like an F-150. Well duh.

 

[Zorba]

Despite a few things that I do not like on modern vehicles and EV's, I do not want to go back.

The actual technologies have improved drastically. Better materials, better designs (overall), tighter machining tolerances, far better lubricants. I always wondered what an updated GMC 305 (et al) V6 would be like with modern upgrades - even back then it was a 250K mile engine, which was unheard of and a large part of why it was killed. Most vehicles don't rust away anymore, instead of being a rust bucket in 5 years. Etc, etc.

Its all the un-needed and unwanted power crap and electronics that just grinds my gears! To this day, I consider power windows, etc, etc, to be the hallmark of the luxury car - thus these days you cannot get a car that isn't a luxury vehicle, at least in north America. Power steering is nice to have on larger vehicles, but smaller ones don't need it (and have better road feel without it) - and I know how to drive even a large truck without manual steering. I never had a problem getting a vehicle without power brakes to stop either.

But I do have a fondness for technology like this:

 

[Westtown Willy]

out visiting my daughter over the weekend & learned my son-in-law got a new ride, 2024 Grand Cherokee 4XE plug in hybrid.

He couldn't tell me the battery-only range because the vehicle was delivered with a defective charger

From the website:

"The 2024 Jeep® Grand Cherokee offers the most available technology features in its class( Disclosure1), from its incredible sound system to its advanced safety and security measures."

My guess is that they believe that statement is somehow noteworthy, perhaps it is to some.

What I found interesting was this feature, no longer is the instrument cluster screen and giant center console touch screen enough, they've extended the screens to include one on the dash above the glove compartment:

I guess I'm supposed to watch an episode of Real Housewives or perhaps catch up on the latest news on Traylor, Tayvis, Swelce or whatever the hell they're calling themselves now, whilst on our way over to the microbrewery.

I don't know, it's a nice vehicle in some respects but the whole thing is way over the top for my taste. What's to become of these things when there's a glitch & no one at the dealership has a clue, or when the software expires, or there's 'licensing' issues, or the little bits and pieces in there are no longer available from China or (insert Southeast Asia Country here)? Just seems like an awfully big risk to have one of these for more than a few years. Of course that's likely the whole idea, shoving us over to being permanent lessees/renters because no one will want to take on the risk.

 

[Zorba]

...Of course that's likely the whole idea, shoving us over to being permanent lessees/renters because no one will want to take on the risk.

You won't own anything but you'll be happy...

 

[BlueC]

He couldn't tell me the battery-only range because the vehicle was delivered with a defective charger

That's funny, and a hint of what's to come. How long do you think he will keep it?

What's to become of these things when there's a glitch & no one at the dealership has a clue, or when the software expires, or there's 'licensing' issues, or the little bits and pieces in there are no longer available from China

Or in 15 years when the electronics have degraded and cost more to replace/repair than the vehicle is worth.

 

[chili_pepper]

Just seems like an awfully big risk to have one of these for more than a few years.

Or in 15 years when the electronics have degraded and cost more to replace/repair than the vehicle is worth.

That's all the longer they're meant to be used for, they are essentially disposable....which is counter to the very idea that being hybrid or electric is somehow good for the climate/planet. The amount of waste generated in the production of any new passenger vehicle, regardless of its source of power, is substantial. This is always lost on those promoting the transition to hybrid/electric vehicles, or even the idea that we should be buying a new car every 3-5 years. But not doing so has a serious effect on the automaker's bottom line, and this makes the board and investors very unhappy in turn.

I still say it isn't necessarily what we are doing, it's how many of us are doing it. All boils down to too many people (the root of most issues we face today).

 

[Westtown Willy]

That's funny, and a hint of what's to come. How long do you think he will keep it?

Or in 15 years when the electronics have degraded and cost more to replace/repair than the vehicle is worth.

he leased it so probably only the 3 years.

As for the 15 years, I'd be surprised if these modern tech laden vehicles got anywhere near that before being buried in catastrophic problems.

I still say it isn't necessarily what we are doing, it's how many of us are doing it. All boils down to too many people (the root of most issues we face today).

That's interesting, and apparently now it's also debatable.

I learned in grade school (70's) that population is, and would increasing be, the biggest threat to humanity. Made perfect sense at the time & to me it still does as the world is finite, so the idea that we can keep growing infinitely doesn't add up.

This concept is favored by Gates & the like.

This concept is not favored however by other pretty bright guys, specifically Musk and Jordan Peterson, who believe that population collapse is one of mankind's biggest threats.

As a general proposition I find Gates to be the least credible of the above crew, however I still agree with him that too many people is a bigger problem than too few.

 

[chili_pepper]

This concept is favored by Gates & the like.

This concept is not favored however by other pretty bright guys, specifically Musk and Jordan Peterson, who believe that population collapse is one of mankind's biggest threats.

As a general proposition I find Gates to be the least credible of the above crew, however I still agree with him that too many people is a bigger problem than too few.

I don't put as much stock in Musk as many do, though not suggesting for a second he isn't a very intelligent man. As well, I tend to agree with many of the things I've heard from Peterson. That said, I do not agree with the idea of population collapse being a threat. Interesting that Musk sees it this way, considering some of the innovations he's involved in, as they would seem to have the potential to facilitate the very thing he earmarks as a threat.

As for Gates, I wasn't necessarily aware of his position on the subject. If that is the case, I'm quite sure it's the only thing we would agree on, I see him has one of the most potentially evil individuals alive today and have never been fan of his. Ever.

The bottom line is, the total number of people is not decreasing, it only continues to increase. We know this. It would almost seem like the 10-11 billion calculated max was/is seen as some kind of target, but it was intended as a warning. We have been seeing the effects of hurtling headlong towards this "critical mass" for quite some time now. The more people there are, the more the effects of how we conduct ourselves is amplified, and I feel that can be applied to almost any aspect of human existence on this planet.

Now, if we consider the demographics on who is and isn't reproducing, well, that is a much different (and more sensitive) matter for debate. It would seem there are socioeconomic factors at play here, where some groups are being more thoughtful about reproducing in numbers (if at all) and others have no consideration for the matter...

 

[Westtown Willy]

I don't put as much stock in Musk as many do, though not suggesting for a second he isn't a very intelligent man. As well, I tend to agree with many of the things I've heard from Peterson. That said, I do not agree with the idea of population collapse being a threat. Interesting that Musk sees it this way, considering some of the innovations he's involved in, as they would seem to have the potential to facilitate the very thing he earmarks as a threat.

As for Gates, I wasn't necessarily aware of his position on the subject. If that is the case, I'm quite sure it's the only thing we would agree on, I see him has one of the most potentially evil individuals alive today and have never been fan of his. Ever.

The bottom line is, the total number of people is not decreasing, it only continues to increase. We know this. It would almost seem like the 10-11 billion calculated max was/is seen as some kind of target, but it was intended as a warning. We have been seeing the effects of hurtling headlong towards this "critical mass" for quite some time now. The more people there are, the more the effects of how we conduct ourselves is amplified, and I feel that can be applied to almost any aspect of human existence on this planet.

Now, if we consider the demographics on who is and isn't reproducing, well, that is a much different (and more sensitive) matter for debate. It would seem there are socioeconomic factors at play here, where some groups are being more thoughtful about reproducing in numbers (if at all) and others have no consideration for the matter...

another guy I've watched a good bit of is Peter Zeihan, interesting character. If you're interested in the how/why of the theory of population collapse which tends to support the Musk/Peterson view, he explains it pretty well.

 

[Paradiddle]

88 pages of grouchy old men. Amazing.

 

[CreepinDeth]

SoCal is here to set you all straight……

Wait…..you can still say “straight” there ??
Or is that offensive…..

 

[Zorba]

As for Gates, I wasn't necessarily aware of his position on the subject. If that is the case, I'm quite sure it's the only thing we would agree on, I see him has one of the most potentially evil individuals alive today and have never been fan of his. Ever.

Yep! And why would ANYONE listen to that guy about anything involving this? He didn't even graduate from college if I remember rightly, and he certainly didn't major in these subjects. Oh, wait... I forgot - he's a rich elite, so he automatically knows what's best for us "little people".