https://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-vehicles-lower-electricity-bills-utilities-charging-grid/712437/
EV owners subsidizing the grid
Interesting article about how battery storage can help facilitate the recovery of salmon
https://apnews.com/article/columbia-snake-river-dams-tribes-58f5c6737df3c3e141cbc8e1cd4926ca
Three recalls on the Cybertruck already.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4118715-tesla-recalls-thousands-of-cybertrucks-over-safety-issues?
And some moronic rando is out there vandalizing the cybertruck. Florida.(shakes his head)
I've finally seen a couple of cyber trucks in the wild. They are f*cking hideous.
When my daughter was small, we played the slug-bug game. We expanded it to PT cruiser bruiser. We added in Aztek alert where we would shield our eyes when we saw one. (15 years too early, the Aztek) I could imagine doing something similar with the cybertruck. Tesla mess-la and shielding my eyes.
Quote from: MU82 on June 25, 2024, 08:08:35 AM
Three recalls on the Cybertruck already.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4118715-tesla-recalls-thousands-of-cybertrucks-over-safety-issues?
My car has had a few recalls over the years.
IMO, recalls are not a big deal. Every vehicle/manufacturer has them
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 25, 2024, 10:26:44 AM
My car has had a few recalls over the years.
IMO, recalls are not a big deal. Every vehicle/manufacturer has them
All true. Though it does seem like if you've worked on a vehicle you've been touting heavily for 5+ years and calling it the next great vehicle in the history of mankind, you might not have 3 recalls in its first few months on the road. But sure, I've owned vehicles with recalls, too, including on one of the cars we own now.
Meh. If you have been building cars for a century...
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on June 25, 2024, 10:12:54 AM
I've finally seen a couple of cyber trucks in the wild. They are f*cking hideous.
It's so aesthetically unappealing. Like it was specifically designed to cater exclusively to the whims of one person and without any regard for a real world market.
It does do one thing really well though, it signifies to the world that the owner really really really likes simping for Elon.
Quote from: jficke13 on June 25, 2024, 11:30:30 AM
It's so aesthetically unappealing. Like it was specifically designed to cater exclusively to the whims of one person and without any regard for a real world market.
It does do one thing really well though, it signifies to the world that the owner really really really likes simping for Elon.
Like a 12-year-old with an erector set. I'm just surprised he didn't name it Xybertruck.
Quote from: tower912 on June 25, 2024, 11:08:04 AM
Meh. If you have been building cars for a century...
Ford recalling a half million F-150s because the transmission can randomly drop into first gear at any speed.
Rookies
Quote from: tower912 on June 25, 2024, 03:54:26 PM
Ford recalling a half million F-150s because the transmission can randomly drop into first gear at any speed.
Rookies
That's bad.
Quote from: MU82 on June 25, 2024, 04:38:39 PM
That's bad.
Yeah it's wild that people buy American cars. I had great hope that Tesla would bring US car manufacturers back from the brink, globally, but Musk is screwing that pooch vigorously.
VW just took a big stake in Rivian. USA auto manufacturers have another contender!
Quote from: Skatastrophy on June 25, 2024, 04:47:41 PM
Yeah it's wild that people buy American cars. I had great hope that Tesla would bring US car manufacturers back from the brink, globally, but Musk is screwing that pooch vigorously.
Well, Toyotas, Hondas and Hyundais (among others) have had plenty of recalls, too.
I happened to think it was interesting that a much-hyped model that's been out for about 10 seconds already has 3 recalls, but tower seems to think that's not worth mentioning, and I respect him.
Smart for VW and Rivian. But this will not improve build quality.
MU82, it is worth mentioning. It just isn't outside the norm. Unfortunately.
Quote from: tower912 on June 25, 2024, 06:01:58 PM
Smart for VW and Rivian. But this will not improve build quality.
MU82, it is worth mentioning. It just isn't outside the norm. Unfortunately.
OK, thanks.
Quote from: MU82 on June 25, 2024, 06:00:24 PM
Well, Toyotas, Hondas and Hyundais (among others) have had plenty of recalls, too.
I happened to think it was interesting that a much-hyped model that's been out for about 10 seconds already has 3 recalls, but tower seems to think that's not worth mentioning, and I respect him.
Within a couple months of buying my EV6 at first release in 2022, I had 4 recalls.
There are legitimate things to bag on musk/Tesla/cyber truck, but this ain't one of them
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 25, 2024, 06:26:34 PM
Within a couple months of buying my EV6 at first release in 2022, I had 4 recalls.
There are legitimate things to bag on musk/Tesla/cyber truck, but this ain't one of them
OK, thanks.
Quote from: Skatastrophy on June 25, 2024, 04:47:41 PM
but Musk is screwing that pooch vigorously.
Thank you for putting that image in my head right before bed
RIVN stock was up 9% yesterday and is up 40% premarket today after the joint venture with VW was announced.
Ah yes, an electric car for every American family, hey?
Quote from: 4everwarriors on June 26, 2024, 09:21:15 AM
Ah yes, an electric car for every American family, hey?
Not as catchy as 10 guns for every American man, woman and child.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on June 26, 2024, 09:21:15 AM
Ah yes, an electric car for every American family, hey?
Is this supposed to be ominous? I honestly don't know what you mean by it.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on June 26, 2024, 09:21:15 AM
Ah yes, an electric car for every American family, hey?
As long as they come with personal robot chauffeurs
Quote from: MU82 on June 26, 2024, 07:38:43 AM
RIVN stock was up 9% yesterday and is up 40% premarket today after the joint venture with VW was announced.
They also released their gen2 R1T/S to very favorable reviews.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on June 26, 2024, 09:21:15 AM
Ah yes, an electric car for every American family, hey?
I mean, in 100 years cars won't still be gas powered. The future has to start somewhere.
I am going to give the benefit of the doubt and assume he is celebrating the marriage of VW and Rivian as a way to bring more and improved affordable EVs to the marketplace.
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 26, 2024, 10:15:42 AM
They also released their gen2 R1T/S to very favorable reviews.
That's cool. One of my neighbors got a new Rivian truck 2 years ago (I don't know the model), and it's really nice-looking. He loves it.
What is the batteries lifetime?
A workmate had some interesting perspectives. He seemed to believe the car had little value once the batteries were shot.
Also he felt, for everyday driving around town or commute, get an electric vehicle. If going on a long trip, just rent a gas vehicle.
Quote from: NCMUFan on June 26, 2024, 12:42:12 PM
What is the batteries lifetime?
A workmate had some interesting perspectives. He seemed to believe the car had little value once the batteries were shot.
Also he felt, for everyday driving around town or commute, get an electric vehicle. If going on a long trip, just rent a gas vehicle.
We have a 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty on the battery. So we'll see how long the thing lasts.
Ours has been only used for local travel so far, but we're planning on taking it for a longer trip soon and stopping for some juice along the way. Interested to see how that goes.
Quote from: MU82 on June 25, 2024, 10:59:35 AM
All true. Though it does seem like if you've worked on a vehicle you've been touting heavily for 5+ years and calling it the next great vehicle in the history of mankind, you might not have 3 recalls in its first few months on the road. But sure, I've owned vehicles with recalls, too, including on one of the cars we own now.
Nah, they're finding bugs. A lot of cars have recalls. Many of the bugs are fixable through software updates.
I think the word recall sounds a lot worse than it actually it.
And I'm no Elon stan.
Quote from: NCMUFan on June 26, 2024, 12:42:12 PM
What is the batteries lifetime?
A workmate had some interesting perspectives. He seemed to believe the car had little value once the batteries were shot.
Also he felt, for everyday driving around town or commute, get an electric vehicle. If going on a long trip, just rent a gas vehicle.
Replacing the batteries will be very expensive, though I imagine with tech improvements the life cycles can be extended or the cost of replacement will come down.
Former Packer star Randall Cobb and his family "lucky to be alive" after their Tesla charger sparked a raging house fire:
https://nypost.com/2024/06/26/sports/randall-cobb-family-escape-after-tesla-charger-causes-house-fire/
Quote from: warriorchick on June 26, 2024, 03:11:23 PM
Former Packer star Randall Cobb and his family "lucky to be alive" after their Tesla charger sparked a raging house fire:
https://nypost.com/2024/06/26/sports/randall-cobb-family-escape-after-tesla-charger-causes-house-fire/
ICE vehicles catch fire at higher rates than EVs
Quote from: MUfan12 on June 26, 2024, 01:08:14 PM
We have a 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty on the battery. So we'll see how long the thing lasts.
Ours has been only used for local travel so far, but we're planning on taking it for a longer trip soon and stopping for some juice along the way. Interested to see how that goes.
What are you driving?
I've taken my EV6 on numerous 200-500 mile road trips. Lemme know if you have any questions
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 26, 2024, 03:17:47 PM
ICE vehicles catch fire at higher rates than EVs
Sittile idle (not running) in the garage?
ICE vehicles absolutely catch fire more often than do EVs. EVs are tougher to extinguish.
My favorite story like that is the firefighter charging his Nissan Leaf with a Dollar General extension cord and having an electrical fire in his garage.
Whoops!
https://twitter.com/bfreshwa/status/1803823968547217903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1803823968547217903%7Ctwgr%5E386dd341155ad2207bd2f8ca70ae91a17f06b97b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fautos.yahoo.com%2Fcontrol-cybertruck-crashes-house-183000632.html
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 26, 2024, 03:17:47 PM
ICE vehicles catch fire at higher rates than EVs
But EV fires are more dangerous and harder to put out.
Quote from: Pakuni on June 26, 2024, 03:35:17 PM
But EV fires are more dangerous and harder to put out.
And more likely to happen in a garage...
Edit: It's an age old battery charging problem. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries should be better (with appropriate charging control), but only about 40% of EVs use them so far.
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 26, 2024, 03:17:47 PM
ICE vehicles catch fire at higher rates than EVs
It wasn't the vehicle; it was the charger.
How many houses have burned down because the owner's gas station caught on fire?
Quote from: warriorchick on June 26, 2024, 03:59:17 PM
It wasn't the vehicle; it was the charger.
I've got to believe that was a misstatement? Most car chargers are actually *in* the car. The thing is the garage is mostly a high voltage cable. But it's possible that was wired improperly. Most garage fires are caused by electrical issues.
Edit: The pic is of an electrical panel, so probably a home electrical problem, not the car.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on June 26, 2024, 03:56:54 PM
And more likely to happen in a garage...
Edit: It's an age old battery charging problem. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries should be better (with appropriate charging control), but only about 40% of EVs use them so far.
Horses don't catch on fire
Quote from: rocky_warrior on June 26, 2024, 04:29:36 PM
But hay does.
I don't think that's scientifically provable
The charger was in the garage. Perhaps it was wired incorrectly.
Quote from: warriorchick on June 26, 2024, 03:59:17 PM
It wasn't the vehicle; it was the charger.
How many houses have burned down because the owner's gas station caught on fire?
I think a better analogy would be "how many houses burn down because of faulty or incorrectly installed appliances?"
The Tesla S draws about 48 amps when charging (according to google). That's about double what a 2 ton AC unit draws, just over what a 5 ton draws. That's big boy amperage.
Quote from: Skatastrophy on June 26, 2024, 06:11:50 PM
I think a better analogy would be "how many houses burn down because of faulty or incorrectly installed appliances?"
The Tesla S draws about 48 amps when charging (according to google). That's about double what a 2 ton AC unit draws, just over what a 5 ton draws. That's big boy amperage.
Ding ding ding.
Space heaters and window AC units through cheap extension cords cause many fires. Poorly installed, old, or overloaded wiring is no bueno.
Anyone have any opinion, comments or thoughts on the 2023 Chevy Bolt?
Has anyone run into the Dealer keeping the IRS tax credit?
From Car & Driver:
Buyer beware: This is an easy scam. Get a copy of the bill of sale the dealer sends to the IRS and the confirmation the IRS sends to the dealer. Be certain the cash or discount on the final purchase price is correct. Current IRS guidance does not appear to penalize a dealer from keeping some or all of the credit.
https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a32586259/how-ev-tax-credits-work/
Quote from: NCMUFan on July 07, 2024, 05:44:40 PM
Anyone have any opinion, comments or thoughts on the 2023 Chevy Bolt?
It's a great EV for in-town driving.
Quote from: MU82 on June 26, 2024, 07:38:43 AM
RIVN stock was up 9% yesterday and is up 40% premarket today after the joint venture with VW was announced.
VW tying in with Rivian for their "software"
Does the Rivian software cheat too??
Quote from: PBRme on July 11, 2024, 10:05:09 AM
VW tying in with Rivian for their "software"
Does the Rivian software cheat too??
That's a great point. How are Rivian vehicles passing emissions? Probably VW software causing them to blow 0s.
Quote from: PBRme on July 11, 2024, 10:05:09 AM
VW tying in with Rivian for their "software"
Does the Rivian software cheat too??
If I can go 2/2 in cars being bought back for more then I bought them for, I'm all game.
Phew! Looks like I sold TSLA just in time!
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4123722-tesla-falls-7-on-reports-that-the-robotaxi-event-is-delayed-until-october
Hilarious video about racoons mistaking Cybertrucks for dumpsters ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-SwuUh5H4k
We have a stable and I'm thinking maybe it is time to get some horses again. Even with the vet bills, buying enough hay to make it through the winter, the poop scooping, etc. it may make more sense than dealing with all the auto expenses. It would take a while to get to town, but I'm in no hurry.
Edmunds is test-driving a Cybertruck for a future review.
Things are not going well.
https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/tesla-cybertruck-steering-failed-again.html/?
heard on NPR that China is building an EV factory in Turkey
Ford is convinced they can build small, profitable EVs using next generation batteries. As I read it, embracing the around town second car mentality. A mid term future where households have an ICE vehicle for trips and a zippy EV for shorter, daily drives.
Quote from: tower912 on August 25, 2024, 05:55:43 PM
Ford is convinced they can build small, profitable EVs using next generation batteries. As I read it, embracing the around town second car mentality. A mid term future where households have an ICE vehicle for trips and a zippy EV for shorter, daily drives.
No argument from me. I just don't want to be told what kind of car I can buy.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on August 26, 2024, 11:28:27 AM
No argument from me. I just don't want to be told what kind of car I can buy.
No one is doing that. There aren't plans for that to happen.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on August 26, 2024, 11:28:27 AM
No argument from me. I just don't want to be told what kind of car I can buy.
Random, not random.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on August 26, 2024, 11:28:27 AM
No argument from me. I just don't want to be told what kind of car I can buy.
Sorry, but you have to buy a 1973 Chevy Chevette.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on August 26, 2024, 11:28:27 AM
No argument from me. I just don't want to be told what kind of car I can buy.
Has anyone suggested that?
Just bought another car with a V8. I own lots more stock in petroleum companies than I do in Tesla.
Quote from: jesmu84 on August 26, 2024, 02:46:01 PM
Has anyone suggested that?
Well, in some states they are thinking of eliminating the ability to buy gas powered cars. But at muwarrior69's age, he probably shouldn't be driving then.
Quote from: lawdog77 on August 26, 2024, 03:10:23 PM
Well, in some states they are thinking of eliminating the ability to buy gas powered cars. But at muwarrior69's age, he probably shouldn't be driving then.
Yea its not some crazy conspiracy theory, I can see it happening somewhere like California in the next 5-10 years. But it being a far reaching a national mandate or the like isn't anywhere on the horizon even in Europe, much less the US.
Canada has already done it, by 2035.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-electric-vehicles-2035-1.7063993#:~:text=The%20end%20of%20the%20road,gasoline%20or%20diesel%20in%202035.
Quote from: JWags85 on August 26, 2024, 03:38:05 PM
Yea its not some crazy conspiracy theory, I can see it happening somewhere like California in the next 5-10 years. But it being a far reaching a national mandate or the like isn't anywhere on the horizon even in Europe, much less the US.
They are already doing this with emissions standards at the state/local level. I've spent time and money evading those.
Agreed that there likely won't be a national mandate.
Quote from: BrewCity83 on August 26, 2024, 03:43:19 PM
Canada has already done it, by 2035.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-electric-vehicles-2035-1.7063993#:~:text=The%20end%20of%20the%20road,gasoline%20or%20diesel%20in%202035.
The EU originally did this as well but then walked it back. Lets see if Canada does the same
Quote from: JWags85 on August 26, 2024, 03:38:05 PM
Yea its not some crazy conspiracy theory, I can see it happening somewhere like California in the next 5-10 years. But it being a far reaching a national mandate or the like isn't anywhere on the horizon even in Europe, much less the US.
And to be clear, these proposed bans are on the sale of gas-powered vehicles, not ownership/possession. So, if you're living San Diego, buying a diesel Mercedes is going to get a whole lot less convenient, but not against the law.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 27, 2024, 10:41:11 AM
And to be clear, these proposed bans are on the sale of gas-powered vehicles, not ownership/possession. So, if you're living San Diego, buying a diesel Mercedes is going to get a whole lot less convenient, but not against the law.
It will have to pass the zero emissions test in the future in order to be on the road, so there's that
Quote from: lawdog77 on August 27, 2024, 10:50:51 AM
It will have to pass the zero emissions test in the future in order to be on the road, so there's that
Are you sure about that? I'm not seeing any evidence of that, but I could be missing something. Seen plenty of stories regarding sales, but nothing that suggests you can't drive a gas-powered vehicle.
In fact, on a state website there's this:
Can I still drive my gasoline car after 2035?
Yes. Even after 2035, gasoline cars can still be driven in California, registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and sold as a used car to a new owner.https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/cars-and-light-trucks-are-going-zero-frequently-asked-questions
Quote from: Pakuni on August 27, 2024, 11:03:02 AM
Are you sure about that? I'm not seeing any evidence of that, but I could be missing something. Seen plenty of stories regarding sales, but nothing that suggests you can't drive a gas-powered vehicle.
In fact, on a state website there's this:
Can I still drive my gasoline car after 2035?
Yes. Even after 2035, gasoline cars can still be driven in California, registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and sold as a used car to a new owner.
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/cars-and-light-trucks-are-going-zero-frequently-asked-questions
Read many places where the emissions standards will be almost impossible to achieve with a gas powered vehicle, and especially a diesel powered one as you described.
Quote from: lawdog77 on August 27, 2024, 11:06:46 AM
Read many places where the emissions standards will be almost impossible to achieve with a gas powered vehicle, and especially a diesel powered one as you described.
Can you source any of these many places?
Quote from: tower912 on August 25, 2024, 05:55:43 PM
Ford is convinced they can build small, profitable EVs using next generation batteries. As I read it, embracing the around town second car mentality. A mid term future where households have an ICE vehicle for trips and a zippy EV for shorter, daily drives.
Brother Tower:
There actually is some sense to this approach.
We just bought this weekend and this was exactly the debate we had. If we were replacing my car, we might have gone electric. But what we were replacing was a leased 2023 Nissan Murano Platinum. We bought a 2024 version of exactly the same car because we expect to be driving this on the road -- a lot.
To make EVs viable, auto manufacturers are going to have to find a way to increase volume and bring the price down. In effect, they must spread the fixed costs across a far larger production run. The Nissan electric equivalent of our new Murano was about a $60,000 car versus about $43,000 (both before taxes and dealer costs) for our ICE Murano. Plus, with the electric, we'd have to install a Level 2 charger in our garage and that isn't inexpensive either.
There's tax credits available but there are some limitations on the tax credits that may not make them viable for everyone. As a conservative, I HATE tax credits, even when they favor me. I'd rather have a product or process stand on its own!
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/09/11/ev-battery-news-just-keeps-getting-better-and-better/
EV Battery News Just Keeps Getting Better & Better
Some headline writers continue to write off 100% battery-electric vehicles as a passing fad, overwhelmed by a flood of hybrids and the insatiable thirst for liquid fuel. That's just plain silly, of course. Global EV sales continue to rise. The question is how fast. Faster-charging and less expensive batteries with longer range would help push things along, and that is exactly what EV battery stakeholders have in the works.
The EV Battery Of The Future, Part 1: Factorial Energy
Exhibit A is the US firm Factorial Inc. The Massachusetts startup has been a frequent visitor to the pages of CleanTechnica on account of its interest in solid-state EV battery technology. "Solid state" refers to a solid electrolyte, such as a high-tech ceramic material, instead of the volatile liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion EV batteries (see more Factorial background here).
It has taken some time for solid state innovators to shunt these new batteries from the lab to the market, but the floodgates are opening. In the latest news from Factorial, earlier this week the company teased some new info about its forthcoming Solstice™ solid-state battery, proclaiming that it can (and will) "revolutionize the safety, performance, and sustainability of the next generation of electric vehicles."
"Solstice™ is set to achieve a breakthrough energy density of up to 450Wh/kg and incorporates a novel dry cathode design for more efficient and sustainable production," Factorial enthused in a press statement earlier this week.
By "set to achieve," they mean there is still some shakeout work to be done. If all goes according to plan, Factorial aims have the new Solstice battery in the hands of automakers sometime before 2030 rolls around.
Mercedes-Benz, for one, has already called dibs. Factorial notes that the new Solstice EV battery is a collaborative effort with the iconic automaker.
As for what this thing can do, Factorial claims an increase in EV range by up to 80%, due to the superior energy density of solid-state technology. The increased energy density also translates into a significant cut in the weight of a vehicle, and provides automotive designers with more room to innovate.
As for safety, Factorial describes the new battery as a "sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte system [that] addresses safety concerns associated with more flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte designs, targeting a EUCAR [European Council for Automotive R&D] safety rating of 2 and maintaining stability at operating temperatures over 90°C." As an added bonus, Factorial anticipates that the improved safety factor will enable automakers to streamline battery cooling systems, helping to cut costs.
Factorial has also hooked up with Stellantis, Hyundai, and Kia in addition to Mercedes-Benz.
Part 2: StoreDot
The Israeli startup StoreDot has also come across the CleanTechnica radar on a regular basis. Rather than waiting around for full all-solid-state EV battery technology to develop, StoreDot is introducing a superfast-charging semi-solid version (see our StoreDot archive here).
The latest news from StoreDot involves the company's first foray into prismatic EV battery architecture, referring to a thin, rectangular shape that offers the potential for improved capacity compared to cylindrical cells.
As described by StoreDot, the new prismatic battery can get to an 80% charge in just 10 minutes, from a starting point of 10% charge.
"StoreDot's battery addresses the main barrier to mass EV adoption by eliminating charging anxiety and is available for immediate integration by OEMs," the company says of itself, while noting that its partner, the automaker Flex|N|Gate, played the lead role in demonstrating that the new silicon "XFC" battery cells are ready for scaleup.
"The sample cells tested had an 80Ah (amp hour) capacity, demonstrating the ability to charge 10-80 percent in 10 minutes without overheating, paving the way for developing 160Ah cells that align with customer requirements," StoreDot elaborated in a press statement.
StoreDot also notes that you can get 100 miles of charge in just five minutes, which is more than enough to account for most drivers' daily needs and then some. The next goalpost is to reduce charging time to 100 miles in four minutes, with a three-minute target by 2028.
In an interesting twist, StoreDot is also aiming to alleviate concerns over the impact of extreme fast-charging on battery life. The company claims that signs of accelerated degradation have not materialized, despite the rough-and-tumble of extreme fast charging.
In addition, the new XFC cells are designed for drop-in integration with existing EV manufacturing lines. So far, the company has buy-in from 15 OEMs (original equipment managers) to put production-ready XFC cells through their paces. StoreDot also lists BP, Daimler, VinFast, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Ola Electric, Samsung, TDK, and manufacturing partner EVE Energy among its strategic investors and partners.
If you're wondering what Flex|N|Gate is, that's a good question. The US-headquartered firm was founded in 1956 and currently operates in North America, Mexico, parts of Europe, the UK, China, and Argentina. Along the way, Flex|N|Gate has acquired a laundry list of automakers deploying its products, starting with Acura and moving all through the alphabet to Volvo.
Exhibit 3: EV Battery Swapping
The next best thing after an extreme fast-charging EV battery is a swappable EV battery. Or, it might be an even better thing.
Battery swapping first emerged to great fanfare in the early 2000's, only to fall by the wayside. Now the technology has matured and battery swapping is back in action.
Battery swapping is already catching fire among two-wheelers, which fit a manually operated grab-and-go model. The heavy battery packs needed by a four-wheeled passenger car require machinery.
The Chinese firm NIO has emerged as a leader in the newly revived passenger car battery swapping field. Others are crowding in, including the US startup Ample.
The idea behind battery swapping is to provide drivers with a freshly charged EV battery on demand. To be competitive, the swapping process should take just a few minutes, about the same it takes to fast-charge an EV battery, or to fill up with liquid fuel (it certainly takes less time than Level 1 or 2 charging).
As described by Ample, swapping stations also help make EVs more affordable. "An Ample station is 3–10 times cheaper than a fast-charging station. It's cheaper to build and cheaper to install. So, Ample is able to deliver energy at a cost that is 10–20% cheaper than gas," the company states.
For more battery swapping action, keep an eye on electric truck fleets. One new development in that area crossed the CleanTechnica radar earlier this week, when the UK battery-swapping firm TUAL announced the launch of its new PowerBank swappable battery for heavy-duty vehicles.
Photo (cropped): If the first wave of EV buyers has slowed momentum, automotive stakeholders area ready to catch the next wave of EV buyers with new faster charging and/or swappable EV battery technology (courtesy of Stellantis).
Tina Casey
Tina specializes in advanced energy technology, military sustainability, emerging materials, biofuels, ESG and related policy and political matters. Views expressed are her own. Follow her on LinkedIn, Threads, or Bluesky. Tina Casey has 3457 posts and counting.
Is banning ICE cars at the state level constitutional?
Quote from: muwarrior69 on September 18, 2024, 02:05:30 PM
Is banning ICE car sales at the state level constitutional?
FIFY. And yup. Some states have all sorts of weird bans on sales of things that are allowed in other states.
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/new-colorado-law-ban-sales-dental-floss-clothes-household-products-containing-toxic-forever-chemicals/
An account detailing the difficulities of putting out EV fires
https://www.theautopian.com/heres-what-happened-when-an-electric-car-caught-fire-on-a-lift-in-a-dealership/ (https://www.theautopian.com/heres-what-happened-when-an-electric-car-caught-fire-on-a-lift-in-a-dealership/)
They are pains in the arse to extinguish. Good thing the battery technology continues to move forward.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/fords-ceo-cfo-took-drive-085242599.html
Ford CEO admits that the Chinese are ahead of the big 3 automakers on EVs.
They are the future. The only question is how far in the future? And when will America start seriously working on an appropriate charging infrastructure?
Quote from: tower912 on September 18, 2024, 03:12:27 PM
https://www.yahoo.com/news/fords-ceo-cfo-took-drive-085242599.html
Ford CEO admits that the Chinese are ahead of the big 3 automakers on EVs.
They are the future. The only question is how far in the future? And when will America start seriously working on an appropriate charging infrastructure?
Agree. I posted awhile back that China is building an EV factory in Turkey to get around the European tariffs which is 38%.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on September 18, 2024, 02:05:30 PM
Is banning ICE cars at the state level constitutional?
Okay boomer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODG59UjBiGg
CNBC report on the slowing adoption of EV vehicles and how it is leading to poor factory utilization.
The Chinese going all in on EVs is going to force the world's automakers to step up their EV product. The market is simply too large to not be a part of.
Quote from: tower912 on September 29, 2024, 10:46:31 AM
The Chinese going all in on EVs is going to force the world's automakers to step up their EV product. The market is simply too large to not be a part of.
Nope. The US automakers will continue to lag behind
Kwik Trip went woke and added EV stations. Are we boycotting?
There are proposals to discontinue subsidies for EV's and add fees for EV owners buried in the budget bill the house passed. Many, many thoughts on this. Most of which would result in a banning. However, with the infrastructure build in not happening currently, there is no way the 2035 mandates were going to be achieved, anyway.
EV production and technology will co tinue to develop for the Asian markets, however.
There's something to be said for heavier EVs putting increased strain on the road and infrastructure that gas taxes usually contribute to.
But this is not that
Quote from: Shaka Shart on May 23, 2025, 08:08:13 PMThere's something to be said for heavier EVs putting increased strain on the road and infrastructure that gas taxes usually contribute to.
But this is not that
All vehicle taxes should be based on weight per mile, but that's hard to do with electric. With gas it's easy because gas purchased is a function of weight speed per mile.
With electric do you get the manufacturer or insurance company to report mileage per county?
I'd solve it with punishing car registration taxes by weight in conjunction with parking permits and fines for parking without the permit.
Just riffing
Quote from: tower912 on May 23, 2025, 06:50:00 PMThere are proposals to discontinue subsidies for EV's and add fees for EV owners buried in the budget bill the house passed.
*Except for Teslas. They're beautiful automobiles, so beautiful.
"I love Tesler!"
Quote from: rocky_warrior on September 18, 2024, 02:16:01 PMFIFY. And yup. Some states have all sorts of weird bans on sales of things that are allowed in other states.
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/new-colorado-law-ban-sales-dental-floss-clothes-household-products-containing-toxic-forever-chemicals/
So, why not Lithium? I guess we can ban anything depending on the majority in our state houses and executive offices.
https://www.alsym.com/blog/lithium-based-batteries-are-toxic-from-start-to-finish/#:~:text=Lithium%20is%20used%20for%20many%20purposes,%20including
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 24, 2025, 08:07:54 AMSo, why not Lithium? I guess we can ban anything depending on the majority in our state houses and executive offices.
https://www.alsym.com/blog/lithium-based-batteries-are-toxic-from-start-to-finish/#:~:text=Lithium%20is%20used%20for%20many%20purposes,%20including
Stay focused on the real threats.
Quote from: tower912 on September 18, 2024, 03:12:27 PMhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/fords-ceo-cfo-took-drive-085242599.html
Ford CEO admits that the Chinese are ahead of the big 3 automakers on EVs.
They are the future. The only question is how far in the future? And when will America start seriously working on an appropriate charging infrastructure?
I agree. I have nothing against EVs. I just don't want the government telling me what kind of car I have to buy. As for charging stations they should at a minimum be standard for all EVs. Until they get the charging time to under 4 minutes for a full charge I am not interested in purchasing an EV. Also electricians here in Jersey are charging a few thousand to put a 240V outlet in your garage. My neighbor has one of the those Tesla trucks and really likes it. He is one of those lucky employees that gets to work from home. He goes to his home office twice a month. We did not have a very cold winter. There was a week where it was in the single digits and teens. His truck worked fine.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 24, 2025, 08:42:52 AMI agree. I have nothing against EVs. I just don't want the government telling me what kind of car I have to buy. As for charging stations they should at a minimum be standard for all EVs. Until they get the charging time to under 4 minutes for a full charge I am not interested in purchasing an EV. Also electricians here in Jersey are charging a few thousand to put a 240V outlet in your garage. My neighbor has one of the those Tesla trucks and really likes it. He is one of those lucky employees that gets to work from home. He goes to his home office twice a month. We did not have a very cold winter. There was a week where it was in the single digits and teens. His truck worked fine.
I prefer the government telling businesses to eat profits and universities they can't accept foreigners. I'm fully embracing Central Planning
EV's are the future. The future is just getting kicked down the road. Charging times and range are two of the largest concerns. Automakers continue to innovate on the battery technology. IMO, 2050 is the new 2035.
And it will be market driven, as China, India, and the Europe will all want them and automakers will adjust to the larger markets.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 24, 2025, 08:47:07 AMI prefer the government telling businesses to eat profits and universities they can't accept foreigners. I'm fully embracing Central Planning
Don't forget "Central Planning" telling women what they can and cannot do with their own reproductive systems.
Quote from: tower912 on May 24, 2025, 09:12:19 AMEV's are the future. The future is just getting kicked down the road. Charging times and range are two of the largest concerns. Automakers continue to innovate on the battery technology. IMO, 2050 is the new 2035.
And it will be market driven, as China, India, and the Europe will all want them and automakers will adjust to the larger markets.
This is true. I'd add that the future is arriving faster in China and Europe than the USA. And maybe has arrived there already. It is slowly arriving in the USA.
The benefits for big cities and urban areas are too great for EVs adoption to slow down in those areas.
I'd like to see EV tech take over recreational water engines and boats. Kind of crazy how much noise pollution there is on lakes, being an old guy, I like quiet lakes and zen out. I wouldn't mind some kind of a ban on noisy motor boats and wave runners etc. Balancing ones "right" to have fun versus ones "right" to less noise pollution.
Charging times and range are probably more of an issue for those that don't use EVs or have an EV with a range of under 250 miles or so. Otherwise really shouldn't be an issue in my experience, at least for most people. Time saver over all by far. And extremely convenient unless one does long trips often.
Ford is now offering to install a home charger with the purchase of an EV. That could sway me. And I can easily see a transition period where families have one EV and one ICE/hybrid, one for around town and one for road trips. I could easily do 98% of my driving with an EV and a home charger.
Removing the subsidy is meh, whatever.
A federal yearly fee on top of yearly state registration fees is fucking stupid and merely a punishment.
Get bent.
Cruelty is the point.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 24, 2025, 08:42:52 AMI agree. I have nothing against EVs. I just don't want the government telling me what kind of car I have to buy. As for charging stations they should at a minimum be standard for all EVs. Until they get the charging time to under 4 minutes for a full charge I am not interested in purchasing an EV. Also electricians here in Jersey are charging a few thousand to put a 240V outlet in your garage. My neighbor has one of the those Tesla trucks and really likes it. He is one of those lucky employees that gets to work from home. He goes to his home office twice a month. We did not have a very cold winter. There was a week where it was in the single digits and teens. His truck worked fine.
The government is telling you you have to buy a non-chinese car.
You gonna maintain your principled stance?
Quote from: jesmu84 on May 24, 2025, 10:56:46 AMRemoving the subsidy is meh, whatever.
A federal yearly fee on top of yearly state registration fees is fucking stupid and merely a punishment.
Get bent.
Cruelty is the point.
Nice job beating the autocorrect censor.
Quote from: tower912 on May 24, 2025, 10:59:17 AMNice job beating the autocorrect censor.
FUCKING FUCKING FUCKING
We found the loophole!
Fucking is just a city in Austria.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 24, 2025, 08:42:52 AMI just don't want the government telling me what kind of car I have to buy.
Or what kind of paint. The kind with lead really brightens up the nursery.
Quote from: jesmu84 on May 24, 2025, 10:56:46 AMRemoving the subsidy is meh, whatever.
A federal yearly fee on top of yearly state registration fees is fucking stupid and merely a punishment.
Get bent.
Cruelty is the point.
The purpose of the fee is to have electric vehicles contribute to the Highway Trust Fund, which builds or repairs roadways. As America becomes more EV-oriented, expect more of this. Some states, like Illinois, have considered an per-mile charge to make up for the lost gasoline taxes from electric vehicles.
The end of the subsidy should be considered a good thing -- electric vehicles will have to stand on their own in the marketplace. It's also suggesting that volume is increasing to the point where fixed costs are spread across far more vehicles, effectively reducing the cost on a per unit basis.
Finally, if you don't like federal regulation, don't complain next time someone dumps toxic waste in your drinking water.
Quote from: jesmu84 on May 24, 2025, 10:58:05 AMThe government is telling you you have to buy a non-chinese car.
You gonna maintain your principled stance?
That depends on what Jesse Watters says
Quote from: tower912 on May 24, 2025, 10:37:30 AMFord is now offering to install a home charger with the purchase of an EV. That could sway me. And I can easily see a transition period where families have one EV and one ICE/hybrid, one for around town and one for road trips. I could easily do 98% of my driving with an EV and a home charger.
This is me now. Pretty much was anti-EV. But commuting 5 days to work with free electric, I will not go back. Would not want an EV as only car, but is sure fun with instant acceleration. Have a home charger but have not had to use it.
Quote from: jesmu84 on May 24, 2025, 10:58:05 AMThe government is telling you you have to buy a non-chinese car.
You gonna maintain your principled stance?
Devil's advocate, there is a lot of safety, reliability, etc... concerns with Chinese vehicles that you don't see in flashy promo videos or paid influencer test drives. There obviously is trade war/rivalry considerations, but its not that China just has magically incredible vehicles with way better tech and way better prices, like for like.
I have a friend in Singapore that had a BYD and his uncle had a Xiaomi. Both lasted under a year before reliability was too much of a headache. Both switched to BMW electrics. Looked great and a ton of bells and whistles, but weren't great once that wore off. They said it may have been different if they hadn't had non-Chinese EVs to easily compare them to.
Also saying you have to buy an electric as opposed to ICE car isn't the same as saying Chinese vehicles aren't available in the market. Its like saying you have to buy organic fair trade produce is the same as not importing oranges from Venezuela or durian from North Korea. There are thousands of products of all categories you can't buy in the US for a variety of governmental decided reasons.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 24, 2025, 08:07:54 AMSo, why not Lithium? I guess we can ban anything depending on the majority in our state houses and executive offices.
https://www.alsym.com/blog/lithium-based-batteries-are-toxic-from-start-to-finish/#:~:text=Lithium%20is%20used%20for%20many%20purposes,%20including
I'm a little late to all this. And since it was bumped in a reply to an old post of mine...I'm overinvested in lithium! Buy LAC! Giddyup! (But seriously, buy soon or you'll be too late)
Quote from: JWags85 on May 24, 2025, 08:40:53 PMDevil's advocate, there is a lot of safety, reliability, etc... concerns with Chinese vehicles that you don't see in flashy promo videos or paid influencer test drives. There obviously is trade war/rivalry considerations, but its not that China just has magically incredible vehicles with way better tech and way better prices, like for like.
I have a friend in Singapore that had a BYD and his uncle had a Xiaomi. Both lasted under a year before reliability was too much of a headache. Both switched to BMW electrics. Looked great and a ton of bells and whistles, but weren't great once that wore off. They said it may have been different if they hadn't had non-Chinese EVs to easily compare them to.
Also saying you have to buy an electric as opposed to ICE car isn't the same as saying Chinese vehicles aren't available in the market. Its like saying you have to buy organic fair trade produce is the same as not importing oranges from Venezuela or durian from North Korea. There are thousands of products of all categories you can't buy in the US for a variety of governmental decided reasons.
Agreed on some issues regarding Chinese vehicle safety and reliability standards.
However, OP likely didn't know about that. OP, based on posting history, is fighting the good fight against a crushing big brother government interfering in his freedom to choose.
I'm just curious how far that principle goes
Quote from: GOO on May 24, 2025, 10:33:20 AMI'd like to see EV tech take over recreational water engines and boats. Kind of crazy how much noise pollution there is on lakes, being an old guy, I like quiet lakes and zen out. I wouldn't mind some kind of a ban on noisy motor boats and wave runners etc. Balancing ones "right" to have fun versus ones "right" to less noise pollution.
There must be safety concerns over lithium, electrical system and water.
Quote from: NCMUFan on May 27, 2025, 03:39:11 PMThere must be safety concerns over lithium, electrical system and water.
There may be...but I really think this is an energy density problem. 1 gallon of gasoline weighs about 6lbs. The energy equivalent in terms of batteries, would require about 600lbs. Of course, an electric motor is probably about 3x more efficient, so you'd only need 200lbs of batteries...for that same 6lbs of gas. But, lets say you carry 10 gal of gas on your boat, and we're back up to an extra 1940 lbs the boat would have to carry to be electric instead of gas. That's a lot of extra buoyancy required, and thus bigger/more motors...and the problem compounds.
Quote from: GOO on May 24, 2025, 10:33:20 AMThis is true. I'd add that the future is arriving faster in China and Europe than the USA. And maybe has arrived there already. It is slowly arriving in the USA.
The benefits for big cities and urban areas are too great for EVs adoption to slow down in those areas.
I'd like to see EV tech take over recreational water engines and boats. Kind of crazy how much noise pollution there is on lakes, being an old guy, I like quiet lakes and zen out. I wouldn't mind some kind of a ban on noisy motor boats and wave runners etc. Balancing ones "right" to have fun versus ones "right" to less noise pollution.
Charging times and range are probably more of an issue for those that don't use EVs or have an EV with a range of under 250 miles or so. Otherwise really shouldn't be an issue in my experience, at least for most people. Time saver over all by far. And extremely convenient unless one does long trips often.
In Amsterdam, (just returned) it seemed like more than half the boats on the canals were using electric motors. While the batteries for them weigh more, if you've ever had to slap an ICE engine on a boat, you know they're not exactly lightweight either. Five out of six taxi/uber rides were EVs, and the one who was not told us she would be required to switch by 2027. Also, MANY of the cars (In Amsterdam) were extremely small two seaters like this:
(https://expatinfoholland.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Biro-moped-car-microcar-in-Netherlands.jpg)
Additionally, we rode in a BYD EV from China... It was very nice.
Does th
Quote from: Hards Alumni on June 05, 2025, 08:25:45 AMIn Amsterdam, (just returned) it seemed like more than half the boats on the canals were using electric motors. While the batteries for them weigh more, if you've ever had to slap an ICE engine on a boat, you know they're not exactly lightweight either. Five out of six taxi/uber rides were EVs, and the one who was not told us she would be required to switch by 2027. Also, MANY of the cars (In Amsterdam) were extremely small two seaters like this:
(https://expatinfoholland.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Biro-moped-car-microcar-in-Netherlands.jpg)
Additionally, we rode in a BYD EV from China... It was very nice.
Is the Amsterdam govt actively punishing EV adoption?
Quote from: jesmu84 on June 05, 2025, 09:24:19 AMDoes th
Is the Amsterdam govt actively punishing EV adoption?
I know this is rhetorical, but no. The lady who didn't have the EV had a diesel BMW and wasn't happy about having to switch to EV. Her arguments were similar to a lot of the concerns that are pushed in the US. So you know we export our stupidity.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on June 05, 2025, 08:25:45 AMIn Amsterdam, (just returned) it seemed like more than half the boats on the canals were using electric motors. While the batteries for them weigh more, if you've ever had to slap an ICE engine on a boat, you know they're not exactly lightweight either. Five out of six taxi/uber rides were EVs, and the one who was not told us she would be required to switch by 2027. Also, MANY of the cars (In Amsterdam) were extremely small two seaters like this:
(https://expatinfoholland.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Biro-moped-car-microcar-in-Netherlands.jpg)
Additionally, we rode in a BYD EV from China... It was very nice.
(https://preview.redd.it/0nan9b3stndc1.png?auto=webp&s=44edd80fae54282f7754c3e89c22c9d116a92cd4)
America's most famous Tesler owner has put his on the market.
Might be one of the few times a used Tesler actually isn't sold as at a huge loss, as the novelty of owning this one surely will bring a price.
Quote from: jesmu84 on May 24, 2025, 10:58:05 AMThe government is telling you you have to buy a non-chinese car.
You gonna maintain your principled stance?
Where? I have nothing against Chinese cars as long as they meet same regs as all other manufacturers.
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-industry/chinese-made-cars-in-us-market-a3786571662/?msockid=14881e37264362a729020a7f2700636c
https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterlyon/2024/04/28/why-america-remains-a-forbidden-land-for-chinese-carmakers/