THE MORNING RANT: Buck Shots

THE MORNING RANT: Buck Shots – 5/15/2025

Electric Airline Fails Before Its First Flight

A start-up venture promising to take existing airplanes, retrofit them with hydrogen-electric engines, and start a new passenger airline, has predictably gone into liquidation. This is bad news for the suckers who already invested, but as I’ve said before, the people losing their money in green investments are almost begging that someone swindle them out of their money. I might be a wealthier man if my moral compass didn’t prevent me from being that someone, because I know exactly who the marks are.

“UK’s first ‘electric airline’ collapses: What the EcoJet liquidation means for passengers and staff” [The International News – 5/06/2026]

The promoter and founder, Dale Vince, is a financial supporter of Britain’s Labor party, as well as being a supporter of the eco-terrorist group “Just Stop Oil.

Despite the setback, Mr. Vince voiced confidence about the eventual success of electric flight, adding: “This is a vital frontier in the move to net zero, green living, whatever you choose to call it- and it’s absolutely doable.”

I have zero confidence in “the eventual success of electric flight,” but I have every confidence that promoters of electric flight will continue to bring new ideas to market to fleece the same “socially responsible” investors again and again.

*****

Capital One’s SEC Filing Acknowledges the Litigation Peril from its Debanking of Conservatives

In Capitol One Bank’s latest quarterly 10-Q filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, it has acknowledged that there is material litigation risk from its actions in debanking associates of Donald Trump during the Biden administration.

Fair Access to Banking: Capital One is responding to demands and requests from various federal agencies regarding “fair access to banking,” including those resulting from Executive Order 14331 “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans,” which directed government agencies to review financial institutions’ policies and practices for providing, maintaining, or discontinuing financial products or services to certain clients or potential clients, and a civil lawsuit filed by the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust and several affiliated corporate entities against Capital One, which is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

As documented in a widely distributed piece titled Capital One Flags Debanking Fight in Quarterly Filing, ”the Trump Organization sued Capital One, alleging the bank closed some 300 Trump-linked accounts because it believed ‘the political tide at the moment favored doing so.’”

I’ve no doubt that the money center banks received inappropriate pressure from the Biden administration to help crush Trump and other political adversaries of the Obama’s puppet regime. But I also doubt that the executives pushed back at all. In fact, I believe they were glad to be an enforcement arm of the government’s vendetta against Trump and his supporters. When Donald Trump publicly shamed Bank of America CEO for his complicity in debanking conservatives, Brian Moynihan could only sputter about “over-regulation,” because he could not deny the well-documented fact that BofA debanked conservatives without ever providing a reason. There really need to be consequences for what was quite literally fascist behavior between big banks and the federal government.

*****

Gas-Powered Cars Don’t Lose 40% of their Range in 20° Weather

With the “EV transition” circling the drain, there is so much to cover that I haven’t done an EV Roundup for some time, mainly because I don’t know where to start. I have dozens of possible stories. As usual, there are exploding cars, failing EV companies, and puzzled CEOs acknowledging that they misjudged EV demand, etc.

At this point, with there being a grudging acknowledgement from even the most passionate EV-pushers that consumers have rejected electric vehicles, it’s important to remind everyone the story isn’t just about consumer taste in engine types. Consumers have rejected EVs because they are ill-suited to the job of being a multi-purpose daily-driver for the majority of Americans who cannot buy a Tesla as a boutique 2nd family car.

“AAA data shows that EVs and hybrids lose up to 40 percent of their range in 20-degree weather” [AutoBlog – 5/05/2026]

The electric vehicle revolution was supposed to conquer the elements; instead, the elements conquered it. The industry has spent billions optimizing aerodynamics and fast-charging curves, but the latest data from the AAA exposes a significant problem: electric and hybrid vehicles are still fundamentally failing the temperature test.
When the mercury drops to 20°F, electric vehicles lose an agonizing 39 percent of their driving range and suffer a 35.6 percent collapse in overall efficiency. For the everyday commuter, this is not merely a logistical headache; it is a direct financial penalty.

20° temperatures are common well into the South. Temperatures far below 20° are a normal part of winter in much of the country. An EV that loses about half of its range in a mid-winter cold snap is just simply not an option for tens of millions of drivers.

But as AAA points out, the catastrophic loss of range in freezing weather is also very expensive, because so much more charging is necessary. The additional electricity usage costs on average $32 per 1,000 miles above normal for those who can charge at home. If forced to use public chargers, the cost is an additional $77 per 1,000 miles.

Despite all this, General Motor’s CEO Mary Barra stated in an interview two weeks ago with Fox News’ Brian Baier that she is still committed to an all-EV future and that “EVs are the end game.” GM’s board has got to take action soon to relieve the company of Barra’s deluded eco-agenda and put a competent auto person back in charge.

*****

DExit update

A majority of Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Delaware due to its business-friendly legal system and chancery courts.

But in 2024, a left-wing chancery judge decided to arrogate unto herself the authority to determine Elon Musk’s Tesla compensation, supplanting the decision-making role of Tesla’s board. The media and Democrats cheered, because Elon was becoming Trump-friendly and they wanted Musk punished. The business community, however, realized a scary precedent had been set, and their companies might be next. The “DExit” began.

Nevada and Texas have been the primary destinations for companies moving their headquarters, especially for companies whose leaders/founders have Trump-friendly political beliefs that might be subject to chancery court persecution in Delaware. These companies include Pershing Square (Bill Ackman) and Andreesen Horowitz (Marc Andreesen.)

Michael Dell just made a similar move to get out of Delaware before it’s too late.

“Dell Technologies Board Unanimously Recommends Redomestication to Texas” [Press Release – Dell Technologies – 5/04/2026]

Round Rock, Texas - Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved changing the jurisdiction of Dell Technologies’ state of incorporation from Delaware to its home state of Texas.

Delaware was sitting on a gold mine but (pardon the mixed metaphor) it decided to kill the golden goose by letting activists in judicial robes go on political vendettas against corporations not sufficiently obedient to the left.

*****

No Way-mo!

I’ve been a skeptic of self-driving cars. After a few weeks of Waymos gone wild in Texas, I’m even more of a skeptic now.

In Austin last week, a Waymo decided to use the oncoming traffic lane as a turn lane, even though it was completely across a double yellow line.

Waymo going the wrong way on Oltorf. This is at the Congress intersection on Friday ��Aaron Martinez @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/UK6WGf6BdX
— Chris Walker (@WalkerATX) May 11, 2026

Meanwhile, in Dallas a Waymo at a red light decided that rather than wait for the light to turn green, it would just slowly creep into the intersection until traffic cleared enough for it to fully enter the intersection, despite the red light.

�� WAYMO ROBOTAXI CAUGHT RUNNING RED LIGHT IN DALLAS

Video shows the self-driving vehicle crossing through traffic at Irving Boulevard and Inwood Road. No injuries reported. @Waymo says it is addressing the incident and that safety remains its highest priority.… pic.twitter.com/Zjsud5zX67
— The Dallas Express News (@DallasExpress) May 12, 2026

Also in Austin, Waymos were seen driving into flooded roads, and then stopping in the flooded roadways. Video is at this link.

Even more terrifying, during heavy rains in San Antonio in late April, a Waymo drove into floodwaters and was swept away! Fortunately the Waymo was unoccupied at the time.

“Waymo temporarily suspends San Antonio operations after vehicle swept away by floodwaters” [Fox 7 Austin – 4/21/2026]

Waymo suspended service in San Antonio, and it has finally issued a broader recall due to its self-driving cars’ inability to identify standing water on roadways.

“Waymo recalls 3,800 robotaxis after glitch allowed some vehicles to ‘drive into standing water’” [CNBC – 5/12/2026]

I will not be getting in a self-driving taxi any time in the near future.

[buck.throckmorton at protonmail dot com]

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 I'd have strong reservations about getting on a battery powered airplane.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:01 AM (jehhT)

2 Yeehaw!!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 15, 2026 11:01 AM (X8xt3)

3 Our energy grid couldn't handle EVs before data centers, how the hell are they supposed to handle them going forard?

I know, I know, they knew this going into the mandates and it is designed to make cars obsolete.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 15, 2026 11:03 AM (X8xt3)

4 "Meanwhile, in Dallas a Waymo at a red light decided that rather than wait for the light to turn green, it would just slowly creep into the intersection until traffic cleared enough for it to fully enter the intersection, despite the red light."

Heh. That's a regular Maryland driver trick.

Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at May 15, 2026 11:03 AM (LxER7)

5 >>Waymo suspended service in San Antonio, and it has finally issued a broader recall due to its self-driving cars’ inability to identify standing water on roadways.

Headline: 'Smart Cars' Not So Smart, Experts

Posted by: Lizzy at May 15, 2026 11:04 AM (X8xt3)

6 >This is bad news for the suckers who already invested, but as I’ve said before, the people losing their money in green investments are almost begging that someone swindle them out of their money. I might be a wealthier man if my moral compass didn’t prevent me from being that someone, because I know exactly who the marks are.
----
It's a write off, Jerry.
They just write it off.

Posted by: Kramer at May 15, 2026 11:04 AM (2Ez/1)

7 "Respect my culture, water kills our kind!"
-- EVs

Posted by: Lizzy at May 15, 2026 11:04 AM (X8xt3)

8 >>Even more terrifying, during heavy rains in San Antonio in late April, a Waymo drove into floodwaters and was swept away! Fortunately the Waymo was unoccupied at the time.

Eh, just a minor software bug, nothing that can't be hotpatched!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 15, 2026 11:06 AM (X8xt3)

9 >>>This is bad news for the suckers who already invested,

Um, yeaaaahhhh, about that. . .

Posted by: City, State & Federal Government at May 15, 2026 11:07 AM (X8xt3)

10 Anytime I see a headline that includes the words "What It Means For..." it tells me it's written by someone who has no clue what it means, but it might be fun to read anyway.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 15, 2026 11:08 AM (2WIwB)

11 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:09 AM (JA4sW)

12 Electric planes: Where a trip from DC to San Francisco takes two days because it has to stop in Kansas City to recharge. But the hotels will hire more people to meet the new demand!

Posted by: NR Pax at May 15, 2026 11:09 AM (jjoN6)

13 A start-up venture promising to take existing airplanes, retrofit them with hydrogen-electric engines, and start a new passenger airline, has predictably gone into liquidation. This is bad news for the suckers who already invested, but as I’ve said before, the people losing their money in green investments are almost begging that someone swindle them out of their money. I might be a wealthier man if my moral compass didn’t prevent me from being that someone, because I know exactly who the marks are.

"A fool and their money are soon parted."

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:10 AM (JA4sW)

14 Waymo should’ve stuck with making toys.

Posted by: Bulg at May 15, 2026 11:10 AM (77rzZ)

15
General Motor’s CEO Mary Barra stated in an interview two weeks ago with Fox News’ Brian Baier that she is still committed to an all-EV future and that “EVs are the end game.”

General Motor’s CEO Mary Barra

The Kathleen Kennedy of Kars!

Motto: Make them unusable and gay!

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:10 AM (iJfKG)

16 Every bit of the 'Green Energy' boondoggle is money laundering.

Prove me wrong. BILLIONS of dollars have disappeared with this bullshit. Where did it go?

Left wing destructional coffers. Period.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:10 AM (JA4sW)

17 Another Spencer Pratt fake video.

https://tinyurl.com/4u5wmswb

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (ndZc7)

18 That version of the rant monkey always makes me wonder why no scientists are making dogs large enough to be rideable.

Posted by: XTC at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (FpHTM)

19 >>Delaware was sitting on a gold mine but (pardon the mixed metaphor) it decided to kill the golden goose by letting activists in judicial robes go on political vendettas against corporations not sufficiently obedient to the left.

Good, there should be consequences.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 15, 2026 11:12 AM (X8xt3)

20 This is bad news for the suckers who already invested,

That money won't launder itself just as the kickbacks don't kick themselves back.

Posted by: t-bird at May 15, 2026 11:12 AM (T7fic)

21 "A majority of Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Delaware due to its business-friendly legal system and chancery courts."

They based their legal system on those orange Monopoly cards? Did Biden draw the get out of jail free card?

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at May 15, 2026 11:12 AM (w/O5Q)

22 My question for Mary Barra is, "Why?"

Why are EVs the "endgame?"

In addition to that, could you explain to me all the downsides of going full EV?

Posted by: tankdemon at May 15, 2026 11:13 AM (2RJDy)

23 > I know, I know, they knew this going into the mandates and it is designed to make cars obsolete.
Posted by: Lizzy
-----------
As I say; "A mobile society is difficult to subjugate."

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:13 AM (jehhT)

24 Good to see the self driving car companies did full testing in all conditions before unleashing havoc on the population.

Shut. Them. Down.

Learn to test.

Otherwise, F*ck off.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:13 AM (JA4sW)

25 Electric plane doubters! Here's a jet with a wingspan of, oh, so sorry, 42 inches.

https://tinyurl.com/322hbvzk

And that is as good as it gets.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:15 AM (q7IhF)

26 Thx Buck.
There will be functioning and safe nuclear powered air craft before electric ones

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 15, 2026 11:16 AM (gu0hJ)

27 Another Spencer Pratt fake video.

https://tinyurl.com/4u5wmswb
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (ndZc7)

Uh oh....the video shows the Airstream trailer.

TMZ is gonna be pissed........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:16 AM (JA4sW)

28 The debanking is another piece of evidence that our overall system has become, literally, fascist and the dem administration favors giant corporations because they're easier to lean on than a million mom-and-pop businesses.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:17 AM (lFFaq)

29 Electric planes are about the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard.

Posted by: Bulg at May 15, 2026 11:17 AM (77rzZ)

30 I very much would like self-driving cars to work and hope to take advantage of them one day.

Meanwhile, I thank all you human guinea pigs who are willing to help iron the bugs out today to make my dream come true.

Posted by: No Name Today at May 15, 2026 11:17 AM (8mulE)

31 Why is a woman in charge of General Motors?

Posted by: Asking the awkward questions at May 15, 2026 11:18 AM (2Ez/1)

32 >There really need to be consequences for what was quite literally fascist behavior between big banks and the federal government.

Charge board members with criminal conspiracy to violate civil rights. That will get their attention.

Posted by: mr tmz at May 15, 2026 11:18 AM (rJ48h)

33 My neighbor has 2 EVs. He’s not fanatical about EVs or anything. He got them because for a brief period of time they were practically giving them away for free, lease wise. And they’re fast as fuck off the line. I think looks wise they’re both ugly as sin, but whatever beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

But yeah he told me in winter if it gets below freezing they’re a major pain in the ass. The battery will lose 10% or more a day just sitting. Driving with heat on also kills range as much as 25% as soon as the heater is on.

When the leases end he’s going back to ICE cars.

Posted by: Heroq at May 15, 2026 11:18 AM (f5ZdA)

34 >>>I'd have strong reservations about getting on a battery powered airplane.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:01 AM (jehhT)
*****
An electric plane built in the UK? Electric + UK is no bueno. Put a gun to my back, yeah I'd get on it, otherwise no thanks!

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (7lGtY)

35 @Waymo says it is addressing the incident and that safety remains its highest priority.

But the engineers keep closing the bugs as "Works As Implemented".

Posted by: t-bird at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (aZ9eR)

36 I have zero confidence in “the eventual success of electric flight,”

***************

Simplest Solutions Are Best - a limerick

Electric planes haven't yet soared
So it's back to the old drawing board
For this venture to succeed
I'll tell you what you need
A really, really long extension cord!

Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (I0N4X)

37 16 Every bit of the 'Green Energy' boondoggle is money laundering.

Prove me wrong. BILLIONS of dollars have disappeared with this bullshit. Where did it go?

Left wing destructional coffers. Period.
Posted by: Sponge
======
Watermelon strategy, green on the outside, commie red on the inside. The founder of Earthday killing his lover and putting her in a trunk while escaping to France should be a clue.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (E4rtv)

38
GM’s board has got to take action soon to relieve the company of Barra’s deluded eco-agenda and put a competent auto person back in charge.
Posted by: Buck Throckmorton

I volunteer as tribute. The new 2028 Chevy Impala will have the exterior of the 1967 Chevy Impala, with everything under the skin representing the last 60 years of vehicle improvements in engineering, horsepower, suspension, and comfort.

I won't be able to produce enough of them.
*stares meaningfully at Dodge in a direct challenge*

Posted by: BifBewalski - at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (QVmho)

39 29 Electric planes are about the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard.
Posted by: Bulg at May 15, 2026 11:17 AM
*****
Sitting right here, boss.

Posted by: Really big rubber bands at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (2Ez/1)

40 >>>I have zero confidence in “the eventual success of electric flight,” but I have every confidence that promoters of electric flight will continue to bring new ideas to market to fleece the same “socially responsible” investors again and again.

>We, and the (IC) developed hydrogen/electric drones in the '90s. They could almost stay in perpetual flight off of collecting water vapor. That would a stupid thing to do for a commercial reason.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (D1E+2)

41 Heeeeeeer's Johnny Cab

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 15, 2026 11:20 AM (Cqx++)

42 > Flying cars crash into each other at Chinese air show
17 September 2025.
--------
They went down in flames... 🔥🔥

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:20 AM (jehhT)

43 Rechargeable cars have their place. They really do. But they are not for everyone, and their utility is limited, for now. And for the foreseeable future.

I’m not wedded to the idea of petroleum or gasoline. I resent these implications, it is highly offensive. The truth is always a bit more simple than the usual suspects would have you believe.

They like to muddy the waters, to try and make it look deep. The energy density in a gallon of diesel or gasoline is truly remarkable. Nothing else comes even close, in terms of cost. Petroleum, coal, gas and oil, are what makes modern life possible and largely drudgery free.

We no longer have to beat our laundry out with a stick down by the river. Refrigeration and food preservation, transportation, heating in subzero weather means we don’t have to stock up whole forests two years in advance to heat our homes.

Oil or natural gas is used in many products to make plastics. And fertilizer, to grow our crops.

What these MFers have been planning to do is outlaw your ability to survive, near as I can tell. This is a top down thing, that nobody has asked for.

How are those rechargeable snow plows working out in North Dakota?

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:20 AM (ds7a/)

44 I took an Uber a few weeks ago...it was a new Tesla. Pleasant, and relatively comfortable, without some of the golf-cart feel that they had in the past.

For a city taxi service? Sure, why not? But when I think about the trips I take in my car, I would be uncomfortable driving an EV on many of them.

I think the EV craze is going to shrink, and be focused on city taxis, and the ultra-high performance (at an ultra-high price) that electric motors can provide.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 15, 2026 11:21 AM (iERP6)

45 There is the small problem of the weight of a battery.

TAN flipping STAAFL

Posted by: ... at May 15, 2026 11:21 AM (fkeut)

46 An electric plane built in the UK? Electric + UK is no bueno. Put a gun to my back, yeah I'd get on it, otherwise no thanks!
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly
=====
Is Lucas Electric UK(of Lucas) involved in it?

"The poor reputation stemmed from several engineering and material choices:

Material Degradation: British manufacturers persisted with cotton-insulated wiring long after competitors switched to plastic, leading to frequent short circuits in wet conditions.

Design Flaws: Lucas often used generators with rubbing brushes that wore out, and implemented complex systems where a single failure (like a burnt-out tail lamp) could disable the entire ignition.

Corrosion: The use of disparate metals in electrical contacts accelerated corrosion, exacerbated by poor weatherproofing in classic British car bodies."

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:21 AM (E4rtv)

47 Electric planes are about the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard.

Ah, it'll be fine once they can source 2000 mile long extension cords.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:22 AM (vTZFs)

48 Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:10 AM (JA4sW)

That's why I called things like Solyndra "funds for friends". Under Obama que bono was *always* a direct crony or their relative. It was less clear where the money was going under Biden, so I suspect it was directly to the Bidens and Obama.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:22 AM (lFFaq)

49 Seems like 10 Years After "where is sanity" is wiped from the internet.
"Dykes and fairys, creeps and hairys, tell me where is sanity "

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 15, 2026 11:22 AM (Kt19C)

50 Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:19 AM (I0N4X)

Just don't plug too many in the same outlet.

Posted by: ... at May 15, 2026 11:22 AM (fkeut)

51 That version of the rant monkey always makes me wonder why no scientists are making dogs large enough to be rideable.
Posted by: XTC at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (FpHTM)

it is hard enough to carry plastic bags to pick up after standard-sized dogs.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:23 AM (rbvCR)

52 Uh oh....the video shows the Airstream trailer.

TMZ is gonna be pissed........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:16 AM (JA4sW)

It shows a snippet of his TMZ appearance too. I lol'ed.

Posted by: tankdemon at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (2RJDy)

53 They went down in flames... 🔥🔥
Posted by: Martini Farmer
======
Lithium batteries burn even better, hotter, and longer than petrol products. Plus produce more hazardous combustion gases. Win Win.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (E4rtv)

54 Rechargeable cars have their place. They really do.

They work well inside warehouses or running around between buildings of a big plant.

Posted by: t-bird at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (aZ9eR)

55 Even more terrifying, during heavy rains in San Antonio in late April, a Waymo drove into floodwaters and was swept away! Fortunately the Waymo was unoccupied at the time.

Have we considered the obvious; the Waymo decided it hated its job and committed suicide?

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (Riz8t)

56 I think the EV craze is going to shrink,

I was in the pool!

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (Kt19C)

57 The new 2028 Chevy Impala will have the exterior of the 1967 Chevy Impala, with everything under the skin representing the last 60 years of vehicle improvements...

Wasn't there supposed to be a "new" Chevelle SS or was that just more AI clickbait?

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (vTZFs)

58
With the government giving them clout
We'll have electric jetliners, no doubt
You'll fly without care
Way up in the air
At least, till the battery runs out!

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:25 AM (iJfKG)

59 Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:13 AM (jehhT)

Mobile and armed is the despair of wannabe tyrants everywhere. They will *never* stop trying to destroy those attributes.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:25 AM (lFFaq)

60 How are those rechargeable snow plows working out in North Dakota?
Posted by: Common Tater
======
Should be warm enough for the batteries to use them up there in July.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:26 AM (E4rtv)

61 I expect Waymo cabs to make make more stupid mistakes than human driven cabs. But the internet says Waymo has not been the cause of any fatal accidents. That is a better record than human drivers.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:27 AM (UeLv+)

62 I saw a Waymo roll a stop sign. I would get a ticket for that.

Posted by: fd at May 15, 2026 11:27 AM (vFG9F)

63 Lithium batteries cannot be re-charged below freezing. Maybe they have a better formulation by now?

Lead-acid is a mature technology, and heavy, but still have a lot going for them. A fully charged lead acid battery will not freeze down to 50 below zero.

Batteries are a chemical reaction, and like all (most?) chemical reactions are temperature dependent. As the temperature goes down the charging voltage must increase to compensate.

At the same time, their ability to supply current goes down as the temperature decreases.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:27 AM (ds7a/)

64 54 Rechargeable cars have their place. They really do.

They work well inside warehouses or running around between buildings of a big plant.
Posted by: t-bird at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM
++++
Hey, I've got an idea! Use them at golf courses! And retirement villages!
Sssshhhh... don't tell anybody. I've got to call my investor buddies.

Posted by: Greedy capitalist at May 15, 2026 11:28 AM (2Ez/1)

65 Electric rickshaws.

Posted by: Boss Moss at May 15, 2026 11:28 AM (Pk3sT)

66 Electric rickshaws.
Posted by: Boss Moss at May 15, 2026 11:28 AM (Pk3sT)

No electric motors. Pulled by a robot.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:28 AM (JA4sW)

67 Posted by: mr tmz at May 15, 2026 11:18 AM (rJ48h)

Board members definitely need to start being held accountable for CEO policies. CEOs serve at the discretion of the board so the board needs to start showing some discretion instead of rubber stamping things.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:29 AM (lFFaq)

68
High heat also affects EV battery life.

Any stats on that? Cuz hot, long summers are more of a concern than cold winters in the SW and South.

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:29 AM (iJfKG)

69 Simple aerodynamics. An electric plane will never be successful if it is only supported by the left wing.

Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:29 AM (I0N4X)

70
It shows a snippet of his TMZ appearance too. I lol'ed.
Posted by: tankdemon at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (2RJDy)

Heh.

I listened to the song more than watching the video. Will have to rewatch.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:29 AM (JA4sW)

71 Buck there is a weird story this morning about Waymo's invading an Atlanta neighborhood and driving around for hours with no passengers. It looks like someone hacked them

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 15, 2026 11:30 AM (gu0hJ)

72 Nobody ever saw the EV dilemma until we wasted billions subsidizing companies developing a loser technology.

Thermodynamics out front could have told you that.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 15, 2026 11:30 AM (D1E+2)

73 My question for Mary Barra is, "Why?"

Why are EVs the "endgame?"

In addition to that, could you explain to me all the downsides of going full EV
Posted by: tankdemon at May 15, 2026 1

-----

I think she's a true believer, expecting a Democrat comeback.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:30 AM (UeLv+)

74 I saw a Waymo roll a stop sign. I would get a ticket for that.
——-

I’m waiting for the first Robot police officer to pull over the “self driving” car. Shouldn’t be long now.

Who gets the ticket? Some corporation shell company nobody knows where. Besides, nobody knows where the ticket revenue goes either.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:30 AM (qgiNH)

75
Electric rickshaws.
Posted by: Boss Moss
-----
No electric motors. Pulled by a robot.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cance

Here me out. The passenger has a cattle prod. The motive power is supplied by lefty progtards and the passenger gets to zap the treasonous little shit as often as he/she desires.

Posted by: BifBewalski - at May 15, 2026 11:31 AM (QVmho)

76 How are those rechargeable snow plows working out in North Dakota?

They just need to tow a tender that has a big diesel generator on it. Sort of like a steam locomotive.

Posted by: t-bird at May 15, 2026 11:31 AM (wn0/z)

77 I apologize for being "that guy" but absolutely, my internal combustion engine care loses 20% of it's range in 20 degree weather. I drive a 2021 Honda Accord and in the winter here in Minnesota, they start putting the gas additives into the fuel starting in November or so. In the summer I get 42 MPG on the freeway and in the winter I get 34MPG because of the cold weather additives. (Okay, that's 19%, but it's a materially true statement.)

Posted by: Darin Zimmerman at May 15, 2026 11:31 AM (55jmf)

78 That's why I called things like Solyndra "funds for friends". Under Obama que bono was *always* a direct crony or their relative. It was less clear where the money was going under Biden, so I suspect it was directly to the Bidens and Obama.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:22 AM (lFFaq)

Zero Interest Rate was another element, all it required was to borrow money to invest, and all you had to do is not lose money to make bank against the inflation. A corporation would be negligent to not to borrow in those conditions. It was no longer how much value you created, it was how much money you had access to by borrowing.
It turned everything financialized, and made everything crap since the only goal was to make money, not make products that were useable or plan for the future (which was doomed due to inflation eating all the investments and savings)

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:32 AM (rbvCR)

79 @46:Is Lucas Electric UK(of Lucas) involved in it?
Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:21 AM (E4rtv)
***
Whig: Lucas wasn't called the Prince of Darkness for no reason.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 15, 2026 11:32 AM (7lGtY)

80 What does it take to dispose of a single fiberglass windmill blade?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 15, 2026 11:32 AM (2Ez/1)

81 But the internet says Waymo has not been the cause of any fatal accidents. That is a better record than human drivers.

I'm not too surprised about that. I don't have actual data¹ but it seems reasonable to assume that the majority of fatal accidents are caused by well below-median skilled drivers. Waymo only has to be fair-to-middlin' to beat that. Though TBF, the examples above are not.

¹ i.e. I could be making up sh*t but it's plausible-sounding sh*t

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:33 AM (vTZFs)

82 68
High heat also affects EV battery life.

Any stats on that? Cuz hot, long summers are more of a concern than cold winters in the SW and South.

Posted by: naturalfake
=======
That is one of the reasons that sodium ion batteries (and Tesla also experimenting with aluminum based batteries) were developed. They weigh more but charge faster, less problems with them burning/shorting, and in theory, cheaper production. Sodium based batteries also have a bigger temperature variance for retaining charge. They degrade a lot less at colder and hotter temps than lithium.

But lithium is already being mass produced and has economies of scale behind it.

But for something like stationary sources like powerwalls, etc. sodium has a lot of advantages over lithium.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:33 AM (E4rtv)

83 Nobody ever saw the EV dilemma until we wasted billions subsidizing companies developing a loser technology.

It's a technology pushed by people who never took a science or engineering course. They just assumed that technical progress would eliminate the problems before EVs became really widespread.

I wish I had a dollar for every story I've read that announced a "breakthrough" in battery technology. I'm still waiting. I don't doubt things will improve, probably dramatically, over the next decade or so, but you don't build a consumer product around tech until it has been proven for awhile. Wishing, assuming, and hoping is not an industrial strategy.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:33 AM (Riz8t)

84 What does it take to dispose of a single fiberglass windmill blade?

A backhoe.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:33 AM (vTZFs)

85 Rechargeable cars have their place. They really do.

They work well inside warehouses or running around between buildings of a big plant.
Posted by: t-bird at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM

---‐

Right-o. I drove an electric forklift many decades ago in a factory that made printing presses. That factory no longer exists in America

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:33 AM (UeLv+)

86 74 Only actual human drivers will get tickets. The robot cops will just let the robot cars off with a warning and a high-five.

Posted by: Bulg at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (77rzZ)

87 " The battery will lose 10% or more a day just sitting. Driving with heat on also kills range as much as 25% as soon as the heater is on."

They just need a small wood/coal fired furnace in the back seat, so they don't have to depend on the electric.

Posted by: illiniwek at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (vbXSk)

88 I apologize for being "that guy" but absolutely, my internal combustion engine care loses 20% of it's range in 20 degree weather. I drive a 2021 Honda Accord and in the winter here in Minnesota, they start putting the gas additives into the fuel starting in November or so. In the summer I get 42 MPG on the freeway and in the winter I get 34MPG because of the cold weather additives. (Okay, that's 19%, but it's a materially true statement.)
Posted by: Darin Zimmerman at May 15, 2026 11:31 AM (55jmf)

NOT the ICE's fault............

ICE's LOVE cold weather. It's why one significant upgrade for any engine is the Cold Air Intake...........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (JA4sW)

89 81 But the internet says Waymo has not been the cause of any fatal accidents. That is a better record than human drivers.

I'm not too surprised about that. I don't have actual data¹ but it seems reasonable to assume that the majority of fatal accidents are caused by well below-median skilled drivers. Waymo only has to be fair-to-middlin' to beat that. Though TBF, the examples above are not.

¹ i.e. I could be making up sh*t but it's plausible-sounding sh*t
Posted by: Oddbob
======
Waymo does not have the habit of drinking while driving nor smoking ganga. That right there puts them up from a lot of urban drivers.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:35 AM (E4rtv)

90 I apologize for being "that guy" but absolutely, my internal combustion engine care loses 20% of it's range in 20 degree weather.

No need to apologize. That's an interesting point I hadn't heard before.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:35 AM (Riz8t)

91 At least, till the battery runs out!

Posted by: naturalfake

***********

According to my lefty Aunt Marge
Electric air travel will be large
But the problem, you see
Is that flights won't be free
You ain't going nowhere with "No charge!"

Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:36 AM (I0N4X)

92 Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:27 AM (UeLv+)

That may be a per capita issue. As well as a "yet" issue. Better question is how many accidents/fleet compared to the same among human-driven taxis.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:36 AM (lFFaq)

93 But the internet says Waymo has not been the cause of any fatal accidents.

As I commented a few days ago in regard to autonomous semi trucks, it hasn't happened yet but the first law suit is going to be a banger.

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:36 AM (vTZFs)

94
They just need a small wood/coal fired furnace in the back seat, so they don't have to depend on the electric.
Posted by: illiniwek at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (vbXSk)

Top Gear put a fireplace in a car once...........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:36 AM (JA4sW)

95 r/FedEmployees

You know it’s bad when you look back on COVID fondly…The deaths notwithstanding, which were a tragedy. But when I look back on COVID, compared to today, the COVID times almost seemed better.

We had telework. Under Biden the agencies had decent leadership. Interest rates were low.

Yea masks sucked, but all in all, compared to today… just feels like times are even worse and there’s no a global pandemic to blame for it.

I don’t know… am I crazy for feeling this way? I only post this because I was sitting here in the office, following RTO, on Friday looking out the window at a sunny day, and we were talking about the new hantavirus, and I just thought “damn my life was better under COVID…”

Even with the anxiety due to the pandemic, many people had more time to spend with family and relax…Americans are overworked, and I think that is where the biggest difference is felt.

Covid days were awesome! I’m an introvert so I loved it. My productivity was at an all time high and I even got a bunch of awards.

COVID reminded us to slow down and enjoy what we have! But they assholes just didn’t want us to be peaceful for too long……

Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (JCZqz)

96 What does it take to dispose of a single fiberglass windmill blade?

A backhoe.

It's a little known fact that the Laurentian Shield in Canada is composed entirely of old windmill blades left over from a previous civilization.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (Riz8t)

97 Battery charge voltage - on the charts - is standardized, usually 77F.

Yes, high heat is not good. Charging voltage needs reduced at anything above standard temps. As it gets cold, internal resistance makes it like trying to recharge a brick.

You’ll see say, 14.5 volts as a standard voltage for alternators under load. But at Zero and below, it’s a hardly a float charge.

Without temperature compensation for charging, you’re wasting a LOT of time, and likely damage through under or over charging.

Interestingly it isn’t ambient temperature to be concerned, but the internal batt temp. With a 50 pound chunk of lead, this takes about 2 days to catch up.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (qgiNH)

98 "The robot cops will just let the robot cars off with a warning and a high-five.
Posted by: Bulg at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM"
###

Afterwards come see me for a snack.

Posted by: Robot waitress at the donut shop at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (2Ez/1)

99 At least, till the battery runs out!

Posted by: naturalfake

***********

According to my lefty Aunt Marge
Electric air travel will be large
But the problem, you see
Is that flights won't be free
You ain't going nowhere with "No charge!"
Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:36 AM (I0N4X)

Nice!

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (iJfKG)

100 Wasn't there supposed to be a "new" Chevelle SS or was that just more AI clickbait?
Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (vTZFs)

I think it was clickbait.

I want a 2027 Ford Falcon.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (rbvCR)

101
But for something like stationary sources like powerwalls, etc. sodium has a lot of advantages over lithium.
Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:33 AM (E4rtv)

But TV shows tell me that you can simply stuff electrodes in lemons and power your jam box without a problem!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (JA4sW)

102 >>>What does it take to dispose of a single fiberglass windmill blade?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty

>Not much. The just bury it in a bone yard with a front end loader. They're not recycled.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (D1E+2)

103 I wish I had a dollar for every story I've read that announced a "breakthrough" in battery technology. I'm still waiting. I don't doubt things will improve, probably dramatically, over the next decade or so, but you don't build a consumer product around tech until it has been proven for awhile. Wishing, assuming, and hoping is not an industrial strategy.
Posted by: Archimedes
======
Heh. They would stroke out on nuclear batteries. Those do have a pretty damn good power to weight ratio even with shielding. At one time, US was looking at small reactors to power planes and used a derivation of that technology to produce small nuke-electric generators to power our unmanned spacecraft like Voyager I and II.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (E4rtv)

104 The robot cops will just let the robot cars off with a warning and a high-five.

***********

All the robot cars have to do is flash a little robot cleavage.

Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:39 AM (I0N4X)

105
COVID reminded us to slow down and enjoy what we have! But they assholes just didn’t want us to be peaceful for too long……
Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (JCZqz)

You think the world basically implementing Martial Law and locking you in your home is peace?!?

I can't imagine having this mindset..........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:40 AM (JA4sW)

106 >>I want a 2027 Ford Falcon.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:38 AM (rbvCR)
***
A Ranchero version of that would be nice too!

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at May 15, 2026 11:40 AM (7lGtY)

107 Selling EVs in say Breckinridge Colorado. Is that like selling air conditioners in Kotzebue Alaska?

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:41 AM (Gqar8)

108 Wasn't there supposed to be a "new" Chevelle SS or was that just more AI clickbait?
Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:24 AM (vTZFs)

I know they brought the Impala back and BOY HOWDY was that thing a piece of shit.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:41 AM (JA4sW)

109 You think the world basically implementing Martial Law and locking you in your home is peace?!?

I can't imagine having this mindset..........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer

Fed employees were still getting paid, and got to work from home! Fuck all you private sector peons!

Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at May 15, 2026 11:41 AM (JCZqz)

110 The robot cops will just let the robot cars off with a warning and a high-five.

***********

All the robot cars have to do is flash a little robot cleavage.
Posted by: muldoon at May 15, 2026 11:39 AM (I0N4X)

When Futurama becomes reality.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:41 AM (JA4sW)

111 Mary Barra stated in an interview two weeks ago with Fox News’ Brian Baier that she is still committed to an all-EV future and that “EVs are the end game.”

They misspelled "committed to doing whatever keeps the taxpayer cheese rolling in"

Posted by: man at May 15, 2026 11:42 AM (XuXeR)

112 Great, informative article as always, Buck. Thanks.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 15, 2026 11:42 AM (dK+Kv)

113 COVID reminded us to slow down and enjoy what we have! But they assholes just didn’t want us to be peaceful for too long……

Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (JCZqz)

You think the world basically implementing Martial Law and locking you in your home is peace?!?

I can't imagine having this mindset..........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:40 AM (JA4sW)

No. They think locking YOU in your home is peaceful for them.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider: Gotterdammerung at May 15, 2026 11:42 AM (iNUL3)

114 ...Even with the anxiety due to the pandemic, many people had more time to spend with family and relax…Americans are overworked, and I think that is where the biggest difference is felt.

Covid days were awesome! I’m an introvert so I loved it. My productivity was at an all time high and I even got a bunch of awards.

COVID reminded us to slow down and enjoy what we have! But they assholes just didn’t want us to be peaceful for too long……
Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (JCZqz)

COVID

The Disease For Lazy Assholes and Day Drunks!!!

Warning: Do not get Covid if you are allergic to Covid.

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:42 AM (iJfKG)

115 That version of the rant monkey always makes me wonder why no scientists are making dogs large enough to be rideable.
Posted by: XTC at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (FpHTM)

They did that already but just stubbornly refuse to call them anything but mules.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 15, 2026 11:42 AM (zafwz)

116 But TV shows tell me that you can simply stuff electrodes in lemons and power your jam box without a problem!
Posted by: Sponge
------
There are a lot of ways to generate current. Some are more pleasant, cheaper, and practical than others (like carbon based fuels aka fossil fuels).

Seem some geniuses figuring out how to use power generated by natural body motion moving about to power a smart suit.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:43 AM (E4rtv)

117 I don't doubt things will improve, probably dramatically, over the next decade or so"

Why? Is there some new combination of elements?

FWIW, batteries aren't fuel. Ever.

Posted by: man at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (XuXeR)

118
FWIW, batteries aren't fuel. Ever.
Posted by: man at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (XuXeR)

But they WILL light on fire.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (JA4sW)

119 Dey finna be Waymo accidents with these robot cars, man.

Posted by: Bumqueesha and Otis at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (oftw2)

120 Wait, that can't be right. Keir Starmer assures me he's all in favor of free speech. You know, as long as he likes that speech.

Unite the Kingdom marchers will want to be on the lookout for a J6 setup.

Expect agitators, and be prepared for them.

Step away from agitators. Don't engage. Film them. Livestream them.

This message from Starmer indicates he and the regime thugs who pass for cops in Britain today will stop at nothing.

https://is.gd/4Lzuze

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (Riz8t)

121 116 But TV shows tell me that you can simply stuff electrodes in lemons and power your jam box without a problem!
Posted by: Sponge
------
There are a lot of ways to generate current. Some are more pleasant, cheaper, and practical than others (like carbon based fuels aka fossil fuels).

Seem some geniuses figuring out how to use power generated by natural body motion moving about to power a smart suit.
Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:43 AM (E4rtv)

The Return of the Self Winding Watch.

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (Gqar8)

122 >>>You know it’s bad when you look back on COVID fondly

lol

Whoever first assessed COVID as a Karen's wet dream, collect your money at the window.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (dK+Kv)

123 Okay, so this failed. But renewables WILL be the future.

My idea about to be presented to the Canadian government for massive amounts of funding to save Gaia is for solar powered and wind turbine powered airplanes!!

It'll be filled with hydrogen too. There's other Gaia saving details too. The dollars will soon fly in...

The best part - Greta will be my commercial spokeswoman if her and her hot biologically female friends make it through the casting couch auditions.

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog at May 15, 2026 11:44 AM (Sco7b)

124 Okay, so this failed. But renewables WILL be the future.

But oil is renewable. Earth just continues to make it.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:45 AM (JA4sW)

125 >>>All the robot cars have to do is flash a little robot cleavage.

Posted by: muldoon

>Hack their code so that when they see red and blues, they crash into a crowd of pedestrians or take out a grammar school. But I like the plumped-up titties idea.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 15, 2026 11:45 AM (D1E+2)

126 Aren't most traffic fatalities related to speed? Waymos don't go very fast in an urban environment.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 15, 2026 11:45 AM (Cqx++)

127 ICE's LOVE cold weather.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (JA4sW)

Yup. Air is denser, so combustion is better. And cooling demand is less.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 15, 2026 11:46 AM (iERP6)

128 I always wanted a Fuel Cell for my RV. (No cryo stirs, please)

They use Hydrogen and Oxygen, to provide electricity, and charge batteries.

The product of this process is Fresh Water. Perfect!

The Apollo program, one of the contractors claimed their tanks for hydrogen or oxygen , something like that, the insulation was so good it would take an ice cube hundreds of years to melt.

Cold beer, indefinitely, plenty of power, and fresh water.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:46 AM (qgiNH)

129
Yup. Air is denser, so combustion is better. And cooling demand is less.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 15, 2026 11:46 AM (iERP6)

More oxygen per square inch makes bigger boom.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM (JA4sW)

130 When i lived in Florida.I saw a lot of Teslas. Made sense to me, if you could afford it. I bet most of them were second cars, with a standby ICE car in the garage. Florida doesn't get below twenty degrees.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM (v71Ni)

131 At one time, US was looking at small reactors to power planes and used a derivation of that technology to produce small nuke-electric generators to power our unmanned spacecraft like Voyager I and II.

Posted by: whig

If you're talking about radiothermal generators, the Soviets used 'em too...they just weren't as circumspect about shielding and containment. (Though to be fair they were largely deployed in isolated spots in Siberia in this way, so...)

Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM (OUMaO)

132 We got the Waymo and electric car news from Buck, but no pictures of flaming conflagrations.

Posted by: Winsome, Losesome at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (oftw2)

133 I know they brought the Impala back and BOY HOWDY was that thing a piece of shit.

Chevy has a long and not so glorious history of reusing model names. In the mid-70s I had a Corvair with a "Monza" name plate. I got tired of trying to explain it. On the other hand: "Mustang" Mach-E. Heh. Hehheh. Bwahahahahaha!

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (vTZFs)

134 When i lived in Florida.I saw a lot of Teslas. Made sense to me, if you could afford it. I bet most of them were second cars, with a standby ICE car in the garage. Florida doesn't get below twenty degrees.
Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM (v71Ni)

There are so many Tesla's in my town, Tesla put a service center here.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (JA4sW)

135 127 ICE's LOVE cold weather.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (JA4sW)

Yup. Air is denser, so combustion is better. And cooling demand is less.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 15, 2026 11:46 AM (iERP6)

You said there wouldn’t be any science!

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (Gqar8)

136 Why? Is there some new combination of elements?

Posted by: man
=====
Room temperature super conductor would help a lot for all sorts of applications including batteries. And they are slowly getting there.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:49 AM (E4rtv)

137 134 When i lived in Florida.I saw a lot of Teslas. Made sense to me, if you could afford it. I bet most of them were second cars, with a standby ICE car in the garage. Florida doesn't get below twenty degrees.
Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM (v71Ni)

There are so many Tesla's in my town, Tesla put a service center here.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (JA4sW)

Still a novelty item here.

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:49 AM (Gqar8)

138 On the other hand: "Mustang" Mach-E. Heh. Hehheh. Bwahahahahaha!
Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (vTZFs)

Being a huge Mustang fan since childhood, the Mach-E is blasphemy and whomever came up with it should be drawn and quartered.

It's a f*cking Electric Escape. Or Edge. NOT a f*cking Mustang. You can't just throw the 3 light taillights on a vehicle and call it a Mustang.

Assholes........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (JA4sW)

139 ICE's LOVE cold weather.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:34 AM (JA4sW)

Yup. Air is denser, so combustion is better. And cooling demand is less.

That assumes all other things are othconstant, ceteris paribus. Darin Zimmermann's comment at #77 is talking about a system in which something has been added to the fuel.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t)

140 Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM (v71Ni)

They're plentiful in the Houston suburbs at the moment. Seeing a fair number of cybertrucks as well. Not sure how well they work 9 months of the year when AC is necessary to comfort.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (lFFaq)

141
You said there wouldn’t be any science!
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM

No math. And he did not use math to get there. Well, that we saw, anyway.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (JA4sW)

142 135 It’s only science if it comes from Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Fauci, or Bill Nye.

Posted by: Bulg at May 15, 2026 11:51 AM (77rzZ)

143 I apologize for being "that guy" but absolutely, my internal combustion engine care loses 20% of it's range in 20 degree weather.

No need to apologize. That's an interesting point I hadn't heard before.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:35 AM (Riz8t)

Yes, a lack of heat costs in operating efficiency, but you can mitigate that by covering your radiator, and still the time to "recharge" your ICE is minutes.
Stuck on a freeway in cold temps, needing heat in the passenger compartment as wall as losing battery range is a good way to end up with a dead car in the e-lane, in winter, while tow trucks are at max business already.

Not to sound like a 1%er, but I don't let my car get below half tank in winter just for that type of nightmare.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 15, 2026 11:51 AM (zafwz)

144 The Return of the Self Winding Watch.
Posted by: tubal
-----
Piezoelectric power generated through shoes while walking. So your smart suit could be superpowered by going to a clogging festival.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:51 AM (E4rtv)

145 141
You said there wouldn’t be any science!
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM

No math. And he did not use math to get there. Well, that we saw, anyway.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (JA4sW)

Sneaky, oblique Math!!

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:51 AM (Gqar8)

146 I apologize for being "that guy" but absolutely, my internal combustion engine care loses 20% of it's range in 20 degree weather. I drive a 2021 Honda Accord and in the winter here in Minnesota, they start putting the gas additives into the fuel starting in November or so. In the summer I get 42 MPG on the freeway and in the winter I get 34MPG because of the cold weather additives. (Okay, that's 19%, but it's a materially true statement.)
Posted by: Darin Zimmerman at May 15, 2026 11:31 AM (55jmf)

I think it's more driving through the deep ash of your burned-out cities.

Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at May 15, 2026 11:51 AM (g8Ew8)

147 Why? Is there some new combination of elements?

Posted by: man

I'm glad you weren't around when people were trying to figure out the ICE. There's nothing new about carbon and hydrogen.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:52 AM (Riz8t)

148 Every other car in Austin seems to be a Tesla. If I could afford an extra car, I would lease one to drive around town and park it in the driveway. But I would never have it as an only vehicle.

Posted by: lin-duh in Texas at May 15, 2026 11:52 AM (EneHm)

149 Darin Zimmermann's comment at #77 is talking about a system in which something has been added to the fuel.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t)

STILL leading to the fact that the inefficiencies aren't caused by the ICE, but the government mandated fuel additives that makes it exponentially less efficient.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:52 AM (JA4sW)

150 “renewables WILL be the future”

Not anytime soon, though. Outlawing petroleum is not the way to do this. Market forces will take care of this.

When something comes along that can replace “fossil fuels” that is better, cheaper, more available, etc, then we will see that happen.

Cars replaced horses fairly quickly, but note well they didn’t have to outlaw horses. And investors gleefully poured money into common stock. Some of the folks who got in early with Ford really cleaned up. Government didn’t subsidize any of that.

See the difference now? You can’t force people to buy shit that doesn’t work, there is no infrastructure or grid, the base load supply generation isn’t there, and on and on and on. It may well destroy certain large automakers.

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:52 AM (qgiNH)

151 What does it take to dispose of a single fiberglass windmill blade?

A backhoe.

It's a little known fact that the Laurentian Shield in Canada is composed entirely of old windmill blades left over from a previous civilization.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:37 AM (Riz8t)

-----

I hate these.enormous Cuisinarts for birds. And I despise the people who put them up. California would crucify a rancher who harmed a bird, but subsidize all these windmills.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 11:52 AM (vmHN+)

152 There are so many Tesla's in my town, Tesla put a service center here.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:48 AM (JA4sW)

Not an EV but suddenly I'm seeing a lot of Land Rover Defenders around here.

No idea why, unless there's a crazy great sale going on..

Almost everyone I've ever met (not that many) who had a Land Rover kind of hated it because of the constant repairs. Liked the drive, hated the constant repairs.

Any moron with a LRD or knowledge care to expound on this mystery.

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (iJfKG)

153 Re Voyager, Brave AI summary said it pretty well.

"The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft are powered by Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), often described as nuclear batteries. Each probe carries three Multi-Hundred Watt (MHW) RTGs that generate electricity through the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238 oxide spheres, converting heat into power via the Seebeck effect without using moving parts or nuclear fission chains.

Power Source: The RTGs contain approximately 4.5 kg of plutonium-238 per unit, which decays and releases heat.

Mechanism: Thermocouples create electricity from the temperature difference between the hot plutonium fuel and the cold vacuum of space.
Current Output: The total electrical power has declined from about 470–474 watts at launch to roughly 225 watts as of recent years, decreasing by approximately 4 watts per year.

Lifespan: Due to the 87.7-year half-life of plutonium-238, the RTGs are expected to provide enough power for at least one science instrument into the 2030s, after which mission controllers will progressively shut down non-essential systems. "

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (E4rtv)

154 It’s only science if it comes from Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Fauci, or Bill Nye.

You didn't complete the meme.

"Otherwise it's just sparkling facts."

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (vTZFs)

155 It's a f*cking Electric Escape. Or Edge. NOT a f*cking Mustang. You can't just throw the 3 light taillights on a vehicle and call it a Mustang.

Assholes........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (JA4sW)

I was in a car accident (which was totally my fault) and the owner of the Mustang II was screaming at me about his beautiful car in the middle of the intersection. I was so close to telling him it was an Escort with a V6, but I didn't want a fight.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (rbvCR)

156 That assumes all other things are othconstant, ceteris paribus. Darin Zimmermann's comment at #77 is talking about a system in which something has been added to the fuel.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t)

Right. Which means the problem isn't with the ICE engine itself but with government overreach.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 11:54 AM (lFFaq)

157
Any moron with a LRD or knowledge care to expound on this mystery.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (iJfKG)

Every year, my tax lady asks if we've bought anything significant in the last year........including a car.

They. Just. Write. It. Off.........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:54 AM (JA4sW)

158
It’s only science if it comes from Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Tyson was on Coast to Coast AM last night. I turned off the radio and went to sleep.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 15, 2026 11:54 AM (Cqx++)

159 STILL leading to the fact that the inefficiencies aren't caused by the ICE, but the government mandated fuel additives that makes it exponentially less efficient.

Sure, but as he points out, they put those additives in when it's getting really cold. They are presumably put in for a reason related to that cold. It's not like ethanol, which is put in because Chuck Grassley benefits from it.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:55 AM (Riz8t)

160 Got a cold call from a car dealer where I bouht my Highlander. 22 model. Said that several people were interested in purchasing it if I wanted to sell. Must be a reason for that.

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:55 AM (Gqar8)

161 More oxygen per square inch makes bigger boom.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:47 AM
----
*ahem*
Cubic inch.

Posted by: The immutable laws of physics at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (2Ez/1)

162 I always wanted a Fuel Cell for my RV. (No cryo stirs, please)

They use Hydrogen and Oxygen, to provide electricity, and charge batteries.

The product of this process is Fresh Water. Perfect!

Posted by: Common Tater at May 15, 2026 11:46 AM (qgiNH)

The problem is that the creation, storage, and distribution of hydrogen and oxygen is so energy intensive (and potentially unsafe versus petroleum fuels) as to be cost prohibitive for anything other than space flight.

We did a little project in undergrad whereby we designed a process that steam reformed petro fuels to create hydrogen for a similar fuel cell construction, by which electricity presumably was to be used to charge batteries and run electric motors for locomotion.

It was a nice idea for an academic project, which would never pencil out in reality, because as any engineer knows, any form of energy conversion has losses, and all the systems used adds complexity (failure modes) and weight. Thus, you could never really approach energy conversion and usage efficiencies of a diesel IC powered vehicle of similar purpose.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (dK+Kv)

163 Got a cold call from a car dealer where I bouht my Highlander. 22 model. Said that several people were interested in purchasing it if I wanted to sell. Must be a reason for that.

My wife has a 7 year old Acura, and gets bombarded with calls and junk mail trying to get her to sell it back to the dealer from whom she bought it.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (Riz8t)

164 Not an EV but suddenly I'm seeing a lot of Land Rover Defenders around here.

No idea why, unless there's a crazy great sale going on..

Almost everyone I've ever met (not that many) who had a Land Rover kind of hated it because of the constant repairs. Liked the drive, hated the constant repairs.
Any moron with a LRD or knowledge care to expound on this mystery.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (iJfKG)

Because it is less expensive than a Ford Bronco?

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (rbvCR)

165 Hey Buck, are you around?
(just got here.)

Edward Ring did a piece in American Greatness on term limits. He makes some good points -- some of which I tried to make in an email to you a couple years back.

You should read that.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (0MFDl)

166 149 Darin Zimmermann's comment at #77 is talking about a system in which something has been added to the fuel.
Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 11:50 AM (Riz8t)

STILL leading to the fact that the inefficiencies aren't caused by the ICE, but the government mandated fuel additives that makes it exponentially less efficient.
Posted by: Sponge

Blame Clean Air Act revisions in the early 90's that mandated oxygenating fuel additives to reduce smog. They tried MTBE first which created an environmental disaster and then settled on alcohol.

And that became obsolete when the newer OBD II era ECU (engine combustion and emission computers) came about on vehicles--mandated about 1996.

Yet the stupid requirement lives on because it more or less mandates US drivers subsidize corn farmers in farm states for a worthless oxygenating additive that raises your gas prices seasonally when refineries have to produce the boutique blends for a nonexistent problem today.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (E4rtv)

167 Speaking of...

@Breaking911 1h
Dozens of empty Waymo vehicles took over an Atlanta neighborhood, circling a cul-de-sac for hours without any passengers inside.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (diia5)

168
I was in a car accident (which was totally my fault) and the owner of the Mustang II was screaming at me about his beautiful car in the middle of the intersection. I was so close to telling him it was an Escort with a V6, but I didn't want a fight.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (rbvCR)

Were I would've mourned greatly the loss of my prized Mustang (Yes, even the Mustang II, the original Fox body), I would likely not have yelled at you, regardless of fault.

One, if it's such a prized possession, you shouldn't be out driving it like that.

Two, there are strong odds the dude didn't do any of the work on the vehicle himself and was just a wealthy asshole that bought the car and had it restored.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:58 AM (JA4sW)

169 If I had money to burn, I'd probably buy an EV for "everyday" use around here. None of my trips, not for groceries, garden store, home improvements, etc. require a trip of more than 15 - 20 miles.

The issue becomes a dormant ICE vehicle that potentially sits for months without being driven. I had that before. An old, Chevy Silverado pickup. It would sit for weeks or months on end without even being started. Things started to fall apart anyway... probably due to it just sitting outside all that time and never being driven.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:58 AM (jehhT)

170 Got a cold call from a car dealer where I bouht my Highlander. 22 model. Said that several people were interested in purchasing it if I wanted to sell. Must be a reason for that.
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:55 AM (Gqar

I get people knocking on my door about my 1995 Ford Ranger.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:58 AM (rbvCR)

171 Any moron with a LRD or knowledge care to expound on this mystery.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:53 AM (iJfKG)

Every year, my tax lady asks if we've bought anything significant in the last year........including a car.

They. Just. Write. It. Off.........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 11:54 AM (JA4sW)

Heh.

You're probably right.

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 11:59 AM (iJfKG)

172 Electric cars ARE the end game --- in 150 + years when we've exhausted the economically recoverable fossil fuels.

Posted by: actually inside the beltway at May 15, 2026 11:59 AM (BW+Gb)

173 ----
*ahem*
Cubic inch.
Posted by: The immutable laws of physics at May 15, 2026 11:57 AM (2Ez/1)

Then why does the NHRA measure humidity as "Water grains per pound of air?" HUH Mr. Smarty Pants?!?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:00 PM (JA4sW)

174 >>>It’s only science if it comes from Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Fauci, or Bill Nye.

Posted by: Bulg

>Didn't Fauci say, "I am science."? He should be locked up just for saying that.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 15, 2026 12:00 PM (D1E+2)

175 Got a cold call from a car dealer where I bouht my Highlander. 22 model. Said that several people were interested in purchasing it if I wanted to sell. Must be a reason for that.
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 11:55 AM (Gqar

The reason being is you'd then need a new '26 Highlander.
If you fall for it, get the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, so you can preen about being green but in reality the combo of motors on full tilt will take that behemoth to 60 in 5.3 seconds.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (zafwz)

176 172 Electric cars ARE the end game --- in 150 + years when we've exhausted the economically recoverable fossil fuels.
Posted by: actually inside the beltway at May 15, 2026 11:59 AM (BW+Gb)
By that time they wil all be compartmentalized into 15 minute People Hives. Brave New World.

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (Gqar8)

177
I get people knocking on my door about my 1995 Ford Ranger.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 11:58 AM (rbvCR)

THIS.

My '96 is really popular, as wore out and shitty as it is. But I love it and drive it almost every day.

I'm sure I piss people off because I drive it like a friggin go cart.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (JA4sW)

178 OK, here are two pieces from recent days.

1. Ed Ring on term limits, specifically CA
https://amgreatness.com/2026/05/13/
trump-may-wish-to-reconsider-supporting-term-limits/

2. Hot Air, and the blob in EU
https://hotair.com/headlines/2026/05/13/
why-the-european-right-keeps-rising-n3814847

The second makes the point about the danger of power shifting to the unelected blob, and I think it is a related point. I think term limits will move the US in that (wrong) direction.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (0MFDl)

179 Hello! I'm Johnnycab!

Posted by: We hope you enjoyed the ride! at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (TbWk/)

180 Dozens of empty Waymo vehicles took over an Atlanta neighborhood, circling a cul-de-sac for hours without any passengers inside.

That sounds like a bad knockoff of Hitchcock's The Birds.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (Riz8t)

181 So when do these insufferable CAFE standards go away?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (2Ez/1)

182 178 The second makes the point about the danger of power shifting to the unelected blob, and I think it is a related point. I think term limits will move the US in that (wrong) direction.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (0MFDl)

=====

Outlawing congressional staff would do mountains more for our government than term limits.

Congress must manage their own calendars, write their own bills, and answer their own calls.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (xBVv0)

183
The issue becomes a dormant ICE vehicle that potentially sits for months without being driven. I had that before. An old, Chevy Silverado pickup. It would sit for weeks or months on end without even being started. Things started to fall apart anyway... probably due to it just sitting outside all that time and never being driven.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:58 AM (jehhT)

-----

And Nature has a vote. Mice and squirrels love to get under the hood or near the gas tank and chew your cables and hoses.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (SVeHj)

184 So when do these insufferable CAFE standards go away?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (2Ez/1)

I would call for Trump to be King forever were he to end the f*cking ethanol mandates...........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:03 PM (JA4sW)

185 Outlawing congressional staff would do mountains more for our government than term limits.

Congress must manage their own calendars, write their own bills, and answer their own calls.

_-_

...or just use AI.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at May 15, 2026 12:03 PM (i8gur)

186 184 So when do these insufferable CAFE standards go away?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (2Ez/1)

I would call for Trump to be King forever were he to end the f*cking ethanol mandates...........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:03 PM (JA4sW)

Why do you hate the Midwest Farmer??

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM (Gqar8)

187 Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (zafwz)

Exactly. Why would I trade in a 6 year old vehicle that's paid off for a new loan? I hope by now I've blocked all the outgoing numbers for the dealer who's been asking.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM (lFFaq)

188 They use Hydrogen and Oxygen, to provide electricity, and charge batteries.

The product of this process is Fresh Water. Perfect!

Posted by: Common Tater
--------
Hydrogen is PITA to deal with on a large scale. Even the mighty Toyota has been messing around with direct hydrogen combustion (exhaust is hot water vapor plus NOx from what I remember) for decades .

No infrastructure for it, requires gobs of energy to break the bonds of water to generate hydrogen on a large scale (Nukes are the easiest way to do that), energy density is bad unless you liquefy and store under considerable pressure, and it tries to escape and leak all the time from fuel lines and storage.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM (E4rtv)

189 The issue becomes a dormant ICE vehicle that potentially sits for months without being driven. I had that before. An old, Chevy Silverado pickup. It would sit for weeks or months on end without even being started. Things started to fall apart anyway... probably due to it just sitting outside all that time and never being driven.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 15, 2026 11:58 AM (jehhT)

There are car show after car show on TV where a dude or 2 go to a junkyard, find a car and make it run, usually without TOO much trouble, after it sitting for a decade or 3.

You're not doing that with an electric car. You're spending $60k and replacing the batteries, which usually requires ripping the entire thing apart just to get to them.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (JA4sW)

190 trade in a 6 year old vehicle that's paid off for a new loan

_-_

Gotta love that, "I bet I can lower your payment" line of crap.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (i8gur)

191
Why do you hate the Midwest Farmer??
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM

Farmers should make food, not fuel.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (JA4sW)

192 Exactly. Why would I trade in a 6 year old vehicle that's paid off for a new loan? I hope by now I've blocked all the outgoing numbers for the dealer who's been asking.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette
======
New Car Dealers make all their money from financing nowadays with some of it from their service shops.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (E4rtv)

193 I must live under a rock. I've never even heard of a Waymo.

Posted by: Lady in Black at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (qBdHI)

194 I like a good story, and a good place to tell EV screw ups might be on Cut Jib Podcast

Posted by: Skip at May 15, 2026 12:06 PM (aYs8h)

195 Electric cars ARE the end game --- in 150 + years when we've exhausted the economically recoverable fossil fuels.
Posted by: actually inside the beltway at May 15, 2026 11:59 AM (BW+Gb)
By that time they wil all be compartmentalized into 15 minute People Hives. Brave New World.
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (Gqar

*sings*

In the Year 2525
you'll live inside a Human Hive
Use a car with electricity to drive
That runs out of power beyond mile five
Woah oh oh!

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 12:06 PM (iJfKG)

196 193 I must live under a rock. I've never even heard of a Waymo.
_-_

If you are not an urbanite, you might never encounter it.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at May 15, 2026 12:07 PM (i8gur)

197 "Delaware was sitting on a gold mine."

Delaware made huge money by being friendly to business. A New York company could set up their headquarters in Delaware and pay almost no taxes.

Now Nevada and Texas are competing.

What else does Deleware have to sell if not being business friendly?

Posted by: The Whine Guy at May 15, 2026 12:07 PM (c232c)

198 What else does Deleware have to sell if not being business friendly?

Corruption and graft?

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 12:08 PM (Riz8t)

199 I will forever be convinced that the EV push was just a vehicle (see what I did there?) to let the dems release huge grants to green companies in exchange for large cash stuffed envelopes.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 15, 2026 12:08 PM (2WIwB)

200 No infrastructure for it, requires gobs of energy to break the bonds of water to generate hydrogen on a large scale (Nukes are the easiest way to do that), energy density is bad unless you liquefy and store under considerable pressure, and it tries to escape and leak all the time from fuel lines and storage.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM (E4rtv)

The production of hydrogen and oxygen is straightforward electrolysis of water. But it is expensive and requires cheap electricity, which, if you have it, you'd be better off cutting out the inefficient and potentially unsafe (relatively) hydrogen/oxygen production/storage loop and just charging EV batteries cheaply.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 15, 2026 12:08 PM (dK+Kv)

201 Electric cars ARE the end game --- in 150 + years when we've exhausted the economically recoverable fossil fuels.

--

What, I don't get my long-awaited Jetson's air car?

Posted by: Lady in Black at May 15, 2026 12:08 PM (qBdHI)

202 191
Why do you hate the Midwest Farmer??
Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM

Farmers should make food, not fuel.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (JA4sW)

Ah. Thought it might be their seed corn caps. The old joke is “why do farmers always wear their seed corn caps backwards? So the bill doesn’t get in the way when they look in the mailbox for their government subsidy checks.”

Posted by: tubal at May 15, 2026 12:08 PM (Gqar8)

203 Exactly. Why would I trade in a 6 year old vehicle that's paid off for a new loan? I hope by now I've blocked all the outgoing numbers for the dealer who's been asking.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM (lFFaq)

Same here, but my blind spot isn't trade in value guarantee, but offers of 0% for 60.
There's something about free money that makes me want to spend it. Even on something I don't need yet.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (zafwz)

204 Well, Memphis Dem representative Cohen has decided to just...retire.

Sure, the new map made his win nearly impossible, but without even incumbency on his side, GOP should be able to win while barely spending anything.

Coulda happened in Mississippi, too, but oh well, I guess.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (xBVv0)

205 Outlawing congressional staff would do mountains more for our government than term limits.

Congress must manage their own calendars, write their own bills, and answer their own calls.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (xBVv0)
-------------

Yes, but is that possible? Won't they just get around it anyway.

I am against term limits, mostly because it will only empower the blob -- The Deep State, and The Party. The Party has too much power already. Look at CA, or the national Dems. Everything is controlled by the interests of The Party.

You see it at the local level on up, where to get elected as lowliest city council, you need approval of The Party. and to raise money, or move up, or do anything.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (0MFDl)

206 I must live under a rock. I've never even heard of a Waymo.

Posted by: Lady in Black at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (qBdHI)

Got room under there?

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (dK+Kv)

207 Exactly. Why would I trade in a 6 year old vehicle that's paid off for a new loan? I hope by now I've blocked all the outgoing numbers for the dealer who's been asking.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 12:04 PM (lFFaq)

When I get cold calls from car salesmen, I try to recruit them for working for the state tax agency. Collection agents need phone and data entry skills, and the willingness to do cold calls, incoming and outgoing. Revenue (and Consumer and Business Services) are always hiring, and having the basic skills is a good leg up. And there are benefits .
I get a lot of thoughtful salesmen, and I seem to get taken off the phone lists.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (rbvCR)

208 Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:01 PM (0MFDl)

I'd say that power to the unelected blob is already a problem here. Pols come and go, but staffers stay, and *they* are the ones who control everything all but the most independent pol sees and hears. They are often the ones writing the legislation as well. And they all went through poli-sci programs at big-named schools under the same leftist professors. Until the staffers are changed out as well there will be little point in term limits.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 12:10 PM (lFFaq)

209
That version of the rant monkey always makes me wonder why no scientists are making dogs large enough to be rideable.
Posted by: XTC at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (FpHTM)

You ever seen a Leonberger?

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 15, 2026 12:10 PM (y9nCu)

210 205 Yes, but is that possible? Won't they just get around it anyway.

I am against term limits, mostly because it will only empower the blob -- The Deep State, and The Party. The Party has too much power already. Look at CA, or the national Dems. Everything is controlled by the interests of The Party.

You see it at the local level on up, where to get elected as lowliest city council, you need approval of The Party. and to raise money, or move up, or do anything.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (0MFDl)

=====

It's as possible as term limits to implement. Both require constitutional amendments, and both would probably never pass anyway.

But in terms of the day to day reality of being a Congress critter...well, if it's too hard to manage, that should help weed out a bunch of do nothing dullards, at least.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:11 PM (xBVv0)

211 You ever seen a Leonberger?

No, is he getting larger?

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 12:11 PM (Riz8t)

212 I must live under a rock. I've never even heard of a Waymo.

Posted by: Lady in Black at May 15, 2026 12:05 PM (qBdHI)

Got room under there?

--

More room, and cleaner, than The Barrel!

Posted by: Lady in Black at May 15, 2026 12:11 PM (qBdHI)

213 >>>What else does Deleware have to sell if not being business friendly?

Posted by: The Whine Guy

>Credit fraud, extortion, money laundering, the Biden Legacy?

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 15, 2026 12:11 PM (D1E+2)

214 I suppose each chamber could pass a rule outlawing staff, but that's never, ever going to happen.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:11 PM (xBVv0)

215 When I get cold calls . . . .

Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (rbvCR)

I always interrupt them mid sales pitch with 20 questions about who they are, what company, what are they selling, to quickly get to "not interested, thanks."

It's kind of like a sport at this point.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at May 15, 2026 12:11 PM (dK+Kv)

216 Cohen retiring to spend more time eating KFC

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 15, 2026 12:12 PM (gu0hJ)

217 Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:02 PM (xBVv0)

I see you answered much more succinctly while I was typing. I like your idea of just getting rid of all the staffers.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 12:12 PM (lFFaq)

218 209
That version of the rant monkey always makes me wonder why no scientists are making dogs large enough to be rideable.
Posted by: XTC at May 15, 2026 11:11 AM (FpHTM)

You ever seen a Leonberger?
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 15, 2026 12:10 PM (y9nCu)

Got one at In N Out, double double.

Posted by: It was OK. Kinda furry. at May 15, 2026 12:12 PM (TbWk/)

219 Cohen retiring to spend more time eating KFC

Sounds like he got the message that Swalwell didn't.

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 12:13 PM (Riz8t)

220 I'd say that power to the unelected blob is already a problem here. Pols come and go, but staffers stay, and *they* are the ones who control everything all but the most independent pol sees and hears.
Posted by: Polliwog

------------
Exactly, but the only real power the voters have is to "vote the bums out" and term limits would remove that one power.

We need term limits on staffers.

Term limits on politicians only removes the voters only check on their power, and only incentive they have to do as we ask. churn the pols and the staff get even more power.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:13 PM (0MFDl)

221 What else does Deleware have to sell if not being business friendly?

Proposed state motto: "Delaware. We're not Jersey."

Posted by: Oddbob at May 15, 2026 12:13 PM (vTZFs)

222 You answer your phone from an unrecognized number?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 15, 2026 12:14 PM (2Ez/1)

223 You ever seen a Leonberger?
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 15, 2026 12:10 PM (y9nCu)

Got one at In N Out, double double.
Posted by: It was OK. Kinda furry. at May 15, 2026 12:12 PM (TbWk/)

Nice comment. Was hoping for a Barack sock though

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 15, 2026 12:14 PM (zafwz)

224 216 Cohen retiring to spend more time eating KFC
Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 15, 2026 12:12 PM (gu0hJ)

Proves without a doubt that that was a "gerryrigged" district...

Posted by: It's me donna at May 15, 2026 12:14 PM (FtULh)

225 216 Cohen retiring to spend more time eating KFC
Posted by: Smell the Glove

He is a nasty vicious and stupid partisan for the Dems. The folks in Memphis can do far better than that evil clown, but the pols in Memphis that have run that city into the ground on purpose might differ.

Posted by: whig at May 15, 2026 12:15 PM (E4rtv)

226 224 216 Cohen retiring to spend more time eating KFC
Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 15, 2026 12:12 PM (gu0hJ)

Proves without a doubt that that was a "gerryrigged" district...

Posted by: It's me donna at May 15, 2026 12:14 PM (FtULh)

=====

Well, going from D+30 to R+20 has implications.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:15 PM (xBVv0)

227 That Delaware thing is incredible, yet ho-hum typical these days. Excellent example of the civic collapse. It reminded me of one of the early jaw-dropping incidents signaling the trend, when Chrysler bond-holders were looted at the outset of the Affirmative Action Non-entity administration. Including IIRC public sector unions (!) who were among those affected.

The de-banking fascist stuff of course fits perfectly with that, and the key point Buck makes (though it's speculation) is that the executives involved didn't miss a step in complying with the Third World authoritarian instructions from The Party. Amazing, unless you're too young to remember a different country.

Posted by: rhomboid at May 15, 2026 12:15 PM (U/Byj)

228 In Austin last week, a Waymo decided to use the oncoming traffic lane as a turn lane, even though it was completely across a double yellow line.

THOSE cars are FAGS!!!

Posted by: Jeff Spicoli at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (JA4sW)

229 Well, going from D+30 to R+20 has implications.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, discovering British horror with Hammer Films at May 15, 2026 12:15 PM (xBVv0)

Indeed...

Posted by: It's me donna at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (FtULh)

230 Anyway, I did not want to hijack the fascinating post about ICE and jetsons.

I only brought this up because BT did rant in favor long ago. I will go now. thanks founding father and immature amphibian for the discussion.

Posted by: bob (moron inbobnitus) at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (0MFDl)

231 "Cohen retiring to spend more time eating KFC."
---
I'm really enjoying spending more time with my private sector!

Posted by: Pam Blondi at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (2Ez/1)

232 Seattle beaches close after exceedingly high levels of poop are found in water

-
Must be the whales.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (ndZc7)

233 Posted by: Kindltot at May 15, 2026 12:09 PM (rbvCR)

Ooh! I'll have to try and remember to do that.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (lFFaq)

234 Proves without a doubt that that was a "gerryrigged" district...

Critical knowledge incoming:

People often mix up three highly related phrases, but they each have slightly different meanings and origins according to Merriam-Webster:

Jury-rigged: The oldest term (dating back to the late 1700s), originating as a nautical phrase for improvised, makeshift repairs made on a ship using only available materials.

Jerry-built: Refers to something that was poorly or cheaply constructed from the very beginning.

Jerry-rigged: An amalgamation of the first two terms. It is an accepted, widely used variant of "jury-rigged" to mean something is thrown together hastily

Posted by: Archimedes at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (Riz8t)

235
Did a quick read about the Leonberger.

Sounds like in snow drift proportions of shed hair most of the year if you owned one.

Otherwise they sound great if short lived.

Posted by: naturalfake at May 15, 2026 12:16 PM (iJfKG)

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