THE MORNING RANT – Periodic Roundup of the EV Follies (7/26/2024)

Some great news on the EV front – consumer rejection of EVs built by legacy automakers is so thorough that Ford and GM are being forced to adjust their capacity away from unwanted electric novelty cars and back toward heavy-duty trucks for which there is strong demand.

“GM Delays EV Projects in Latest Industry Pullback” [WSJ – 7/24/2024]

General Motors said it would delay plans for a new Buick electric vehicle and push back the opening of an EV truck factory, the latest retrenchment by automakers that had been pushing hard into battery-powered cars.

That must be greatly disappointing to CEO Mary Barra’s handlers in the Biden administration. Perhaps she is preparing for a change in the occupant of the White House next January.

“Ford pivots from EVs to Super Duty truck production at Canada plant” [Yahoo – 7/17/2024]

Prior to Thursday’s announcement, Ford had planned to build its next-generation three-row EV SUV at Oakville, with an initial rollout for 2025, which was pushed back to 2027 in April of this year. The EV pushback at Oakville came as Ford delayed EV production at its massive BlueOval City EV campus in Tennessee to 2026 from its initial 2025 start date.
It seems [CEO Jim] Farley, who bet heavily on EVs with the automaker’s Ford+ plan revealed in early 2023, is continuing to adjust the rollout of the company’s future EVs as demand has weakened in the US.

Unfortunately for Ford, its left-wing CEO, Jim Farley, is lamenting the popularity of Ford’s most successful product. Mr. Farley is quite open about his disgust with Ford’s loyal customers for wanting to purchase products that his eco-communist buddies in Davos do not approve of.

“Ford execs send mixed signals about EV commitment” [The Street – 7/21/2024]

However, Ford's move to prioritize a gas guzzler over an EV does not mean that the company is not fully committed to electric cars; it simply reflects current conditions.
“We have to start to get back in love with smaller vehicles. It’s super important for our society and for EV adoption. We are just in love with these monster vehicles, and I love them too, but it’s a major issue with weight," Farley said.

No, Comrade Farley. It is not important to get back in love with smaller vehicles. It is not important for our society, nor is there any need for EV adoption.

In a few short months, President Trump will kill off the Biden mandates that provided cover for destructors like Farley who are obedient to Klaus Schwab rather than to shareholders. Ford’s board would be wise to get someone in place in the CEO office who will seize the great profit opportunity awaiting Ford, rather than keeping a CEO who is striving to kill off Ford’s most profitable vehicles.

*****

The EV transition is collapsing in Europe too.

“Fiat boss says it is reintroducing a petrol-engineered 500 city car because older drivers don't want EVs” [MSN – 7/17/2024]

Fiat will reintroduce a petrol-engineered 500 city car in the next two years due to a lack of demand for electric vehicles, particularly among older drivers, its CEO has said. Olivier Francois confirmed the new petrol 500 Ibrida will arrive in early 2026 due to a slower than anticipated uptake of EVs across Europe, according to Autocar.

There are a great many reasons why consumers make the wise choice to reject EVs, but in Europe this might also weigh on their minds…

“European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time” [Daily Caller – 6/20/2024]

“The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone,” a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Having the government turn off access to electricity adds another dimension to EV charging anxiety.

*****

With consumers rejecting electric vehicles, things are not looking good for the manufacturers of EV batteries.

“Battery maker SK On declares ‘emergency’ as EV sales disappoint” [Financial Times – 7/07/2024]

A leading South Korean producer of electric vehicle batteries has declared itself in crisis as its customers struggle with disappointing EV sales in Europe and the US.

Unsurprisingly, this is one of the many EV companies that seduced Georgia’s gullible governor, Brian Kemp (R), into throwing hundreds of millions of Georgia taxpayer dollars its way.

Ford also partnered up with SK On, and was able to persuade the US government to flush $9.2 billion US taxpayer dollars at a venture involving this now-failing battery company.

Please, President Trump, make this insanity stop. I am so ready for the Day 1 promise to end all the ridiculous EV mandates and incentives.

*****

External Combustion Vehicles

There is a lot of news regarding EVs spontaneously erupting into dangerous conflagrations…

*****

When do insurance companies stop providing coverage for houses with electric car chargers in the garage? And are my insurance premiums going up so steeply to help cover the risk of insuring these fire-starting mechanisms?

“NFL receiver Randall Cobb, family 'lucky to be alive' after escaping house fire started by Tesla charger” [Fox News – 6/27/2024]

"We are lucky to be alive," [Aiyda Cobb] wrote in a post to her Instagram Stories. "The Tesla charger caught on fire in the garage late last night and quickly spread. We got out of the house with nothing but the clothes on our back and no shoes on our feet."
"Thank you GOD," she added.

The Cobb family offered much praise and gratitude to the brave firemen who came to their aid.

*****

“Tesla bursts into flames at EV charging station in Upper Allen” [CBS-21 7/10/2024]

Upper Allen later released a statement about the incident, thanking the other responding agencies for helping with such a difficult fire: “UAFD would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the companies that came out to assist us with this incident. These are not easy fires to put out and the hazmat concerns they pose are difficult to mitigate.”

It’s going to take a little bit of bondo to get this EV looking good again. Might need some new tires too.

*****

“Firefighters work electric vehicle fire at Edmonds car dealership” [KIRO Seattle – 7/11/2024]

The fire was reported around 10 AM in an unoccupied electric car at the dealership located at State Route 104 and Highway 99. The car, which was parked about 50 feet away from any buildings, was engulfed in smoke when firefighters arrived.
Due to the challenges associated with fires in vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can reignite and produce toxic smoke, this fire was upgraded to a second-alarm hazardous materials call. The response included 15 fire units, including a hazardous materials truck, and more than 30 firefighters. Typically, a fire in a non-electric vehicle usually requires just one fire engine with a crew of three.

30 firefighters battling the thermal runaway fire from one lone EV that spontaneously combusted is beyond preposterous.

If I were providing insurance coverage to auto dealers, I would prohibit used EVs from being kept in inventory, since there is no way of knowing if a pothole or a minor bump during its life caused the minor damage that can turn an EV into an explosive device.

*****

Can you imagine receiving a notice from your automobile’s manufacturer advising that your car is so dangerous that you must park it outside lest it burn your house down when it spontaneously combusts? That is the notice that thousands of Chrysler customers received last week regarding their electric vehicles.

“Stellantis tells owners of over 24,000 hybrid minivans to park outdoors due to battery fire risk” [AP – 7/18/2024]

Stellantis is telling the owners of more than 24,000 plug-in hybrid minivans to park them outdoors away from buildings, and to stop charging them due to the possibility of battery fires. The company said Thursday that it’s recalling certain 2017 through 2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrids, mainly in North America. Some are being recalled for a second time. All can still be driven.

Plug-in “hybrids” are an entirely different creature than hybrids such as the Toyota Prius. Plug-in hybrids are effectively EVs, but also possessing a separate gas-powered engine. Ultimately plug-ins are the worst of both worlds, with the complexity of two powertrains, very limited range under battery power, and diminished gas mileage due to the weight of the lithium battery.

Stellantis, maker of Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and other vehicle brands, said its investigation is ongoing but the company has linked the problem to a rare abnormality in individual battery cells.

*****

“Electric Amazon Delivery Vans Keep Burning Down, And Chargers May Be To Blame” [7/02/2024]

Amazon appears to have traded internal for external combustion with its Rivian fleet.

That is a hilarious line.

So when a pattern in EV fires starts to emerge — say, when Rivian vans keep catching fire at Amazon distribution centers — one starts to wonder why.

Maybe this was an isolated incident? Nope.

This isn’t the first set of Rivians to burn down at an Amazon location. Posts in Amazon worker subreddits show a similar situation last August in Salt Lake City, where another set of vans burned in a distribution center parking lot. Drivers in the comments noted that they’ve experienced issues with the vans charging in high heat, and suspected the chargers as having caused the blaze.

The temperature was in the 90s in Houston when this most recent incident occurred. That is normal summertime weather in a huge swath of the country. If these “external combustion” Rivian EVs are prone to thermal runaway fires when being charged in summertime heat, maybe they should be banned in the name of consumer safety.

*****

The incompatibility of operating EVs in normal summer heat is such a concern that Chase Bank is warning its customers of the danger, and providing tips on how to reduce the risk of operating an EV in hot weather. [h/t to Beege Welborn at Hotair for this link.]

“How does hot weather affect EV range: Tips for reducing the risk” [chase.com]

• Park in a garage, covered lot or shaded area.
• Pre-cool the vehicle while it's still plugged in, using an app or timer function if you have one.
• Use the vehicle's air conditioning system sparingly. Consider cooling yourself instead of the car — for example, dress for the heat and try lowering the windows for air flow. Some EVs even have seat coolers, which are much more efficient than cabin A/C.
• Keep the tires properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance and heighten efficiency.
• Keep your EV clean and clutter-free, ensuring that you don’t channel power toward hauling unnecessary weight. Cutting back by just a few pounds can have a positive effect!
• Avoid driving and/or charging during the hottest parts of the day, when possible.
• Charge your EV battery to 80% instead of 100%. A full charge creates more internal resistance and heat, further stressing the battery.
• If the vehicle has a “battery saver” and/or “hill-hold” mode, use them.
• Pay close attention to your EV range and plan for fewer battery-powered miles than usual when it’s very hot out. While every EV is different, all are affected by the heat to some extent.

Alternatively, instead of not driving when it’s hot, and instead of not fueling all the way up, and instead of using A/C sparingly, and instead of all the other idiotic restrictions and inconveniences required to drive an EV, you could just drive a gasoline-powered car.

*****

That’s enough for one day. Thanks to CBD, Mark Pulliam, Comrade Arthur, Tailgunner Sam, Odysseus, and everyone else to whom I owe a tip of the hat for all the tips and feedback.

[buck.throckmorton at protonmail dot com]

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1st?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at July 26, 2024 11:00 AM (v6JzV)

2 “How does hot weather affect EV range: Tips for reducing the risk” [chase.com]

======

Risk of what? Being too cool and awesome?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at July 26, 2024 11:01 AM (GBKbO)

3 Burn evs burn

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 26, 2024 11:01 AM (JMAcK)

4 Burn evs burn
Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 26, 2024 11:01 AM (JMAcK)

Oh, that's not like my Disney malediction. It was just an observation.

"Burn. Evs burn." As in they do that. Not that I want them to. (I'd prefer they didn't)

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 26, 2024 11:02 AM (JMAcK)

5 Ford should bring back the Pinto...just armor the gas tank.

Posted by: BignJames at July 26, 2024 11:02 AM (AwYPR)

6 New fag flag.

https://is.gd/maQcMJ

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at July 26, 2024 11:03 AM (L/fGl)

7 Some great news on the EV front – consumer rejection of EVs built by legacy automakers is so thorough that Ford and GM are being forced to adjust their capacity away from unwanted electric novelty cars and back toward heavy-duty trucks for which there is strong demand.

-------------

Califzuela hardest hit ...

Posted by: ShainS -- Trump 2024, Now #1 With a Bullet! at July 26, 2024 11:04 AM (WlJra)

8 Enough for one day?

It's gonna take me until next Friday to get through it all!

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:04 AM (BAEGB)

9 Beside liking a good story
Been noticing EV drivers think they own the road having a zippy vehicle with more pick up than regular vehicles
I hope everyone of them knows little damage could be catastrophic

Posted by: Skip at July 26, 2024 11:04 AM (ZjcSI)

10
Why are all these modern day industrialists so set on turning America into Europe? Smaller cars/ev's, mass transit, bicycle riding, etc.

Posted by: Frank Barone at July 26, 2024 11:05 AM (+oR7L)

11 They want a kill switch on everyone's vehicle, but will settle for rationing energy in the mean time.

Posted by: Nick in Tallahassee at July 26, 2024 11:05 AM (QyLHS)

12 According to Lee Iacocca...H.Ford II wanted to make the Mustang a 4 dr.

Posted by: BignJames at July 26, 2024 11:06 AM (AwYPR)

13 Teacher, Jeopardy Champ & Former Dem Delegate Arrested On Child Porn Charges

Former “Jeopardy!” champ Winston Nguyen, a former teacher at a private school in Brooklyn, surrendered to Brooklyn prosecutors on Thursday following a month-long investigation into child pornography charges.

-
Say what you will, Satan has had a good month.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at July 26, 2024 11:07 AM (L/fGl)

14 Why are all these modern day industrialists so set on turning America into Europe? Smaller cars/ev's, mass transit, bicycle riding, etc.

Posted by: Frank Barone at July 26, 2024 11:05 AM (+oR7L)

"Why do you rob banks?"
"Because that's where the money is."

Posted by: ... at July 26, 2024 11:07 AM (sztWj)

15 "EVs don't catch on fire that's a conspiracy theory"

"OK, occasionally there's a problem, but nothing is perfect. Regular cars catch on fire too you know"

"Your electric vehicle is a hellish conflagration of death and poison just waiting to happen: Here's why that's a good thing"

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:08 AM (BAEGB)

16 EVs will never be a viable substitute for ICE vehicles unless we build another 100 nuclear power plants.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:08 AM (B1dzx)

17 “The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone,” a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Imagine telling your average Dutch citizen 20 years ago that in the future they won't have a reliable power system - back then that was considered a hallmark of a third world country

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:08 AM (oZhjI)

18
"Amazon appears to have traded internal for external combustion with its Rivian fleet."

How about Amazon has traded internal combustion for spontaneous combustion?

No, I think I like that external combustion better, that is hilarious!

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 26, 2024 11:08 AM (wjjYr)

19 EVs will never be a viable substitute for ICE vehicles unless we build another 100 nuclear power plants.

Or a thousand coal plants.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:08 AM (oZhjI)

20 The EV industry is built on the backs of enslaved children

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (FUHCU)

21 U.S. State Dept Claims Not Adopting DEI Is a Threat to National Security

-
I'm going to need to see the math on that.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (L/fGl)

22 12 According to Lee Iacocca...H.Ford II wanted to make the Mustang a 4 dr.

Posted by: BignJames at July 26, 2024 11:06 AM

They offered a 4 door Thunderbird from 1967-70. Ugly damned things.

Also they made a Mercury Cougar 4 door and station wagon from 1977-82.

Ford can screw things up when they really try.

Posted by: Frank Barone at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (+oR7L)

23 Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 26, 2024 11:08 AM (wjjYr)

Yours is good too

Posted by: ... at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (sztWj)

24 Helped broker a Ford Dealership for a friend. They do a lot of Fleet vehicles - Super Duty trucks. Small store in TN. Was talking with them this week. Any time they go to do a Dealer to Dealer Trade of any F250/F350/F450...

"We'll do the trade, if you take 2 F150 Lightnings on top of the Super Duty we want back."

The Dealer network must have a years supply of unsold trucks now. All those "Deposits" dried up quick.

Posted by: AFlyingSQRL at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (5qQor)

25 RFK is not dropping out.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (LkLld)

26 CAFE standards need to be gutted.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (IG4Id)

27 >Having the government turn off access to electricity adds another dimension to EV charging anxiety.

If only there was a readily available source of cost efficient power that provides almost infinite capacity with a low environmental footprint.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (GTqXr)

28 The good news about the battery fires is that the smoke is totally heathy, not like those icky gasoline fires.

Posted by: Tech Sgt. Chen at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (Z8Yh2)

29 It's almost as if market demand is more important than feelings.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (svLOV)

30 As a percentage EV fires are not any higher than ICE fires. The problem is putting them out. Big problem.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (B1dzx)

31 21 U.S. State Dept Claims Not Adopting DEI Is a Threat to National Security

-
I'm going to need to see the math on that.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (L/fGl)

========

"If you don't let me implement DEI, I'm going to sell secrets to foreign powers."
-4 star general

"But, sir, you already sell secrets to foreign powers."
-Colonel getting coffee

"Drop and give me 20!"
-4 star general

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (GBKbO)

32 Charge your EV battery to 80% instead of 100%. A full charge creates more internal resistance and heat, further stressing the battery.
----
This may be the dumbest piece of advice out of all of that "advice."

I don't fill my gas tank to 80% to save fuel economy or reduce the weight of the vehicle or to reduce wear and tear on the engine.

If you leave it plugged in during the day, can you even opt to stop charging an EV at 80%? Does it send you a text to tell it to stop charging?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (7fElN)

33 ***“We have to start to get back in love with smaller vehicles. It’s super important for our society and for EV adoption. We are just in love with these monster vehicles, and I love them too, but it’s a major issue with weight," Farley said.***
----------------

How long before the Board of Directors fire him?
They should be meeting right now. Ever since the Model T, Ford has been a vehicle for everyone, that's what Henry wanted and that's the F-150. Ford's meat and potatoes.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:10 AM (9etX0)

34 My wife and I saw a huge truck fire when we were in suburban Philly a couple of weeks ago. The whole front end of a pickup was engulfed in roaring flames. Don't know if it was an electric or not.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at July 26, 2024 11:11 AM (v6JzV)

35 EVs will never be a viable substitute for ICE vehicles unless we build another 100 nuclear power plants.
Posted by: polynikes

Let me remote into the office five days a week where my longest commute would be 24 miles round trip to the grocery store and I'll think about it.

When I'm doing 162 miles a day round trip, three days a week, no.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:11 AM (+Wnnh)

36 Wow, this is a great tour de farce! Maybe Farley's EVs should be parked down by the river.

It's remarkable how much enthusiasm Ford shareholders had for Jim Farley even before he became CEO and how badly he has performed. He reminds me of Boris Johnson.

Posted by: Oglebay at July 26, 2024 11:12 AM (ogTiX)

37 It’s going to take a little bit of bondo to get this EV looking good again. Might need some new tires too.

------------

Makes me wonder if that Tesla Roadster that Musk launched into orbit around the sun is still intact.

BTW, has Musk ever been confronted about or commented on these EV fires and spontaneous combustions?

Posted by: ShainS -- Trump 2024, Now #1 With a Bullet! at July 26, 2024 11:13 AM (WlJra)

38 Man,
Great writeup.

Thank you

Posted by: Inogame at July 26, 2024 11:13 AM (53oGX)

39 Problems in the summer. Problems in the winter.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 26, 2024 11:13 AM (63Dwl)

40 Trying to catch lightning in a bottle. There’s literally a saying about this that is used to describe foolish ideas. And the made it govt policy.

What’s next a trillion $s for pissing in the wind?

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (XHLnT)

41 Ah, so EVs can't be driven when it's hot AND can't be driven when it's cold.

Such an amazing leap forward.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (JMAcK)

42 Replacing ICE cars with EV cars is solving a problem that does not exist.

EVs are more expensive, less reliable, and have more problems with refueling. The market has rejected them.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (oZhjI)

43 I love how people say, "ICE vehicles catch fire way more than EV's do".

1. ICE is carrying flammable liquid. I kinda expect that something can happen.

2. I'm not in the habit of expecting anything battery powered to burst into flames.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (+Wnnh)

44 The hilarious part is that Leftists are incredulous that Elon Musk is supporting Trump, when Trump says he'll get rid of EV subsidies, which of course will impact Tesla.

In their world, all that matters is extracting the maximum amount of money from the government - they can't understand why a businessman would want to reduce the amount of money they get from the government.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (u6/wt)

45 40 Trying to catch lightning in a bottle. There’s literally a saying about this that is used to describe foolish ideas. And the made it govt policy.

What’s next a trillion $s for pissing in the wind?
Posted by: sniffybigtoe at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (XHLnT)

Would solve drought conditions according to the EPA...

Posted by: Nova Local at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (exHjb)

46 44 The hilarious part is that Leftists are incredulous that Elon Musk is supporting Trump, when Trump says he'll get rid of EV subsidies, which of course will impact Tesla.

In their world, all that matters is extracting the maximum amount of money from the government - they can't understand why a businessman would want to reduce the amount of money they get from the government.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (u6/wt)

=======

Shouldn't have fucked with his kid.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (GBKbO)

47 I read the other day that another drain on Ford's profits is the huge cost of warranty repairs. Not a good recommendation at all. I've driven Ford trucks for about 35 years and I'll never consider another one.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (woPEM)

48 Ah, so EVs can't be driven when it's hot AND can't be driven when it's cold.

Such an amazing leap forward.
Posted by: Formerly Virginian

Next to impossible to solar charge them overnight.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (+Wnnh)

49 Daughter took her pet bunny Coco to the vet.
Pet store said “It’s a girl.”
Vet said, “Boy.”
Daughter changed his name to Coconuts.
I’m dead. 😂😂😂

Posted by: Jmel at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (bVhJi)

50 “How does hot weather affect EV range: Tips for reducing the risk” [chase.com]

Or....and stick with me here, I could just drive an ICE vehicle, which does not require a longer checklist and more limitations than a Saturn V launch.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (xCA6C)

51 Shouldn't have fucked with his kid.

Much of what the left does is so they can fuck with kids...

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (oZhjI)

52 FUN FACT: GM's CEO Mary Barra also has a seat on Disney's Board of Directors.

It's called 'expanding the reach of your incompetence'

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 26, 2024 11:16 AM (vYDwg)

53 A full charge creates more internal resistance and heat, further stressing the battery.
----
This may be the dumbest piece of advice out of all of that "advice."

no the cells "wear out" chemically. same thing happens to regular lead acid batteries. It's why you need special "deep cycle" batteries for trolling.

Posted by: DaveA at July 26, 2024 11:16 AM (FhXTo)

54 I love how people say, "ICE vehicles catch fire way more than EV's do".

1. ICE is carrying flammable liquid. I kinda expect that something can happen.

2. I'm not in the habit of expecting anything battery powered to burst into flames.
Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (+Wnnh)
----
How many ICE vehicles spontaneously combust on a hot day compared to EVs?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 26, 2024 11:16 AM (7fElN)

55 44 The hilarious part is that Leftists are incredulous that Elon Musk is supporting Trump, when Trump says he'll get rid of EV subsidies, which of course will impact Tesla.

In their world, all that matters is extracting the maximum amount of money from the government - they can't understand why a businessman would want to reduce the amount of money they get from the government.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (u6/wt)

Elon probably figures as the best EV with the best charging network, loss of market subsidies (which they tried to exclude Tesla from anyway), will probably end up giving him a US monopoly for the EV cars...some 1-2% will always want them, and he can supply that exact market and quantity of folks...

Posted by: Nova Local at July 26, 2024 11:16 AM (exHjb)

56 28
‘ The good news about the battery fires is that the smoke is totally heathy, not like those icky gasoline fires.’

I’ll bet the smoke really IS green coming from a EV battery fire.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at July 26, 2024 11:16 AM (HF55a)

57 They offered a 4 door Thunderbird from 1967-70. Ugly damned things. . . .

Ford can screw things up when they really try.
Posted by: Frank Barone at July 26, 2024

***
Not really ugly. A little ungainly when compared to the T-Bird coupes and convertibles of 1961 to 1966; they really shouldn't be considered T-Birds, I guess, but more like cousins to the Lincoln Continental. Their doors opened the same way, didn't they?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:17 AM (J2vNu)

58 I suspect it isn't just Holland that is going to be experiencing periodic electricity loss. As the evidence of the cascade failure we are in mounts, we're going to be seeing more of that as well.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 26, 2024 11:17 AM (s9EYN)

59 How many ICE vehicles spontaneously combust on a hot day compared to EVs?

Well there was the car that suddenly exploded under Gov Kemp's staffer right before the election.

So it happens all the time...to people the Junta has an issue with...

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:17 AM (oZhjI)

60 Biden fked over Tesla big time. The Feds made Them cut prices to get subsidies. Biden essentially set the prices that EV can charge. It was the worst thing he could do to the EV business.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at July 26, 2024 11:17 AM (XHLnT)

61 no the cells "wear out" chemically. same thing happens to regular lead acid batteries. It's why you need special "deep cycle" batteries for trolling.
Posted by: DaveA

I just need a cellphone and Facebook for trolling.

Oh, wait...

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:18 AM (+Wnnh)

62 ***Having the government turn off access to electricity adds another dimension to EV charging anxiety.***

***Having the government turn off access to electricity adds another dimension to ... anxiety.***

***Having the government turn off access to electricity adds ... anxiety.***

Government turning off electricity could create a revolting development.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:18 AM (9etX0)

63 I suspect it isn't just Holland that is going to be experiencing periodic electricity loss. As the evidence of the cascade failure we are in mounts, we're going to be seeing more of that as well

One of the amazing things about this current moment is we are seeing things get objectively worse across the board in ways that people a generation ago wouldn't believe. These were all considered solved problems.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:19 AM (oZhjI)

64 I saw one of those Tesla "trucks" on the road the other day. Ugliest damn vehicle I've ever seen.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:19 AM (woPEM)

65 ***Having the government turn off access to electricity adds another dimension to EV charging anxiety.***

***Having the government turn off access to electricity adds another dimension to ... anxiety.***

***Having the government turn off access to electricity adds ... anxiety.***

Government turning off electricity could create a revolting development.
Posted by: Braenard

Shocking, actually.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:19 AM (+Wnnh)

66 Is there anywhere to send a tip for a topic that may be worthy of discussion? I saw something in an interview this morning that could use a bit of exposure. I'll just drop it into an ace thread later, I don't want to derail anything in this thread, but if I knew where to send the vid link, I wouldn't even post this.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at July 26, 2024 11:19 AM (pIfcn)

67
How many ICE vehicles spontaneously combust on a hot day compared to EVs?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 26, 2024

***
If ICE vehicles did, we'd be hearing about sudden combustion in Arizona, Texas, and Lousy-ana all the time.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:19 AM (J2vNu)

68 This isn’t the first set of Rivians to burn down at an Amazon location.

And an increasing problem is battery fires from so-called "e-bikes" burning buildings down.

The Party Line is that if you buy an e-bike from a reputable manufacturer (costing $3,000 and up), and perfectly maintain it, fires aren't much of a problem.

However, if you buy cheap Chinese e-bike knockoffs from Amazon or elsewhere (like 90% of purchasers), or don't maintain your bike, then the fires are a problem.

An increasing number of building managers in downtown Portland are banning e-bikes from their buildings, which is infuriating the "progressives".

Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (u6/wt)

69 I suspect it isn't just Holland that is going to be experiencing periodic electricity loss. As the evidence of the cascade failure we are in mounts, we're going to be seeing more of that as well

DEI linewimmins.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (+Wnnh)

70 I love how people say, "ICE vehicles catch fire way more than EV's do".

1. ICE is carrying flammable liquid. I kinda expect that something can happen.

2. I'm not in the habit of expecting anything battery powered to burst into flames.
Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (+Wnnh)

3. Also, there's a LOT more ICE vehicles than EVs. OF COURSE there are a lot more ICE vehicle fires.

4. Putting out an ICE vehicle is a much easier task.

5. When ICE vehicles catch on fire, it's generally from very specific, easily identifiable causes, which can be repaired. EVs batteries cannot be checked for damage from minor bumps/crashes, etc... So they can't be prevented.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (JMAcK)

71 Reality bites again.

Posted by: RI Red at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (CTjQI)

72 EVs will never be a viable substitute for ICE vehicles

period needed ........

Even if electricity was free EVs only make sense for urban commuters. Crowd the people in with the fire hazard.

Posted by: DaveA at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (FhXTo)

73 We're going to mandate electric vehicles in a Harris administration, and a good percentage of you will die a horrible painful death in a battery fire, but that's ok because equity! and climate change!
-Kamala

A black woman for president, squeeeeeee!
-Typical dem voter

Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (fs1hN)

74 >47 I read the other day that another drain on Ford's profits is the huge cost of warranty repairs. Not a good recommendation at all. I've driven Ford trucks for about 35 years and I'll never consider another one.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:15 AM (woPEM)

GM is selling 'refurbished' Chevy Bolts, Blazers and Cadillac Lyrics for pennies on the dollar. I'm no economist, but negative margins on your products does not seem like a good business model.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (GTqXr)

75 I saw one of those Tesla "trucks" on the road the other day. Ugliest damn vehicle I've ever seen.
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis

Cybertruck? Yeah, those things are very weird looking.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at July 26, 2024 11:20 AM (v6JzV)

76 I handled a number of ICE fires as an insurance claims manager . Fortunately I didn’t handle property or auto the last 15 years of my career so I didn’t have the pleasure of handling EV claims .

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (B1dzx)

77 Ohhh there's lots of niggardly things they can do to us. Like turning off the electricity to the gas pumps to divert power to the charging stations. To restrict when you can even buy gas to odd even license plates...they did that during the NIXON administration kids! They could have no ICE operation days because of 'air quality '. They're doing that to wood burning stoves already.
They could limit the amount of gas sold per day. They could mandate 'tune ups' at qualified $200hr labor + 200% markup on parts shops. They could limit miles driven per day week month.
I betcha they operate a war room in California where they are hatching their nefarious plans.

Posted by: torabora at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (v3aCv)

78 I used to be all American all the time Ford F150, Ford Explorer. I happened into a Toyota Sequoia and in the end it’s not even a fair comparison. Sure, the Sequoia is a gas guzzler. No one can deny that. But the Toyota SUV is more reliable and every way possible and they say the V-8 engine is the most reliable engine ever made, It is normal for that engine to handle 700,000 miles. I’m from old-school America and our American cars made us happy when we crossed 100,000 and if you ever got near 200,000 you were supposed to sell your car before.

A Toyota hold its value over a Ford anytime and every time and they make Toyotas right here in America just like they make Fords abroad. Considering the way, the unions vote I have no issues ever with the fact that I am probably always going to own a Toyota going forward. I didn’t seek out a Toyota my Ford Explorer went down, though it was a great vehicle, but it was damaged and then I went to a Ford dealer and they sold me a Toyota. I am telling you I’ve never experienced a vehicle more reliable than my Toyota Sequoia. I put 50 to 100 miles on it every day and I’ve done so for years and my big expense for this vehicle is eight dollar

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (/7Asi)

79 I really wish WY had gone through with banning EVs. Our society just doesn't know how to fight.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (oZhjI)

80 Consider dieting:

• Keep your EV clean and clutter-free, ensuring that you don’t channel power toward hauling unnecessary weight. Cutting back by just a few pounds can have a positive effect!

Posted by: Marooned at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (kt8QE)

81 I saw Thermal Runaway open for Heatwave at the Fireside Bowl in '98.

Posted by: ShainS -- Trump 2024, Now #1 With a Bullet! at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (WlJra)

82 Biden fked over Tesla big time. The Feds made Them cut prices to get subsidies.

Yeah, I figured that the cynical view is that Musk knows that the rules will be rewritten under the Harris Administration to ensure that Tesla gets zero subsidies.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM (u6/wt)

83 Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM (N39Ws)

84 Mind you, blue states will still push to get rid of cars that run on gas and force everyone into an EV no matter what. And when the fires get far to common? "Oh, gosh; the only solution is to not let you own a car!"

Posted by: NR Pax at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM (svLOV)

85 >>The hilarious part is that Leftists are incredulous that Elon Musk is supporting Trump, when Trump says he'll get rid of EV subsidies, which of course will impact Tesla.

Long before the election Musk came out against the left's war on fossil fuels and the rush to replace all ICE vehicles with electrics.

He clearly likes to make money but he's not an idiot and he knows the state of the industry as well as anyone. EVs are good for some people for some applications but they are clearly not a replacement for all applications. The rush to force everyone into an EV has been a disaster.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM (LkLld)

86 Problems in the summer. Problems in the winter.

Yes, but it's aces during the summer equinox. Just remember Stonehenge and you'll be fine.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (xCA6C)

87 no, the dumbest thing is that "air cooled seats are cooler than air conditioned cabin". no, they aren't.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (xjTDL)

88 OT Quint , Mr.Jen had an ablation after three years of increasing episodes of AFib. Medication no longer controlled. Done in February and hasn’t had an episode since. The sooner you have one , the better odds you won’t need a second one, which can happen if AFib is long standing. Cardio told us that 70% of ablations resolve AFib the first time. Research your cardiologists background and experience and getting one who specializes in electro cardiology is usually best. By the way, same cardiologist told us Biden has been in AFib for years and treatment has been unsuccessful. Don’t end up like Biden.

Posted by: Jen the original at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (Qp0eE)

89 Spark plug. I’m not trying to sell Toyotas in fact I’ve always been by American and I still am. But the reality is, I can’t think of a good reason not to buy another one if I’m ever in the market because I’ve never had a vehicle more reliable vehicle that holds its value better and so on. I won’t get into it, but I really relied on this vehicle and I put massive pressure on it like 100 miles a day for well over a year and not one single issue. The key is the value they retain, I don’t need to convince anyone because I already know it. You get a Toyota Sequoia or a vehicle like that there’s no way you’re going to switch out.

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (/7Asi)

90 Consider dieting:

On Harris's government site (of course her campaign is on a government site) she says she'll cut my grocery bill by about $2k/year

Amusingly that's how much Bidenflation increased my grocery bill. She doesn't say how she'll manage this price cut but I suspect its because she's going to make sure food isn't available like it is now. Green New Deal for the "win"

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (oZhjI)

91 Fire departments should start charging to put out EV fires.

Posted by: fd at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (ArbhN)

92 >>Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.

The Cadillac CTV 4 Blackwing is one of my favorite cars. Badass car. The 5 is great but I don't own an oil well.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024 11:24 AM (LkLld)

93 . When ICE vehicles catch on fire, it's generally from very specific, easily identifiable causes, which can be repaired. EVs batteries cannot be checked for damage from minor bumps/crashes, etc... So they can't be prevented.

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at July 26, 2024

***
In early 1985, my '74 Volvo 164 sedan caught fire . . . while I was driving it. Flames started licking out from under the dash. I pulled over outside a music club; Mrs. Wolfus No. 2 and I leaped out and ran to a safe distance to watch it burn from end to end.

Later I found a fuel line had broken -- a common problem with that generation of Volvo. Without a 'Net to research possible problems, I had no idea when I bought it. An updated fuel line part would have prevented it. The experience put me off foreign makes for a number of years.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:24 AM (J2vNu)

94 Consider dieting:

• Keep your EV clean and clutter-free, ensuring that you don’t channel power toward hauling unnecessary weight. Cutting back by just a few pounds can have a positive effect!
Posted by: Marooned at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (kt8QE)

Next they'll say one carry-on bag only, and you must be scanned before getting in.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:24 AM (qxsEu)

95 Yes, but it's aces during the summer equinox. Just remember Stonehenge and you'll be fine.

Spring Equinox

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:25 AM (xCA6C)

96 The reason why all we have is XUV’s and trucks is Obama’s messed up CAFE standards. It pushed automakers to larger footprint vehicles.

It is a retarded bit of policy that accomplished the opposite of what they wanted.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at July 26, 2024 11:25 AM (XHLnT)

97 I live a few miles from a Tesla store, which probably has a lot to do with how many are on the local roads. But these are not people's first cars...they are the second or third car. Their trips are to the grocery store...to pick up the kids from school or practice...maybe a drive to a farm stand...but I see far fewer of them on the highways than on local streets.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 26, 2024 11:25 AM (d9fT1)

98 But the Toyota SUV is more reliable and every way possible and they say the V-8 engine is the most reliable engine ever made, It is normal for that engine to handle 700,000 miles.
---
Made in Huntsville, AL at a plant now undergoing its third or fourth expansion.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:25 AM (woPEM)

99 One of those cyber trucks just sexually molested me in a Victoria's Secret parking lot.
That was hot but I'm suing anyway. As soon as my knees stop wobbling.

Posted by: E Jean Carroll at July 26, 2024 11:25 AM (v3aCv)

100 TESLA doesn't receive direct tax credits from the government.
The only tax credits it receives are those available to any EV builder.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:26 AM (9etX0)

101 90 Consider dieting:

On Harris's government site (of course her campaign is on a government site) she says she'll cut my grocery bill by about $2k/year

Amusingly that's how much Bidenflation increased my grocery bill. She doesn't say how she'll manage this price cut but I suspect its because she's going to make sure food isn't available like it is now. Green New Deal for the "win"
Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (oZhjI)

She's against red meat, so I'm sure it involves reducing high protein buys (aka meat/fish), which are the most expensive grocery buys...

Posted by: Nova Local at July 26, 2024 11:26 AM (exHjb)

102 Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.

The Cadillac CTV 4 Blackwing is one of my favorite cars. Badass car. The 5 is great but I don't own an oil well.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024

***
After three great Buicks, I'd love to buy another sedan if something happened to the LaCrosse. But Buick is all SUV all the time now. Does Cadillac still have a couple of sedans? How about Chevy, the Impala and Malibu, or are those gone too?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:26 AM (J2vNu)

103 BMW is building a battery plant about a mile from my house...wonder if I should upgrade my homeowners.

Posted by: BignJames at July 26, 2024 11:27 AM (AwYPR)

104 Consider dieting:

• Keep your EV clean and clutter-free, ensuring that you don’t channel power toward hauling unnecessary weight. Cutting back by just a few pounds can have a positive effect!
Posted by: Marooned

So no Sam's/Home Depot trips? Perfect.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:27 AM (+Wnnh)

105 If only we could get rid of ICE vehicles and mandate EVs we could save Democracy !!!

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:27 AM (B1dzx)

106
On Harris's government site (of course her campaign is on a government site) she says she'll cut my grocery bill by about $2k/year

Amusingly that's how much Bidenflation increased my grocery bill. She doesn't say how she'll manage this price cut but I suspect its because she's going to make sure food isn't available like it is now. Green New Deal for the "win"
Posted by: 18-1

Just like they cut health care costs. These people are the fucking best.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at July 26, 2024 11:27 AM (maRKA)

107 88 thanks, I am pissed. The doctors didn’t try anything eight years ago because I know there’s a cardioversion which Is hit or miss, but I was never even referred to cardiologist. I just got the blood thinners and really that was that. No eight years later this cardiologist I was referred to is saying I have to do this now and he’s probably right, But I am pissed about it. What were the doctors eight years ago doing?

I do appreciate your advice. I’m going to look into this. I’ve been following his dictates and have had all the tests and I’m going to go to the knife with him or find another option, but it has to be soon. Thank you for your info.

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 11:27 AM (/7Asi)

108 My concern about battery powered devices is that I cannot buy replacement or spare, easily interchangeable, batteries for my
phone or tablet.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (9etX0)

109 On Harris's government site (of course her campaign is on a government site) she says she'll cut my grocery bill by about $2k/year

Amusingly that's how much Bidenflation increased my grocery bill. She doesn't say how she'll manage this price cut but I suspect its because she's going to make sure food isn't available like it is now. Green New Deal for the "win"
Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:23 AM (oZhjI)

Prices are set by the government. Production is set, by the government. How much you consume... set by the government.

Where have we seen this before...

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (2IVIs)

110 After three great Buicks, I'd love to buy another sedan if something happened to the LaCrosse. But Buick is all SUV all the time now. Does Cadillac still have a couple of sedans? How about Chevy, the Impala and Malibu, or are those gone too?

I have a 2013 Ford Fusion with 100k miles on it. It does everything I need it to do, looks pretty good for a vanilla sedan, and best of all, I don't have to stop at a light and be one of the SUV crowd. It seems like that's all people drive now.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (xCA6C)

111 Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed

=====

I'm out of date on the numbers (2009), but at that point in time, the economics of competing with Toyota in the sedan market were grim. Even without all the UAW baggage on legacy costs.

Posted by: 2009Refugee at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (8AONa)

112 Afib should be treated by an Electro Physiologist not a Cardiologist. If you don't live in a big city, if you are within driving distance of a big city find a doctor (Electro Physiologist) at their best rated Heart Hospital. You want someone who does it all day every day.
-----------------

Find a good doc and don't worry.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (9etX0)

113 BMW is building a battery plant about a mile from my house...wonder if I should upgrade my homeowners.

I would look into fuhrerbunkers.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (xCA6C)

114 If you want a revival of the Big Three, get Detroit building cars again, not Washington. DC doesn’t know, or remotely care, about what the people want. End government mandates, CAFE standards, etc

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (8sMut)

115 . . . I am probably always going to own a Toyota going forward. I didn’t seek out a Toyota my Ford Explorer went down, though it was a great vehicle, but it was damaged and then I went to a Ford dealer and they sold me a Toyota. I am telling you I’ve never experienced a vehicle more reliable than my Toyota Sequoia. . . .
Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024

***
If I can't find a recent model American sedan, should I need to car-shop, a slightly-used, well-kept Toyota Avalon or Lexus ES is on my list.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (J2vNu)

116 >>After three great Buicks, I'd love to buy another sedan if something happened to the LaCrosse. But Buick is all SUV all the time now. Does Cadillac still have a couple of sedans? How about Chevy, the Impala and Malibu, or are those gone too?

Cadillac has the CTV family, the Blackwings are the high performance versions. I rented a Malibu the other week for a drive from MD to western VA and I was surprised that I didn't hate it. It was a rental so not that well equipped but not a terrible ride and good gas mileage.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (LkLld)

117 It's why you need special "deep cycle" batteries for trolling.
Posted by: DaveA

I troll just fine regardless of power source.

Posted by: Sid at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (CV8a5)

118 BMW is building a battery plant about a mile from my house...wonder if I should upgrade my homeowners.
Posted by: BignJames

Buy SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus - aka, fireman's masks/air tanks) for each member of your family. And 3 extra tanks per person. So you will be able to breathe when the plant burns down.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (+Wnnh)

119 Keep your EV clean and clutter-free, ensuring that you don’t channel power toward hauling unnecessary weight. Cutting back by just a few pounds can have a positive effect!
Posted by: Marooned at July 26, 2024 11:21 AM (kt8QE)

Next they'll say one carry-on bag only, and you must be scanned before getting in.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:24 AM (qxsEu)
----
Not to mentioned the enforced bug-diet to help the driver shed a few extra pounds...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (7fElN)

120 >Prices are set by the government. Production is set, by the government. How much you consume... set by the government.

Where have we seen this before...

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (2IVIs)

Old and busted: grass fed beef
New hotness: government cricket patties

Posted by: Heavy Meta at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (GTqXr)

121 There was a time when who became president mattered for how we looked on the world stage, how and if we conducted war, and a whole bunch of other crap that didn't really make a difference either way.

Now it's all that stuff plus whether you'll have heat, be able to drive, defend your family, be able to say certain words without going to jail......

Fuckin commies.

Posted by: ... at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (sztWj)

122 Washington. DC doesn’t know, or remotely care, about what the people want.

Oh, they know, but they definitely do not care.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (xCA6C)

123 VW bugs were famous for battery fires. The 12v battery was under the back seat and because it was replaced or maintenance the insulators were removed. Weight on the seat would short the springs on the battery posts and the seat insulation would burn the bug up.

Posted by: torabora at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (v3aCv)

124 114 If you want a revival of the Big Three, get Detroit building cars again, not Washington. DC doesn’t know, or remotely care, about what the people want. End government mandates, CAFE standards, etc
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (8sMut)

Probably not Detroit - they've become commistan...better off picking a southern/southwestern state...

Posted by: Nova Local at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (exHjb)

125 Former “Jeopardy!” champ Winston Nguyen, a former teacher at a private school in Brooklyn, surrendered to Brooklyn prosecutors on Thursday following a month-long investigation into child pornography charges.

-------------------

Jeopardy has been a stinking cesspool ever since Trebek passed.

Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (1Au9i)

126 "European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time" [Daily Caller - 6/20/2024]

"The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone," a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Not a bug, a *bonus* feature for the watermelons, in addition to not letting the proles drive anywhere.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (FnneF)

127 She's against red meat, so I'm sure it involves reducing high protein buys (aka meat/fish), which are the most expensive grocery buys...

Thank God for bugs, huh?

Posted by: t-bird at July 26, 2024 11:31 AM (SVUxP)

128 Thx Buck. A Canadian battery company was going to build a battery production facility at the old IBM plant outside my home city. Local and state politicians were falling all over themselves to give money as long as some targets were met. The local IBM facility was huge and had been mostly empty since the early nineties.
Lol and behold the battery companies finances collapsed and the last I heard the stock was near penny stock status. The last statement from the company was that they "hoped" to still produce batteries at the facility. BS and snake oil

Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 26, 2024 11:31 AM (9Lk6I)

129 Am not well versed in modern lithium vehicle rechargeable cells (batteries) but as a general observation the potential energy stored is immense, as we can see, when they catch fire and they are essentially going to burn no matter what.

Even lead-acid batteries have a number of peculiarities and this is an inherent fact of all battery chemistry.

Number one is everything is based on temperature. A battery will perform poorly in subzero weather. It will also resist charging and needs much higher charging voltages to compensate.

Batteries may become frozen if exposed to subzero temperatures whilst in a state of discharge, and permanently damaged. Now and then lead-acid batteries will explode, with dramatic result. My suspicion is some of these at least, were “killed in january, died in july” frozen batteries.

Conversely abused batteries also “Die in July, don’t fall over till January”

Batteries, and battery charging are s a complex technical subject. The “Consumer” is not very inclined for this. They spent 100 years getting ICE vehicles to the “no user serviceable parts inside stage”. Now they want to continue that philosophy, but it is going to be $10000 batts

Posted by: Common Tater at July 26, 2024 11:31 AM (rLxLT)

130 “In a few short months, President Trump will kill off the Biden mandates that provided cover for destructors like Farley who are obedient to Klaus Schwab rather than to shareholders. Ford’s board would be wise to get someone in place in the CEO office who will seize the great profit opportunity awaiting Ford, rather than keeping a CEO who is striving to kill off Ford’s most profitable vehicles.”

Buck, when was the election canceled and conceded to Trump?

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:31 AM (8sMut)

131 54 How many ICE vehicles spontaneously combust on a hot day compared to EVs?

forty-two!

Posted by: deep thought at July 26, 2024 11:31 AM (oY6Yp)

132 I purposely bought a 4dr Jeep Wrangler in 2011 because the body style will basically stay the same. Unless you are a car expert you can’t tell if my Jeep is a 2011 or a 2021 model.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:32 AM (B1dzx)

133 If you want a revival of the Big Three, get Detroit building cars again, not Washington. DC doesn’t know, or remotely care, about what the people want. End government mandates, CAFE standards, etc
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33

'68 Olds 442.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:32 AM (+Wnnh)

134 >>83 Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.
Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM

I used to wonder why Buick sedans were only driven by older retirees. Then I realized they are the only people who were alive back when Buick sold sedans.

Posted by: J. Frank Parnell at July 26, 2024 11:32 AM (RXJdG)

135 I traded my suv for a small car. My commute is tiny, I got a convertible that looks retro, is roomier inside than it seems it would be and is pretty spicy. I dint know I was joining a cult when I bought it, but apparently that is what I did. I do miss my SUV for hauling things, which is now problematic.

J has a Mercedes sedan. I call it his old man car. I hate it.

Posted by: Piper at July 26, 2024 11:32 AM (pZEOD)

136 Jeopardy has been a stinking cesspool ever since Trebek passed.
Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024

***
His replacement, whose name I don't even know, gives me the shivers. The producers couldhave done so much better.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:32 AM (J2vNu)

137 Where have we seen this before...
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (2IVIs)

The Incan Empire!

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:33 AM (BAEGB)

138 Just like they cut health care costs. These people are the fucking best.

I bring up Obamacare every time a LIV I know complains about the cost of health insurance/health care/inability to see a specialist in a reasonable time.

"Remember when Obama solved all this? Yeah he reduced costs by 3000% right? Odd costs are UP 300% or more isn't it? And you can no longer keep your doctor. But hey those guys crossing the border need health care more then you anyway so you are happy right?"

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:33 AM (oZhjI)

139 "We have to start to get back in love with smaller vehicles. It’s super important for our society and for EV adoption. We are just in love with these monster vehicles, and I love them too, but it’s a major issue with weight," Farley said."

Guy is a retard or a liar. Or both. For most customers it's not about size/weight, it's about the payload and towing capacity. Most modern full size pickups can't haul fuckall because the suspension is too soft, because they want guys' wives to not nix the purchase after an empty test drive. FORD used to offer a real suspension with nearly 3k lb payload (as opposed to 1000-2000 lbs, with 1600 being typical for a highly optioned truck - remember, the automakers want to pad out MSRP's with bling), but they axed it last year. It was the only full size or larger truck in the US with that size payload that could have gotten nearly 30mpg with gas. Now for similar payload you need 10-13 mph and a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup. We just bought a 3/4 ton in work truck trim and will almost certainly get another ASAP if PDT doesn't get into the WH.

Meanwhile EV's are toting around hundreds or even thousands of lbs of extra weight in the form of batteries.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:33 AM (mCD+G)

140 126 "European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time" [Daily Caller - 6/20/2024]

"The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone," a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Not a bug, a *bonus* feature for the watermelons, in addition to not letting the proles drive anywhere.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (FnneF)

Electricity not available at all times for everyone? People not allowed to drive anywhere? It worked for us! Though Trabbis can make a comeback…

Posted by: German Democratic Republic at July 26, 2024 11:33 AM (8sMut)

141 Have a look at Houston after the hurricane. Hundreds of Teslas parked near charging stations. Charging stations that took up to a week to have power.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 26, 2024 11:34 AM (lTGtQ)

142 Not to mentioned the enforced bug-diet to help the driver shed a few extra pounds...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (7fElN)

In fact, don't drive anywhere, live in this box, comrade. Everything you need is within a 15 minute walk. It'll be good for you to walk.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:34 AM (B9rZS)

143 123 VW bugs were famous for battery fires.
---
My brother and I had a '65 bug as teenagers. The throttle linkage went out and we didn't know how to fix it, so we ran a string from the linkage through the back seat to the driver's seat. Pulled the string to give it gas.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:34 AM (woPEM)

144 Ford (Blue Oval spinoff) is building two EV plants here in Kentucky. One for batteries is complete, the other hasn't started yet. The completed one will produce EV batteries only until it's commitments have been met.

Then it's being re-tooled to build ICE vehicles, probably F-150's that are currently being built just outside of Louisville.

The local community is not particularly happy with the circumstances Ford has put them in. Horrendous traffic, population increases, cost increases, crime, etc. But it's not entirely Ford's doing, the local and state governments made promises they never intended to keep. But many of the local politicians "somehow" got rich off it.

I'll leave my shocked face ----> here 😲

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 26, 2024 11:34 AM (Q4IgG)

145 "European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time" [Daily Caller - 6/20/2024]

"The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone," a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Hospitals and those requiring medical devices hardest hit.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (+Wnnh)

146 If you want a revival of the Big Three, get Detroit building cars again

I had an idea a while back that I still think would be a good one. You know how you can go to an automaker's website and design a custom vehicle?

I think you should show up at a special plant, input what you want and drive it off. In the meantime, they can set up touristy things and encourage people to spend money.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (svLOV)

147 His replacement, whose name I don't even know, gives me the shivers. The producers couldhave done so much better.

Jennings wasn't originally the only host. They had a producer who was ok but he got MeToo'd or something like that.

They also had the woman from Big Bang Theory and she wasn't bad either but they fired her for being a Jew.

And Jennings has gotten more insufferable as his competition has been eliminated.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (oZhjI)

148 All vehicles have their issues Toyotas have the recalls, etc., etc. Again, I only got one because I went to a Ford dealer lol when my Ford was damaged. I can only comment on what I’ve experienced since then and my Toyota is by far the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned and also they hold their value better than pretty much every other vehicle. I’m not telling you what to buy, but I know what I’m going to do going forward simply because the reliability I’ve experienced and it was during a time when I really needed that reliability when I wasn’t in a position to spend a lot on a vehicle and I needed it to work. That is not saying other cars can’t do just as well, but I’d be lying to you if I thought that was actually true.

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (/7Asi)

149 How about Chevy, the Impala and Malibu, or are those gone too?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:26 AM (J2vNu)

I have a 2012 Impala with 130k. I'm getting cards in the mail from local dealerships wanting me to sell my used Chevy to them.

Is it just me or is that really weird?

Btw, they can't have it.

Posted by: Lady Who Always Has a Burning Question at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (JCLJi)

150 EV's sure need a LOT of attention. If it's cold, keep it in a warm garage! So friendly for Earf! When it' hot, keep it in the shade, precool it! Don't charge to 100%! Don't use the A/C or heat accordingly! Look, if someone wants to buy an EV, go for it, stop making me pay for it and shoving it down my throat.

Posted by: Minnfidel at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (ewjUl)

151 Former “Jeopardy!” champ Winston Nguyen, a former teacher at a private school in Brooklyn, surrendered to Brooklyn prosecutors on Thursday following a month-long investigation into child pornography charges.

-------------------

Jeopardy has been a stinking cesspool ever since Trebek passed.
Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (1Au9i)

Perhaps, but I'd hardly attribute a former contestant being a kiddie diddler to the death of Alex Trabek.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (bFMjy)

152 “Please, President Trump, make this insanity stop. I am so ready for the Day 1 promise to end all the ridiculous EV mandates and incentives.”

As am I, but we HAVE to hold the election first, just to make sure.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (8sMut)

153 Not trying to go Godwin but Hitler /Nazi Germany actually did mandate a diet with less meet and based more on a vegetarian diet.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (B1dzx)

154 EV's sure need a LOT of attention. If it's cold, keep it in a warm garage! So friendly for Earf! When it' hot, keep it in the shade, precool it! Don't charge to 100%! Don't use the A/C or heat accordingly! Look, if someone wants to buy an EV, go for it, stop making me pay for it and shoving it down my throat.
Posted by: Minnfidel at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (ewjUl)
---
I'll stick with cats, thanks. They aren't nearly so demanding.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (7fElN)

155 Insurance for EV's is really high, some are no longer writing policies for them.

Posted by: Minnfidel at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (ewjUl)

156 "Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.
Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM"

If you're going to drive a boat you might as well drive one that gives you a kinetic advantage vs. various retards out there driving, and an AWD for 4WD drivetrain.

We have a few main vehicle markets, but one of the big two is urban/suburban, and the cities are being overrun by third worlders driving like third worlders do, not to mention all the BLM bullshit. Fuck driving a sedan in that.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (mCD+G)

157 And Jennings has gotten more insufferable as his competition has been eliminated.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (oZhjI)

I think Jennings owns a big piece of the show.

Posted by: BignJames at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (AwYPR)

158 145 "European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time" [Daily Caller - 6/20/2024]

Someone once tweeted that French government would be unlikely to do something like this because the French are always just a mild inconvenience away from rolling out the guillotines.

Posted by: Oglebay at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (ogTiX)

159 Toyota has the right idea with their hybrid models. The are spending $6 billion building are battery plant in Liberty NC. I just got hired on there, start in 2 weeks. They are saying 7 -9 buildings, a total of a million square feet under roof. They are paying huge salaries. I'm going to be making 30% more than I have with a job I've been at for 20 years.

Posted by: TC at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (FjlUt)

160 >>> 37
------------

Makes me wonder if that Tesla Roadster that Musk launched into orbit around the sun is still intact.

BTW, has Musk ever been confronted about or commented on these EV fires and spontaneous combustions?

Posted by: ShainS -- Trump 2024, Now #1 With a Bullet! at July 26, 2024 11:13 AM (WlJra)

Sounds like one of those memes with the guy trying to decide between the two red buttons.
* Admit EVs suck in any way shape or form
* Ignore line of attack on eeevil rayciss Musk just because it involves EVs

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (FnneF)

161 Bill Nye has disappoint.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (/U5Yz)

162 I used to wonder why Buick sedans were only driven by older retirees. Then I realized they are the only people who were alive back when Buick sold sedans.
Posted by: J. Frank Parnell at July 26, 2024

***
Buick's last sedans were on the market in the 2017-2019 time period, I think. The last LaCrosse model, the one after mine, was a 2019. So Buick sedans are not that ancient. But I suspect you're partly right in that the older retirees value something in a sedan that you can't get easily now: a roomy vehicle with a smooth ride. The German marques all value stiffer suspensions (run-flat tires, anybody?), and they and smaller cars will beat your kidneys up if you drive on Third World-ish streets like I do.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (J2vNu)

163 161 Bill Nye has disappoint.
Posted by: Maj. Healey at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (/U5Yz)

=======

I was always more of a Beakman's World kind of kid.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)

164 Where have we seen this before...
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:28 AM (2IVIs)

The Incan Empire!
Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:33 AM (BAEGB)

I thought the Incans were who we copied our constitution from.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (N1wCR)

165 "The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone," a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Not a bug, a *bonus* feature for the watermelons, in addition to not letting the proles drive anywhere.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (FnneF)

Electricity not available at all times for everyone? People not allowed to drive anywhere? It worked for us! Though Trabbis can make a comeback…

Posted by: German Democratic Republic

Note how closely "you will be forced to own electric vehicles" and "you may not have electricity at all times" were released.

Government by taking away everything, and they don't care if you notice.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (lTGtQ)

166 And Jennings has gotten more insufferable as his competition has been eliminated.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (oZhjI)

He’s a huge liberal when he was just the jeopardy champ he was on Howard Stern. He was very punchable.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (B1dzx)

167 See? This article and comments prove our contention beyond doubt! People in America cannot get enough EVs and WANT MORE EVs!!!

Posted by: U.S. Auto Industry at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (8sMut)

168 . I'm going to be making 30% more than I have with a job I've been at for 20 years.
Posted by: TC at July 26, 2024

Congratulations!

Posted by: Piper at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (pZEOD)

169 Someone once tweeted that French government would be unlikely to do something like this because the French are always just a mild inconvenience away from rolling out the guillotines.
Posted by: Oglebay at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (ogTiX)
-------------

I'd love to see it happen because that kind of thing might actually make our political class nervous.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 26, 2024 11:39 AM (tT6L1)

170 Here is 10 minutes of Douglas Murray absolutely crushing antisemitism:

https://tinyurl.com/D-Murray-Israel

Posted by: Sharkman at July 26, 2024 11:39 AM (Oy+hW)

171 Jennings is an asshole.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at July 26, 2024 11:39 AM (maRKA)

172 >155 Insurance for EV's is really high, some are no longer writing policies for them.

Posted by: Minnfidel at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (ewjUl)

Even after a fender bender, there is a strong chance the car would need to be totaled. Any hit to the battery - which is generally a structural member of the vehicle is very expensive to repair.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at July 26, 2024 11:39 AM (GTqXr)

173 I have a 2012 Impala with 130k. I'm getting cards in the mail from local dealerships wanting me to sell my used Chevy to them.

Is it just me or is that really weird?

Btw, they can't have it.
Posted by: Lady Who Always Has a Burning Question at July 26, 2024

***
My '16 LaCrosse w/ 80K miles should be a prime target for such inquiries, but I never get those -- just the eternal "extended warranty" offers.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:40 AM (J2vNu)

174 After three great Buicks, I'd love to buy another sedan if something happened to the LaCrosse. But Buick is all SUV all the time now. Does Cadillac still have a couple of sedans? How about Chevy, the Impala and Malibu, or are those gone too?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:26 AM (J2vNu)

Just get a Mazda, Wolfus. Scotty Kilmer says from '20 on they're good, long lasting vehicles.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 26, 2024 11:41 AM (0eaVi)

175 I'm going to be making 30% more than I have with a job I've been at for 20 years.
---
I have friends who work at the Toyota plant here. They say Toyota is an excellent employer.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:41 AM (woPEM)

176 Despite having similar footprint to past models, current
sedans are so low to the ground and have such poor headroom especially in back that they can't comfortably seat 4 adults. Especially those of us who are getting older. The crossover SUV at least lets us sit fully upright like sedans of old did.

Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 11:41 AM (1Au9i)

177 175 I'm going to be making 30% more than I have with a job I've been at for 20 years.
---
I have friends who work at the Toyota plant here. They say Toyota is an excellent employer.
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 26, 2024 11:41 AM (woPEM)

=======

Drinking with the boss after work is a killer, though!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at July 26, 2024 11:41 AM (GBKbO)

178 "European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time" [Daily Caller - 6/20/2024]

"The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone," a translated version of the NRC piece states.

Hospitals and those requiring medical devices hardest hit.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:35 AM (+Wnnh)

----------------

"There's a pill for that."
-- Obama's Fifth Term 2024!

Posted by: ShainS -- Trump 2024, Now #1 With a Bullet! at July 26, 2024 11:41 AM (WlJra)

179 Just get a Mazda, Wolfus. Scotty Kilmer says from '20 on they're good, long lasting vehicles.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 26, 2024

***
The 6 is a good-looking car.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (J2vNu)

180 >>I used to wonder why Buick sedans were only driven by older retirees. Then I realized they are the only people who were alive back when Buick sold sedans.

When I was in high school my dad had Buick Skylark. Very unassuming looking car and fast as hell. Loved that car.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (LkLld)

181 I know it's difficult to keep up with the stupidest story the media is lately pushing.

Top spot today is, "Trump is/could/maybe/possibly/etc. replace Vance."
Why?
Because some poll of childless cat women says he's not popular with them.

Real reason? Completely fabricated speculation to distract from the unprecedented, insane facts that Harris replaced Biden.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (N/G37)

182 >>> 58 I suspect it isn't just Holland that is going to be experiencing periodic electricity loss. As the evidence of the cascade failure we are in mounts, we're going to be seeing more of that as well.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 26, 2024 11:17 AM (s9EYN)

Yeah, I think anyone paying attention needs to consider steps towards 'next level' resilience, as in WTF do I do if power is not reliable or completely unavailable for weeks, months or even years...?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (FnneF)

183 I thought the Incans were who we copied our constitution from.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:38 AM (N1wCR)

The Aztecs.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (8sMut)

184 Surprised there was no mention of the catastrophic 7% decline in revenue of the flagship grifter corporation Tesla.

Also, speaking of Tesla and fires - two people have died here in Southern Maine in the last two months due to Teslas wrecking and catching fire. One of them about 3 miles from my house - the first responder I spoke with about it says that they think the guy couldn't get out because the electric door poppers didn't work. Not sure exactly how they'd know that but thats what he told me.

Posted by: Defenestratus at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (twhOH)

185 "114 If you want a revival of the Big Three, get Detroit building cars again, not Washington. DC doesn’t know, or remotely care, about what the people want. End government mandates, CAFE standards, etc
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:29 AM (8sMut)"

Where will you find people to build them, though? If you want to manufacture stuff in the US, you are not going to find normie-American labor in quantity. Unions effectively destroyed American auto labor by the close of the 70's, while the penny-pinching MBA fuckers did the same for management and design.

Generally you can have ISIS build your vehicle in Dearbornistan or in America's hat, or have cartels make it for you in Mexico. Jeep, Toyota, and Nissan probably account for the bulk of actual Americans building cars in America, although a lot of them are going to look like they stepped out of WALL-E.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (mCD+G)

186 One of the selling points on lithium and other exotic RV batteries sold for use in the big solar units, is “protection circuitry” that precludes any attempt at charging below about 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Charging conventional batteries is admittedly glacial even with temperature compensated voltage and current, but it is doable.

I suspect until battery chemistry improves planning involves 2 important considerations - your vehicle or device is BRICKED if it falls to freezing temps, forget below zero, and also a significant fire hazard if temperatures exceed around 90 Fahrenheit.

Posted by: Common Tater at July 26, 2024 11:43 AM (rLxLT)

187 Want to get cards from people who want you to trade in your vehicle? Try owning 2009 Chev Sliverado with less than 80K miles on it.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 26, 2024 11:43 AM (tT6L1)

188 Listen, unless they develop some radically advanced battery technology that would allow you to "fill up" to a usable range in the same time frame as an ICE vehicle, EV's will never be feasible, ever.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 26, 2024 11:43 AM (qQky4)

189 EV's sure need a LOT of attention. If it's cold, keep it in a warm garage! So friendly for Earf! When it' hot, keep it in the shade, precool it! Don't charge to 100%! Don't use the A/C or heat accordingly! Look, if someone wants to buy an EV, go for it, stop making me pay for it and shoving it down my throat.
Posted by: Minnfidel at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (ewjUl)
---
I'll stick with cats, thanks. They aren't nearly so demanding.

Yes, but how many mpc do you get?

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (xCA6C)

190 Even after a fender bender, there is a strong chance the car would need to be totaled. Any hit to the battery - which is generally a structural member of the vehicle is very expensive to repair.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at July 26, 2024 11:39 AM

A buddy got assigned one for a work car. (He hated it) He got rear ended, maybe a 5 mph hit. Cracked the bumper, but they suspected the battery casing had been compromised, so they totalled a car with like 7K on it. It was worth 60K at purchase.

Posted by: Minnfidel at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (ewjUl)

191 Ready made market in the Netherlands for pedal powered individual generators.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (5MvGY)

192 Don't worry about your insurance paying off for your electric car fire burning down your house.
Our new business model is to stop selling insurance. It's too risky.

Posted by: State Farm Insurance at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (v3aCv)

193 Just get a Mazda, Wolfus. Scotty Kilmer says from '20 on they're good, long lasting vehicles.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 26, 2024

***
The 6 is a good-looking car.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (J2vNu)

The 6? I don't believe they make those anymore, but when I was shopping I considered the CX5 and CX50, ultimately rejected them because they look like chick cars.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (GvvaV)

194 >>> 59 How many ICE vehicles spontaneously combust on a hot day compared to EVs?
==
Well there was the car that suddenly exploded under Gov Kemp's staffer right before the election.

So it happens all the time...to people the Junta has an issue with...
Posted by: 18-1 at July 26, 2024 11:17 AM (oZhjI)

iirc it was his daughter's boyfriend, a little *after* the first week of November 2020, and the engine was found what, six blocks away? But I'm sure the Eff.Bee.EYE is still investigatin'.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (FnneF)

195 When I was in high school my dad had Buick Skylark. Very unassuming looking car and fast as hell. Loved that car.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024

***
If I'd gone into computers in the early and mid-'70s, and come out of school with a good job, I'd like to think I'd have bought a solid recent-model two-door Buick coupe.

"Wouldn't You Really Rather Have a Buick?" (1960s ad campaign)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:45 AM (J2vNu)

196 The name of the company that allegedly is going to build a production plant at the old IBM plant is Zinc8. It's presently selling at $.10 per share. Promising

Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (9Lk6I)

197 "Not a bug, a *bonus* feature for the watermelons, in addition to not letting the proles drive anywhere.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (FnneF)"

It's the flip side of the EV push. Anyone can store gas or diesel, EV's make that much harder.

If your government can't keep the lights on and won't let you fix it, it's time to hang them from a freeway overpass and make a new one.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (mCD+G)

198 174 Just get a Mazda, Wolfus. Scotty Kilmer says from '20 on they're good, long lasting vehicles.

I drive a 2021 Mazda 3 hatch, AWD/Turbo. Bought it when I downsized from a Dodge Journey, thinking I was going to go for a Dodge Charger. Test drove the 3 as something to compare. Absolutely loved it, and still feels new. I did have the problem with the oil ingestion that came up - there were several technical service bulletins about this issue, but it was taken care of, nothing out of my pocket. Other than that, one of the most fun cars I've driven.

Posted by: MD_Mike at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (g4bMd)

199 Top spot today is, "Trump is/could/maybe/possibly/etc. replace Vance."
Why?
Because some poll of childless cat women says he's not popular with them.

Real reason? Completely fabricated speculation to distract from the unprecedented, insane facts that Harris replaced Biden.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (N/G37)

You are proof of the adage that THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS WRONG. Americans LOVE Statism/Socialism, and ONLY want to pick which Statist/Socialist will govern them.

Americans want a massive government with unlimited power and we WILL help them get it. You do not know what is good for you. You will learn to love unlimited government power when it gets here.

Posted by: U.S. Media at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (8sMut)

200 Electric cars cannot replace ICE cars.. Not with the technology we have now.. It's a scam.. On another note... The market loves Kamala ?

Posted by: It's me donna at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (IyPmt)

201 My 95 Mazda 626 had over 300,000 miles on it when I sold it. And it was still going strong. Great in the snow and comfortable on long commutes.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (xjTDL)

202 Even after a fender bender, there is a strong chance the car would need to be totaled. Any hit to the battery - which is generally a structural member of the vehicle is very expensive to repair.
---
Bro has to get his E-150 repaired after collision.
3 different "approved" shops before finding one that agreed to work on it.
And this one is still inspecting, could decline as well.
I think that's a hugly unrated cost, that it's impossible for any but top specialist to do any work on them.
Hell, I bet you can't even change the brakes yourself.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:47 AM (N/G37)

203 The 6? I don't believe they make those anymore, but when I was shopping I considered the CX5 and CX50, ultimately rejected them because they look like chick cars.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024

***
If mazda doesn't make any sedans, then they are in the same weird boat with Buick. The only SUVs I like the looks of are the pricey ones like the Mercedes GLK and the BMW X3. Okay, the new Buick Enclave and the Envision are pretty nice too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (J2vNu)

204 You want a sedan you buy a full size SUV. Four doors, leg room, head room, room between you and the other passenger. They don't beat you to death on bumpy roads either.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (9etX0)

205 "188 Listen, unless they develop some radically advanced battery technology that would allow you to "fill up" to a usable range in the same time frame as an ICE vehicle, EV's will never be feasible, ever.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 26, 2024 11:43 AM (qQky4)"

Which is of course the whole point of mandating them

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (mCD+G)

206 My only problem with EVs is the Left trying to mandate them . Either directly or with green regulations.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (B1dzx)

207 "Wouldn't it be nice to see Ford & GM bring back sedans? Decent ones, not little s*** box tin cans. Everything is XUV based. Want a sedan - you have to go to Honda or Toyota.
Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 26, 2024 11:22 AM"

If you're going to drive a boat you might as well drive one that gives you a kinetic advantage vs. various retards out there driving, and an AWD for 4WD drivetrain.

We have a few main vehicle markets, but one of the big two is urban/suburban, and the cities are being overrun by third worlders driving like third worlders do, not to mention all the BLM bullshit. Fuck driving a sedan in that.
Posted by: somedood

CARB standards should ONLY apply to California.
If you want to restrict businesses and slit your own throats, fine. But the other 49 states shouldn't be made to follow.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (+Wnnh)

208 They offered a 4 door Thunderbird from 1967-70. Ugly damned things.

Also they made a Mercury Cougar 4 door and station wagon from 1977-82.

Ford can screw things up when they really try.
Posted by: Frank Barone at July 26, 2024 11:09 AM (+oR7L)

They continued to offer the 2-door Tbird, though, but it suffered greatly from bloat.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (LsXht)

209 191 Ready made market in the Netherlands for pedal powered individual generators.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 26, 2024 11:44 AM (5MvGY)

You make a joke, but…well, you should see Amsterdam.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (8sMut)

210 Where's Ralph Nader when we need him?

Posted by: Fookie McCracken at July 26, 2024 11:49 AM (ALHIC)

211 On another note... The market loves Kamala ?

My 4th daughter, who lives and works in Manhattan, was very excited yesterday. She says speculation is rampant about who KH will pick for veep, and everybody is happy she's the nom.

The really do live in their own little world up there.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:49 AM (xCA6C)

212 Bro has to get his E-150 repaired after collision.

Problem with repairing a car after a crash is that said car will have the "Been in an accident" designation which affects re-sale...

Posted by: It's me donna at July 26, 2024 11:49 AM (IyPmt)

213 Im stealing that - all EVs are now ECE cars - external combustion engines.

Posted by: InZona at July 26, 2024 11:50 AM (K4ahj)

214 Jeopardy crapped the bed when they fired me to employ that Canuck guy with the curly hair and mustache.

Posted by: Art Fleming at July 26, 2024 11:50 AM (CV8a5)

215 Hell, I bet you can't even change the brakes yourself.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:47 AM (N/G37)

That's not even a joke. You can't just put regular old pads and tires on an EV. They weigh 10,000 lbs. So you need special pads and tires, and they're hard to get and expensive. I don't think you can just pop on to RockAuto and get them. Maybe you can. I don't know.

Then again, people who do their own brakes probably ain't buying Teslas.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:50 AM (BAEGB)

216 My 95 Mazda 626 had over 300,000 miles on it when I sold it. And it was still going strong. Great in the snow and comfortable on long commutes.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (xjTDL)

I had 94 626. Agree it was a very nice car.

Posted by: polynikes at July 26, 2024 11:50 AM (B1dzx)

217 Alright then

Posted by: Don Black at July 26, 2024 11:50 AM (/7KEl)

218 200 Electric cars cannot replace ICE cars.. Not with the technology we have now.. It's a scam.. On another note... The market loves Kamala ?
Posted by: It's me donna at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (IyPmt)

People who do not love Kamala will soon learn to love her or else.

Posted by: U.S. Media at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (8sMut)

219 Where is Ralph Nader and his consumer protection racket?

Posted by: InZona at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (K4ahj)

220 135 I traded my suv for a small car. ... I do miss my SUV for hauling things, which is now problematic.

have you considered all that hatchback has to offer? my tiny '83 civic could haul a pdp-8/e and an rk05 drive when the back seat was folded down.

Posted by: anachronda at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (oY6Yp)

221 I grew up not terribly far away from that Edmonds EV fire. I know exactly where that is. There's been car dealerships there since I was a wee lad. Used to be a mall, but that was torn down for a Costco and Home Depot.

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (zrlyb)

222 Jeopardy has been a stinking cesspool ever since Trebek passed.
Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (1Au9i)

Perhaps, but I'd hardly attribute a former contestant being a kiddie diddler to the death of Alex Trabek.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM

-------------------

I erroneously thought the kiddie diddler was a recent contestant. He isn't, he was on Jeopardy in 2014.

The current contestant pool is still a freak show compared to the Trebek years. He probably had a role in keeping things relatively sane during his tenure.

Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (1Au9i)

223 "Then again, people who do their own brakes probably ain't buying Teslas.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:50 AM (BAEGB)"

You probably would not be all that surprised how many people who drive Teslas don't know you need tires or pads as wear items, and neglect them.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (mCD+G)

224 the first responder I spoke with about it says that they think the guy couldn't get out because the electric door poppers didn't work.
---
Jeebus.

Literally a human sacrifice on a burning alter to de earf.

PS:
Always have a window hammer in your car.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:52 AM (N/G37)

225 When I was in jr. high and high school my father drove a '66 Chevy Impala Super Sport coupe. I got to drive it once in a driving lesson in an empty parking lot, piloting it around in big squares and learning nothing. Well, no, I did learn that it was a very smooth car even at age 6. I always hoped he'd either give it to me or sell it to me, but no dice.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:52 AM (J2vNu)

226 The hilarious part is that Leftists are incredulous that Elon Musk is supporting Trump, when Trump says he'll get rid of EV subsidies, which of course will impact Tesla.

In their world, all that matters is extracting the maximum amount of money from the government - they can't understand why a businessman would want to reduce the amount of money they get from the government.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (u6/wt)

I suspect Musk is well aware that Tesla has about run its course. No more room for growth in sales.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 11:53 AM (LsXht)

227 Problems in the summer. Problems in the winter.

Yes, but it's aces during the summer equinox. Just remember Stonehenge and you'll be fine.
Posted by: Archimedes

We really need an EV-Henge. Perhaps we should located it on a prominent EV booster. Then we can open betting on how long until it spontaneously combusts.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 26, 2024 11:53 AM (VNX3d)

228 the first responder I spoke with about it says that they think the guy couldn't get out because the electric door poppers didn't work.
---
Jeebus.

Literally a human sacrifice on a burning alter to de earf.

PS:
Always have a window hammer in your car.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice

Trust & believe. A .45 acp is opening a window.

Posted by: rickb223 Buy Ammo & Shelf Stable Foods at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (+Wnnh)

229 >>>Rivian EVs are prone to thermal runaway fires when being charged in summertime heat, maybe they should be banned in the name of consumer safety.
---------------

They only ban things for consumer safety when their palms are greased by an other grifting entity.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (9etX0)

230 226
I suspect Musk is well aware that Tesla has about run its course. No more room for growth in sales.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 11:53 AM (LsXht)

=======

I remember supposition that Tesla was mostly a funding mechanism for SpaceX.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, riding the anarchy train with John Landis at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (GBKbO)

231 "184 Surprised there was no mention of the catastrophic 7% decline in revenue of the flagship grifter corporation Tesla.
Posted by: Defenestratus at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (twhOH)"

You at least have to acknowledge that he's being pretty targeted with the grifting, and what he's doing with the money.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (mCD+G)

232 The 6 is a good-looking car.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (J2vNu)

We bought a '21 CX 5. 38k miles. No problems so far.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (0eaVi)

233 I suspect Musk is well aware that Tesla has about run its course. No more room for growth in sales.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 11:53 AM (LsXht)

Sell it off to some nutsacks, and let them find out the hard way that Tesla as a company probably doesn't own very many of Tesla's patents.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (BAEGB)

234 >>> 158 145 "European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time" [Daily Caller - 6/20/2024]

Someone once tweeted that French government would be unlikely to do something like this because the French are always just a mild inconvenience away from rolling out the guillotines.
Posted by: Oglebay at July 26, 2024 11:37 AM (ogTiX)

Oh so THAT'S why they've got so much of their power generated by nuclear plants.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (FnneF)

235 I find it hilarious that criminals are jacking the charging station cables for the copper. Just follow the maps/aps that show exactly where they are located.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (/U5Yz)

236 213 Im stealing that - all EVs are now ECE cars - external combustion engines.

watch it, bub. we don't want 'em.

Posted by: stanley steamer at July 26, 2024 11:54 AM (oY6Yp)

237 They should bring back the original tin can van with a motor between the seats.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:55 AM (9etX0)

238 If mazda doesn't make any sedans, then they are in the same weird boat with Buick. The only SUVs I like the looks of are the pricey ones like the Mercedes GLK and the BMW X3. Okay, the new Buick Enclave and the Envision are pretty nice too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 11:48 AM (J2vNu)

The only "sedan" they make is the 3, and it's their tiny car.

Honestly, if it's a sedan you want, you have to look at the Koreans or the Japs. The Koreans make 'em cheaper, but the Japs have been doing them for years, and you can't go wrong with a Toyota or Honda. Nissan, I don't know, but I assume they still make decent enough alternatives to either.

Frankly, I'll never buy another domestic maker's vehicle ever again.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:55 AM (qxsEu)

239 233 I suspect Musk is well aware that Tesla has about run its course. No more room for growth in sales.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 11:53 AM (LsXht)

Sell it off to some nutsacks

*whistles innocently*

Posted by: byd at July 26, 2024 11:55 AM (oY6Yp)

240 One car I kinda wished I'd owned was an El Camino or El Ranchero.

Especially with, IIRC the 454.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:55 AM (N/G37)

241 Press is firing a ton of shots at Vance. Why now? Why mot wait until October?

Posted by: Nick in Tallahassee at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (7PziG)

242 The globalist lunatics know that EVs are a fake solution to a fake problem. Death trap EVs with scarce charging stations are a feature, not a bug.

They want us penned up in 15 minute cities, with no cars at all.

Posted by: callsign claymore at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (S9JXA)

243 Art Fleming didn't put up with any nonsense

he ran a tight ship at Jeopardy

Posted by: Don Black at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (/7KEl)

244 "In their world, all that matters is extracting the maximum amount of money from the government - they can't understand why a businessman would want to reduce the amount of money they get from the government.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at July 26, 2024 11:14 AM (u6/wt)"

Not quite. They're just pissy that their normal attempts to frame an issue to get a desired outcome isn't working - more of the old "but why are you voting against your iinnnteressts!" claptrap that assumes one is too stupid to actually understand their own interests, and suggestible enough to listen to the progs.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (mCD+G)

245 Re ICE vehicles fires -- yeah, it happens. But not when they're just sitting parked. But EV will burst into flames just sitting in your driveway or parking lot.

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at July 26, 2024 11:57 AM (XMwZJ)

246 I will probably always own an SUV going forward. I understand they’re not the best on gas, although there are options though I have to take those options. I know they used to be a cliché about soccer moms and SUVs, blah blah blah. I’ve always driven a truck or a van. I did drive a jaguar, which was cool and a really small Mazda RX seven. But I’m old and I’m not small though not huge and I just fit in an SUV. I’m certainly not gonna try to slip into a Mazda RX 7 again in my life.

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 11:57 AM (/7Asi)

247 241 Press is firing a ton of shots at Vance. Why now? Why mot wait until October?
Posted by: Nick in Tallahassee at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (7PziG)

Must be afraid of him

Posted by: It's me donna at July 26, 2024 11:57 AM (IyPmt)

248 180 >>I used to wonder why Buick sedans were only driven by older retirees. Then I realized they are the only people who were alive back when Buick sold sedans.

When I was in high school my dad had Buick Skylark. Very unassuming looking car and fast as hell. Loved that car.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (LkLld)

My first car was a hand-me-down 76 Buick Le Sabre Custom Sedan. 4 door hardtop. 350 V8. Intercontental Ballistic Land Barge. Being young and driving that, I feared nothing on the road.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at July 26, 2024 11:57 AM (8C7+r)

249 “Where will you find people to build them, though? If you want to manufacture stuff in the US, you are not going to find normie-American labor in quantity. Unions effectively destroyed American auto labor by the close of the 70's, while the penny-pinching MBA fuckers did the same for management and design.” No problem! We will force them to make everything here, because manufacturing jobs are the only jobs that matter, and we must have an economy that is 80% manufacturing and 20% government. If they reject our demands, we shame them, because patriotism,

“Generally you can have ISIS build your vehicle in Dearbornistan or in America's hat, or have cartels make it for you in Mexico. Jeep, Toyota, and Nissan probably account for the bulk of actual Americans building cars in America, although a lot of them are going to look like they stepped out of WALL-E.” Next you will tell us Hyundais are built in AL and BMWs in SC. You are an unpatriotic POS and a liar.
Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:42 AM (mCD+G)

Posted by: AoS poster who believe only manufacturing jobs matter and demand a government managed economy at July 26, 2024 11:58 AM (8sMut)

250 The Lucid Air got a glowing review in Car & Driver but the article acknowledges an endless series of failures large and small. Plus the model tested sold for $186,000.

Posted by: Oglebay at July 26, 2024 11:58 AM (ogTiX)

251 Press is firing a ton of shots at Vance. Why now? Why mot wait until October?

To distract from the Kamala CF.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:58 AM (xCA6C)

252 Teslas are very popular in my AO.
Probably have a dozen on my block. Some are pretty amazing. Elon got pissed at Biden when he arranged an EV summit meeting and Elon wasn't invited, despite manufacturing more EVs than all the others, combined.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at July 26, 2024 11:58 AM (MeG8a)

253 >>>There is another path. Tesla is right that it’s not just a car company - but not because of bipedal robots. Despite shrinking profit elsewhere, gross margin at its energy storage business has exploded. Tesla leads the U.S. storage market with a 25% share, according, opens new tab to Wood Mackenzie
-----------------

They selling well here and better in Europe.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (9etX0)

254 >Press is firing a ton of shots at Vance. Why now? Why mot wait until October?
---

American politics is an open sewer
the shite must flow 24/7/365

Posted by: Don Black at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (/7KEl)

255 188 Listen, unless they develop some radically advanced battery technology that would allow you to "fill up" to a usable range in the same time frame as an ICE vehicle, EV's will never be feasible, ever.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 26, 2024 11:43 AM (qQky4)

Its not just battery tech. Its power *generation* tech. You can simply cannot overcome the laws of physics. If you want to charge a make-believe-but-possible battery that is more than 60 kilowatts or so - which is what the average EV has - then you'll need several megawatts of charging available to fill it up in the same amount of time that a ICE vehicle can refuel. You'll either need tons of voltage or tons of amperage. Either one is going to require a massive amount of power generation PER CHARGER.

Posted by: Defenestratus at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (Fj6k3)

256 Being good on gas is overrated unless you're penny pinching for business/personal finance reasons. You gotta pay for capability, be it mass or volume of payload, and for moving that payload up and down mountains comfortably. If you don't have enough vehicle you're just going to work the thing to death, and be unsafe while doing it.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (mCD+G)

257 Especially with, IIRC the 454.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:55 AM (N/G37)

The vehicular equivalent of a lawn dart...

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (BAEGB)

258 Here I am, trying to relive the events of Monday, September 13, 1999, but YT keeps showing commercials every five minutes. I guess they need more money to fund Dem campaigns for free.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (8sMut)

259 I erroneously thought the kiddie diddler was a recent contestant. He isn't, he was on Jeopardy in 2014.

The current contestant pool is still a freak show compared to the Trebek years. He probably had a role in keeping things relatively sane during his tenure.
Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 11:51 AM (1Au9i)

Ah, got it. I wasn't aware they'd changed their "talent" pool of contestants. I guess that makes sense, everything's got to be DEI'd these days.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (7APMI)

260 Most EV's still look like nerd cars for some reason and/or ugly as shit. Tesla model S looks pretty cool though. I would consider buying one for city/local use. Still too expensive though, price needs to drop another another $10-15k,

Posted by: Ripley at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (GUOwU)

261 What you Get You to the View of traffic and I’m Noher I Go Back. Once you’ve had four-wheel-drive for 10, 20, or in my case 30 years, I am not sure how you give it up. I’m not selling anything I don’t care if any other person ever buys an SUV, I just know I likely won’t be buying another vehicle because there isn’t any good reason to do so.

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (/7Asi)

262 RX-7's had that rotary 4 banger. Great engine.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (maRKA)

263 Our 2024 one ton truck with the 6.6L Duramax gets 21mpg highway and 13mpg towing our 8k lb travel trailer. It weighs 8500lbs. Not bad for a diesel truck.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (/U5Yz)

264 The CEO of Rimac just came out and said that they've sold 50 or so of their planned 150 hypercar EV's.

He said "people with money simply don't want to buy EV's".

Posted by: Defenestratus at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (Fj6k3)

265 Press is firing a ton of shots at Vance. Why now? Why mot wait until October?

Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.

Posted by: Ted Torgerson Trump/Vance 2024 at July 26, 2024 12:01 PM (wGerL)

266 262 RX-7's had that rotary 4 banger. Great engine.

rotaries bang in multiples of 3.

Posted by: anachronda at July 26, 2024 12:01 PM (oY6Yp)

267 On another note, did Bibi go to Mar a Lago ? Kamala really insulted him

Posted by: It's me donna at July 26, 2024 12:01 PM (IyPmt)

268 >>> 211 On another note... The market loves Kamala ?
==
My 4th daughter, who lives and works in Manhattan, was very excited yesterday. She says speculation is rampant about who KH will pick for veep, and everybody is happy she's the nom.

The really do live in their own little world up there.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 11:49 AM (xCA6C)

*tee hee*

Posted by: DNC Chicago 2024 at July 26, 2024 12:01 PM (FnneF)

269 Art Fleming didn't put up with any nonsense

he ran a tight ship at Jeopardy
Posted by: Don Black at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (/7KEl)

Sure, but the show didn't really take off in poopularity until they stopped giving electric shocks for wrong answers.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 12:02 PM (bFMjy)

270

Saw an old guy sitting on the side of a county road in his Tesla the other day.

Nice cars, but how do you deal with being stranded in BFE with no way to start your car if it runs out of juice. Can you fill up a battery at a electrical substation?

My Miata has a starting issue after it gets hot, but I can just let it sit and have a beer or two, and it starts back up.

Posted by: Dr.Rev. Senator Your Highness E Buzz Miller, Esq PhD MA MS at July 26, 2024 12:02 PM (et1vG)

271 256 Being good on gas is overrated unless you're penny pinching for business/personal finance reasons. You gotta pay for capability, be it mass or volume of payload, and for moving that payload up and down mountains comfortably. If you don't have enough vehicle you're just going to work the thing to death, and be unsafe while doing it.
Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 11:59 AM (mCD+

Yes. People have forgotten what “trade-offs” mean. I like owning a truck because it means that no matter what I buy, I can transport it myself. I got a smaller engine to help with fuel costs but it still costs more than a car to fill up, and that’s OK due to the primary mission being absolute independence. (When I bought my washer and dryer, I just loaded them in my truck. Years ago an AF colleague bought a really cool flat screen TV on sale at the BX but spent the rest of drill fretting about how he would get it home in his Mazda 626 (the TV was huge). I would never have that problem in my truck.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 12:03 PM (8sMut)

272 Noodus ace

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 26, 2024 12:03 PM (J2vNu)

273 It's me donna, did you see her statements after her meeting with Netanyahu?

Posted by: Ben Had at July 26, 2024 12:03 PM (5MvGY)

274 "The really do live in their own little world up there.
Posted by: Archimedes"

"Historic first" is far more important to these types than actual policy and qualifications.

Posted by: Ripley at July 26, 2024 12:04 PM (GUOwU)

275 The Vance Attacks are desperate, and the modern media hates all Republicans and thinks their job is to attack all Republicans all all the time.

I’m a bit shocked by the number of people here that have gone after Vance, I will be fair, but honest, I think they’ve been manipulated by the media. No one reports on the vice president candidate unless they’re trying to bash them and hurt the president. How do people not know that simple fact?

It is like when I had a conservative relative tell me they didn’t think Kavanaugh was worthy of being a Supreme Court Justice because they and/or he watched the Congressional testimony. Do I have to spell out to my own relatives? That’s the only reason they have testimony for Supreme Court justices is for the opposing side to try to ruin them?

The point I’m making is if anyone is commenting on a vice president it’s because they’re trying to harm the president. The press is not going to comment on a Democrat vice president candidate because why would they?

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 12:04 PM (/7Asi)

276 VW bugs were famous for battery fires. The 12v battery was under the back seat and because it was replaced or maintenance the insulators were removed. Weight on the seat would short the springs on the battery posts and the seat insulation would burn the bug up.
Posted by: torabora at July 26, 2024 11:30 AM (v3aCv)

Had that happen in high school. I had a '61 VW convertible; out cruising at lunch hour, guys were bouncing in the back seat. Shorted out the battery and it exploded, tossing them both right out.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 12:04 PM (b47tW)

277 " You are an unpatriotic POS and a liar.
Posted by: AoS poster who believe only manufacturing jobs matter and demand a government managed economy at July 26, 2024 11:58 AM (8sMut)"

Not sure if sarcasm? I'm all for American manufacturing. PDT made progress in bringing it back even if President Potato pissed most of that away. But even if PDT gets back in office and works on it again, it will have trouble scaling up.

A big problem is that our education system is now totally broken and the relevant unions are all fucked up and less than worthless. The culture that provided the manufacturing labor that made the US a powerhouse prior to the 90's is long gone and is going to take a generation to return.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 12:05 PM (mCD+G)

278 >>> 241 Press is firing a ton of shots at Vance. Why now? Why mot wait until October?
Posted by: Nick in Tallahassee at July 26, 2024 11:56 AM (7PziG)

They're pouting because the VP was supposed to be Nikki Haley's derp state pick...?

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at July 26, 2024 12:05 PM (FnneF)

279 I like when I open the door the seat automatically slides all the way back and the steering wheel moves up. Then, when I shut the door, the seat and wheel move exactly to the pre-set position I like.
It pleases me every time.

Posted by: Braenard at July 26, 2024 12:05 PM (9etX0)

280 Can someone explain how much garbage gets put in the air when one of these burns up.. you know... as opposed to the co2 that a gas burning car puts out? I bet it's more noxious than an entire ICE car's lifetime output.

Posted by: Drunken Yoda at July 26, 2024 12:08 PM (ilHZO)

281 266, yep, had a choke you had to pull and a stick. It was an event getting that thing going, but it was a cool car, but I’ll be honest I was too big for it.

Posted by: Quint at July 26, 2024 12:08 PM (/7Asi)

282 A big problem is that our education system is now totally broken and the relevant unions are all fucked up and less than worthless. The culture that provided the manufacturing labor that made the US a powerhouse prior to the 90's is long gone and is going to take a generation to return.

You are correct, sir! Everybody now thinks being an influencer is an actual job.

Posted by: Archimedes at July 26, 2024 12:08 PM (xCA6C)

283 Perhaps, but I'd hardly attribute a former contestant being a kiddie diddler to the death of Alex Trabek.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 26, 2024 11:36 AM (bFMjy)

I'm guessing that in Trebek's day, they didn't actively seek out weirdos to be contestants.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 12:09 PM (b47tW)

284 I agree with part of what that fuckerputz Farley said, but not in the way he meant it.

I'd like to see a return to offering small trucks that are actually small. No leather seat dvd jacked up to the sky 60 grand bullshit. Like the good old days of chicken tax trucks. Which means defanging the EPA and telling CARB to fuck off.

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at July 26, 2024 12:12 PM (1Q8xt)

285 Not sure if sarcasm? I'm all for American manufacturing. PDT made progress in bringing it back even if President Potato pissed most of that away. But even if PDT gets back in office and works on it again, it will have trouble scaling up.

A big problem is that our education system is now totally broken and the relevant unions are all fucked up and less than worthless. The culture that provided the manufacturing labor that made the US a powerhouse prior to the 90's is long gone and is going to take a generation to return.

Posted by: somedood at July 26, 2024 12:05 PM (mCD+G)

Absolute sarcasm not aimed at you because you had good points I totally agree with. This is the fourth biggest country in the world with vast natural resources and 330 million people. The intense emphasis on some on manufacturing jobs alone I find irritating because given those facts this country should be doing a little of everything. I live in the middle of farm and ranch country and these fine folk are contributing greatly to our country as much as the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, or the factory employees. (TBC)

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 12:13 PM (8sMut)

286 I'm guessing that in Trebek's day, they didn't actively seek out weirdos to be contestants.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 12:09 PM

----------------------

Exactly. That was my point. They do now.

Posted by: Bigsmith at July 26, 2024 12:13 PM (1Au9i)

287 Charge your EV battery to 80% instead of 100%.

Maybe I'm not up to date on battery technology, but doesn't that tend to reduce your battery's total capacity?

Posted by: FeatherBlade at July 26, 2024 12:15 PM (hB7mE)

288 260 Most EV's still look like nerd cars for some reason and/or ugly as shit. Tesla model S looks pretty cool though. I would consider buying one for city/local use. Still too expensive though, price needs to drop another another $10-15k,
Posted by: Ripley at July 26, 2024 12:00 PM (GUOwU)

Engineering optimization. If you want comparable vehicle range with a lower density energy store, you have trade gross vehicle weight. That gives you the smallest vehicle possible using the least materials. Thus, a cheese box car.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at July 26, 2024 12:18 PM (8C7+r)

289 Somedood, I taught, albeit for one year, and will get back into the classroom at some point. I can’t agree more with your point about education. As much as it upsets a lot of people here, the U.S. DOES manufacture things, but the manufacturing here is high-end: things the rest of the world cannot or will not do. It’s a huge deal and we must have an educated work force to do manufacturing and much else besides here, But we don’t: the town nearest me sees school as a center of social events such as football and basketball games. They care not a whit (for the most part) of their kids get an education. This attitude has to change. And don’t get me started on unions. They are to blame for much of the running off of jobs in this country as much as anyone else. And it’s not just the artificially inflated wages, it is as well the aggravating union rules. I worked in union shops and just that alone was mind blowingly bad.

Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 26, 2024 12:19 PM (8sMut)

290 One car I kinda wished I'd owned was an El Camino or El Ranchero.

Especially with, IIRC the 454.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 26, 2024 11:55 AM (N/G37)

They look cool, but that's where it stops. Hauling capacity is a couple of bales of hay and a keg. Very little secure storage for your possessions if on a road trip. They are an impractical toy, which is fine if you want an impractical toy. There's one parked in my yard; belongs to a friend.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 26, 2024 12:21 PM (joBNx)

291 Huh, driving in hot AND cold weather reduces the EV range.

Posted by: BUTCH at July 26, 2024 12:27 PM (0APJ3)

292 To preface my comments, I live in a suburb of Phoenix.
I've owned my Tesla Model Y for 2 years. I have approx 32k miles on it.
Before the Tesla, I ONLY owned Lexus RX's. That's what I drove for 20 years.
This Tesla is by far the best car I'v e ever owned. I have put zero dollars into it.
I charge at home paying .03 - .11 cents a kWh, depending on if it's summer or winter.

Posted by: Aikido2kyu at July 26, 2024 12:53 PM (4uzkQ)

293 Electric cars cannot replace ICE cars.. Not with the technology we have now.. It's a scam.. On another note... The market loves Kamala ?

Posted by: It's me donna at July 26, 2024 11:46 AM (IyPmt)
==
The market loves that Kamala is the democrat nominee because she will lose.

Posted by: Black JEM at July 26, 2024 01:54 PM (GZYu7)

294 Surprised that Vinfast new delay of NC mfg didn't make this update. Originally 2024, moved date to 2025 last year, and now out to 2028!

ABC11 Chatham County community reacts to VinFast production facility delays

Posted by: hatethedeepstate at July 26, 2024 02:03 PM (t0HQj)

295 Thanks for the h/t re Vinfast. It is prominent in my EV Death Pool.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at July 26, 2024 02:43 PM (lMqOO)

296 Ford is advocating EVs because they work about weight? FFS.

Posted by: Ben Sears at July 26, 2024 03:27 PM (kEMqp)

297 “European Newspaper Says Citizens Better Get Used to Not Having Electricity All The Time” [Daily Caller – 6/20/2024]

“The message is clear: the Netherlands will have to get rid of the idea that electricity is available at all times and for everyone,” a translated version of the NRC piece states.

You will own nothing, and not have access to electricity, and you will be happy.

Posted by: WEF Elites at July 26, 2024 03:32 PM (P5BPp)

298 External combustion? snicker.

Posted by: scottst at July 26, 2024 03:38 PM (g8Gp5)

299 Plug-in hybrids are effectively EVs, but also possessing a separate gas-powered engine. Ultimately plug-ins are the worst of both worlds

You are wrong on this call. I detest EVs, and know a LOT of 'car guys' who detest EVs. Any of us would buy a plug-in hybrid as #2 choice to ICE. They get good++ fuel economy, are not complicated to service, and battery-fire problems are very rare, indeed.

Your stuff is enjoyable--except on this one.

Posted by: dad29 at July 26, 2024 05:08 PM (6s4NY)

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