Sparks Will Fly! (What Do You Think of Electric Vehicles?)

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notmyown

Senior Member
May 26, 2016
4,927
1,273
113
#21
Yeah, that. They do have very good, very direct power transfer to the wheels.
they're also really heavy. if all cars are replaced by them, would it have a negative effect on roads? (honest question from a dummy)
 

notmyown

Senior Member
May 26, 2016
4,927
1,273
113
#22
my son drives a Prius, and he loves it. he and his wife drove from their house in Connecticut to her parents' place in South Carolina last Thanksgiving. they rented a Tesla for the trip. took them TWO days to get to Charlotte ( less than a 12 hour drive). they stopped at my sister's, took the Tesla to the car rental company, and swapped it for a gas powered car.

EVs. maybe the wave of the future; not ready for primetime.
 

Bob-Carabbio

Well-known member
Jun 24, 2020
1,618
810
113
#23
electric vehicles are a super great idea! but wait, hold on, i didn't say they are practical. the issue is current e.v. are VERY far from practical use. way too many problems. it seems that it would take another 25 to 35 years to perfect them. 60 years ago, you could drive from N.Y. to Florida in 25 hours just stopping for gas. you can't do that today with an e.v.
One of the folks I play bluegrass with has an EV, that he loves. I asked him about going on longer trips, and he just rents a IC car to do it, and leaves the EV home. To my way of thinking a "Hybrid" makes more sence in 2024 if you want to be "Progressive".

I drove to work in my 1931 Ford this morning.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,280
2,559
113
#24
the electric grid runs predominantly off of coal and natural gas. So powering the batteries continues to require fossil fuels and impact the environment.
Actually renewable energies have garnered a large portion....coal has shrunk to the point of bankruptcy for the industry. AND I'm a bit of a double mind about coal. Coal burning puts mercury into the environment which has a TON of unwanted side effects. From waterways to plant life the increased mercury causes some of the worst birth defects. Nuclear energy creates "Brown Sites" that will never be usable again as well as they are a frightening target for American Enemies.
There WAS a "Clean Coal" initiative....where coal was turned into diesel and then used for fuel. It can even use yellow coal for the process. (Very cheap and unusable for anything else) About 15 years ago it would cost about $70/55g per barrel of it....and burns better than that bio-diesel now being offered. So large scale production has never been attempted.

Electric automobiles are still expensive junk. A novelty transportation like a single seat aircraft or submarine. Still not practical for most people as the infrastructure just is NOT there. Not enough power grid, not enough charging stations, and tires quickly eaten up by wear. (We still have issues with used tire disposal)

The better solution in the interim is hybrid vehicles where the electricity generated is by a hydrocarbon fuel. But 30-60% increased fuel economy and no charging requirements plus a total weight DECREASE for the vehicle has logistics companies demanding a hybrid tractor for 18wheel transport. The "drive-by-wire" system is also very impressive with the increase in total overall horsepower.

However....hybrids have issues with maintenance....constant breakdowns and repairs. The money wasted by the US Government on ALL Electric vehicles when the battery tech wasn't there could have been spent on hybrids and resolved these issues. And had an extremely viable alternative people would want.

(Look for Edison Motors on YouTube for the real hybrid thing)

The whole thing is nothing but a scam on many levels....from stock market to global warming nutjobs.

And I tend to agree....petroleum usage needs to be curtailed because of the nations selling the majority of it...it finances terrorists and enemies. Petroleum products are everywhere though from fertilizer to wooden floor finishes. Your clothes and computer are filled with Petroleum products. Consumer vehicles (non commercial) only accounts for 30% of fuels used. The commercial/industrial world uses 70%.

Let's get real....trying to make the people pay for industry to have a cheaper energy cost is one of the dumbest ideas yet.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#25
Actually renewable energies have garnered a large portion....coal has shrunk to the point of bankruptcy for the industry. AND I'm a bit of a double mind about coal. Coal burning puts mercury into the environment which has a TON of unwanted side effects. From waterways to plant life the increased mercury causes some of the worst birth defects. Nuclear energy creates "Brown Sites" that will never be usable again as well as they are a frightening target for American Enemies.
There WAS a "Clean Coal" initiative....where coal was turned into diesel and then used for fuel. It can even use yellow coal for the process. (Very cheap and unusable for anything else) About 15 years ago it would cost about $70/55g per barrel of it....and burns better than that bio-diesel now being offered. So large scale production has never been attempted.

Electric automobiles are still expensive junk. A novelty transportation like a single seat aircraft or submarine. Still not practical for most people as the infrastructure just is NOT there. Not enough power grid, not enough charging stations, and tires quickly eaten up by wear. (We still have issues with used tire disposal)

The better solution in the interim is hybrid vehicles where the electricity generated is by a hydrocarbon fuel. But 30-60% increased fuel economy and no charging requirements plus a total weight DECREASE for the vehicle has logistics companies demanding a hybrid tractor for 18wheel transport. The "drive-by-wire" system is also very impressive with the increase in total overall horsepower.

However....hybrids have issues with maintenance....constant breakdowns and repairs. The money wasted by the US Government on ALL Electric vehicles when the battery tech wasn't there could have been spent on hybrids and resolved these issues. And had an extremely viable alternative people would want.

(Look for Edison Motors on YouTube for the real hybrid thing)

The whole thing is nothing but a scam on many levels....from stock market to global warming nutjobs.

And I tend to agree....petroleum usage needs to be curtailed because of the nations selling the majority of it...it finances terrorists and enemies. Petroleum products are everywhere though from fertilizer to wooden floor finishes. Your clothes and computer are filled with Petroleum products. Consumer vehicles (non commercial) only accounts for 30% of fuels used. The commercial/industrial world uses 70%.

Let's get real....trying to make the people pay for industry to have a cheaper energy cost is one of the dumbest ideas yet.
All good stuff.
Couple of thoughts...
EV's are heavy and wear out tires at an accelerated rate. This puts a significant amount of particulates into the atmosphere. Also, fossil fuels are renewable and there are engines that can obtain more than 100 mpg. And we actually have greater reserves of fossil fuels than the rest of the world. We simply aren't making use of them or being wise in geopolitical decision-making. We don't have to allow our enemies to grow wealthy while destroying wealth in our own country. We have simply chosen to.
Further, the mining for the materials for the batteries both contributes to environmental problems as well as child labor by unscrupulous governments.
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
805
345
63
#26
My next car will be an hybrid, less fuel used, less pollution. the costs of hybrids have really come down. electric cars are too problematic, I dont want to wait in a perking lot to recharge a car when i want to do longer distances, these charging station also are hard to find and some very busy, do not need the frustration. Plus the batteries cost a premium to replace. we are not set up for this technology yet. IMO for now, Hybrids are the way to go.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#27
My next car will be an hybrid, less fuel used, less pollution. the costs of hybrids have really come down. electric cars are too problematic, I dont want to wait in a perking lot to recharge a car when i want to do longer distances, these charging station also are hard to find and some very busy, do not need the frustration. Plus the batteries cost a premium to replace. we are not set up for this technology yet. IMO for now, Hybrids are the way to go.
Natural gas vehicles would be the way to go for me. Natural gas is virtually clean and doesn't necessitate other environmentally degrading processes.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,440
3,220
113
#28
Hey Everybody,

This thread was inspired by a picture someone posted in a financial Discord a few days ago:



One member commented, "Finally! A cyber truck I can afford!" :ROFL:

What do you all think of the push towards electric vehicles? I'm in a state that is in the process of outlawing the purchase of new gas vehicles -- apparently, you can buy used, but you won't be able to buy anything new unless it's electric. I have a nearly 11-year-old gas car that's still in good shape, and I plan on driving it 'til the wheels fall off.

But by the time I do need a different car, I joked with friends that I'm going to be like Mad Max, searching through the automotive graveyards for an "antique" gas car.

I have family members who have a Tesla and love it, but I'm not interested in one for myself. There was one day we drove around in circles until we found the shadiest spot in the very back of the parking lot -- because if the car got too hot, the battery would drain much faster.

I've also read about how tires have to be replaced more often (because the vehicles are heavier,) the batteries cost half the cost of a new car to replace, and when I saw those news reports of Tesla drivers being stranded for hours in the winter (some with young children) because the batteries wouldn't charge, I decided that I am going to put off having to get one for as long as I can.

How about all of you?

* Are you interested in getting an electric vehicle? Why or why not?

* Do you have the setup (electric connection, etc.) to support owning an electric vehicle?

* Do you feel that electric vehicles will help the environment?

* Would you still get an electric vehicle even if it was more expensive (both in price and maintenance costs?)

* Do you believe electric cars will vastly improve the environment?

Electric car companies are a hot topic in some chats I'm in, so I was wondering how our Christian community feels about them as well.

Looking forward to your answers!
I would love an EV. Electric motors are inherently cleaner, far more efficient, more reliable and less expensive to service. The only reason I don't have an EV is my age. I'm 73 and retired. I don't drive enough to invest in an EV. Unless my present car becomes beyond economic repair, I'll keep it until I'm not able to drive.

EV's have no spark plugs, oil filter, radiator, few moving parts, (about 20 compared to hundreds in an ICE engine) and there is little to service. It's a beef I have with most EV companies, who state that routine servicing is a must. Tesla is the exception because they do not rely on servicing cars to make a profit. Perhaps the others are worried about the blinker fluid level.

I ride an electric trike, mostly to keep fit. I detest the fumes from filthy diesels.

It is necessary to adapt to EV's, like any new tech. People complain about cold weather performance. Diesel owners know that they must change the fuel in cold weather. One of Tesla's bigger markets is Norway, which gets seriously cold. People have adapted. As more charging stations are rolled out, range will be less of an issue. Battery tech is improving all the time.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
16,683
5,601
113
#29
They are very quiet! Believe me, I have come very close to walking out in front of onehurrying by me. The same goes for those electric scooter, as I learned the name for them here in Spain. a patinete, or pah tee net tay.
This is a very interesting point to me.

I have a relative who has a hard time hearing and refuses to get tested (because of course, it's EVERYONE ELSE who can't hear, not this person!)

There have been many times we've been walking through parking lots, and I have to pull this person out of the way because they can't hear the cars coming.

Your post definitely has me thinking of how I can keep approaching this person in love to get the healthcare they really need.

There have been some really interesting points made here, whether pro or con.

Thank you all for taking the time to share!
 

Susanna

Well-known member
Apr 14, 2023
1,623
532
113
48
Galveston and Houston
#30
When my car had to get some attention from a mechanic a couple of months ago, the dealer was all smiles and sunshine and said I could get a Ford Mustang while they were repairing it.

And then they gave me a Ford Mustang Electric!!! But it was a smooth ride I have to admit lol.
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,700
1,234
113
#31
One of the folks I play bluegrass with has an EV, that he loves. I asked him about going on longer trips, and he just rents a IC car to do it, and leaves the EV home. To my way of thinking a "Hybrid" makes more sence in 2024 if you want to be "Progressive".

I drove to work in my 1931 Ford this morning.
so kool!
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
805
345
63
#32
Natural gas vehicles would be the way to go for me. Natural gas is virtually clean and doesn't necessitate other environmentally degrading processes.
Hydrogen seems also a good source of energy but the containment is a problem, it dissipates fast and three are some losses during refilling and transportation, once they find a solution it might be a very good energy source, you can produce hydrogen by electrolysis using surplus electricity production and when it burns, it combines with atmospheric Oxygen (O2) and produces H2O ( water) it is the cleanest so far.

cheers
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#33
Hydrogen seems also a good source of energy but the containment is a problem, it dissipates fast and three are some losses during refilling and transportation, once they find a solution it might be a very good energy source, you can produce hydrogen by electrolysis using surplus electricity production and when it burns, it combines with atmospheric Oxygen (O2) and produces H2O ( water) it is the cleanest so far.

cheers
I agree. I believe some form of cold fusion will allow for virtually free energy in the future. They have already been able to create more energy than expended. The problem is that the heat is warping the lenses and the containment apparatus. Eventually it will be worked out and should be able to be disseminated over the current infrastructure. Imagine...virtually free energy, like the sun.
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
805
345
63
#34
I agree. I believe some form of cold fusion will allow for virtually free energy in the future. They have already been able to create more energy than expended. The problem is that the heat is warping the lenses and the containment apparatus. Eventually it will be worked out and should be able to be disseminated over the current infrastructure. Imagine...virtually free energy, like the sun.
Also I know that many years ago at MIT, They developed ultra thin batteries of large capacity, they are made up of thousands of special ultra thin polymer layers and can store a huge quantity of energy, in a very short time. it was very promising but for a reason that I ignore it did not see the light of day.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#35
Also I know that many years ago at MIT, They developed ultra thin batteries of large capacity, they are made up of thousands of special ultra thin polymer layers and can store a huge quantity of energy, in a very short time. it was very promising but for a reason that I ignore it did not see the light of day.
It's for the same reason they shelved the patents for automobile engines that were efficient enough to get over 100 mpg...$$$.
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
805
345
63
#36
It's for the same reason they shelved the patents for automobile engines that were efficient enough to get over 100 mpg...$$$.
my uncle Paul was a US army engineer and he could get 200 miles per gallon, he used to install a line heater on the gas inlet, just before it enters the cylinders and instead of vaporizing liquid gasoline in the cylinders , it was only vapour, of course it requires other adjustments for the carburator ( I am not good in mechanics so I may be a bit wrong here) he could get 200 miles per gallon, My father, his brother did not believe it but it was true, he borrowed the car one weekend and could see by himself.... in the 70's they were big cars with big motors...

Anyone doing this has few choice, keep it quiet for yourself of go public then 2 things can happen; you take the money ""they"" offer or you end up dead... no joke. yes it is all about money. Many good technology have been suppressed.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#37
my uncle Paul was a US army engineer and he could get 200 miles per gallon, he used to install a line heater on the gas inlet, just before it enters the cylinders and instead of vaporizing liquid gasoline in the cylinders , it was only vapour, of course it requires other adjustments for the carburator ( I am not good in mechanics so I may be a bit wrong here) he could get 200 miles per gallon, My father, his brother did not believe it but it was true, he borrowed the car one weekend and could see by himself.... in the 70's they were big cars with big motors...

Anyone doing this has few choice, keep it quiet for yourself of go public then 2 things can happen; you take the money ""they"" offer or you end up dead... no joke. yes it is all about money. Many good technology have been suppressed.
Yep...good ol' planned obsolescence. It's the same thinking that goes on in healthcare. One can make more money treating patients than they can curing patients.
 

vassal

Well-known member
Jan 20, 2024
805
345
63
#38
Actually renewable energies have garnered a large portion....coal has shrunk to the point of bankruptcy for the industry. AND I'm a bit of a double mind about coal. Coal burning puts mercury into the environment which has a TON of unwanted side effects. From waterways to plant life the increased mercury causes some of the worst birth defects. Nuclear energy creates "Brown Sites" that will never be usable again as well as they are a frightening target for American Enemies.
There WAS a "Clean Coal" initiative....where coal was turned into diesel and then used for fuel. It can even use yellow coal for the process. (Very cheap and unusable for anything else) About 15 years ago it would cost about $70/55g per barrel of it....and burns better than that bio-diesel now being offered. So large scale production has never been attempted.

Electric automobiles are still expensive junk. A novelty transportation like a single seat aircraft or submarine. Still not practical for most people as the infrastructure just is NOT there. Not enough power grid, not enough charging stations, and tires quickly eaten up by wear. (We still have issues with used tire disposal)

The better solution in the interim is hybrid vehicles where the electricity generated is by a hydrocarbon fuel. But 30-60% increased fuel economy and no charging requirements plus a total weight DECREASE for the vehicle has logistics companies demanding a hybrid tractor for 18wheel transport. The "drive-by-wire" system is also very impressive with the increase in total overall horsepower.

However....hybrids have issues with maintenance....constant breakdowns and repairs. The money wasted by the US Government on ALL Electric vehicles when the battery tech wasn't there could have been spent on hybrids and resolved these issues. And had an extremely viable alternative people would want.

(Look for Edison Motors on YouTube for the real hybrid thing)

The whole thing is nothing but a scam on many levels....from stock market to global warming nutjobs.

And I tend to agree....petroleum usage needs to be curtailed because of the nations selling the majority of it...it finances terrorists and enemies. Petroleum products are everywhere though from fertilizer to wooden floor finishes. Your clothes and computer are filled with Petroleum products. Consumer vehicles (non commercial) only accounts for 30% of fuels used. The commercial/industrial world uses 70%.

Let's get real....trying to make the people pay for industry to have a cheaper energy cost is one of the dumbest ideas yet.
Hi John, I think the hybrid technology had evolved quite well over time, they are quire reliable now, on the new models if you look for example, toyota's hybrid system has a full warranty of 10 years.

Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Hybrid-related components, including the hybrid battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The hybrid battery may have longer coverage under the Emissions Coverage. Refer to your Owner’s Warranty Information booklet for details. Starting with the 2020 model year, every hybrid battery warranty is being increased from 8 years or 100,000 miles, to 10 years from date of first use, or 150,000 miles whichever comes first.