OT: Electric vehicles

[mildone_rivals]

?

I think he's trying to say it's okay when Tesla does it because Tesla has produced some cars. Or something like that.

I suppose he wants us to believe that Tesla didn't hype their current product lineup at all before it was produced. I totally believe that. How 'bout you?

 

[mildone_rivals]

Should be interesting if Fisker can be a player here. The Ocean is decent looking, not too expensive and has 350miles of range

https://electrek.co/2023/05/05/fisker-fsr-delivers-first-ocean-electric-suv/

I hope they do well.

But I gotta ask WTF is going on with the rear quarters of the car in the photo in that article? Why cut the window size down so much? It looks weird and results in reduced visibility out of the car. Seems like a style of substance design flaw similar to, but not nearly as egregious, the whole yoke thing.

 

[RUBlackout7]

I think it might just be a weird angle. Looks like they just carry the glass as far back as they can

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Anyone here rushing out to be a first adopter of Fisker (2.0)?

 

[mildone_rivals]

I think it might just be a weird angle. Looks like they just carry the glass as far back as they can

It still seems to have that black plastic piece that starts a bit forward of the rear door handle ans]d continues all the way back to where more black plastic covers most of what looks like the rearmost 9” or so.

I don‘t understand why they don’t just continue the glass all the way back. Maybe something like that is required because of the lack of substantial pillars other than the A pillar.

Or maybe it’s a cost-cutting measure. Or both.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Ocean has Bs, Cs and Ds, from what I can tell. Def Bs and Cs.

Looks more like an aero component, but seems entirely disposable.

I'm with you - Bad design 9n that section.

 

[mildone_rivals]

Anyone here rushing out to be a first adopter of Fisker (2.0)?

Seems risky. Anyway, I just ordered a V8 SUV. So no Fisker or EV SUV for me for at least a couple years or more. Thought maybe a hybrid, but decided to have one last pure ICE SUV hurrah.

Apropos of nothing whatsoever, I was just behind a gorgeous Audi e-Tron GT earlier today. Pulled up behind at a red light. Very beautiful car, IMO. The owner seemed to have taken the rev blips from my downshifts, as I pulled up behind him, as a challenge (which they were not as there were cops around) ‘cause he floored it away from the light.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Seems risky. Anyway, I just ordered a V8 SUV. So no Fisker or EV SUV for me for at least a couple years or more. Thought maybe a hybrid, but decided to have one last pure ICE SUV hurrah.

Apropos of nothing whatsoever, I was just behind a gorgeous Audi e-Tron GT earlier today. Pulled up behind at a red light. Very beautiful car, IMO. The owner seemed to have taken the rev blips from my downshifts, as I pulled up behind him, as a challenge (which they were not as there were cops around) ‘cause he floored it away from the light.

Go out with a V8 bang - I like it (and am on the same page).

What SUV you go with? You were looking for a while, iirc.

 

[RUBlackout7]

Seems risky. Anyway, I just ordered a V8 SUV. So no Fisker or EV SUV for me for at least a couple years or more. Thought maybe a hybrid, but decided to have one last pure ICE SUV hurrah.

Apropos of nothing whatsoever, I was just behind a gorgeous Audi e-Tron GT earlier today. Pulled up behind at a red light. Very beautiful car, IMO. The owner seemed to have taken the rev blips from my downshifts, as I pulled up behind him, as a challenge (which they were not as there were cops around) ‘cause he floored it away from the light.

I want the etron but 250mile range sucks. They need to match the Y and Fisker at 350miles

 

[mildone_rivals]

Go out with a V8 bang - I like it (and am on the same page).

What SUV you go with? You were looking for a while, iirc.

‘24 Cayenne S. Going this route, as opposed to some others I was considering, is helping me get a GT3 build allocation sooner (or at all).

This is the build spec: https://configurator.porsche.com/porsche-code/PRYNTP64.

 

[mildone_rivals]

I want the etron but 250mile range sucks. They need to match the Y and Fisker at 350miles

Yeah, that range does suck. And real world range, hauling *** away from a stoplight the way this guy did, would be significantly worse.

And what’s the point of having a kickass sports car if one has to drive slowly, trying to save energy? Is partly why I have little interest in owning an EV sports car.

Although the range thing is going to improve a bunch, I think, even when driven hard. And damn but that e-Tron was beautiful. Might be the best looking EV I’ve seen so far.

 

[RUBlackout7]

Yeah I like the looks of the etron the best and now I think the Fisker Ocean is second. Both over the ID4 and Tesla Y.

 

[Knight Shift]

Despite a production hurdle earlier this year, Ford aims to triple the number of electric trucks it builds to 150,000 by the end of the year.

After returning to full production in March, Ford said it was re-opening its order book for the next wave of F-50 Lightning reservation holders. Now we are learning that non-reservation holders will finally get their chance to order a Lightning model.

https://electrek.co/2023/05/05/ford-re-open-f-150-lightning-orders-may-9th-no-reservation/

 

[mildone_rivals]

Despite a production hurdle earlier this year, Ford aims to triple the number of electric trucks it builds to 150,000 by the end of the year.

After returning to full production in March, Ford said it was re-opening its order book for the next wave of F-50 Lightning reservation holders. Now we are learning that non-reservation holders will finally get their chance to order a Lightning model.

https://electrek.co/2023/05/05/ford-re-open-f-150-lightning-orders-may-9th-no-reservation/

I think Ford's going to wind up doing great in EVs. Looking forward to seeing how they do the next few years.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[fsg2_rivals]

‘24 Cayenne S. Going this route, as opposed to some others I was considering, is helping me get a GT3 build allocation sooner (or at all).

This is the build spec: https://configurator.porsche.com/porsche-code/PRYNTP64.

NIIICE ...appreciate the personalized config share. Love that color.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

 

[mildone_rivals]

NIIICE ...appreciate the personalized config share. Love that color.

Thanks. With their cars, they're all so personalizable that it's hard to understand what someone actually got without seeing the build spec in the configurator. People can build very different cars even though the model and trim level is the same.

The color choice was mostly because they didn't offer a silver that I liked. They had one, but seeing it in person in different light and I really didn't like it. I'm pretty boring when it comes to cars, mostly silvers and blacks.

At least, to some extent, that car will fly under the radar (hopefully).

 

[RU4Real]

Thanks. With their cars, they're all so personalizable that it's hard to understand what someone actually got without seeing the build spec in the configurator. People can build very different cars even though the model and trim level is the same.

The color choice was mostly because they didn't offer a silver that I liked. They had one, but seeing it in person in different light and I really didn't like it. I'm pretty boring when it comes to cars, mostly silvers and blacks.

At least, to some extent, that car will fly under the radar (hopefully).

I changed your wheels. Hope that's cool.

 

[mildone_rivals]

I changed your wheels. Hope that's cool.

No worries.

I originally went with 21" Neodyme wheels and a matching Neodyme decal along the side. Make it more flashy. But my desire to fly under the radar won out, as usual. Tough to break a lifelong habit that has served me so well.

All this to enhance my position w/respect to a GT3 build allocation (I was leaning towards a Kia Telluride for various reasons). Shockingly, it seems to have worked far faster than expected. While signing paperwork for the Cayenne earlier today, they also offered me a GT3 build allocation (albeit with some conditions favorable to the dealership). Mulling that offer over now.

My last few days or so (got the Cayenne allocation last Wednesday) have been a lot more interesting than I expected.

 

[RU4Real]

No worries.

I originally went with 21" Neodyme wheels and a matching Neodyme decal along the side. Make it more flashy. But my desire to fly under the radar won out, as usual. Tough to break a lifelong habit that has served me so well.

All this to enhance my position w/respect to a GT3 build allocation (I was leaning towards a Kia Telluride for various reasons). Shockingly, it seems to have worked far faster than expected. While signing paperwork for the Cayenne earlier today, they also offered me a GT3 build allocation (albeit with some conditions favorable to the dealership). Mulling that offer over now.

My last few days or so (got the Cayenne allocation last Wednesday) have been a lot more interesting than I expected.

It's a difficult jones, I get it. I've spent the last couple of days trying to talk myself out of buying a Kona N. No real reason to have one, but... it looks like fun and it's cheap.

 

[Jtung230]

Using my Lighting to move some furniture. The 5 ft bed is just too small. Nothing fits in it. I did get a chance to test out the ratchet straps because I had to leave the tailgate down. Was on RT 78 for 20 miles and everything made it.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Using my Lighting to move some furniture. The 5 ft bed is just too small. Nothing fits in it. I did get a chance to test out the ratchet straps because I had to leave the tailgate down. Was on RT 78 for 20 miles and everything made it.

I'd have looked harder at it if it had a 6.5.

That said a crew cab with 5.5 is about as large as I'd want off-road, sometimes larger.

 

[mildone_rivals]

It's a difficult jones, I get it. I've spent the last couple of days trying to talk myself out of buying a Kona N. No real reason to have one, but... it looks like fun and it's cheap.

The Kona N looks fun. Hot hatches rule. Still have my Mazdaspeed3 which is pretty similar to the Kona N. Still think of that car as the best purchase decision I've ever made. Many years of crazy raucous joyous fun at a bargain basement price (plus a few upgrades).

Is good I kept it 'cause if the dealership accepts the counter-offer I made earlier, I may need to trade my current 911 on Monday for a GT3 scheduled for an August build. Part of the dealership-favorable terms necessary to obtain the GT3 build allocation.

So basically, I may wind up driving the MS3 exclusively the next 3 months or so. I'll have to detune it to avoid risking blowing up the engine.

Alternatively, the dealer mentioned selling me a car and buying it back at the same price to tide me over till one of the new builds is ready. Sounds complicated but we'll see.

I can't quite shake the feeling that the sane thing here is to change tack, buy a 10 year old Jeep, move into a Yurt in the mountains and live off the land. I actually used to HATE spending money on cars.

 

[RU4Real]

The Kona N looks fun. Hot hatches rule. Still have my Mazdaspeed3 which is pretty similar to the Kona N. Still think of that car as the best purchase decision I've ever made. Many years of crazy raucous joyous fun at a bargain basement price (plus a few upgrades).

Is good I kept it 'cause if the dealership accepts the counter-offer I made earlier, I may need to trade my current 911 on Monday for a GT3 scheduled for an August build. Part of the dealership-favorable terms necessary to obtain the GT3 build allocation.

So basically, I may wind up driving the MS3 exclusively the next 3 months or so. I'll have to detune it to avoid risking blowing up the engine.

Alternatively, the dealer mentioned selling me a car and buying it back at the same price to tide me over till one of the new builds is ready. Sounds complicated but we'll see.

I can't quite shake the feeling that the sane thing here is to change tack, buy a 10 year old Jeep, move into a Yurt in the mountains and live off the land. I actually used to HATE spending money on cars.

I've been struggling with it because at this point Car$ = Boat$. I have to really think about whether I want to spend a lot of money on a car because I'd much rather spend a lot of money on a boat. My budget for an offshore bluewater rig is about the same as the cost of your Cayenne - and, as you know, that's a lot of boat.

 

[mildone_rivals]

Using my Lighting to move some furniture. The 5 ft bed is just too small. Nothing fits in it. I did get a chance to test out the ratchet straps because I had to leave the tailgate down. Was on RT 78 for 20 miles and everything made it.

Is the 5 foot bed the only choice w/the Lightning? Or is it like ICE F150s and has different cab and bed size options?

 

[Jtung230]

Is the 5 foot bed the only choice w/the Lightning? Or is it like ICE F150s and has different cab and bed size options?

There is only one configuration availabl, super crew cab with 5.5 ft bed

 

[mildone_rivals]

I've been struggling with it because at this point Car$ = Boat$. I have to really think about whether I want to spend a lot of money on a car because I'd much rather spend a lot of money on a boat. My budget for an offshore bluewater rig is about the same as the cost of your Cayenne - and, as you know, that's a lot of boat.

Oh yeah, that will get you a very nice boat. And I'm jealous.

Because, and I can't recall if I maybe already mentioned this in an email, but sailing may no longer be in the cards for me due to some old injuries. Which sucks. Driving is great fun, but I think sailing is that little bit better. Doing plenty of both would be ideal.

 

[mildone_rivals]

There is only one configuration availabl, super crew cab with 5.5 ft bed

Gotcha. I wonder if, eventually, they'll offer longer beds. I would think so. But what do I know.

 

[Jtung230]

Gotcha. I wonder if, eventually, they'll offer longer beds. I would think so. But what do I know.

When production can meet demand. My guess is 2028 the earliest

 

[RU4Real]

Oh yeah, that will get you a very nice boat. And I'm jealous.

Because, and I can't recall if I maybe already mentioned this in an email, but sailing may no longer be in the cards for me due to some old injuries. Which sucks. Driving is great fun, but I think sailing is that little bit better. Doing plenty of both would be ideal.

That sucks. But don't get discouraged - cruising to the Bahamas or points south isn't like racing.

I'm looking carefully at the Island Packet 370. Right price, generally it lands you in the 15 year-old range. And IPs aren't fast, as we know, but they're ridiculously fit for purpose. The cutter rig balances nicely in any kind of seaway, the ride is pretty calm - so they're very easy on their autopilots. The trip is a reach. A stable boat like that, you're not going to be spending a lot of time working it. Also, the winches tend to be electric.

 

[RUevolution36]

https://www.autoblog.com/2023/05/07/americans-insist-on-300-miles-of-ev-range-theyre-right/

 

[mildone_rivals]

https://www.autoblog.com/2023/05/07/americans-insist-on-300-miles-of-ev-range-theyre-right/

A couple people here will treat that as anti-EV propaganda. But I think (a) it's a good article with some important considerations for EV buyers and (b) it does NOT mean people shouldn't buy an EV at all.

What it means is, for people with at-home charging, they should be aware of those range-affecting realities and, having been so informed, should choose their EV wisely. You can save money by going with a cheaper EV with reduced range capability. But it might well be worth the extra expense to spend a bit more to reduce the impact of the stuff discussed in the article.

I like how the article talks about us being better off walking. I mean, there's just no arguing that. But it's a little hard to walk across several states to visit our nymphomaniac significant other from college who really misses us.

 

[RUevolution36]

A couple people here will treat that as anti-EV propaganda. But I think (a) it's a good article with some important considerations for EV buyers and (b) it does NOT mean people shouldn't buy an EV at all.

What it means is, for people with at-home charging, they should be aware of those range-affecting realities and, having been so informed, should choose their EV wisely. You can save money by going with a cheaper EV with reduced range capability. But it might well be worth the extra expense to spend a bit more to reduce the impact of the stuff discussed in the article.

I like how the article talks about us being better off walking. I mean, there's just no arguing that. But it's a little hard to walk across several states to visit our nymphomaniac significant other from college who really misses us.

my hope is for 300 mi in all conditions. AC full blast, stereo bumping, 95 degree heat, heavy acceleration...all of it. flip side too, in the cold, heater, etc etc.

 

[mildone_rivals]

my hope is for 300 mi in all conditions. AC full blast, stereo bumping, 95 degree heat, heavy acceleration...all of it. flip side too, in the cold, heater, etc etc.

The "you must buy now, range anxiety is dumb" contingent insist battery tech won't ever improve much, at least in range.

But I'm pretty sure they're wrong and we'll be seeing much better range in production vehicles at some point within the next 10 years. I also think energy regeneration tech, while driving, will also improve a lot in that timeframe.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

The "you must buy now, range anxiety is dumb" contingent insist battery tech won't ever improve much, at least in range.

But I'm pretty sure they're wrong and we'll be seeing much better range in production vehicles at some point within the next 10 years. I also think energy regeneration tech, while driving, will also improve a lot in that timeframe.

Even as it is increasing under their noses.

"Elon said it. So it is; so it will be. Praise to the lord."

 

[RUevolution36]

The "you must buy now, range anxiety is dumb" contingent insist battery tech won't ever improve much, at least in range.

But I'm pretty sure they're wrong and we'll be seeing much better range in production vehicles at some point within the next 10 years. I also think energy regeneration tech, while driving, will also improve a lot in that timeframe.

agreed. in the meantime, i'll keep burning dead dinosaurs.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Even as it is increasing under their noses.

"Elon said it. So it is; so it will be. Praise to the lord."

Pay attention to what's going on within the industry and stop trying to be a smart ***.

Range is increasing due to design and manufacturing improvements. When OEMs figure out you need to start with a blank slate design rather than trying to transform an ICE into an EV, range will improve again. Jim Farley basically just said this in discussing Ford's next gen EVs.

You seem convinced battery energy density will magically improve for the masses despite all EV manufactures increasing their reliance on cheaper, lower energy dense LFP cells. Please square that circle.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

Pay attention to what's going on within the industry and stop trying to be a smart ***.

Range is increasing due to design and manufacturing improvements. When OEMs figure out you need to start with a blank slate design rather than trying to transform an ICE into an EV, range will improve again. Jim Farley basically just said this in discussing Ford's next gen EVs.

You seem convinced battery energy density will magically improve for the masses despite all EV manufactures increasing their reliance on cheaper, lower energy dense LFP cells. Please square that circle.

You said range wasn't going to improve much. Now you're saying it is.

So I guess we agree. Glad you saw the foolhardiness of your previous suggestion.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]