Random thoughts on EVs

Why are most EVs so ugly? The forthcoming Genesis SUV and convertible are exceptions. The non-electric SUV is tempting but it does not come in red.

Have you seen the new KIA EV SUV? It dethrones the Mustang and Teslas as the ugliest SUV. As much as I love Porsche’s their EV is second ugliest with the most awful paint jobs I’ve seen to date. It reminds me of Pepto Bismol.

Those in the EV camp are crowing that the new agreement to have additional manufacturers given access to Tesla’s charging network solves the problem of range anxiety. It does not. The problem with EVs is that the charging is so much slower than using gas. There is a commercial in which the EV owner is saying that charging “only takes 19 minutes.” If it took 19 minutes to fill up a gas tank consumers would be throwing a fit. Also look at the long lines at the Tesla charging stations in California and decide if having one makes sense.

Charging networks do not address the problem of limited range. Until that is addressed, EVs will be no more than second car commuting vehicles. Also, the bigger the EV (SUVs) the lower the range, the heavier the batteries and the greater negative impact on the environment.

World governments’ all-in EV strategies are increasingly stupid. Outlawing the sale of gas/diesel engines before charging networks are on line, before the energy grid can handle the increased demands and severely damaging the environment in the name of saving the planet only makes sense if you follow the money. 

Lithium batteries explode and the fire is difficult to extinguish. The mandating of EVs has ignored the problem of rare earth materials in the batteries. China is seeking to dominate the market while the Biden administration is denying permits for mines in the US. How much money did Hunter get from the Chinese?

The innovation in battery technology is the use of sodium rather than lithium. They solve range anxiety with ranges in excess of 600 miles. They solve the rare earth problem being readily accessible and cheap. 

I have a close friend who has bought into the “climate change is our greatest existential threat” propaganda. But he drives a gas powered Mercedes convertible that he loves and will never buy a Tesla because he dislikes Elon Musk intensely.

Seriously I have nothing against EVs. I welcome diversity to the marketplace and the expansion of choice to consumers. I just hate the technology being forced down the throat of consumers by the zealots who occupy power in governments, banks, and investment firms. 

I admire Elon Musk for his determination to make a successful product when others have failed. I have a friend who has an Audi EV which actually is quite attractive. He bought if for commuting and crows about its performance. It is a fast as a Porsche turbo. I just hope he doesn’t go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds in the city. 

I wonder why Tesla drivers don’t flick their lights since they all belong to the same cult.

EVs lose about 30 percent of their range in cold winter climates. Now it is found that they lose about 30 percent of their range in extreme heat. So buy one if you don’t live in Minnesota or Arizona.

There was an incongruous headline that said that Ford was cutting the price of its “popular” EV truck by $10,000. If the truck were popular then Ford would not be cutting the price.

EV trucks are a vanity item. It cannot tour boats or campers over distance without losing significant range.

Speaking of campers, the Biden administration is trying to ban gas generators. This will adversely impact all those nature loving mostly green campers who love to camp off grid using solar and gas generators to power their rigs. Where is the push back?

The first cybertruck from Tesla has just been produced. It is plagued with the same manufacturing problems that characterize Teslas, namely ill fitting panels. Teslas are rightly lauded for their innovative technology so why can’t they fix their manufacturing issues?

By banning gas powered cars and trucks the righteous politicians are trying to force the public into EVs. What if we don’t buy them? I predict a huge growth in the used car market as consumers rebel against the dictates of the misguided left.

I am wondering how much of these harmful regulations can be reversed by another administration? Much like Biden repealed almost anything associated with Trump during the first days of his tenure, a less sympathetic administration can be expected to do the same once it is in office.

I still can’t figure out why the UAW funds Democrats who are intent on destroying so many jobs in the automobile industry. Can they possibly be that stupid?