Here come the hybrids

[Jim_in_Delaware]

In the same regard, bigger batteries aren’t the correct solution to long distance driving. Because they take longer to charge it can be quicker to get to a destination in an EV with a standard battery that requires three stops to charge vs an extended range EV that only requires 2 charging stops. The extended range EV is then also unnecessarily hauling that bigger, heavier battery around everyday.

The conundrum becomes, however, how are we planning to use the vehicle? For a people hauler, perhaps the larger battery isn’t necessary. If one is going to tow with the vehicle and have a 1/3 loss in range during towing, perhaps a larger battery is necessary.

Jim

 

[zpaul]

So this is the step in the right direction
People want affordable trucks. Starts at $10k. Doubt it will make to US.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-imv-0-pickup-truck-first-drive-review-japan-mobility-show/

 

[TimW451]

The conundrum becomes, however, how are we planning to use the vehicle? For a people hauler, perhaps the larger battery isn’t necessary. If one is going to tow with the vehicle and have a 1/3 loss in range during towing, perhaps a larger battery is necessary.

Jim

One always buys based upon their individual use case. There is no one size fits all. Bigger batteries have a place, but it isn’t for all, nor as much as one would think.

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

One always buys based upon their individual use case. There is no one size fits all. Bigger batteries have a place, but it isn’t for all, nor as much as one would think.

Absolutely agree. That‘s why there is a marketplace for $20K EV‘s, EV Supercars, and everything in between.

Jim

 

[BlkGS]

In the same regard, bigger batteries aren’t the correct solution to long distance driving. Because they take longer to charge it can be quicker to get to a destination in an EV with a standard battery that requires three stops to charge vs an extended range EV that only requires 2 charging stops. The extended range EV is then also unnecessarily hauling that bigger, heavier battery around everyday.

Nope an onboard generator is the correct solution for long distance driving. Trains have been doing that for like, 100 years.

 

[Beachbummer]

BYD's $10,000 Seagull EV worrying rivals as it hits new markets

China’s BYD is launching its cheapest electric car in Europe next year. Ahead of its official debut, BYD’s $10K Seagull...

electrek.co

I mentioned this was coming in page 5 of the thread.

I think with the current state of foreign affairs the argument could be made to block such cars from the US market... But they are starting to come to life.

 

[WiskyDan]

Car and Driver ran a spoof add about the return of Pontiac that included info about their EV……I guess most people thought it was real, I sure did.

 

[Ribs77]

I currently drive a hybrid and it already halves my range when I tow ?

Both my cars are on the older side, but I tend to drive 'em into dust before upgrading, so looking at maybe 7-8 years before upgrading. By then I'm pretty sure it will be an EV. Maybe a Rivian.

I have charging infrastructure at my office for free. I expect that a lot of places that are able to offer this will do so as a perk for coming into the physical location.

Next time I need to redo the roof on my house, I'm adding solar panels. Then I'll have free charging everywhere outside of road trips. The longest that I make routinely is 180 miles, which is no problem for the size of EV I'd be considering.

We've also done 4,000-5,000 mile road trips with kids in recent summers that would probably be a bit more of a logistical challenge to plan in an EV, but with Rivian now able to use Tesla stations I'm pretty sure we could get it done without too much trouble.

Also, where I live, gas is almost 2x the cost of the national average, so EVs are extra-appealing here ?

 

[BlkGS]

BYD's $10,000 Seagull EV worrying rivals as it hits new markets

China’s BYD is launching its cheapest electric car in Europe next year. Ahead of its official debut, BYD’s $10K Seagull...

electrek.co

I mentioned this was coming in page 5 of the thread.

I think with the current state of foreign affairs the argument could be made to block such cars from the US market... But they are starting to come to life.

Those cars also routinely catch fire and wouldn't pass a single US safety test.

Thr bigger risk is the Chinese taking advantage of NAFTA, and setting up shop in Mexico or Canada bringing them across the border duty free. These companies will still sell them at dumping prices, to try to force everyone else out of business.

The CCP doesn't care if these companies make money as long as they damage western competition.

 

[BlkGS]

.

Also, where I live, gas is almost 2x the cost of the national average, so EVs are extra-appealing here ?

Jesus. I'd be voting out every elected official I could until they lowered gas taxes. That's brutal.

 

[BigN8]

The Volvo XC90 we just got has a charging cord that is either 110 or 240. I currently have it plugged into the 110 outlet in the garage the problem is the cord is not long enough. I bought a short 15' extension cord that is 10/3 so it's a very large gauge. All the manuals say don't use an extension cord. I can't see why it's a problem as long as the cord can handle the amps. Thoughts? I really don't want to hire an electrician to install a 240V plug in the garage somewhere. Right now we are still testing the routine of driving it to work, drive home, charge, to see what effect on the battery level the routine has based on longer charging times on a 110 outlet.

 

[Beachbummer]

I'm not an OSHA expert, but another 15ft of wire of the correct gauge should be as safe as any other use of an extension cord.