Getting there - couple of these models would suit me but likely not the price point. Scoot in particular if the range proves accurate.
Any GTAM'ers own an electric vehicle?
- Thread starter PrivatePilot
- Start date
KLR Junkie
Well-known member
ABS and airbags have been required for decades now and have nothing to do with the recent spikes in car prices. As for cameras, automated braking, etc., I think that the only requirement for new cars in Canada is a reversing camera. All the rest is just manufacturer's choice. They put it in because most people want it. Sure, something like the Slate pickup will get people talking on forums about how they want a basic car but how many of those people are actually going to pass up on spending a an extra $50/month on their lease to get all the toys?
Few people buy basic cars, even if that's all they actually need. Nissan Micra, Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Accent. And now, those are gone.
Few people buy work-truck F150s, either, even though that will get them where they need to go just as well as a luxury Platinum edition will.
My time in the automotive industry has jaded me, knowing that you cannot tell the difference between a GMC Denali and a work truck while the shell is progressing through the weld shop. You can't even tell during paint, unless it's a trim-specific colour, and even then, it's the same robots applying it.
A lot of the vehicle unaffordability ... is by choice.
Few people buy work-truck F150s, either, even though that will get them where they need to go just as well as a luxury Platinum edition will.
My time in the automotive industry has jaded me, knowing that you cannot tell the difference between a GMC Denali and a work truck while the shell is progressing through the weld shop. You can't even tell during paint, unless it's a trim-specific colour, and even then, it's the same robots applying it.
A lot of the vehicle unaffordability ... is by choice.
I usually buy the cheapest version of the vehicle I want that means my truck is a wt trim with keyless entry and nothing else. Last time I bought I could have got 2 wt for the price of a Denali and the cost to manufacture is not much different on either one. Although with current prices I am going to drive my 2014 until it can't be fixed anymore.
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Mad Mike
Well-known member
Upon further thought, we need an enhanced graduated driving license system.
First is the G-1, G-2 and full G. Then the license is probationary for five years, restricted to driving King Midgets in Brampton. Then the driver advances to Ford Pintos. Defensive driving to the max.
All we need is to NOT allow people from the GTA to take their tests in the boonies, and that will help a lot.
Right now you've got people that live in Toronto / Mississauga / Brampton / Scarborough that will hire these 'guaranteed to pass' schools to take them to Barrie, Waterdown, Orangeville, etc to go get their test.
Easy peasy to pass out there...not so easy when you throw into the mix the sheer volume of GTA traffic.
What gets me is the head-in-the-sand attitude of the politicians. While some car liability issues can be fudged the mounting evidence of E-bike / scooter injuries rising, the stooges in power fail to pass any licensing regulations. Rant terminated.
I have 2 EV's now. I bought a Prologue last Jan and and the missus picked up a Niro last month. Having a PHEV for years and commuting to work on battery spoiled me with the torque and quietness. I originally put a deposit down on an ID4 but cancelled it after it became a shitshow with the dealer. I wouldn't go back to ICE, or even PHEV now.
As things get more chaotic I can see the advantage of an electronic back seat driver watching for unregulated e-things darting around in every direction. Tesla self drive with the actual driver doing hands on can be a good thing.
Battery anxiety is still an issue. While battery fires get a lot of attention it seems that off-brands account for a large number of them.
High voltage fast charge systems have to be complex. Complex means difficulty in getting trained service with access to OEM quality parts.
Call Apple and they tell you they can replace the battery in your old phone for $60 but when you go in the sales team wants to shove a new phone down your throat. Instead you go to a back alley shop who does the job for $40 but using a battery from a sketchy source. Another fire thanks to Cheap Charlie’s E-bike and IPhone Battery Bonanza.
Cars will be the same and while right to repair legislation may help a bit the near oligarchs will continue to plunder.
I keep thinking about the poor sap making minimal wages trying to keep an older EV running. True he doesn’t have to buy gas but electricity isn’t free. As EV usage increases there will be fewer free charging stations.
Also fuel costs can be mathematically predicted by L/100km and $X.XX9/L. A battery or hardware issue is closer to a financial land mine.
Our governments are not prepared to combat mega corporations or private equity firms to help the little guy.
Battery anxiety is still an issue. While battery fires get a lot of attention it seems that off-brands account for a large number of them.
High voltage fast charge systems have to be complex. Complex means difficulty in getting trained service with access to OEM quality parts.
Call Apple and they tell you they can replace the battery in your old phone for $60 but when you go in the sales team wants to shove a new phone down your throat. Instead you go to a back alley shop who does the job for $40 but using a battery from a sketchy source. Another fire thanks to Cheap Charlie’s E-bike and IPhone Battery Bonanza.
Cars will be the same and while right to repair legislation may help a bit the near oligarchs will continue to plunder.
I keep thinking about the poor sap making minimal wages trying to keep an older EV running. True he doesn’t have to buy gas but electricity isn’t free. As EV usage increases there will be fewer free charging stations.
Also fuel costs can be mathematically predicted by L/100km and $X.XX9/L. A battery or hardware issue is closer to a financial land mine.
Our governments are not prepared to combat mega corporations or private equity firms to help the little guy.
Electricity costs (for charging at home) can equally be predicted. Bear in mind that "a hardware issue" can include that 9 speed automatic transmission that an EV doesn't have. Or a CVT. Or a turbocharger. Or a high-pressure fuel pump. Or stuck piston rings from carbon deposits. Or a stuck VVT actuator. Or a clogged catalytic converter. "But my 1973 Buick with its carbureted pushrod V8 doesn't have any of that" - enjoy your 7 mpg.
Not EV but a bit of an intro to super capacitors.
