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Non Tool Forum => The Break Room => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on November 07, 2018, 03:02:51 PM

Title: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 07, 2018, 03:02:51 PM
I put a lot of miles on my Jeep, and it's a bit of a gas hog, getting about 12L/100km (~23 mpg) on a good day.  That's on par with many full sized pickups these days.   :facepalm:

I'd like to be a bit greener, and, more importantly, save some money on longer trips, which I seem to do a lot of, so I have been thinking on and off about a hybrid, possibly as a next vehicle.  There's not much on the market (here in Canada at least) that appeals to me, but supposedly a hybrid power plant for Jeep is coming, likely based on the Fiat hybrid, which I know next to nothing about.  Either way, I can't see me getting one the year they come out, as I have enough problems in life.  :P

I looked at the Audi A3 E-Tron yesterday at the local Audi dealership, but it seems to have already been discontinued so I kind of counted it out.  Also, it was only FWD, not AWD, which seems kind of silly in an Audi.  What I liked is that it seems to have a similar range to my Jeep (about 645kms) on a single tank of gas, but it does it with a 40L tank, while my Jeep has an 80L tank.  It also had a reasonable price tag and enough cargo space for my large dogs and a roof rack for my kayaks.

I'm not 100% sold on a hybrid, and a full on electric car is pretty well useless to me because a large percentage of my driving is at or above the estimated 200km range, which I realize you are not likely to actually get.unless you are going downhill with a tail wind while not using the lights, stereo, heat or air conditioning and weigh less than 100 pounds.  The 1,000kkm trip I take to go to work each month (1000kms each way) would then take longer to get to than it would to do the job if I had to keep stopping for more electricity every hour or so.

Any hybrid I get is probably going to have to be a second (or perhaps third!) car though, as I enjoy playing in the woods, getting dirty, hauling trailers etc, and I don't see a hybrid managing any of that.

I'd love to hear thoughts and experiences others have had with hybrid vehicles.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on November 07, 2018, 05:27:23 PM
I am not sold on the greenes of hybrids.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on November 07, 2018, 05:34:56 PM
I am not sold on the greenes of hybrids.
:iagree:
Squeezing different engines into one car seems.... inefficient.

Grant, to give you an idea of the range of shortly up-coming electric cars, next year the Nissan Leaf will have a bigger battery option available, giving an estimated EPA range of 360km.  :think: Not anywhere as much as a Jeep, but significantly more than this years Leaf! And the increases will continue.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 07, 2018, 06:31:52 PM
I am not sold on the greenes of hybrids.
:iagree:
Squeezing different engines into one car seems.... inefficient.

Grant, to give you an idea of the range of shortly up-coming electric cars, next year the Nissan Leaf will have a bigger battery option available, giving an estimated EPA range of 360km.  :think: Not anywhere as much as a Jeep, but significantly more than this years Leaf! And the increases will continue.
Wrong. Oshkosh A3 is a formidable example of that. It came out in '95 and its hybrid drive train saves 20% (some sources claim up to 40% of fuel saving) of fuel over its pure Diesel twin. Modern Hybrids commonly save about 20% - 35% of energy over their conventional counterparts.
Most electrical vehicles are meant for short distances (city). Technically it is possible to have a longer range (I think Tesla has passed the 500km range).

However, the benefits of electrical- and hybrid cars are much larger for city traffic with loads of ac-/deceleration. When driving long distances, especially at higher speed then other factors start contributing more. And as much fun as a Jeep is, its not meant for that, I would haphazard a guess that station wagons would do extremely well for that. E.g. a Skoda Fabia Estate is at about 4.2l/100km (67.3mpg).
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: GrandpaPatch on November 07, 2018, 08:45:11 PM
 :woohoo: I think I have a

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/31898431288_d6b7db6874_z.jpg)

Smart Car (https://flic.kr/p/QAKNif) on a keychain lying around here somewhere.  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: jzmtl on November 08, 2018, 02:12:14 AM
I put a lot of miles on my Jeep, and it's a bit of a gas hog, getting about 12L/100km (~23 mpg) on a good day.  That's on par with many full sized pickups these days.   :facepalm:

The answer is obvious, get a full size pickup.  :D


The upcoming 19 RAV4 hybrid look very interesting, pending test of its AWD system. (the current RAV4 hybrid has an useless AWD).
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 03:20:27 AM
I am not sold on the greenes of hybrids.

TBH, I feel the same way.  I like the idea of a hybrid, but I'm not sure the tech is quite there yet.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 08, 2018, 03:40:37 AM
The more trailblazers that bite the bullet and invest in the not-quite-there-yet tech cars, the sooner the tech will get there.  :pok:
Title: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: G-Dizzle on November 08, 2018, 04:23:42 AM
I don’t want one, nor do I ever want to want one. There is no way you will ever get the same power out of an electric truck than you will out of a gas truck if the same amount of research is put in. I see why some people with long commutes have them but like i said, not for me.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 04:33:59 AM
Actually, electric motors put out more torque than gasoline engines, and they do throughout their entire power band, not just at certain points.  That's why electric engines don't require a transmission.

To be honest, I'd be all over an electric vehicle if the charge times were more reasonable and the range was comparable to gas engines.

Don't fall for the OPEC rhetoric.  In the early days, electric cars were just as common as gasoline engines until the oil companies started paying manufacturers to only build gas powered vehicles.

If electric cars had stuck around longer, imagine where they would be now, after a century of development!

Der
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MadPlumbarian on November 08, 2018, 04:54:31 AM
Idk the first thing on hybrids, the closest thing I have are automatic or solar watches. The coolest thing I ever saw was an air powered car, it had two large cylinders filed with air and a dinky gas powered air compressor which would fill the cylinders,
JR
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 08, 2018, 09:30:44 AM
One often overlooked factor in both hybrid and all-electrics is the need to get the electricity from somewhere. As long as this entails burning fossil fuel the 'greens' are iffy at best, the more so when you factor in conversion losses. Power generation would need to move away from fossils by quite a margin to compensate...
Oh yeah, and building the batteries and disposing of the remains once they give up is a chemical headache too.
This quite apart from, in all-electrics, not being able to restore even a more limited range in the time it takes to fill 'er up with gasoline.
Long way to go as yet for the overall energy balance. For polluted inner cities electric drive may be a solution but by doing that you move the problem elsewhere as long as power keeps coming from fossils.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Gerhard Gerber on November 08, 2018, 09:34:29 AM
We get a lot of grey imports from Japan sold locally, and among the Toyota Prius.......

I would never buy one, but the surprising feedback I've heard is these things costs nothing to run, and it's not just fuel costs....apparently the wear&tear is very low.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on November 08, 2018, 09:41:58 AM
One often overlooked factor in both hybrid and all-electrics is the need to get the electricity from somewhere. As long as this entails burning fossil fuel the 'greens' are iffy at best, the more so when you factor in conversion losses. Power generation would need to move away from fossils by quite a margin to compensate...
Oh yeah, and building the batteries and disposing of the remains once they give up is a chemical headache too.
This quite apart from, in all-electrics, not being able to restore even a more limited range in the time it takes to fill 'er up with gasoline.
Long way to go as yet for the overall energy balance. For polluted inner cities it may be a solution but by doing that you move the problem elsewhere as long as power keeps coming from fossils.
Batteries aside, it’s possible to power electric cars with electricity from green sources when it becomes more widely available. Try doing that with a fossil fuel car.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 08, 2018, 09:47:51 AM
We get a lot of grey imports from Japan sold locally, and among the Toyota Prius.......

I would never buy one, but the surprising feedback I've heard is these things costs nothing to run, and it's not just fuel costs....apparently the wear&tear is very low.

Toyota have managed to build very reliable cars over the last decades. My personal experience with a Prius rental (6 or 7 years ago, not the latest model) was mixed. Pretty good fuel economy but disappointing in steering gear and suspension (where, driving German, I admit to being brutally spoiled :D).

One often overlooked factor in both hybrid and all-electrics is the need to get the electricity from somewhere. As long as this entails burning fossil fuel the 'greens' are iffy at best, the more so when you factor in conversion losses. Power generation would need to move away from fossils by quite a margin to compensate...
Oh yeah, and building the batteries and disposing of the remains once they give up is a chemical headache too.
This quite apart from, in all-electrics, not being able to restore even a more limited range in the time it takes to fill 'er up with gasoline.
Long way to go as yet for the overall energy balance. For polluted inner cities it may be a solution but by doing that you move the problem elsewhere as long as power keeps coming from fossils.
Batteries aside, it’s possible to power electric cars with electricity from green sources when it becomes more widely available. Try doing that with a fossil fuel car.  :dunno:

Agreed, but it could be a longer wait :D
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: gregozedobe on November 08, 2018, 10:35:31 AM
With current (pun intended) technology & prices hybrid cars are great if you only do short trips (ie within the range of the battery pack) and have easy access to chargers where needed.  If you can use your own power (eg rooftop solar panels) the running costs can be very low indeed. 

They are not at all well suited to long trips where you are running on diesel/petrol almost all the time, as lugging around unused extra weight (electric motor/s & batteries) increases fuel consumption.

If battery efficiency & cost reduces significantly in the future then expect electric cars to become more popular.  If that happens then current subsidies provided by Govts (either directly at purchase or indirectly by avoiding taxes/excises etc on liquid fuels and registration fees) to be phased out, making the economics less attractive.

Most people don't look at the whole-of-life costs for buying, running and finally selling a vehicle.  If they did they would be more likely to hang on to their existing vehicles for much longer (for shorter term ownership depreciation is by far the largest cost for almost all cars).  Then battery life and replacement cost may also become a serious factor when choosing a car.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on November 08, 2018, 11:37:02 AM
The original Tesla Roadster battery packs are going on 10 years old and still working. Granted, there are some that performed below expectations, but we’re talking about battery tech that’s about 60% as old as me!
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on November 08, 2018, 12:42:14 PM
So it sounds like lots of opinions but not from many actual owners either?

I owned a Prius for a while and mostly got it as it was a 12 year old car with 4k actual miles on it and it seemed like a decent way to try one and make a little money when done with it too.

From the moment I got in mine the first time I was astonished at the quality of the ride and the available power at all times!
As a car for running around town the Prius was insane really,they are just great cars and it can be disarming that they can also seem to be not even running while running around too!
Especially freaky to me was starting it up in the summer and having the air conditioner blast cold air wile the car was not running seemingly.
The Prius of my vintage were all built in Japan too and the level of quality and fit and finish showed this,these were not cheap econo boxes at all at that time.

My model was so smooth and powerful that it was tough to accept and from the start I had to try to get less than 45mpg no matter how I drove.
The handling was much like a larger luxury car in that it wallowed around some but was tighter than a bigger car too. The batteries are heavy and you could tell that in the way the car handled but it was smooth and quiet and never twitchy or rough in mine even on rough road.

At the same time I need to be able to carry tools and stuff pretty much all the time and there was just no practical reason for me to try to make the Prius work for that for me but I agonized over getting rid of it nonetheless and really considered keeping mine as a nice ride for times that I don't need stuff with me.
I own 4 cars and none are really cars so adding an actual car to the mix just made little sense in the long run for me.
So when I realized that there is no time like that for me anyway , I moved it along.

I sold it to a friends Uncle who put another 25k on it,mostly making the 3 hour drive between his small town and my large town and he had not a single issue of any kind in those miles and still got 45mpg easily on every trip he took.

Mine was a 2005 and they are a lot better now than they were even then,there are also tiny underpowered models ( the C models) now in the line but there are also bigger and roomier models The V models) probably flexible enough for me to make work now too if I decide to try another one.

Anyway all I am trying to say is to try one before deciding what you think.

I have nothing but respect for the Prius as a vehicle but as always YMMV.......well not actual gas mileage though!
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 01:16:28 PM
Why do they have to make the Prius so absolutely hideous though?  If you thought the old ones were ugly, look at the new ones, where they took the least attractive car on the road and added 80's style sci-fi lights and wings to it.  It looks like The Last Starfighter vomited all over it.   :facepalm:

But, I do appreciate having some actual hands on experience with it though- this is what I was looking for.  My concern is longevity, and I doubt I would buy one used.  Quite the opposite, I was considering leasing, and just getting a replacement every 2-3 years as I have heard some scary stats on battery life and the costs of replacement.  I can't imagine cold Canadian winters do the batteries any favors either, as it will easily get to -40 here, and stay there for a month or two.  It seems like a lot of these kinds of things are designed with California in mind.

I'm glad to hear that is was reliable for you.  That's the part that worries me about the new Jeep hybrid they have been promising us.  Fiat has had some cool designs, but they aren't always the most robust and dependable vehicles out there.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 08, 2018, 01:19:58 PM
One often overlooked factor in both hybrid and all-electrics is the need to get the electricity from somewhere. As long as this entails burning fossil fuel the 'greens' are iffy at best, the more so when you factor in conversion losses. Power generation would need to move away from fossils by quite a margin to compensate...
Oh yeah, and building the batteries and disposing of the remains once they give up is a chemical headache too.
This quite apart from, in all-electrics, not being able to restore even a more limited range in the time it takes to fill 'er up with gasoline.
Long way to go as yet for the overall energy balance. For polluted inner cities electric drive may be a solution but by doing that you move the problem elsewhere as long as power keeps coming from fossils.
The advantage of electric-/hyprid cars is not that they can be plugged in, but that they can recuperate energy every time you brake or drive downhill. That is why they consume 20+% less energy (not just petrol).
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 08, 2018, 02:09:04 PM
I don’t want one, nor do I ever want to want one. There is no way you will ever get the same power out of an electric truck than you will out of a gas truck if the same amount of research is put in. I see why some people with long commutes have them but like i said, not for me.
You got it the wrong way round. Electric engines are far more powerful than Petrol/Diesel engines. They also deliver max-torque from 0 RPM, that is why they don't need transmission.
Hybrid-/electrical cars have the better acceleration from standing and at low speed. Electric cars are already starting to take over hill climbs (look at the Pikes Peak Hillclimb), they will dominate off road racing in the very near future, then take over rally and finally they will crush road races and the Formula One.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on November 08, 2018, 02:21:24 PM
I don’t want one, nor do I ever want to want one. There is no way you will ever get the same power out of an electric truck than you will out of a gas truck if the same amount of research is put in. I see why some people with long commutes have them but like i said, not for me.
You got it the wrong way round. Electric engines are far more powerful than Petrol/Diesel engines. They also deliver max-torque from 0 RPM, that is why they don't need transmission.
Hybrid-/electrical cars have the better acceleration from standing and at low speed. Electric cars are already starting to take over hill climbs (look at the Pikes Peak Hillclimb), they will dominate off road racing in the very near future, then take over rally and finally they will crush road races and the Formula One.
Publicity stunt, but still impressive:
https://youtu.be/NGaserLHhgQ
And that, is with a fixed single speed gearbox.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 08, 2018, 02:45:34 PM
One often overlooked factor in both hybrid and all-electrics is the need to get the electricity from somewhere. As long as this entails burning fossil fuel the 'greens' are iffy at best, the more so when you factor in conversion losses. Power generation would need to move away from fossils by quite a margin to compensate...
Oh yeah, and building the batteries and disposing of the remains once they give up is a chemical headache too.
This quite apart from, in all-electrics, not being able to restore even a more limited range in the time it takes to fill 'er up with gasoline.
Long way to go as yet for the overall energy balance. For polluted inner cities electric drive may be a solution but by doing that you move the problem elsewhere as long as power keeps coming from fossils.
The advantage of electric-/hyprid cars is not that they can be plugged in, but that they can recuperate energy every time you brake or drive downhill. That is why they consume 20+% less energy (not just petrol).
True, but as of now still offset in part by the need to transport a heavy battery (several hundred kgs versus say 80 kg of fuel (say times two thirds to account for use of said fuel) for similar size/power cars). Even more for hybrids because of engine plus motors.
I agree it's the future though. No way around it - it would be the first step in potentially banning fossils from cars (or from generating the electricity that powers them). Which is why at the moment I don't want to commit long-term to petrol (my next will be a 2y lease) - electric doesn't meet my requirements for range and practicality yet but maybe in a couple of years? Another factor is electric hub motors don't require any transmission which should make all-electric cars much simpler (and on the long run cheaper) to make, as well as 'greener' in manufacture (compare the no. of moving parts, taking account of machining, lube, etc. and you'll see why).
Anyway, I digress...
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 03:02:25 PM
I hadn't seen that.  That's pretty awesome.

The only issues with electric cars, at least as I see it, is the amount of energy that can be stored (very limited at the moment) and the length of time it takes to refill that limited energy storage.

The nice thing about a gasoline or diesel engine is that when you run out of power you can stop, fill it up and five minutes later you are back on the road as if nothing happened.  And, there are fuel stations all over the place.  Not so with charging stations, which are getting better, but are still few and far between.  And, some of the best ones available right now will give you something like 80% charge in 20 minutes, which is great, except that it reduces your best case scenario from 200 kms to 160.  As I said, I drive a thousand kilometers to one job, and it takes 11-12 hours to get there by the time you factor in gas and food stops, construction and traffic etc.  Assuming there are well enough placed charging stations (which there aren't- I've checked), the trip will take over 15 hours, best case scenario.

That's why I was thinking about a hybrid, or perhaps more accurately an extended range electric car with a liquid fuel generator to recharge the batteries as I go.  Unfortunately the BMW i8 is a bit out of my price range, doesn't have space for my dogs and would look silly with kayaks on the roof, because that's what I'd really like to get.  :D

(https://res.cloudinary.com/carsguide/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,t_cg_hero_large/v1/editorial/2018-BMW-i8-coupe-silver-press-image-1001x565-%281%29.jpg)

I used to handle all European cars coming into Canada and I have wanted that car since the moment the first one rolled off the boat.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 08, 2018, 06:21:03 PM
I believe the X5 is or will soon be available in hybrid and kayaks wouldn't be too misplaced on it :pok:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on November 08, 2018, 06:36:32 PM
(https://www.imcdb.org/i024864.jpg)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 06:49:01 PM
I could see myself driving a BMW.

Maybe not making the payments on it, but driving, yes!

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Butch on November 08, 2018, 07:07:45 PM
Where I live electricity is generated by burning coal, so if being green is one of your reasons for a hybrid, you are just shooting yourself in the foot buying one.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 07:42:19 PM
Where I am now, the electricity is generated by hydroelectric dams.  In Halifax, where my house is, power is generated by burning coal and natural gas.

Yes, I would like to start taking steps to be more green, but the real reason is to reduce the amount of money I spend on fuel.  When I go to work it gets expensive, being a thousand miles away.  I go through at least five tanks of gas in 3 days just getting there, doing the job and getting home, and at $100/tank, that really gets pricey.  And, that's if things go well.  Between the gas and the hotel, I'm paying about $1000 just to go to work.  Mind you I get paid for that, but it's often up to six weeks before I do.  I'd really like to minimize my initial outlay.  I can't go any cheaper on the hotel, so the gas is the next best step.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on November 08, 2018, 07:44:53 PM
Where I live electricity is generated by burning coal, so if being green is one of your reasons for a hybrid, you are just shooting yourself in the foot buying one.
Big power plants are still more efficient than car engines, when it comes to converting fossil fuel into energy. :think:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 08, 2018, 07:53:44 PM
I was talking to an Australian electric car owner who was complaining that the charging stations weren't universal ie different sockets between brands. :dunno:

There needs to be a universal battery pack that you can swap for a fully charged one (perhaps at gas stations) along the way on long journeys.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on November 08, 2018, 08:30:25 PM
In my country, the farthest piece of land that you can reach from the big city without going into the sea is under 400km. I guess that explains why the range of electric cars doesn’t worry me. :dunno:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 08, 2018, 09:17:44 PM
This seems relevant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EluvJby2baA
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 08, 2018, 09:22:35 PM
There are 2 part 2 :think:

They will not see us coming :rofl:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9fBxSeW44Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeeMPU1GSTE
Title: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on November 08, 2018, 09:47:27 PM
Where I am now, the electricity is generated by hydroelectric dams.  In Halifax, where my house is, power is generated by burning coal and natural gas.

Yes, I would like to start taking steps to be more green, but the real reason is to reduce the amount of money I spend on fuel.  When I go to work it gets expensive, being a thousand miles away.  I go through at least five tanks of gas in 3 days just getting there, doing the job and getting home, and at $100/tank, that really gets pricey.  And, that's if things go well.  Between the gas and the hotel, I'm paying about $1000 just to go to work.  Mind you I get paid for that, but it's often up to six weeks before I do.  I'd really like to minimize my initial outlay.  I can't go any cheaper on the hotel, so the gas is the next best step.

Def

I am in the same exact boat pretty much and it can be tough for sure.
I just got back from a 2 week trip to Florida and all told might have had to front more than 7 grand including the materials I ended up needing for the work.

So I have had to learn to stand up and simply ask that I am fronted some expense jingle in advance of the work and so far no one has even flinched or questioned that idea and I now almost never have to cover expenses out of my own pocket.

I don't really know your work but it is amazing that all I had to do was ask and the problem was take care of.

I also wonder if there is any real relief through the path you are looking to here as you are likely talking about saving a few hundred dollars really at most and the expense will be covered in the end too?

The only thing that I am really invested in aside from my time is the wear & tear on the vehicle that I take and my trusty Tundra is a workhorse for sure and a Gas Hog but never lets me down at all.
Add to that the space and power to bring all that I need anywhere I need to go and the absolute comfort and security of the platform and the fact that I always regret it when I drive too little vehicle out of town and the Big Truck is just always the right choice for me in the end.

I have also dragged my tiny RV many times and beaten the Hotel expense mostly all while getting to camp too while working and that is a great alternative for me as long as I can be sure that I can find a campsite before I start the trip.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/868905c08ae7606dfec65004f56c3898.jpg)

Also back to the Prius,I am pretty sure that the Prius is one of the most bulletproof cars that Toyota sells.
I sure agree with the ugly part but the reliability is a known thing and even among dealer staff this is a known feature.
I do work for 2 different Toyota Dealers and many others that sell all makes of used cars and trucks and the Prius is pretty much legendary among used car people for being tough and reliable.I didn't know this until I was in the market myself but sure know it now!

So I would have little reservation driving the Prius the distance if it could really do the whole jib that I need it too and reliability would not be a real concern either.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 08, 2018, 09:56:24 PM
https://workhorse.com/pickup/
https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/all-electric-canadian-ute-revealed-107398/
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 10:02:12 PM
I bill a flat rate for mileage, so whether I do it in a Unimog or a tricycle, it works out to the same amount.  If I can save some cost/lite then I end up with a little more to pay for oil changes, new tires and other maintenance issues.

I've been very tempted to buy a small RV and live on site for the duration of the jobs.  That would make it a lot easier since I usually bring my dogs along as well, and I'd save the hotel charge.  I just need a reliable way to heat the RV reliably in -40C temperatures, and in the high winds that are prevalent when right on the shore.  I'd love a small Class C or B+ motorhome- just large enough to haul the Jeep along for more convenience than uprooting the RV every time I want to run into town for a bite to eat.

TBH, I think that makes a lot more sense than the hybrid idea, but i like to explore options.  :D

Def
Title: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on November 08, 2018, 10:10:19 PM
I bill a flat rate for mileage, so whether I do it in a Unimog or a tricycle, it works out to the same amount.  If I can save some cost/lite then I end up with a little more to pay for oil changes, new tires and other maintenance issues.

I've been very tempted to buy a small RV and live on site for the duration of the jobs.  That would make it a lot easier since I usually bring my dogs along as well, and I'd save the hotel charge.  I just need a reliable way to heat the RV reliably in -40C temperatures, and in the high winds that are prevalent when right on the shore.  I'd love a small Class C or B+ motorhome- just large enough to haul the Jeep along for more convenience than uprooting the RV every time I want to run into town for a bite to eat.

TBH, I think that makes a lot more sense than the hybrid idea, but i like to explore options.  :D

Def

It can certainly be a lot more fun than Hotel living but I also mostly go where its warmer than where I live to work too.
I did get stuck a few years ago in Maine during an ice storm for a few days on the job site and I always carry everything I might need on trips like that just in case and all was well.
They were not sure that the House I was working on had working heat as it is a Summer House and no one had ever tried to stay in it during the Winter,but it did work and was sort of an Adventure overall.

This was on my Birthday stuck there installing Invisable Speakers,really!

The customer also thought this was hilarious. :facepalm:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/22bc11f4a51b0a76e2b0b67c95c18ee7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/da11d4bc496ae5e23752f5e3d3d06c41.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181108/191300c70cc4917037160a0dab500750.jpg)
I like the trailer option just for the reason you offer,I can always get around and always have a home base with this setup and I have lived in this Casita to -10 a few days but no lower.

Nothing like sleeping on my own bed no matter how nice the Hotel might be!
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2018, 10:33:06 PM
Try hauling large dogs around and you'll love the camper even more.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on November 08, 2018, 10:34:14 PM
Try hauling large dogs around and you'll love the camper even more.   :facepalm:

Def

My friend has 2 Newfies

They drool outside only!
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 09, 2018, 06:23:02 AM
OK so.... you need to buy a Unimog and build a camper on the back.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: hiraethus on November 09, 2018, 07:08:40 AM
Hybrid cars to Unimog camper... :rofl:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 09, 2018, 12:24:06 PM
Given it serious thought.... and there's a Pinzgauer for sale near here too...  :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 09, 2018, 01:29:52 PM
Given it serious thought.... and there's a Pinzgauer for sale near here too...  :facepalm:

Def
Great stuff... 2nd best offroad vehicle (the mighty Haflinger is king)

Hybrid cars to Unimog camper... :rofl:
I know they made at least a serial hybrid Unimog, I have seen it (probably 10+ years back). I remember it was sorta stupid as it still had all the transmission.

More current would of course be the Bremach T-Rex Hybrid... just shy of 12l/100km... not bad for a 3 ton vehicle.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on November 09, 2018, 04:11:17 PM
What about some type Van conversion diesel?  There have been 4X4 versions available for your hash climate. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on November 09, 2018, 04:31:56 PM
Toyota Hiace.
Mitsubishi Delica.
VW Syncro.
Quigly if you want a big boy. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Reinier on November 09, 2018, 10:28:44 PM
One often overlooked factor in both hybrid and all-electrics is the need to get the electricity from somewhere. As long as this entails burning fossil fuel the 'greens' are iffy at best, the more so when you factor in conversion losses. Power generation would need to move away from fossils by quite a margin to compensate...
Oh yeah, and building the batteries and disposing of the remains once they give up is a chemical headache too.
This quite apart from, in all-electrics, not being able to restore even a more limited range in the time it takes to fill 'er up with gasoline.
Long way to go as yet for the overall energy balance. For polluted inner cities electric drive may be a solution but by doing that you move the problem elsewhere as long as power keeps coming from fossils.

I highly recommend watching this video by Jason from Engineering Explained:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RhtiPefVzM
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 10, 2018, 12:59:35 AM
 :think:
Interesting! Thanks... Puts the balance calculation in a different light. It's a pity end of life emissions are not accounted for though. I'd have to take the author's word for it that these are equally insignificant for both IC and electrics but I'm not sure I can... I had the impression from reading it somewhere that recycling the batteries had quite an impact.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 26, 2018, 06:08:53 PM
After over 40 years on this planet I think i finally know what love is.

https://electrek.co/2018/11/26/rivian-r1t-all-electric-pickup-specs/

 :drool:

I hope to smurf this isn't another Dale.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Century_Motor_Car_Corporation

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 26, 2018, 08:27:22 PM
Imagine if you could hire 'battery trailers' for long trips...  :think:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 26, 2018, 08:33:26 PM
After over 40 years on this planet I think i finally know what love is.

https://electrek.co/2018/11/26/rivian-r1t-all-electric-pickup-specs/

 :drool:
Looks good! Apart from the headlights...
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 27, 2018, 03:15:22 AM
I'm not upset over the headlights- I'm not going to be the one looking at them!

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Etherealicer on November 27, 2018, 09:13:50 AM
Imagine if you could hire 'battery trailers' for long trips...  :think:
Around here there is a company (EP Tender (http://eptender.com/en/product/)) that has plans for this...
they have 2 products, 1 is only battery, the other is petrol engine, producing power.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 02, 2019, 03:13:53 PM
I drove a hybrid SUV extensively for about 9 years, including long road trips without any trouble.  :tu:

All electric cars still suck not only because of the limited range, but because of the recharge time. For example I did a road trip last year where I drove 1000 miles on 2 different days of it (most of the time I average 500-800 miles cross country), which would not have been possible with an electric. It took a little over 16 hours to drive that far in my current (gasoline powered) car, and I could have done the same thing in a hybrid with no problem. But if I had a fancy-pants Tesla, with 335 mile range and a 9 1/2 hour recharge time (assuming I could find a place to charge every 335 mi.), it would have taken at least 35 hours to do the same 1000 miles, given that there would have been 2 recharges necessary. So for me, hybrid yes, economical gasoline power yes, all electric? No way.  I'll not only leave a Tesla in the dust, I'll leave it back there a few states, in a different part of the world. :D
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: AlephZero on February 03, 2019, 08:39:02 PM
I have a hybrid bike, does that count?  :angel:

 ::)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on February 03, 2019, 08:41:38 PM
Only if it's electric/internal combustion engine.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on February 03, 2019, 08:47:07 PM
I drove a hybrid SUV extensively for about 9 years, including long road trips without any trouble.  :tu:

All electric cars still suck not only because of the limited range, but because of the recharge time. For example I did a road trip last year where I drove 1000 miles on 2 different days of it (most of the time I average 500-800 miles cross country), which would not have been possible with an electric. It took a little over 16 hours to drive that far in my current (gasoline powered) car, and I could have done the same thing in a hybrid with no problem. But if I had a fancy-pants Tesla, with 335 mile range and a 9 1/2 hour recharge time (assuming I could find a place to charge every 335 mi.), it would have taken at least 35 hours to do the same 1000 miles, given that there would have been 2 recharges necessary. So for me, hybrid yes, economical gasoline power yes, all electric? No way.  I'll not only leave a Tesla in the dust, I'll leave it back there a few states, in a different part of the world. :D
Just curious, what was the rough route of that 1000 mile trip? :)
I bet I could find charging stations along it.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 04, 2019, 05:30:40 AM
I drove a hybrid SUV extensively for about 9 years, including long road trips without any trouble.  :tu:

All electric cars still suck not only because of the limited range, but because of the recharge time. For example I did a road trip last year where I drove 1000 miles on 2 different days of it (most of the time I average 500-800 miles cross country), which would not have been possible with an electric. It took a little over 16 hours to drive that far in my current (gasoline powered) car, and I could have done the same thing in a hybrid with no problem. But if I had a fancy-pants Tesla, with 335 mile range and a 9 1/2 hour recharge time (assuming I could find a place to charge every 335 mi.), it would have taken at least 35 hours to do the same 1000 miles, given that there would have been 2 recharges necessary. So for me, hybrid yes, economical gasoline power yes, all electric? No way.  I'll not only leave a Tesla in the dust, I'll leave it back there a few states, in a different part of the world. :D
Just curious, what was the rough route of that 1000 mile trip? :)
I bet I could find charging stations along it.

It was actually a 7000 mile trip from Atlanta to the San Francisco Bay Area and back. I suppose I could have found places to charge or plug in too, but the point is that it's a 9+ hour ordeal to recharge, while I can gas up and be rolling in 5 minutes.  ;)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: pomsbz on February 04, 2019, 06:16:09 AM
You can get <1 hour charging these days and it's getting faster.

I've driven Priuses quite a bit, always used to get them at rental, didn't notice any fuel difference on highway journeys. I think the fuel saving is mostly urban driving? That was with the first generations though.

I'd be tempted to say give it another couple of years. The technology is moving very fast and it might be worth allowing it to grow to the point where it's a better investment with more competition creating better pricing. Especially if you are interested in an AWD solution.

One thing I'm certain, I bought a new Honda Jazz (Fit) two years ago. It will be going strong as we bridge the change over to electric and its value will plummet in later life as a result. You usually buy a Honda expecting it to last practically forever, I'm sure it will but the relevant factor will not be the car itself but availability and pricing/taxes on petrol due to everyone going electric. It could well become a huge paperweight within the next 15 years through no fault of its own. I won't be alone at any rate.  :)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on February 04, 2019, 10:31:42 AM
Both our cars (a Volvo 850 and a Volvo S70) are hybrids: they run on petrol and on LPG  ::)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on February 04, 2019, 12:45:10 PM
Does anyone remember the original Honda Civic with the first CVCC engines?
Those things were able to get the same mileage somehow that the Hybrids seem to get now?
You could buy the HF version here for the most economy and least performance as an option even.

Then Poof they vanished for some reason and the Hybrid is what we were left with?

I still have no clue what happened to them and why we had to accept the Hybrid as the replacement but the Tech was clearly there for that kind of mileage back then so......?

I did have a Fit a few years ago and did really like it but it was just too Tiny for me in the end too.

My friends Kids though LOVE it as their first car and it does keep plugging along despite a team of Teens trying to kill it!
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on February 04, 2019, 01:35:45 PM
I drove a hybrid SUV extensively for about 9 years, including long road trips without any trouble.  :tu:

All electric cars still suck not only because of the limited range, but because of the recharge time. For example I did a road trip last year where I drove 1000 miles on 2 different days of it (most of the time I average 500-800 miles cross country), which would not have been possible with an electric. It took a little over 16 hours to drive that far in my current (gasoline powered) car, and I could have done the same thing in a hybrid with no problem. But if I had a fancy-pants Tesla, with 335 mile range and a 9 1/2 hour recharge time (assuming I could find a place to charge every 335 mi.), it would have taken at least 35 hours to do the same 1000 miles, given that there would have been 2 recharges necessary. So for me, hybrid yes, economical gasoline power yes, all electric? No way.  I'll not only leave a Tesla in the dust, I'll leave it back there a few states, in a different part of the world. :D
Just curious, what was the rough route of that 1000 mile trip? :)
I bet I could find charging stations along it.

It was actually a 7000 mile trip from Atlanta to the San Francisco Bay Area and back. I suppose I could have found places to charge or plug in too, but the point is that it's a 9+ hour ordeal to recharge, while I can gas up and be rolling in 5 minutes.  ;)
In the interests of accuracy:
If you had a fancy Tesla Model S, with a 70kWh battery, driving from Atlanta to San  Francisco would require 43 hours of driving, with an extra 13 hours of charging time on top.
Total trip time (not including sleeping, breaks, some of which you could do during the charges) would then be 56 hours.
I don't know anything about driving from Atlanta to San Francisco, does the 43 hours of driving sound correct?
https://www.evtripplanner.com/planner/2-8/?id=b0qy91s9
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 04, 2019, 03:48:46 PM
You can get <1 hour charging these days and it's getting faster.

The charging and infrastructure is improving, but still...

A Tesla 'supercharge' is about 75 minutes for a full charge (335 mi. range), which is still 2 1/2 hours more than it would take me on a 1000 mile day, given that you would need 2 'supercharges'. That is a significant amount of time to add to an already 16+ hour drive. Also it currently costs about $22 for a full charge at a 'supercharge' station, which are not abundant outside urban areas, so again good luck finding one (or 2 in this case). I'm only using Tesla as the example because they currently have the farthest range for all-electrics.

So side by side, my car and a Tesla leave at the same time, and the Telsa stops for a 'supercharge' at ideally about 335 miles, and spends $22 for a recharge. I drive 500 miles and spend $22 for a fill up (at current prices) in about 5 minutes, which will get me another 500 miles. Meanwhile the Tesla is 75 minutes behind me at my 500 mile mark, and will have to 'supercharge' again before reaching 1000 miles to the tune of (currently) another $22, and still arrive 2 1/2 hours behind me. The farther the trip, the more it adds up.

I think the electrics are probably good for around town, but I can also imagine being in a full panic, with a dead battery cell in the middle of nowhere. Electric cars are still evolving, but for now it's neither an economical or sensible option for me.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: pomsbz on February 04, 2019, 03:57:12 PM
You can get <1 hour charging these days and it's getting faster.

The charging and infrastructure is improving, but still...

A Tesla 'supercharge' is about 75 minutes for a full charge (335 mi. range), which is still 2 1/2 hours more than it would take me on a 1000 mile day, given that you would need 2 'supercharges'. That is a significant amount of time to add to an already 16+ hour drive. Also it currently costs about $22 for a full charge at a 'supercharge' station, which are not abundant outside urban areas, so again good luck finding one (or 2 in this case). I'm only using Tesla as the example because they currently have the farthest range for all-electrics.

So side by side, my car and a Tesla leave at the same time, and the Telsa stops for a 'supercharge' at ideally about 335 miles, and spends $22 for a recharge. I drive 500 miles and spend $22 for a fill up (at current prices) in about 5 minutes, which will get me another 500 miles. Meanwhile the Tesla is 75 minutes behind me at my 500 mile mark, and will have to 'supercharge' again before reaching 1000 miles to the tune of (currently) another $22, and still arrive 2 1/2 hours behind me. The farther the trip, the more it adds up.

I think the electrics are probably good for around town, but I can also imagine being in a full panic, with a dead battery cell in the middle of nowhere. Electric cars are still evolving, but for now it's neither an economical or sensible option for me.  :dunno:

I think that the times you are using are specifically assuming that you will not be making stop offs for food and bathroom breaks over that time in the gas powered car. If you organise the breaks with the charging the difference is going to be considerably less?

Oh and can I express jealousy for how cheap your gas is? 500 miles for $22. Price is 3-4X that here.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 04, 2019, 03:58:55 PM
I drove a hybrid SUV extensively for about 9 years, including long road trips without any trouble.  :tu:

All electric cars still suck not only because of the limited range, but because of the recharge time. For example I did a road trip last year where I drove 1000 miles on 2 different days of it (most of the time I average 500-800 miles cross country), which would not have been possible with an electric. It took a little over 16 hours to drive that far in my current (gasoline powered) car, and I could have done the same thing in a hybrid with no problem. But if I had a fancy-pants Tesla, with 335 mile range and a 9 1/2 hour recharge time (assuming I could find a place to charge every 335 mi.), it would have taken at least 35 hours to do the same 1000 miles, given that there would have been 2 recharges necessary. So for me, hybrid yes, economical gasoline power yes, all electric? No way.  I'll not only leave a Tesla in the dust, I'll leave it back there a few states, in a different part of the world. :D
Just curious, what was the rough route of that 1000 mile trip? :)
I bet I could find charging stations along it.

It was actually a 7000 mile trip from Atlanta to the San Francisco Bay Area and back. I suppose I could have found places to charge or plug in too, but the point is that it's a 9+ hour ordeal to recharge, while I can gas up and be rolling in 5 minutes.  ;)
In the interests of accuracy:
If you had a fancy Tesla Model S, with a 70kWh battery, driving from Atlanta to San  Francisco would require 43 hours of driving, with an extra 13 hours of charging time on top.
Total trip time (not including sleeping, breaks, some of which you could do during the charges) would then be 56 hours.
I don't know anything about driving from Atlanta to San Francisco, does the 43 hours of driving sound correct?
https://www.evtripplanner.com/planner/2-8/?id=b0qy91s9

I did not drive directly there and back, it was a roundabout trip using a more southerly route on the way there and a more northerly route on the way back, plus some driving in between. But yes, a direct drive to SF would be about 3 days at 12 hours a day, I have done this also. So around 36 if you pushed it.  :tu:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 04, 2019, 04:01:35 PM
You can get <1 hour charging these days and it's getting faster.

The charging and infrastructure is improving, but still...

A Tesla 'supercharge' is about 75 minutes for a full charge (335 mi. range), which is still 2 1/2 hours more than it would take me on a 1000 mile day, given that you would need 2 'supercharges'. That is a significant amount of time to add to an already 16+ hour drive. Also it currently costs about $22 for a full charge at a 'supercharge' station, which are not abundant outside urban areas, so again good luck finding one (or 2 in this case). I'm only using Tesla as the example because they currently have the farthest range for all-electrics.

So side by side, my car and a Tesla leave at the same time, and the Telsa stops for a 'supercharge' at ideally about 335 miles, and spends $22 for a recharge. I drive 500 miles and spend $22 for a fill up (at current prices) in about 5 minutes, which will get me another 500 miles. Meanwhile the Tesla is 75 minutes behind me at my 500 mile mark, and will have to 'supercharge' again before reaching 1000 miles to the tune of (currently) another $22, and still arrive 2 1/2 hours behind me. The farther the trip, the more it adds up.

I think the electrics are probably good for around town, but I can also imagine being in a full panic, with a dead battery cell in the middle of nowhere. Electric cars are still evolving, but for now it's neither an economical or sensible option for me.  :dunno:

I think that the times you are using are specifically assuming that you will not be making stop offs for food and bathroom breaks over that time in the gas powered car. If you organise the breaks with the charging the difference is going to be considerably less.

Oh and can I express jealousy for how cheap your gas is? 500 miles for $22. Price is 3-4X that here.

Yes, gas is cheap right now.  :tu: Also my car gets nearly 50mpg on the highway.  :tu:

As far as food and bathroom, I assume we all have to do that, no matter what we are driving, so I consider that a wash.  :)

(I will add that when I drive a very long distance in one day, it is less than leisurely, so the breaks are brief)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 04, 2019, 04:17:32 PM
Does anyone remember the original Honda Civic with the first CVCC engines?
Those things were able to get the same mileage somehow that the Hybrids seem to get now?
You could buy the HF version here for the most economy and least performance as an option even.

Then Poof they vanished for some reason and the Hybrid is what we were left with?

I still have no clue what happened to them and why we had to accept the Hybrid as the replacement but the Tech was clearly there for that kind of mileage back then so......?

I did have a Fit a few years ago and did really like it but it was just too Tiny for me in the end too.

My friends Kids though LOVE it as their first car and it does keep plugging along despite a team of Teens trying to kill it!

I remember, the old Civics were tiny too. Honda still does a good job making economical cars!  :tu:

I think it's like Ben was saying, the hybrids do a better job at slow speeds in town, and about the same on the highway as regular gas cars. This has been my experience as well.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 04, 2019, 04:23:41 PM
I will say too that I have no real world experience with an all electric car, so my ideal of using the full range of the battery and fully charging it are just hypothetical. I don't think people use the full range or fully charge them very often, so it's probably way less efficient than I think it is, and probably a ginormous hassle on a road trip.  :D
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MMR on February 04, 2019, 08:57:27 PM
Personally, I have no intention of buying any electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon.

One; I don’t think the technology has been fully perfected yet, maybe give it 5-10 more years

Second; I prefer SUV, Jeeps and Trucks, I like the higher driving position, higher ground clearance, off road ability and just overall practicality.

Third: I like basic vehicles that I can work on and fix myself, I see all the gizmos in new cars; as just more to go wrong and be a nightmare to get fixed, especially given how sensitive electronics are in modern cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on February 04, 2019, 10:09:15 PM
Personally, I have no intention of buying any electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon.

One; I don’t think the technology has been fully perfected yet, maybe give it 5-10 more years

Second; I prefer SUV, Jeeps and Trucks, I like the higher driving position, higher ground clearance, off road ability and just overall practicality.

Third: I like basic vehicles that I can work on and fix myself, I see all the gizmos in new cars; as just more to go wrong and be a nightmare to get fixed, especially given how sensitive electronics are in modern cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel pretty much the same but it turns out that the Prius is one of the most reliable Toyotas that has been around in a long time too!?!?
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MMR on February 05, 2019, 08:48:31 AM
Personally, I have no intention of buying any electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon.

One; I don’t think the technology has been fully perfected yet, maybe give it 5-10 more years

Second; I prefer SUV, Jeeps and Trucks, I like the higher driving position, higher ground clearance, off road ability and just overall practicality.

Third: I like basic vehicles that I can work on and fix myself, I see all the gizmos in new cars; as just more to go wrong and be a nightmare to get fixed, especially given how sensitive electronics are in modern cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel pretty much the same but it turns out that the Prius is one of the most reliable Toyotas that has been around in a long time too!?!?

I wouldn’t know, I have never owned a Prius

Until they make one with 4WD and raised suspension, I don’t think I ever will either


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on February 05, 2019, 11:12:04 AM
You can get <1 hour charging these days and it's getting faster.

The charging and infrastructure is improving, but still...

A Tesla 'supercharge' is about 75 minutes for a full charge (335 mi. range), which is still 2 1/2 hours more than it would take me on a 1000 mile day, given that you would need 2 'supercharges'. That is a significant amount of time to add to an already 16+ hour drive. Also it currently costs about $22 for a full charge at a 'supercharge' station, which are not abundant outside urban areas, so again good luck finding one (or 2 in this case). I'm only using Tesla as the example because they currently have the farthest range for all-electrics.

So side by side, my car and a Tesla leave at the same time, and the Telsa stops for a 'supercharge' at ideally about 335 miles, and spends $22 for a recharge. I drive 500 miles and spend $22 for a fill up (at current prices) in about 5 minutes, which will get me another 500 miles. Meanwhile the Tesla is 75 minutes behind me at my 500 mile mark, and will have to 'supercharge' again before reaching 1000 miles to the tune of (currently) another $22, and still arrive 2 1/2 hours behind me. The farther the trip, the more it adds up.

I think the electrics are probably good for around town, but I can also imagine being in a full panic, with a dead battery cell in the middle of nowhere. Electric cars are still evolving, but for now it's neither an economical or sensible option for me.  :dunno:
Misleading.  :)
Quote from: Wikipedia
They take about 20 minutes to charge to 50%, 40 minutes to charge to 80%, and 75 minutes to 100% on the original 85 kWh Model S.
It's the last 20% that takes 35 minutes, so you wouldn't go above 80% if you were at a supercharger station.

Instead of two 75 minute stops in a 1000 mile trip, you would make three 40 minutes stops. Which takes 2 hours, shaving 30 minutes off.

I'm not trying to argue that it doesn't take longer to charge an electric car, just saying that it takes about 30 minutes less than you're saying. :cheers:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on February 05, 2019, 11:22:11 AM
Also, us Europeans laugh in pain everytime we hear the price of petrol in the US.  :rofl:
The price over here makes electric seem better by comparison.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on February 05, 2019, 12:09:55 PM
I suppose I should say why I'm so biased towards electric cars.  :D

I live on an island the size of South Carolina. And I'm lead to understand that's small by American standards.

From the capital city to the farthest point of land is about 350km. Most of the electric cars on the market can manage that without a recharge. And why would I drive to the literal lands end without spending a few hours there that I could use to recharge my hypothetical electric car?  :D

And if I take my electric car to the mainland on a ferry, I'm about three recharges away from about 5 different countries.

Plus, with petrol being expensive, and diesel looking to be banned in the city in the near future.....

So, that's my bias. :cheers:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on February 05, 2019, 01:21:59 PM
I didn't own mine for long,it was just too small for me really and I also drive trucks.
Toyota sells Hybrid SUVs though and so does/did GM,even the big ones!

I work for and with car dealers though a lot and it is pretty widely accepted that the Toyota Prius is maybe the most reliable platform that they sell,thats all I was trying to say.
They have not just evolved that way either but from the very start the Prius have been oddly reliable it seems so the idea that the complexity of the Hybrid system is an issue does not seem to be the case.
Sure it would be pricey to replace a main battery pack but even these have proved to last a lot longer than expected it seems.

Personally, I have no intention of buying any electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon.

One; I don’t think the technology has been fully perfected yet, maybe give it 5-10 more years

Second; I prefer SUV, Jeeps and Trucks, I like the higher driving position, higher ground clearance, off road ability and just overall practicality.

Third: I like basic vehicles that I can work on and fix myself, I see all the gizmos in new cars; as just more to go wrong and be a nightmare to get fixed, especially given how sensitive electronics are in modern cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I feel pretty much the same but it turns out that the Prius is one of the most reliable Toyotas that has been around in a long time too!?!?

I wouldn’t know, I have never owned a Prius

Until they make one with 4WD and raised suspension, I don’t think I ever will either


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Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MMR on February 05, 2019, 01:35:09 PM
I didn't own mine for long,it was just too small for me really and I also drive trucks.
Toyota sells Hybrid SUVs though and so does/did GM,even the big ones!

I work for and with car dealers though a lot and it is pretty widely accepted that the Toyota Prius is maybe the most reliable platform that they sell,thats all I was trying to say.
They have not just evolved that way either but from the very start the Prius have been oddly reliable it seems so the idea that the complexity of the Hybrid system is an issue does not seem to be the case.
Sure it would be pricey to replace a main battery pack but even these have proved to last a lot longer than expected it seems.

Personally, I have no intention of buying any electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon.

One; I don’t think the technology has been fully perfected yet, maybe give it 5-10 more years

Second; I prefer SUV, Jeeps and Trucks, I like the higher driving position, higher ground clearance, off road ability and just overall practicality.

Third: I like basic vehicles that I can work on and fix myself, I see all the gizmos in new cars; as just more to go wrong and be a nightmare to get fixed, especially given how sensitive electronics are in modern cars


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I feel pretty much the same but it turns out that the Prius is one of the most reliable Toyotas that has been around in a long time too!?!?

I wouldn’t know, I have never owned a Prius

Until they make one with 4WD and raised suspension, I don’t think I ever will either


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


It’s actually a lot easier than one would expect to replace the battery pack on a Prius

https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w


Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ezdog on February 05, 2019, 02:16:26 PM
It is,I never claimed it was not easy,just Expensive!

I didn't own mine for long,it was just too small for me really and I also drive trucks.
Toyota sells Hybrid SUVs though and so does/did GM,even the big ones!

I work for and with car dealers though a lot and it is pretty widely accepted that the Toyota Prius is maybe the most reliable platform that they sell,thats all I was trying to say.
They have not just evolved that way either but from the very start the Prius have been oddly reliable it seems so the idea that the complexity of the Hybrid system is an issue does not seem to be the case.
Sure it would be pricey to replace a main battery pack but even these have proved to last a lot longer than expected it seems.

Personally, I have no intention of buying any electric or hybrid vehicle anytime soon.

One; I don’t think the technology has been fully perfected yet, maybe give it 5-10 more years

Second; I prefer SUV, Jeeps and Trucks, I like the higher driving position, higher ground clearance, off road ability and just overall practicality.

Third: I like basic vehicles that I can work on and fix myself, I see all the gizmos in new cars; as just more to go wrong and be a nightmare to get fixed, especially given how sensitive electronics are in modern cars


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I feel pretty much the same but it turns out that the Prius is one of the most reliable Toyotas that has been around in a long time too!?!?

I wouldn’t know, I have never owned a Prius

Until they make one with 4WD and raised suspension, I don’t think I ever will either


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


It’s actually a lot easier than one would expect to replace the battery pack on a Prius

https://youtu.be/Q3RCdrh666w
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on February 05, 2019, 02:26:40 PM
The battery packs on the original Tesla Roadster are going on 10 years old now. They could be considered as Tesla's "prototype", not as good as the newer ones in the Model S and especially in the Model 3. But even those original roadster packs are mostly at about 80% capacity mark, according to the owners, after 10 years.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 05, 2019, 02:45:59 PM
I suppose I should say why I'm so biased towards electric cars.  :D

I live on an island the size of South Carolina. And I'm lead to understand that's small by American standards.

From the capital city to the farthest point of land is about 350km. Most of the electric cars on the market can manage that without a recharge. And why would I drive to the literal lands end without spending a few hours there that I could use to recharge my hypothetical electric car?  :D

And if I take my electric car to the mainland on a ferry, I'm about three recharges away from about 5 different countries.

Plus, with petrol being expensive, and diesel looking to be banned in the city in the near future.....

So, that's my bias. :cheers:

I understand Pabs, I think when they get the range up to 500 miles and there is more charging infrastructure, it would be a more viable option for me, if I don't have to pay too much for one. Taking a long trip and driving 4 to 5 hundred miles a day and recharging overnight is not very problematic.  :dunno:

I think what I resent is the 'mystique' of them, which I find vacuous. I will not pay double for a car because of slick marketing which ignore obvious limitations, and falsely promote a lot of trendy environmental advantages that they don't actually have. There is a massive amount of b.s. being shoveled in the promotion of these things that a lot of people believe, obviously, because there is a market for them. I personally won't buy a car solely because I think it will give me a status boost. I think there are better options for status cars, like McLaren or Bentley that are fairly honest about their own ridiculousness.  :D
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MMR on February 05, 2019, 11:19:24 PM
Blah blah blah about gas millage and range per charge...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190205/62861fc275a2687628cf7c87ef8b0b83.jpg)


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Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: twiliter on February 06, 2019, 12:08:16 AM
Blah blah blah about gas millage and range per charge...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190205/62861fc275a2687628cf7c87ef8b0b83.jpg)


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No spectacular burnouts, but definitely fast. 

This guy has a lot of fun with his.  :tu: >>

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCOpdDZoLH9IDJ8IuNZzz2iQ
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 08, 2022, 01:01:19 AM
Bunping this one back up for the fun of it.

If you consider me putting $75 worth of gas in my Jeep and barely getting to half a tank fun.

Up until last month I was running about $200/week in gas through my Jeep and now.... well gas is almost $.30/L more than it was a month ago.  And, expected to continue to increase significantly.   :ahhh

I am looking very seriously at trading my beloved Jeep for an electric car, and at the moment, the most likely one is the Chevy Bolt, mostly because of price and availability.  I'd much rather an E Golf, but VW seems more interested in talking about them than producing them.    :facepalm:

A quick bit of math....

I drive approximately 100kms/day currently for work.

The Bolt is rated for 350 km on a full charge.

I would likely charge it with an extension cord plugged into a standard 110V outlet, which has a recharge rate of approximately 6km of range per hour.

It would be plugged in 10-12 hours each night, which would generate between 60 and 70 kms.

That means my consumption of 100 kms/day would be offset by a recharge of 60 kms/day (conservatively), leaving a net consumption of 40kms/day, or 200 kms/week. 

With a 350km range, that means I will still have some range/power for a decent buffer at the end of each week and can recharge completely on weekends, either by leaving it plugged in or make a short trip to a public fast charger.

Unless I am missing something?  Anyone here know about electric cars?   :dunno:

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on March 08, 2022, 03:18:42 AM
Compared to the rest of the US, California always has some high gas prices.  In 05 when I had my 32 gal truck I was paying about $150 a fill up.  I'm paying $100 with a far smaller tank. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: gregozedobe on March 08, 2022, 05:50:02 AM
I'm assuming work isn't contributing to your fuel costs for driving (to/during ? ) work.

Any way to charge while your car is at work ?

Any way to get a higher capacity charging rate at home  ? 

Also if you can get the heaters turned on by a timer to come on a bit before you leave in the morning that will increase your effective range in winter (but only helpful if you are able to fully charge your battery before leaving).
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on March 08, 2022, 09:55:39 AM
You used to say you needed a car with solid axles Grant..... 
You can always just buy a smaller turbodiesel car, if you are no longer needing the solid axles. They are surprisingly economical, especially coming form an older technology V6.
Even a diesel Jeep of some sort, with the FIAT engines.
Also remember that electric / battery range suffers in cold weather.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Reinier on March 08, 2022, 10:23:18 AM
I drive an electric car (Polestar 2, 78 kWh battery, 408 hp). I never use the supplied power chord ("granny charger") but instead I have installed an 11 kW charger on my own property. A full charge should take about 7 or 8 hours but realistically you never completely drain the battery nor do you charge to the full 100%. Without my own charging point I don't think I would have chosen an electric vehicle. Using public charging stations is too much of a hassle for me.
When needed I do use fast chargers (100 or 150 kW) which we have plenty of.

Like dks said, the range is hugely affected by cold weather. Something to keep in mind when you live in Canadaland.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 08, 2022, 12:40:02 PM
Work does contribute to my fuel costs, but it is less than the actual fuel costs and is not enough to cover other associated costs, like the tires I ruin on site, oil changes etc.

There are charging stations not far in either direction, but nothing on site.  I do have the ability to leave work for necessities like fuel, so I can leave for charging too.

It would be n8ce to have the car preheated before I leave, but I'm also thinking of getting a portable heater to run in the winter so I am not adversely affecting my electrical consumption in cold weather.  Most likely a small propane heater.

Solid axles are much more preferable to IFS for the work I do, but I don't do as much of that work as I used to.  Plus I'm looking at a three year car now vs the ten year car I had wanted previously.

In all honesty, I had expected my next vehicle to be a full sized pickup like the F150, and ideally I would go for the electric version of that.... but with fuel costs rising and production issues, I don't know that waiting is an option

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on March 08, 2022, 04:03:17 PM
 :popcorn:

We thought about Plug in Hybrid or full EV last year now with gas and goodness knows what else going on.........
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on March 08, 2022, 11:55:56 PM
You can always just buy a smaller turbodiesel car, if you are no longer needing the solid axles.
I forget exactly why, but Diesels don't like cold weather. Block heaters would be vital for Canadian (and Michigan) winters! However, a Jeep Liberty with the common-rail Diesel could be a good option...if you can ever find one.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 08, 2022, 11:59:09 PM
I believe diesel fuel gels at low temperatures.  And, while a diesel might seem like a good idea, diesel fuel here is getting more expensive faster than gasoline.   :ahhh

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on March 09, 2022, 12:13:13 AM
Diesels can also run on biofuels. That's a whole other topic, and possibly a whole other impracticality.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on March 09, 2022, 07:38:21 AM
Also, try cycling. It will warm you up, keep you fit and save on fuel. :)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 09, 2022, 04:43:02 PM
Also, try cycling. It will warm you up, keep you fit and save on fuel. :)

Cycling 100kms a day is a bit beyond me.... and not safe when icy!   :P

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on March 09, 2022, 04:47:55 PM
Not practical in SoCal either.  While the weather is nice the city designers didn't/don't care about cyclists.   Ok they are getting a lot better.  California is a 4/5/6 lane highway state within the large cities.  Today I'll take 2 major interstate highways just to go 25 miles.  On bike  :think: that'd be a heck of a trip.     
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on March 10, 2022, 07:13:20 AM
Not practical in SoCal either.  While the weather is nice the city designers didn't/don't care about cyclists.   Ok they are getting a lot better.  California is a 4/5/6 lane highway state within the large cities.  Today I'll take 2 major interstate highways just to go 25 miles.  On bike  :think: that'd be a heck of a trip.     

Cycling 100kms a day is a bit beyond me.... and not safe when icy!   :P
Def

You just start slowly, 10 km the fist day, 20 the 2nd and by the end of the week you will be fine. It is like kayaking on land :)

I believe in both of you!!!
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on March 10, 2022, 08:55:18 AM
Only doing 10 or 20km initially won't get him to work.  :think:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on March 10, 2022, 10:31:15 AM
Only doing 10 or 20km initially won't get him to work.  :think:

it will, by the end of the week
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 10, 2022, 11:27:54 AM
The dog may not approve of me not being home to walk him for a couple of weeks....

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on March 10, 2022, 03:47:17 PM
I used to cycle to work, college, and everywhere in between.  Heck of a journey in those days.  The highways cut out a lot of direct access to streets so you have to go the long way around to get anywhere if you take side streets. 

Back to Hybrids, Plug ins, and EVs.  A year ago there was a wait list for the Rav4.  I can imagine with covid and demand that list will be longer.  I have a few friends who drive EVs.  City driving for them was worth the change from gas to EV.  There a lot of places now to charge a EV.  Malls, work places, and random areas all have EV changing areas.  Its pretty cool to see.   
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 03, 2022, 03:48:05 PM
I think I'm almost there.  With the latest gas prices hitting $1.80/L here I think I'm going to have to pull the trigger on an electric car.  I'm looking very seriously at the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

It is depressing that the amount I am spending on gas is more than the cost of a whole new car- I'm currently feeding the Jeep about $75 every other day.   :ahhh

Figure $75 every other day, times 26 working days each month (13 days x $75) works out to roughly $975/mth, my mileage payments work out to about $800/mth and payments on an electric car will be about $600/mth.

I'm really going to miss my Jeep though....

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on May 03, 2022, 03:57:31 PM
Thats a heck of a gas bill.  Sad it is but its not "worth" the price to drive a vehicle with low gas milage when there are other options. 

I'm glad we didn't but a new car a couple years ago.  I think hybrid at the least is what we'd get today.  Thankfully her car gets about 30-32 mile per gallon.  We're still about $6 per gallon for 87 octane. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: gregozedobe on May 05, 2022, 03:30:59 AM
I think I'm almost there.  With the latest gas prices hitting $1.80/L here I think I'm going to have to pull the trigger on an electric car.  I'm looking very seriously at the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

It is depressing that the amount I am spending on gas is more than the cost of a whole new car- I'm currently feeding the Jeep about $75 every other day.   :ahhh

Figure $75 every other day, times 26 working days each month (13 days x $75) works out to roughly $975/mth, my mileage payments work out to about $800/mth and payments on an electric car will be about $600/mth.

I'm really going to miss my Jeep though....

Def

If you are putting that much petrol (sorry, "gas") in your jeep that often I'd be worried that you might not be able to keep an EV charged up enough to cover the miles you are driving (remembering that real world range in cold weather is usually a lot less than what the EV manufacturers claim)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 05, 2022, 04:12:43 AM
Ouch,,
The kid just got his first totally his car cause he passed his drivers test the other day and got well it should be coming soon license, grant it it’s not a hybrid, and it’s only a 08, but the one thing it does have is good gas mileages, it’s like 24mi/ga city and like 31mi/ga highway, and gas here is $4.00/gal  the other kid has his clunker jeep which gets better gas mileage then his freaking hot rod 2010 Camaro, that things a freaking V8!
JR
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 05, 2022, 08:43:02 PM
I just had an incident that made me rethink trading in my Jeep.

I went to McDonalds for lunch, mostly because I was bored as smurf, and going to McDonalds at least allows me to do something.

I decided to order from the app and park in the parking lot to wait for them to bring it out to me rather than go through drive through. 

I park, open the app and start my order, when suddenly I hear a loud THUNK and the Jeep shakes. I look over to the passenger side and the woman in the minivan next to me has her door wide open.

I casually open the window and she immediately says "it's okay, I didn't hit your car."

I said "yes, you did, I both heard and felt it."

She then launches into some story about the three kids in the back and one is sick and she's been up all night, and the look on my face probably conveyed how little I cared about her unruly crotch goblins.

Then she said she only hit the "side guard thing" which I assume is the running board, at which point I said "so you DID hit my car then."

She then went on the super offensive, telling me off, but for what I don't know.  She told me I could come out and check the damage, although I knew for a fact there wouldn't be any- there is no part of a Toyota Sienna that can even remotely harm the running boards on my Jeep.

At some point in her tirade she said "..... and I'm sorry I hit your car..."

I cut her off there and said "that's what I wanted to hear, and I rolled my window back up as she continued to tell me off.

She stared daggers at me as she drove off, because I'm the smurfhole that parked in a spot that her door was eventually going to occupy!   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on May 06, 2022, 03:51:32 PM
 :twak:

I was picking my kids from school.  The line leaving the school is long with cars.  I had my Avalanche at the time and attached a step to my hitch.  This young woman in a newer beetle hits me.  I only barely felt it.  I put my truck in park to go take a look and yup her whole front grill was thrashed.  She couldn't have gone more than 10mph  :D.  I asked if she was ok to which she said yes.  I told her I was fine as well and since she hit me I was not required to do anything if my car didn't get damaged.  Paint transfer to my steel step was all that happened on my end  :tu:. 

Driving a smaller car does come with tradeoffs.  I was also hit in my tundra.  Some knucklehead hit my from behind in bumper to bumper traffic.  His car suffered damage while my rear bumper was scuffed.  Same situation I asked if he was ok, tho he was pissed cause his car did have damage.  I ask again then bid him a wonderful day. 

Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 06, 2022, 04:07:31 PM
I had a dinky 89 I think :think: geo spectrom, little hatchback stick shift, and I was on the highway on my way to see the Mrs for the 2nd time, and the traffic was just stop and go, we were lucky to even move 5mph at times, so I thought maybe if I grab the map, (you know those things called road atlas back in the day and you always carried one)! Anyway I started to reach for it in the backseat but by doing so I started taking my foot off the clutch, oops, sure enough I tapped a jeep, oh I started screaming :rant: and I’m sure if anyone know how jeeps have those bumpers that are like [—|_|———|_|—]  of course that one little nub on the middle of the bumper has to hit my freaking headlight, and his bumper was steel, so all I did was scratch it, thus what bumper stickers are for, but my headlights pointing straight up, my fenders crushed, and my hoods crinkled, I talked things over and he was fine with it, cause I basically did nothing to his, that was till he went to sell it a year later, but I got lost then showed up at the Mrs, and just sat there for 5min then she came out wondering what’s wrong then I pointed and she was like OMG, then I handed her the flowers which were broke and said here..
JR
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 06, 2022, 05:14:21 PM
The thing is, if that had been my nice new car, battery powered or not, I'd have probably been very upset about this.  I doubt there are any parts on any new cars as tough as the running boards on my Jeep.

I know, this kind of thing happens all the time, but all the more reason to keep my Jeep....

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 06, 2022, 05:34:52 PM
Yeah, any pre 80 something and it didn’t have a freaking computer, you bumped someone, yeah you felt it but there might be a dinky scratch, buff it out, now you tap the smallest thing and it’s going to be thousands in repairs because it’s plastic, just the other day our older son tapped a curb with his Camaro the fenders popped the light is knocked out, the fender well rolled up, yet I had a old gmc jimmy and I floored at a gas station and accidentally hit one of those steel cement filled protectors, I didn’t see it because it was low and I was looking out he back window, but I slammed it hard did no damage to the protector, and just put a small dent in the bumper, did I need to put anything into it, no, it was just a small dent, he taps the smallest curb and he’s out $$..
JR
Not the best pic,
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on May 06, 2022, 05:41:51 PM
That looks expensive.  My mom loved her big sedans.  She drove Lincolns.  Big land yachts. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 06, 2022, 05:57:33 PM
That looks expensive.  My mom loved her big sedans.  She drove Lincolns.  Big land yachts.
TOTALLY, you could go over the worst freaking cobblestone road, yet it would feel like you were on the highway gliding on glasss!
JR
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on May 06, 2022, 06:06:36 PM
Yes exactly.   
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on May 07, 2022, 11:33:31 AM
Just prefacing by saying I have no own experience with owning hybrid cars (nor full electrics), I just read that modern electrics have battery conditioning circuits that adapt the battery temperature during charging, e.g. by heating it in cold temperatures, so that may no longer be such a hindrance for their use in e.g. Canada.

The aspect of physical sturdiness of a car is valid. Electric cars designed as such used to tend to be built lighter than conventional ones to extend range. On the other hand battery tech appears to be on the cusp of some major advances, so this may not be as strict a constraint in future. I'd be interested to see how e.g. a Rivian turns out to be once it appears in numbers.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Fireman on May 07, 2022, 11:36:34 AM
I think I'm almost there. 

It has only taken four years since you started this thread.  :pok: :rofl:

Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 07, 2022, 01:10:45 PM
It has only taken four years since you started this thread.  :pok: :rofl:

I hate spending money, especially that much!   :ahhh

Just prefacing by saying I have no own experience with owning hybrid cars (nor full electrics), I just read that modern electrics have battery conditioning circuits that adapt the battery temperature during charging, e.g. by heating it in cold temperatures, so that may no longer be such a hindrance for their use in e.g. Canada.

The aspect of physical sturdiness of a car is valid. Electric cars designed as such used to tend to be built lighter than conventional ones to extend range. On the other hand battery tech appears to be on the cusp of some major advances, so this may not be as strict a constraint in future. I'd be interested to see how e.g. a Rivian turns out to be once it appears in numbers.

The heated battery thing really only works when the car is plugged in, and won't help as much when out in the cold all day- or if it continues to self heat, I imagine that would still use up power (aka range), although perhaps less than the battery would lose if left to the temperature alone?

Rivian is the gold standard, and the truck I would much rather buy, but I'll opt for the Ford F-150 Lightning when it is available because of a couple of reasons.

1- what if there is a problem, there are no Rivian dealerships I can take it to, while there is a Ford dealer in almost every second town across Canada.

2- the Lightning uses the existing F-150 components where possible, meaning repairs after accidents etc would be cheaper, which should equate to lower insurance, easier repairs and more customization options. 

That said, I love the Rivian and I have been following them from concept to production, and if it weren't for the above (significant) benefits, that's the way I'd go.  And, if I could scrape together a few extra bucks, I'd probably buy some Rivian stock now while it is quite low, as I am sure they will bounce back in the long run.  The skateboard concept they have come up with will really reduce production costs and overstock in the long run.

Bollinger in the UK is another good startup to watch, and I am very enamored with Aptera in California too.  With Aptera I'd only have to charge the battery 10 imes a year, even with the mileage I do for work!

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on May 07, 2022, 01:42:48 PM
To the F-150 Lightning, if it uses many conventional F-150 parts, that is a big maintenance plus, true, and if my scant knowledge of how a F-150 is built is anything to go by and the Lightning uses the same bodywork and axles/suspension then sturdiness is not in question. Some of the benefits attainable with cars designed as electric from scratch may not apply to what is essentially a retrofit electric, but those benefits may not outweigh those of commonality in your case, perhaps even less so as batteries improve...

I'm facing a similar question, but with different boundary conditions, living in a European metropolitan area. The (1st series post-facelift) X3, solid enough for my uses (which rarely require 4x4), is getting on in age and visits to the filling station are becoming increasingly painful. If only I knew for sure what to replace it with...? It probably won't need to be a F-150 though :D

Edit to add: I think Bollinger have suspended development of what looked like their modern electric take on the LR Defender. Pity...
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 07, 2022, 02:14:55 PM
I hadn't heard that about Bollinger.  Pity that LR thinks they own 90 degree angles, especially since they don't seem to make anything that uses them anymore.    :ahhh

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: ToolJoe on May 07, 2022, 07:22:53 PM
One thing the F-150 Lightning has going for it is the shared parts aspect with regular F-150s. Also, it'll probably sell like hotcakes since so many people drive trucks in the states for it's Swiss Army Knife utility.

My boss at work drives a 21 F150 and it's costing him over $150 to fill his tank.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 07, 2022, 07:50:16 PM
The only good thing about gas prices now is that it makes me glad I don't have a diesel.  We are $1.90/L for gas right now and $2.75 ish for diesel.

Of course my house is heated with what we call heating oil here, which is essentially diesel, so I'm not looking forward to winter this year.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: powernoodle on May 07, 2022, 08:01:50 PM
I'm glad to see this thread, as I am pondering the purchase of either a Toyota AWD Highland hybrid or Sienna AWD hybrid.  I'm just not sure about the driving experience of constantly switching between battery motors and the gas engine switching on and off. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Pacu on May 07, 2022, 09:15:29 PM
My wife bought a Nissan Leaf last month, all electric. It's a nice little car. It'll go about 300 miles on a full charge. Just just goes to work and back and around town so it's perfect for her.

It is weird as it emits no sound. It is super zippy though. Put your foot on the "gas?" and it will go without hesitation.

(https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/MGl48/s1/2021-nissan-leaf.jpg)



I drive a company Dodge 3500 that drinks diesel. Texas is one big ass state to cover. Filled up twice Friday at 148 bucks per tank.

Still have the 2014 Xterra for long travel.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on May 07, 2022, 10:16:31 PM
Put your foot on the "gas?" and it will go without hesitation.
Haha, you'll have to call it the accelerator pedal now.  :pok:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 07, 2022, 10:54:50 PM
Skinny pedal?

Gofast pedal?

 :think:

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on August 05, 2022, 01:50:32 AM
I prefer "the go and stop pedal"

Single pedal driving via regen braking is cool, but odd.  :D
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 05, 2022, 02:15:13 AM
Agreed- I drove an electric Golf a few weeks ago and I have to say, the one pedal driving mode was weird, but seeing the regen meter going up significantly every time you slow down is a huge motivator to get used to it.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on August 05, 2022, 10:02:07 PM
Who doesn't love being able to recover a lot of the energy they used to go zoom zoom :D I keep tending to be more zippy on acceleration because it's so quiet and I can just "recover that energy later" :P
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 08, 2022, 02:58:45 PM
From Facebook:

Introducing the all-new, all-electric Jeep® Recon. The future of adventure — electrified.

Preproduction Model Shown. Production vehicles, features, performance and options may vary. Availability in US expected in 2024.

I can't say as it's wowing me much.  I don't l9ok at it and think "I need to get that."

It looks like every other SUV on the road.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: powernoodle on September 08, 2022, 05:27:48 PM
Being Powernoodle, I am suspicious of an EV that appears to be far from civilization - and charging stations.  I would wager that a diesel truck brought it there and took it home.

 :dunno:

My neighbors have an EV Chevy Spark, which seems to work well for trips that don't take them far from home.

Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on September 09, 2022, 05:40:48 AM
Am I the only one who thinks the exposed door hinges look hokey, contrived, and out of place?

I would awlso wager that another vehicle was used to bring it to its photo shoot...or the backgrounds were Photoshopped in.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: pomsbz on September 11, 2022, 05:41:48 AM
Am I the only one who thinks the exposed door hinges look hokey, contrived, and out of place?

I would awlso wager that another vehicle was used to bring it to its photo shoot...or the backgrounds were Photoshopped in.

Quite possibly photoshopped as the reflections in the door of the 3rd picture don't actually match the scenery shown. Hard edges in the reflection near the bottom of the door where there should be soft rounded shapes to match the sand shown.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2022, 12:04:13 PM
I think you will find nowadays most ad photos are highly photoshopped from the original, if there even was one.

And yeah, I don't doubt this thing came out on the back of a truck and went home the same way.

It also looks pretty boring.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on September 11, 2022, 09:56:52 PM
It also looks pretty boring.
:iagree:

As pomsbz pointed out, the reflections off the doors in the one photo do not match the landscape. Two of the photos should have shown tire tracks (even if the vehicles were rolled off a truck), but only one tire track is visible. The vehicles are awlso suspiciously clean.

I'm saying with near certainty that some image manipulation was done there.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: MadPlumbarian on September 11, 2022, 10:40:25 PM
??
JR
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: powernoodle on September 11, 2022, 11:01:33 PM
NASA drove an electric vehicle on the moon in 1971, but they had to burn some serious bleep to get it there.   :salute:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_Roving_Vehicle
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 12, 2022, 10:44:07 AM
Sadly very few of us have NASA's budget too....  :ahhh

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Possession on November 07, 2022, 09:30:42 PM
There are a few things to consider regarding EVs and charging stations. First, many EVs have a range of 100 miles or more, so even if there are no charging stations available, the EV can still get you where you need to go.  Second, many public charging stations are available, and the number of charging stations is increasing all the time. So even if there are no charging stations right near your home, there are probably some nearby that you can use. Finally, many EVs come with home charging stations, so you can charge your EV at home like any other vehicle. Also, I have a crazy plan. I found a mazda rx7 for sale . I want to buy it and install there an EV engine. I always wanted such a car, but I want it to make a modern one for 2022, LOL.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2022, 01:35:36 PM
I've given a lot of thought to an electric conversion.  I know it is heresy to some, but I'm okay with offending the masses.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on November 08, 2022, 04:57:45 PM
We had folks doing it with BioFuel conversions.  Whatever happened with that?  No one loved the idea of cars smelling like fried foods  :think:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on November 08, 2022, 10:51:24 PM
Biofuel has a couple of issues. I'm not sure how much a gallon of vegetable oil costs, for one. And I'm pretty sure it has to be processed in some way, shape, or form to best work in a Diesel engine. (It's a no-go for gasoline engines.) That equipment is an additional cost. And Americans have long been leery of Diesel-powered passenger cars (thanks, GM (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_Diesel_engine)!).
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 08, 2022, 10:58:50 PM
Our buses in Halifax use bio diesel, which locally comes from fish oil.

It's not that smelly but it does congealed in cold weather and the buses need to be idled for a significant amount of time before they can start their routes.  I don't know if that extra run time is offset by it's relative lack of pollutants or not.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on November 08, 2022, 11:01:45 PM
Someone would have to study the effects of longer run time on pollution. I do recall that Diesel engines aren't s well-suited to cold weather operation as gasoline.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Syncop8r on November 09, 2022, 09:49:55 AM
We had folks doing it with BioFuel conversions.  Whatever happened with that?  No one loved the idea of cars smelling like fried foods  :think:
Better than smelling like diesel exhaust!
Some folks did it here too. Recycled oil from restaurants.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on November 09, 2022, 03:24:58 PM
I'm seeing the Mustang Electric vehicle more and more and I'm really liking the looks. 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 09, 2022, 06:41:37 PM
They are pretty sweet.  I am finally seeing the Mustang shape incorporates I to its design, but I still think they made a HUGE mistake putting the Mustang name on it.

That said, the Mach E is a pretty sweet ride, and as far as electric SUV's go, it's reasonably affordable.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on November 09, 2022, 06:45:58 PM
I still think they made a HUGE mistake putting the Mustang name on it.
:iagree:
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 27, 2023, 11:56:31 AM
I have very mixed feelings about this:

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a43040319/updated-daytona-ev-exhaust-sound/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=socialflowR%26T&utm_medium=social-media&fbclid=IwAR0MwCARrrPS0m5PG2UK6uxg1U5uPC76WmSBfgSROwbtqtPH14615FZbZZo

On the one hand, like everyone else, I do love the sound of a nice engine, and especially a muscle car.  The sound is part of a muscle (or sports) car's identity.

Since electric cars are (relatively) silent I feel like many of these cars are lacking, at least in the overall experience- although I think anyone who has driven an EV will agree that the performance is a while new experience as well.

I admit, even with an EV accelerating faster, I would miss the noise.  That having been said, faking the noise just seems wrong to me.

Unless you are this guy, I think we should just let the sound of a powerful engine go rather than try to fake it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/In4pb6s7jDs?feature=share

Anyone have any thoughts?

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on July 27, 2023, 12:55:35 PM
Some sound is probably necessary for safety. Whether it should be copied engine sounds is an interesting debate, what alternative would you prefer? Electronic chimes?

But making an inherently silent car produce a very loud sound just because that's what the old engine sounded like seems obnoxious. :D

Copying the sound of, say, a mini to use in a mini ev might be less obnoxious imho. :P
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: nate j on July 27, 2023, 02:11:34 PM
Seems silly to me to ultimately pay more for the feature of having an EV make noise like an ICE.  Added cost with no added value IMO.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: powernoodle on July 28, 2023, 07:30:32 PM
Mrs. Powernoodle's Honda CR-V hybrid has a speaker that makes a noise described as angels singing when it is in EV mode at slow speed.  Its a necessary safety feature IMO since the vehicle would be mostly silent without it.  And it lets our dog know that mommy is home.

I'm going to start the long and painful process of purchasing a Toyota Sienna hybrid soon.  I used to be reluctant about the technology, but have now seen the light.  There is something to be said for having no starter, no belts, no alternator, etc., and brakes that last a long, long time.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Whoey on July 29, 2023, 01:33:04 PM
Renault Zoe... the car version of a star trek shuttlecraft...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RjUv1NJxnI
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: SteveC on August 08, 2023, 06:01:04 AM
My brother just went full electric with a VW ID.4 

Like this one

(https://vehicle-images.dealerinspire.com/9a3a-110007395/1V2GNPE80PC005570/f01912ba3ad1840ebc845dbd250355e6.jpg)


(https://vehicle-images.dealerinspire.com/a7cb-110007395/1V2GNPE80PC005570/0be9b6e291e60a274702d87d8c82482c.jpg)

(https://vehicle-images.dealerinspire.com/3fe0-110007395/1V2GNPE80PC005570/9a2638bda7eefceaadf7aabc5fac069f.jpg)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 08, 2023, 12:24:52 PM
That is pretty sweet.

There is an F-150 Lighting for sale at my local Ford dealership that I am strongly tempted by, but it wasn't long ago that you could buy a house here for what's on the sticker.

I guess I will have to keep buying dinosaur juice for my Jeep for another couple of years.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Farmer X on August 09, 2023, 06:15:38 AM
It wasn't long ago that you could buy a house here for what's on the sticker.
If you don't mind going small, you could probably still get a house for less than some brand-new trucks. (That price excludes the land, of course.) Prices of new trucks have gotten absolutely insane. I'll never own one.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on August 09, 2023, 09:01:13 AM
With the EU Net Zero policy targets for 2050 and related incentives (carrot and stick method) there is, at least here, widespread adoption/installation of photovoltaic cells in homes, for electricity production. That is a fact.

Now, tosimplify/summarise the whole process/programme, when houses are producing more electricity than they consume it should be / is possible to charge your car for free (using that excess electricity you are supplying to the grid), giving a strong incentive for having an electric vehicle, as the fuel cost will be zero.

Well, unless you are not producing that much more, or the money you get back for the excess electricity you supply are more than what you could save by using it to charge/own/buy a new car, so it may be better to sell it and keep your old car.

This is intentionally oversimplified, by me, as the electricity you can produce, the money you save or make and so on can vary, but it shows the current way forward, for many people, at least in their minds.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: nate j on August 16, 2023, 01:32:02 AM
https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/man-forced-ditch-115k-ford-ev-truck-family-road-trip-chicago-biggest-scam-modern-times.amp

I’m afraid “biggest scam of modern times” pretty much sums up my opinion of EVs as well.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Vidar on August 16, 2023, 05:22:29 AM
I guess the experiences vary. We've had an EV for some time now, and the experience is quite good. It was more car for the money when we bought it, the running expenses is a fraction of the gasoline cars, and it drives great both summer and winter. No regrets whatsoever for our use - quite the opposite.

We didn't buy it from an environmentalist perspective but from a need, car characteristics and economy viewpoint. Gasoline and diesel cars were considered too. We'd make the same choice again for our use.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on August 16, 2023, 05:30:40 PM
What's a real scam is the Irish government subsidising petrol (gasoline) to the point that it's cheaper than the electricity now.  :rant: :facepalm:
That makes zero sense, homes need electricity too!
Electricity is 40 euro cents per kWh, if anyone's interested. That's 43 US cents per kWh. ::)
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Don Pablo on August 16, 2023, 05:40:39 PM
With the EU Net Zero policy targets for 2050 and related incentives (carrot and stick method) there is, at least here, widespread adoption/installation of photovoltaic cells in homes, for electricity production. That is a fact.

Now, tosimplify/summarise the whole process/programme, when houses are producing more electricity than they consume it should be / is possible to charge your car for free (using that excess electricity you are supplying to the grid), giving a strong incentive for having an electric vehicle, as the fuel cost will be zero.

Well, unless you are not producing that much more, or the money you get back for the excess electricity you supply are more than what you could save by using it to charge/own/buy a new car, so it may be better to sell it and keep your old car.

This is intentionally oversimplified, by me, as the electricity you can produce, the money you save or make and so on can vary, but it shows the current way forward, for many people, at least in their minds.
The main issue here is the energy output of the panels not coinciding when you need the energy...

But that's what the grid is useful for, you give energy when you don't need it and receive energy when you do need it. :)
Europe is in an interesting position where we have the incentive and ability to upgrade individual countries grids to make a "supergrid" which carries electricity across countries according to regional demand and weather-induced supply. That would be cool. America with its individual widespread states are also in a position to do this.

What's also cool is that with an EV future comes a means to store energy on a national scale with a decentralised system. Draw electricity out of the car when there is a deficit or demand spike and recharge it when there is a surplus or slump. The Nissan Leaf and Ford EV truck already support bidirectional charging, it's feasible and just needs appropriate incentives... It's expensive to keep power plants on idle 24/7 waiting for 5pm when there's a spike in usage as everyone comes home, this could alleviate that.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Aloha on August 17, 2023, 03:43:29 PM
I was at the gas station filling up when a EV pulls into the stall next to me.   :think:.  I was confused as to why since air and water are in a different area.  He gets out his car and a long pause.   He then gets back into his car and drives off  :dunno:. 

Must have still been sleepy and thought he was in another car of his? 
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: powernoodle on August 18, 2023, 01:17:42 AM
(https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif) (https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif) (https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif) (https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif)  Aloha.

Okay, the guy in the story below is an idiot, but it does point out the obvious problems with pure EVs.


https://tinyurl.com/bdhssf24
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Vidar on August 18, 2023, 05:01:07 AM
We have experienced the opposite variation of Aloha - non-EV cars parked in front of the chargers, and of course not charging either. I can only assume they consider it free parking until the day they get towed away.

Okay, the guy in the story below is an idiot, but it does point out the obvious problems with pure EVs.

I believe that should be qualified as a regional/ country problem with charging infrastructure. The longest trip we have driven so far was roughly 1200 miles and that wasn't an issue at all. We charged while eating or sleeping.

As for the bumper it seems to me that isn't an EV related issue at all as a bumper fix hardly has anything to do with the cars drivetrain? Our car got bumped while parked and the insurance company treated it like any other bump at a normal car repair facility. The week after it spent a day getting fixed and that was it.

The bumper issue reminds me of a relative that has been in an EV once and he thought it had horrible suspension. From there he made the generalization that all EVs have horrible suspensions, and he will surely never ride one again. Again not really an EV issue as such, but more likely an issue with that specific car, model or brand.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 19, 2023, 01:34:01 AM
(https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif) (https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif) (https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif) (https://emoticons.datahamster.com/biglaugha.gif)  Aloha.

Okay, the guy in the story below is an idiot, but it does point out the obvious problems with pure EVs.


https://tinyurl.com/bdhssf24

I am familiar with that guy's story.  He actually didn't have a problem until he crossed into the US, which is an important distinction.

The Federal Government of Canada has invested heavily in electric infrastructure and you see them 8n a lot of places, interestingly not only at gas stations, but also at businesses and even in parks.  There are charging stations almost everywhere, and the rates to tend to be (more or less) regulated.

In the US charging points are all privately owned, and service providers can put them wherever they want and charge as much as they like.  Because of this, the quality and condition of the chargers are a little more haphazard as they are dependant on companies or individuals to maintain and put up.  With relatively small incentives, providers tend to charge higher prices to recoup the greater investment they have in the units.

I also think Bala is a bit of a prima donna, looking for media attention to make himself feel special.  This is probably why the dealer took so long to fix the truck- they likely didn't want to deal with him.

Youtube Channel The Fast Lane put a Camper on the back of a Ford Lightning and drove from Colorado to Alaska without so many problems that they had to rent an ICE vehicle.

https://youtu.be/bo47H2zwPjo

Great series if you are up for it.

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Vidar on August 19, 2023, 02:44:25 PM
By now I've tried dragging modest hangers after the EV car a few times. The main issue is the added air resistance, so high closed hangers are more difficult. A hanger does make a significant impact - by now I would expect 25% to 40% reduction in range with a hanger. Likely even worse in winter.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: gregozedobe on August 24, 2023, 01:43:43 PM
By now I've tried dragging modest hangers after the EV car a few times. The main issue is the added air resistance, so high closed hangers are more difficult. A hanger does make a significant impact - by now I would expect 25% to 40% reduction in range with a hanger. Likely even worse in winter.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a "hanger" ?   
From the context it sounds like some kind of trailer, but I honestly have never heard of a trailer being called a hanger.
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: tinker gnome on August 24, 2023, 06:32:45 PM
Greg, you guessed right  :tu: Different countries, different names - in germany it would be an "anhänger".   :facepalm:

And a trailer is a short movie clip teaser ...  :ahhh
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Vidar on August 25, 2023, 12:40:01 AM
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a "hanger" ?   
From the context it sounds like some kind of trailer, but I honestly have never heard of a trailer being called a hanger.

Well, pardon my english I guess?  :D The combination of English and Norwegian, the infamous Noenglish, sometimes gets the better of me. (A trailer around here would be considered something the size of a 20" shipping container and upwards).

(If you're male and get invited to a Norwegian party which says you should wear a dress then you likely want to check for Noenglish too... ).
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 25, 2023, 01:59:24 PM
Greg, you guessed right  :tu: Different countries, different names - in germany it would be an "anhänger".   :facepalm:

And a trailer is a short movie clip teaser ...  :ahhh

Here in Canada a movie trailer is called a trailer as well- but then so is the motor less vehicle pulled behind a car, at least depending on what kind of anhänger it is.

For example, a trailer you can sleep in is called a Camper, one what folks in the UK call a caravan.  For us a caravan is how gypsies and traveling entertainers get around.

I've never heard of a trailer being called a hanger, but I think I like it and may start to use it to confuse people around here!  :D

Def
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: Vidar on August 25, 2023, 03:49:56 PM
I've never heard of a trailer being called a hanger, but I think I like it and may start to use it to confuse people around here!  :D

Def

I'm making an impact on the English language!  ::) I also lay claim to "coinsequence" - a coincidental consequence. That confuses people too it seems.  :D
Title: Re: Hybrid cars- anyone have one?
Post by: dks on August 28, 2023, 01:20:02 PM
Nice hangers Grant........


:)   :)