Random Thoughts Thread

[A Horse With No Name]

 

[G. David Felt]

Very informational review and I agree with the one thing which has to do with the auto dealer you choose.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/autos-suvs/i-lived-with-a-kia-ev9-for-a-year-there-s-only-one-thing-i-would-change/ar-AA1Q1aEh?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=691c8081e40b459d9571cf455c286261&ei=186

[A Horse With No Name]

 

30 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

Very informational review and I agree with the one thing which has to do with the auto dealer you choose.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/autos-suvs/i-lived-with-a-kia-ev9-for-a-year-there-s-only-one-thing-i-would-change/ar-AA1Q1aEh?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=691c8081e40b459d9571cf455c286261&ei=186

Let me check this out when I get home. 

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

Found multiple stories on this, but seems Gen 2 of the F150 Lighting is in the works, but due to the supplier issues, is looking at a 2027 debut. Currently Ford has confirmed that due to the Fire, the manufacturing line will be offline till at least mid 2026 before starting back up which would make sense for a gen 2 truck then, so will be interesting to see what they do. Does it go 800V, new platform rather than using the old ICE platform of the F150? Going to be interesting.
https://carbuzz.com/ford-lightning-second-generation/

I would have to imagine gen2 would be on its own bespoke platform, like the GM counterparts. I'd also REALLY hope they're smart enough to give it the best technology available with at least an 800v system. In all fairness, I don't believe there was an 800v EV out when the Lightning first debuted back in 2021. 

Before even submitting the comment I had to look up the first 800v EV and it was the Taycan in 2018. I know for sure it wasn't common back then. 

[G. David Felt]

Sadly Canada and Mexico get this bit we do not due to incompetence in D.C.

https://electrek.co/2025/11/18/kia-delaying-another-ev-indefinitely/

[G. David Felt]

3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

I would have to imagine gen2 would be on its own bespoke platform, like the GM counterparts. I'd also REALLY hope they're smart enough to give it the best technology available with at least an 800v system. In all fairness, I don't believe there was an 800v EV out when the Lightning first debuted back in 2021. 

Before even submitting the comment I had to look up the first 800v EV and it was the Taycan in 2018. I know for sure it wasn't common back then. 

The sad part was the Auto Industry had agreed on the 800V standard before Ford went forward with the F150 Lighting and your right Porsche Taycan took the standard and brought it to market first. Ford like so many other auto companies had bought the tear down on the Tesla and knew what Tesla was, why then only build to their 400V equal when the spec was agreed upon to 800V. GM did this and was not that far behind Ford in bringing their 800V EVs to market, so I feel Ford took short cuts to be second when they could have built better accepting that Rivian was already out at 400V and they could have hit the market with 800V on par with GM at the time.

Will be interesting to see what happens as the Koreans have stated to have mid-size and possible full size 800V EV pickups as well as Hybrid pickups coming out soon.

Interesting times for sure.

[oldshurst442]

40 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

The sad part was the Auto Industry had agreed on the 800V standard before Ford went forward with the F150 Lighting and your right Porsche Taycan took the standard and brought it to market first. Ford like so many other auto companies had bought the tear down on the Tesla and knew what Tesla was, why then only build to their 400V equal when the spec was agreed upon to 800V. GM did this and was not that far behind Ford in bringing their 800V EVs to market, so I feel Ford took short cuts to be second when they could have built better accepting that Rivian was already out at 400V and they could have hit the market with 800V on par with GM at the time.

Will be interesting to see what happens as the Koreans have stated to have mid-size and possible full size 800V EV pickups as well as Hybrid pickups coming out soon.

Interesting times for sure.

 

GM's Ultium formerly known as, is actually a 400V system.  The Chevy EV pick-up truck, the Hummer EV and the Escalade are dual 400V set-ups working in tandem to emulate a 800V set-up.  I guess the way the battery packs are set-up in that truck platform. The batteries stacked up one on top of the other. Amongst other things, I suppose. 

The other Ultium platformed EVs with the single battery pack is just a 400V set-up. 

But I also read somewhere that GM has an 800V successor platform ready to go on sale in China right now.  But is stalling due to reasons. Stalling here and there...   Rumours and/or disinformation it could be though.  
 

Edited 21 hours ago by oldshurst442

[oldshurst442]

In other news.

The usa still sucks shyte!!! 

 

If its a Democrat problem, then arrest all democrats on  raping women, sex trafficking and sex with under age girls.  

Yeah about that....

Trump is also on that list so...

Lets get this right.  The main idea on this is that trump is on that list... 

And it would be your president. 

Shameful, disgraceful and disgusting.

Unlawful, unruly and ungodly.

Not trustworthy, not ethical, not honourable and quite frankly, quite phoquing scary that americans are capable of accepting this shyte as their representative of their country and people.  ALL americans... 

 

Edited 21 hours ago by oldshurst442

[ccap41]

35 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

If its a Democrat problem, then arrest all democrats on  raping women, sex trafficking and sex with under age girls.  

Democrat, republican or independent; jail them and let them starve to death.

[oldshurst442]

Going back to the Ultium platform.

I said that the batteries on the trucks are stacked up on each other and amongst other things that make it an 800V system.

While true that the batteries on the Escalade, Hummers and Chevy EV pick up truck ARE stacked on top of each other, that does NOT make the system an 800V system.  The fact that the two battery packs are connected IN SERIES makes them an 800V system. And that was what I was inferring to when I said "amongst other things".  

I read somewheres that GM knew to make the Ultium platform an 800V system at launch but figured the EV charging system was not capable of charging at those 800V fast charging speeds then so a 400V system was good enough.     Again, I do not know if this is misinformation.   

GM went to dual 400V systems on two battery packs connected in series to emulate an 800V system on the trucks in that GM knew that range and charging speeds and all that where GM has an advantage to other truckish EVs were going to be a factor. 

The EV range on these truck EVs are amongst the best EV ranges in the world. Never you mind that there are two huge battery packs with a shyte ton of KW/H to them making at least one of the three trucks, the Hummer EVs, a very piss poor efficient EV.  (The Hummer SUV and the Hummer pick-up are blended into one product in my rants)  Some folk talk about how bad the efficiency is.  But most applaud the range of these EV trucks.   Also, these two huge battery packs make for extremely heavy EVs.  I would assume the most heavy of ANY civilian EVs on sale to date.  

Edited 19 hours ago by oldshurst442

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

 

GM's Ultium formerly known as, is actually a 400V system.  The Chevy EV pick-up truck, the Hummer EV and the Escalade are dual 400V set-ups working in tandem to emulate a 800V set-up.  I guess the way the battery packs are set-up in that truck platform. The batteries stacked up one on top of the other. Amongst other things, I suppose. 

The other Ultium platformed EVs with the single battery pack is just a 400V set-up. 

But I also read somewhere that GM has an 800V successor platform ready to go on sale in China right now.  But is stalling due to reasons. Stalling here and there...   Rumours and/or disinformation it could be though.  
 

Yes all but the full size are true 400V and according to their Ultium website they are 800V designed but purposefully throttled at 400V due to the current infrastructure not being ready for 800V. The full size is GMs hybrid version that supposedly could be turned on to 800V but a choice was made to go parallel for charging speed due to the larger than normal battery packs.

I honestly do not expect GM to actually push out a software update on the full size now that 800V DC fast charging is pretty common all over, more so on the west and east coast than the Midwest. 

GM and Fords failure is to not accept that the technology would transform so much faster which is why the Koreans are winning the EV tech battle especially being competitive with the Chinese. Ford CEO even admits that it was a mistake to not go 800V and GM while stating that generation 2 of their EV platform will be 800V across everything and could be higher makes me wonder if they really will push forward with better tech or lumber along rather than lead the industry.

While rare, we are already seeing 500V and above chargers coming out installed rather than additional 350V DC chargers. ChargePoint showed off their 500V chargers which I posted the press release about a while back and starting in January they will start updating all the oldest DC ChargePoint chargers with this new speedy unit that also has cut proof cables. Pretty much I feel the industry needs to move to 1000V EV powertrain systems at least if not 1,200V ensuring performance, charging speed, etc. IMHO.

[G. David Felt]

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last In 2025? - Coltura https://share.google/FTGgsi2XlYf0SmIg4

https://share.google/aimode/J9W5zgcy2aqrJYNZr

Recent research confirms that modern electric vehicle (EV) batteries have exceptionally low failure rates and are engineered to last the lifespan of the vehicle itself. For EVs from model years 2016 onward, battery replacement rates due to failure are well under 1%, excluding major recalls. 

Key findings from studies by research firms like Recurrent and Geotab, the U.S. EPA, and the Department of Energy include:

• Low Failure Rate Outside of major, specific recalls for manufacturing defects (which are covered by manufacturers), the overall battery replacement rate for modern EVs (model year 2022 and later) is around 0.3%.
• Long Lifespan Most new EV batteries are expected to last 15 to 20 years or 200,000 miles before any significant decline in performance would necessitate a replacement, which is longer than the average car lifespan in the U.S..
• Minimal Degradation Batteries degrade slowly over time, with an average rate of just 1.8% per year under moderate conditions. This means a 300-mile range EV could still offer about 250 miles of range after a decade.
• Comprehensive Warranties Federal law requires manufacturers to provide a warranty for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing the battery will maintain a certain percentage (usually 70%) of its original capacity. Many automakers offer even longer coverage. 

These findings challenge previous myths about EV battery durability and highlight the significant advancements in battery technology, thermal management systems, and smart software that optimize battery life. 

Honda Accord Hybrid has a software glitch that can cause the vehicle to lose power and potentially crash.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/honda-recalls-256k-cars-nationwide-over-potentially-dangerous-software-glitch

[G. David Felt]

Ouch, another recall of 400,000 autos by Honda for wheels falling off while driving.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/honda-recalls-400k-vehicles-for-risk-of-wheel-falling-off-while-driving.html

[G. David Felt]

https://www.howtogeek.com/kia-toyota-honda-reliability-comparison/

Seems Kia has stepped up where they are on par with Toyota and Honda who are seen resting on their Legacy.

[A Horse With No Name]

21 hours ago, ccap41 said:

I would have to imagine gen2 would be on its own bespoke platform, like the GM counterparts. I'd also REALLY hope they're smart enough to give it the best technology available with at least an 800v system. In all fairness, I don't believe there was an 800v EV out when the Lightning first debuted back in 2021. 

Before even submitting the comment I had to look up the first 800v EV and it was the Taycan in 2018. I know for sure it wasn't common back then. 

You have convinced me to look at Ford products with an open mind, will def. Test drive whatever they dream up. Right now enjoying the freedom of two paid for vehicles. If nothing else, the Ranger is really awesome at hauling lumber and Bicycles, and has oddly enough become one of my favorite ever vehicles. 

How times change, eh?

Regards,

Chris

10 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

https://www.howtogeek.com/kia-toyota-honda-reliability-comparison/

Seems Kia has stepped up where they are on par with Toyota and Honda who are seen resting on their Legacy.

Still major issues with all three, CVT transmissions seem to be a grenade in waiting, Honda has been having a number of mechanical issues, and have been unimpressed with Toyota as of late. 

Would love a Subaru for the AWD system, but the CVT thing scares me. 

I think the E-CVT in things like the Corrolla Hybrid and Maverick might be the best option. 

11 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Ouch, another recall of 400,000 autos by Honda for wheels falling off while driving.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/honda-recalls-400k-vehicles-for-risk-of-wheel-falling-off-while-driving.html

It's incredibly difficult to be an enthusiast with the modern offerings on SO MANY levels, why I have switched to music (stereo), hiking, woodworking, cycling, etc. 

11 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last In 2025? - Coltura https://share.google/FTGgsi2XlYf0SmIg4

https://share.google/aimode/J9W5zgcy2aqrJYNZr

Recent research confirms that modern electric vehicle (EV) batteries have exceptionally low failure rates and are engineered to last the lifespan of the vehicle itself. For EVs from model years 2016 onward, battery replacement rates due to failure are well under 1%, excluding major recalls. 

Key findings from studies by research firms like Recurrent and Geotab, the U.S. EPA, and the Department of Energy include:

• Low Failure Rate Outside of major, specific recalls for manufacturing defects (which are covered by manufacturers), the overall battery replacement rate for modern EVs (model year 2022 and later) is around 0.3%.
• Long Lifespan Most new EV batteries are expected to last 15 to 20 years or 200,000 miles before any significant decline in performance would necessitate a replacement, which is longer than the average car lifespan in the U.S..
• Minimal Degradation Batteries degrade slowly over time, with an average rate of just 1.8% per year under moderate conditions. This means a 300-mile range EV could still offer about 250 miles of range after a decade.
• Comprehensive Warranties Federal law requires manufacturers to provide a warranty for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing the battery will maintain a certain percentage (usually 70%) of its original capacity. Many automakers offer even longer coverage. 

These findings challenge previous myths about EV battery durability and highlight the significant advancements in battery technology, thermal management systems, and smart software that optimize battery life. 

Honda Accord Hybrid has a software glitch that can cause the vehicle to lose power and potentially crash.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/honda-recalls-256k-cars-nationwide-over-potentially-dangerous-software-glitch

Considering that every time I am in NYC or other major cities with Taxi's they all seem to have switched to Prius and they all seem to have half a million trouble free miles....yes...modern batteries seem to do well. 

[A Horse With No Name]

15 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

Going back to the Ultium platform.

I said that the batteries on the trucks are stacked up on each other and amongst other things that make it an 800V system.

While true that the batteries on the Escalade, Hummers and Chevy EV pick up truck ARE stacked on top of each other, that does NOT make the system an 800V system.  The fact that the two battery packs are connected IN SERIES makes them an 800V system. And that was what I was inferring to when I said "amongst other things".  

I read somewheres that GM knew to make the Ultium platform an 800V system at launch but figured the EV charging system was not capable of charging at those 800V fast charging speeds then so a 400V system was good enough.     Again, I do not know if this is misinformation.   

GM went to dual 400V systems on two battery packs connected in series to emulate an 800V system on the trucks in that GM knew that range and charging speeds and all that where GM has an advantage to other truckish EVs were going to be a factor. 

The EV range on these truck EVs are amongst the best EV ranges in the world. Never you mind that there are two huge battery packs with a shyte ton of KW/H to them making at least one of the three trucks, the Hummer EVs, a very piss poor efficient EV.  (The Hummer SUV and the Hummer pick-up are blended into one product in my rants)  Some folk talk about how bad the efficiency is.  But most applaud the range of these EV trucks.   Also, these two huge battery packs make for extremely heavy EVs.  I would assume the most heavy of ANY civilian EVs on sale to date.  

Give the tech time, it will come. As I said, very hard to be an enthusiast, GM is building some vehicles I find cool. But the days of thinking of a Cobalt SS SC for autocross are over, and the days of cheap cool vehicles are over. 

I REALLY like the current Hummer, Cadillac, and Truck (Silverado EV!) offerings from GM, but want to spend money retiring and spending time in the woods hiking, not paying off an eighty thousand dollar vehicle. 

16 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Democrat, republican or independent; jail them and let them starve to death.

We agree completely. I am more able to separate my rage from my posting lately, but what this acceptance of political leaders who do sexually horrible things to women does to survivors is vile, vile, and vile. 

And a huge number of women have ben victims of sexual violence or crazy non consensual stuff.  

17 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

In other news.

The usa still sucks shyte!!! 

 

If its a Democrat problem, then arrest all democrats on  raping women, sex trafficking and sex with under age girls.  

Yeah about that....

Trump is also on that list so...

Lets get this right.  The main idea on this is that trump is on that list... 

And it would be your president. 

Shameful, disgraceful and disgusting.

Unlawful, unruly and ungodly.

Not trustworthy, not ethical, not honourable and quite frankly, quite phoquing scary that americans are capable of accepting this shyte as their representative of their country and people.  ALL americans... 

 

Preferring the Hockey posts, although I agree with the sentiment.  

18 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

The sad part was the Auto Industry had agreed on the 800V standard before Ford went forward with the F150 Lighting and your right Porsche Taycan took the standard and brought it to market first. Ford like so many other auto companies had bought the tear down on the Tesla and knew what Tesla was, why then only build to their 400V equal when the spec was agreed upon to 800V. GM did this and was not that far behind Ford in bringing their 800V EVs to market, so I feel Ford took short cuts to be second when they could have built better accepting that Rivian was already out at 400V and they could have hit the market with 800V on par with GM at the time.

Will be interesting to see what happens as the Koreans have stated to have mid-size and possible full size 800V EV pickups as well as Hybrid pickups coming out soon.

Interesting times for sure.

Getting rid of the Chicken tax would probably doom legacy auto makers in the USA, they are really not set to operate in a free market. Why do you think they no longer offer many passenger cars?

[A Horse With No Name]

19 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Sadly Canada and Mexico get this bit we do not due to incompetence in D.C.

https://electrek.co/2025/11/18/kia-delaying-another-ev-indefinitely/

Americans will be driving these vehicles soon enough, when they are impounded for military use when our dear leader invades both Canada and Mexico. I am under zero illusions that things are going to become sane somehow. 

We are genuinely Nazi level in terms of our leadership. 

 

We live in a post truth world. 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

 

[A Horse With No Name]