G. David Felt
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Posts posted by G. David Felt
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6 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:
lol that use to be a joke when i was traveling for work with the energy company. I have friends in germany and there are certain stereotypes about german men's fashion that are proven true far too often and I can pick the german guy out of a lineup every time.
eh, it didn't make sense to run it as a separate division. I don't see a problem with this. It's not the end of EVs, just the end of the division. It never really made sense except for ford to do battle with their dealers. This is a paper move only.
Too funny on the German thing, but so true, there are consistent ways German's dress and I can always pick out relatives faster than anyone in a room due to how my extended family dresses on both sides. Germans are very interesting as a German myself.
In regards to Ford EV division, I agree that they should have never had two divisions, but getting rid of the person who was leading it with better insight into the EVs than turning this over to ICE people makes me think EV will always be second and that the Skunks work project in California will probably get minimized if not outright killed as the ICE leaders move all back to local Ford headquarters and leave it on the back burner as they refocus on going backwards in ICE development.
Ford not having cleaned up their books like GM did for debt, I feel is in a much worse position to compete with China and Korea. Japan will have consolidation as they try to step up, with EVs, some will survive others will die or get consumed and made into rebadge divisions.
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This imho is the start of the death of Ford. Going backwards to ICE and dissolving the EV division is a failure move.
https://electrek.co/2026/04/15/ford-doug-field-leaves-ev-unit-dissolved/
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Pretty interesting read, but wow: The rest of the charts are very eye opening.
How far will $1 get you in a diesel car and an EV, and which cars are cheapest to drive?
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32 minutes ago, ccap41 said:
FWIW, the public access chargers here at work only charge $0.20/kW. One of the three is only a really slow level 2 charger (stated 6.4kWh) and the other two are faster, but I still only think like 50kWh. All state $0.20/kW, which I was actually quite surprised to see. It's obviously still more than charging at home, but less than expected from a public charger.
While home charging is 10 cents per kW, The work chargers are 29 cents per kW which is still not bad compared to other public chargers around Washington state.
Tesla has had one affect here, initially they were very cheap compared to the first few public chargers, now that we have them all over from Rivian to EVgo, ChargePoint, etc. it is interesting to see that they are all within a penny or two of each other now, so the price has come down greatly.
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Seems it has been a bit since I looked at IONNA News channel, but wow, lots of tie ups with retailers.
IONNA and Circle K Enter Partnership to Expand Access to EV Charging in the U.S. at IONNA Rechargeries @ Circle K - IONNA
IONNA and Sheetz Combine Efforts in Opening American Roads to EV Charging - IONNAIONNA announces new partnership with Casey's - IONNA
Circle K, Sheetz, WAWA, Casey's, would not be surprised to see many more retailers connect with IONNA.
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1 minute ago, Robert Hall said:
Interesting.. we have Circle K and Get Go here in the Cleveland suburbs, and they tend to be small locations. The bigger stations around are Sheetz.
We are in interesting times and I think that those with the balls to look into the future past Idiot47 administration see change and growth as good for the EV industry.
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Very cool
Ionna has agreed to take over all Circle K's and will manage the charging network, upgrade where needed and add super fast DC charging at all locations.
https://insideevs.com/news/792988/ionna-circle-k-fast-charging-partnership/
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1 hour ago, ccap41 said:
Haha no more kids. We wanted two, got two, and I had a vasectomy last October.
I ran the numbers on keeping what I have and buying something economical to just drive to and from work and the numbers just never make sense.
If I remember correctly, the numbers were something like a 6k car averaging 40mpg wouldn't pay for itself in just fuel for nearly 5 years. A more modern hybrid averaging 60mpg and costing 12k (Ionic hybrid) still doesn't pay for itself for like 6 or 7 years on just fuel costs alone. I couldn't justify a payoff period that ends when the vehicle is nearly needing to be replaced.
It just makes more sense to buy what I want that is more economical.
Seeing more and more Ioniq 5 and EV6 being lease returned all with below 20K miles for around $30K which makes them a hell of a deal, and they you have the 18min recharge to 80%. L2 it at home and your sitting pretty, I think.
Like you, had a vasectomy after the wife and I decided no more kids, best thing ever for us. Love my two and the 3 grandkids I have.
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4 minutes ago, ccap41 said:
I'm not THAT opposed to a sedan, but I'd be more leery of a small company like that, that doesn't exactly have somewhere reasonable to service it, more than it being a sedan.
I can understand the dealership access point and BYD is doing that in Canada and Mexico with BYD Dealerships to support their EVs.
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3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:
The really do like that Lucid though. If it wasn’t a sedan, I’d tell @ccap41 to watch for those also. They’re on my alert list.
Amazing the low miles and price.
Lucid RWD 13,824 miles asking $41,000
Used 2024 Lucid Air Pure for sale in Lynnwood, WA 98037: Sedan Details - 776958761 - Autotrader
Lucid AWD 13,748 miles asking $42,980
If I go away from Washington State, I find this one in Florida
Lucid AWD 12,880 miles asking $37,995
Used 2023 Lucid Air Pure for sale in Orlando, FL 32811: Sedan Details - 763594212 - Autotrader
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1 hour ago, ccap41 said:
Awesome information and I'll just continue to keep an eye on them. Thank you
Also, are two year leases a common thing? I think I've only ever heard of three year leases.
@G. David Felt, what's your lease?
I did the rarest of leases, 3yrs at 15,000 miles a year. Most especially for the Cadillac Lyriq were 2 year leases at 10,000 miles a year. Of the 1.2 million EVs being returned this year, pretty much all of them are low mile 2 year leases so you should be able to find a number of good low cost deals to buy on an EV.
4,813 were ZDX with the bulk on low mileage 2yr leases.
There are 28,402 Lyriq's low mileage lease returns coming back this year.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/cadillac/lyriq/cadillac-lyriq-sales/
Q1-2025-Kelley-Blue-Book-EV-Sales-Report-04-11-25.pdfAcura ZDX
AWD
Cadillac Lyriq
RWD
AWD
Kia EV9
RWD
No used yet, just new New 2026 Kia EV9 Light for sale in Renton, WA 98057: Sport Utility Details - 761201098 - Autotrader
AWD
Used 2024 Kia EV9 Wind for sale in Tacoma, WA 98409: Sport Utility Details - 772435775 - Autotrader
Kia EV6
RWD
AWD
Used 2024 Kia EV6 Light for sale in Tacoma, WA 98409: Sport Utility Details - 772435774 - Autotrader
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52 minutes ago, ccap41 said:
Awesome information and I'll just continue to keep an eye on them. Thank you
Also, are two year leases a common thing? I think I've only ever heard of three year leases.
@G. David Felt, what's your lease?
I did the rarest of leases, 3yrs at 15,000 miles a year. Most especially for the Cadillac Lyriq were 2 year leases at 10,000 miles a year. Of the 1.2 million EVs being returned this year, pretty much all of them are low mile 2 year leases so you should be able to find a number of good low cost deals to buy on an EV.
4,813 were ZDX with the bulk on low mileage 2yr leases.
There are 28,402 Lyriq's low mileage lease returns coming back this year.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/cadillac/lyriq/cadillac-lyriq-sales/
Q1-2025-Kelley-Blue-Book-EV-Sales-Report-04-11-25.pdf -
We'll the collector status and instant markup for ownership seems to be over for high power muscle cars.
The last Dodge Challengers were supposed to age into money, not lose $14,000 with delivery mileage
Seems more and more investment companies / banks are down rating Tesla and expect a market correction of about 60% downward for the stock.
JP Morgan Concerned Tesla Stock Will Crash by 60 Percent in Face of Ongoing Business Failures
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If this ends up being true, then solar power will overcome many other forms of energy production, just need large scale storage.
Solar breakthrough as scientists achieve 'impossible' efficiency level
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2 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:
They should have lost more.
Total loss including what they wrote off in their global operations around the world hit $28 billion, the largest ever. Course it does not help propping up old brands that were brought back but still cannot stand on their own like Alfa, Maserati, etc. The Italian brands just have never had quality nor been desired by the bulk of the world.
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2 hours ago, ccap41 said:
Are you saying you'd stop to ask questions to somebody breaking into your house before protecting your family?
I am all for the second amendment rights, I always protect my family, friends and neighbors first against someone who does intend violence. Yet based on the stupidity we have seen in the south with guns, I also feel one needs to have some common sense.
Course my response was sarcastic which clearly failed to come across here, but I do remember these stupid folks who were out threatening as a peaceful protest walked by their house.
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On 3/22/2026 at 8:09 PM, smk4565 said:
The VLE probably has better interior space for passengers than a GLS or Escalade, and can offer roomier seating like a big first class airline seats. Better kid hauler too. But this won't sell in the US. Probably works in China. I don't know what the price is going to be, but I feel like people won't pay it, they'll buy an SUV even if it doesn't suit their needs as well.
I agree that it does have far more space inside than a GLS, Escalade or any other full size SUV.
Still feel that the Minivan scene would take off more if they were styled like an SUV and had AWD.
I see now more of the Kia Minivan around the Seattle area than Chrysler, Toyota, or Honda and people I talk with love the style plus all the room inside.
As @Drew Dowdell pointed out, I do hear that others wish the stow and go seats would be incorporated into other makes. I have to figure there is a patent issue or some legal issue as to why Honda, Toyota, Kia have not done it yet. -
Interesting comparison of the two newest fully electric AWD Minivans from Buick and Mercedes to this.
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12 hours ago, smk4565 said:
I don't like gloss black on any car, but other than the the shape and styling look pretty good and fits the Kia brand. This wold be sales fire if there was a tax credit, I think it will do okay but a Seltos is so much cheaper, that is what they are up against.
Kia has not stated what the starting prices will be here yet, but pricing in Europe and Asia and other markets have the EV3 very cheap.
Today in Europe, the EV3 starts at $33,000 Euros which is $38,029.00 in USD.
I realize that the Seltos starts $10,000 less than the EV3, but still pricing is reasonable I feel.
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51 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:
Is there a manufacturer that isn’t having major engine issues lately? I think Subaru cleaned up their gasket issues. Mazda seems pretty safe, and…. That’s it?
Mazda has issued recalls affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles, primarily for wiring faults, suspension issues, and manufacturing defects that could impact safety.
Recent and Notable Recalls
Mazda3 and CX-3 (2013–2020): Close to 200,000 vehicles were recalled due to a wiring fault that may cause the rearview camera to flicker or display distorted images, increasing the risk of accidents. Owners will be contacted by Mazda when parts are available, and repairs are free of charge.
CX-60 and CX-90 (2023–2024): 860 diesel variants were recalled over unspecified issues affecting these SUVs.
CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid (2025): 1,007 units were recalled for front suspension bolts not tightened properly, which could lead to loss of drive power.
Mazda3 (2018–2020): Previous recalls included software issues causing false automatic emergency braking and powertrain control module errors that could stall the engine.
Other recalls: Some Mazda models, including the Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-9, MX-5, and Mazda 2, have been affected by low-pressure fuel pump cracks and other safety-related defects. -
18 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:
this thing is cool and totally buildable
That is so much better than the Ford Bronco IMHO.
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14 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:
Live from NY
I know it’s just a mild refresh, but it actually looks pretty good in person.
BOLT 3.0 Minivan style
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18 minutes ago, ccap41 said:
Haha right?!
Then again, I don't actually know what has been wrong with the Bronco. I know right out of the gate it had the horrid hardtop wind issue, but I don't actually know what's been wrong with it since.
To sum it up for the Ford Bronco series:
Engine and Mechanical Issues
One of the most serious problems involves the 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, particularly in early Bronco Wildtrak models. Owners have reported sudden engine failures due to faulty valves, which can break and damage the engine block or head, sometimes before 5,000 miles. This issue is linked to a bad batch of valves produced between July and October 2021, and Ford has not issued a recall for it. Other engine concerns include misfires, rough idling, and check engine warnings, often resolved with software updates or sensor replacements. Fuel starvation and incorrect oil dipsticks have also caused engine damage in some cases.Transmission complaints are less severe but include rough shifting at low speeds and delayed engagement from a stop. These issues are usually addressed with software updates or recalibration.
Electrical and Software Problems
Electrical issues are common, including warning lights activating without cause, infotainment system glitches, and sensor errors. While these rarely prevent driving, they can lead to frequent dealership visits and affect owner confidence. Lane-keeping assist, traction control, and brake system alerts may also appear unexpectedly, particularly in newer models.
Build Quality and Exterior Concerns
Owners report hardtop defects, such as cracking, delamination, and poor fit, especially in early removable hardtops. Ford has replaced some early hardtops with the updated MIC 2.0 version under warranty, but issues like honeycombing or leaks may persist. Other build-quality complaints include interior rattles, loose trim, and water leaks around roof panels.
Recalls and Safety Concerns
The 2021 and 2022 Bronco models experienced multiple recalls and NHTSA complaints, including airbag sensor malfunctions, seatbelt latch problems, and windshield breakage. The 2022 model had nine recalls affecting over 175,000 vehicles, while the 2023 model had eight recalls with safety concerns like child safety lock malfunctions. Later models, such as 2023–2024, show fewer recalls and improved reliability.To sum up the Wrangler issues:
Engine Problems: Certain models, with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, experienced oil contamination, misfires, rough idling, and valve timing issues, sometimes leading to engine seizure.
Electrical and Steering Issues: JL models had frame welding defects, “death wobble” steering problems, and Uconnect infotainment glitches, which were mostly resolved by mid-2019.
Rust and Frame Integrity: Older TJ models (1997–2006) are praised for mechanical simplicity but may suffer from rust and frame issues, especially in regions with heavy road salt use.
Recalls: Wranglers have had recalls for airbags, power steering, and, in 2025, fire risks in 4xe plug-in hybrid models.
Random Thoughts Thread
in The Lounge
Posted
Will be interesting to see how this plays out for sure for Ford.
Interesting that Nissan is returning to old names but not for America.
Seems Nissan is moving the Juke to an All EV platform. Interesting no press release, just this release on their official You Tube channel.
Found brief mention in this more global press release with two images of the Juke and Skyline.
Nissan sets long-term direction with Vision of Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life