G. David Felt

Having looked at all the images online, I have to say that the interior and exterior other than the color which I like is a let down and I would even say for a Luxury brand looks cheap.

Due to my tradeshow season, do not have the time till June to do any writeups, but Lexus has released their Luxury version 3 row SUV EV that Toyota released as the Highlander and Subaru also has. Clearly not connected to the ICE Spindale grill or as many of us called the Predator mouth.

https://pressroom.lexus.com/all-electric-three-row-luxury-the-all-new-2027-lexus-tz/



The press release says 300 miles of range on Select Grade. Look at the fine print, this is a sea level level road, anything else is 250 to 280 miles of range. FAILURE Lexus / Toyota along with the 400V system.

49 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

It sounds like it all depends how big the storage is and how much you need to charge. It is possible you wouldn't have to pull from the grid though.

Took a look at the details in the recommended setup from PSE (Puget Sound Energy) and they say the typical house uses 20 to 40 kW over night and then having a battery pack equal too plus 10% for EV charging. PSE is recommending a 150 kW battery pack of storage so that I would not pull from the grid.

Tesla FAILURE, Promise, Promise, Promise, and never deliver. Roadster 2.0 with huge deposits and still no car. Tesla promised a Roadster with 0 - 60mph in 2.4 seconds.

BYD, sexy as hell as they deliver this roadster sexy monster! 0-60mph under 2 seconds.

BYD Denza Z: 1000hp electric hypercar convertible unveiled

6 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I mean, you'll probably pull from the grid since the EVs charge at night, but your NET will be adding to the grid daily rather than taking. 

I figure if I have storage, then I should pull from the storage at night rather than the grid and once the battery storage if filled, the surplus will go back to the grid during the day. Unless I am missing something.

Just now, A Horse With No Name said:

 

Ahhhh, this reminds me of so many good movies.

That building has been used in many movies.

This years Tradeshow building has been Brutal. I will be so happy when this is all over and in June I can get back to having time to write stories for C&G. I have a part 2 that I need to complete on all the added details around the MAGMA GV60 as that auto is so cool with the tech. It puts both BMW M series and the Mercedes AMG series to shame. Korea has really stepped up their game in performance.

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

In many states you can sign 1 or 2 year rate contracts. That only covers the cost of the generation and not the delivery, but even delivery is set by the state and is usually once a year rate change at most.  I've had green energy contracts for my house for years.  It's nice to know my rate is fixed. 

Here in Washington State, there are incentives to turn your roof into a complete Solar panel with storage and the county / state will buy back any excess. 

I have many coworkers who have done this and now just charge their EVs for free pretty much.

As one that is planning a complete remodel of the house for retirement as the wife and I have decided to stay put till we are 6ft under, the one thing I will do is change the roof into a 45-degree angle with complete solar panels and storage. The assessments are showing that I will more than be able to power the whole house and charge my EVs with no pulling from the grid, but excess that I can sell back into the grid.

EV is the future, Solar charging just makes it so much better.

Not surprised by this and would not be surprised if folks go over into Mexico and try to buy and drive back their Chinese auto.

Texas border city is filling up with sleek Chinese cars that are illegal to buy in the United States

What surprises me is I missed that Idiot47 has supposedly said if China wants to come in and setup factories and hire Americans, he is all for it. That is pretty much a death blow to American Auto Companies.

This is a 1yr old video I found that shows how much ahead China EVs are over the U.S. and Europe.

Korea is the only country that is competitive right now, Japan is so far behind.

This is what American Auto Companies fear, quality, feature rich commuter cars for $10k dollars.

I Just Drove a $10,000 Chinese EV. No, It Didn’t Suck

170-190 miles per charge, to 80% in 21 minutes, faster than any current Tesla. Weight is only 2,850 pounds, 250 lbs less than a traditional Mini ICE tech.

Clearly American Auto industry is living in the past and at their own peril. The death of American auto industry due to NOT ignoring Idiot47 and moving forward with Technology.

3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

You're welcome!

Yep, the problem is that it isn't the future for the rest of the world. That's the NOW for China and Europe (if I remember correctly from the video). The US is soooo far behind. It does make me curious about the Ford and CATL and/or BYD partnerships that have been going on. I'm sure Ford isn't getting that technology though. 

Yes, you are correct that it is the NOW for EMEA and APJ.

BYD breaks down final barriers to electrification with Blade Battery 2.0 and FLASH Charging - BYD

BYD has a Battery pack storage system that goes with this for areas that have weak electrical grid system. Clearly, they are not only thinking of Europe, but Africa, South, Central and North America markets long term as well as all over the Asian rim. Clearly, they are so far ahead of America due to incompetent leadership.

Yes, Ford says they are still working with CATL and BYD but for products in China and elsewhere, due to Idiot47 the U.S. market will not get this technology at this time. That tends to tell me that he knows it will not come here as long as Idiot47 is in office and then all bets are off, but can Ford and GM stay independent, or will they have to merge with someone?

GM Buick EVs have moved to 900V tech for 10 min to 80% charge times using China technology, but will it ever go any other place? EMEA I can see it as those countries have already allowed China in. APJ but outside of China, I am not aware that GM has moved back into any other market than the little bit they have in Korea.

Interesting times for sure.

Per the press release, the 8th of April 2026 the first Flash Chargers opened in Paris France.

DENZA Z9GT to start Europe’s FLASH Charging revolution in April: Ready in 5, Full in 9, Cold Add 3 - BYD

3 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

The nail is in the coffin, economically. 

 

The collapse will cause an every country for themselves attitude and it will be the final days for ICE and OIL and the Auto Companies that caved into Idiot47, AKA American Auto Companies are going to pay big time as they continue to become nothing in the new world order of Tech EVs. American Auto Companies have gotten the last of my dollars. 

Awaiting to see how Kia / Hyundai does with the Truck Market here. Their Mules are still in LA for the EV9 Pickup that I would love to have to compliment my current EV9.

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

@G. David Felt I came across this video and thought you'd appreciate it. It's a long video, but with you being the tech guy that you are, you should be entertained by it all. If you wanted to skip to the charging session itself, you'll want to skip to like the 42 minute mark.

I hope the link works because YouTube links don't show up in my feed on my work computer, but hopefully this does for you guys. 

 

Thanks for the Link, yes I see the video and that is freaking cool. We are so far behind when this is the future.

Interesting, but I totally get it, who cares about the badge if you get the technology, comfort and performance you want.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/buying/76-of-drivers-say-luxury-badges-aren-t-worth-it-anymore-here-s-what-they-want-instead/ar-AA20Hs8L?ocid=msedgntp&pc=W069&cvid=69f12a480b1645319bc420ef729815ff&ei=61

19 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

A good take on the manosphere. 

 

These kinds of guys are so stone age and can go 6 feet under imho.

I know some love Black, but I just never could get into these all black everything auto's. The Hyundai Ioniq9 is now available in their Calligraphy series Black Ink edition.

Hyundai Unveils 2027 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Black Ink Model - Releases - Official Media Site NEWSROOM

Seems China auto industry has taken the lovely Corvette from the very beginning of time and made it an awesome EV.
From electric vehicles to AI: China's next automotive revolution on display in Beijing

If you DO NOT want to be depressed about how cool the auto's are in China that Japan, Korea, European auto companies and China is showing off do not click the above link.

Fascist Idiot47 has truly destroyed this country and the ability to have cool auto's.

Interesting China only focused EV / EREV plan. Hyundai first 4 door sedan is different.

Hyundai Motor Reaffirms China Commitment at Auto China 2026, Unveils IONIQ V as First Step in New Product Offensive

20 new models in 5 years for China

At least some auto company is willing to step up and compete against China, not the Americans.

On 4/23/2026 at 7:52 AM, ccap41 said:

900 miles of range is so unnecessary. There is so much wasted weight going on there for that kind of range. 

Battery pack has not changed, so no weight gain from the battery pack. For those in fear of running out of battery, they then pay for the generator and gas tank so the weight there is the gain. I agree with you that with 404 miles of range, the Generator or what is being called EREV in the industry is not needed and waste of battery range due to the weight increase of the ICE motor / gas tank.

Sorry to owners of older Teslas — your car won't be fully autonomous
We'll I wonder how many folks will sue Musk / Tesla since he has always promised that all Tesla will be autonomous and now they have to replace the computer system and camera's of hardware 3 to go to hardware 4 to make them autonomous.

Honestly this is still a lie since without LiDAR and other tools, Tesla will never be approved for level 5 self-driving. GM, Mercedes are already ahead of Tesla. Kia/Hyundai/Genesis has new L2+ and L3 modes coming. Tesla is old tech dying based on lies imho.

Seems China is embracing the U.S. love of all things BIG BRICK SUV/TRUCKS.

Chinese cars go American with 'brutish' SUVs and trucks

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Haven't you posted proof that there is little to no difference between fast charging and L2/1 charging? 

Why do you get the point of it being a 400v EV? You always drag companies coming out with a new EV and not being on the latest 800v architecture? Why is this getting an exception?

Yes, many auto's show little to no difference, but there are some that have issues from the start and depending on how one cares for the auto or lack of care, one might as well see the battery report to see what the current condition is. Always good to check.

In regards to 400V, the lower cost EVs which are mostly used as commuter EVs and tend to be dominated with L2 charging allows for lower cost, so for those that cannot afford more expensive EVs, this is a solid solution.

Have to say that the VW/Xpeng EV lineup is pretty sweet. The jetta EV is a solid brick on wheels SUV look that I like, the others are very nice, but I am not a fan of the Coupe rear approach to EVs.

Auto China 2026: Volkswagen Group Unveils Record Product Offensive and Agentic AI Roadmap for China | Volkswagen Group

Nissan is also bringing it with their EVs and partner Dongfeng. The NX8 is a 404 miles of pure EV range, order it with range extender generator and the SUV covers 900 Miles.
Dongfeng Nissan launches the All-New NX8 in China

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

I don't know how it took so long for me to learn this, but I just learned the 2025 Prologues (and Blazers) received a new front motor with more power and, I'm assuming, it's more efficient. The AWD Touring models gained 13 miles of range along with 12hp and 22 lb-ft to make it 300hp and 355 lb-ft of torque up from 288hp/333lb-ft. 

We are in the greatest Auto change in history; change is happening faster than ever compared to how ICE evolved in the early 1900's.

Nissan just announced that their global EVs will have a 600 mile range solid state battery pack that is produced in their battery plant that opened in January 2025 and is in testing now. Expect next year as 2028 model year EVs to see these auto's hit the road.

https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY/ARCHIVE/ASSB/
Nissan's first EV powered by solid-state batteries on track for 2028

On 4/16/2026 at 2:57 PM, knightfan26917 said:

*
THIS weekend, 04.18.2026. ALL welcome, rain or shine. I will be in my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS with some model cars & other items.

# to TEXT me is on this page, under CONTACT & LINKS:
https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"You take the good, you take the bad" | Gloria Loring | 'The Facts Of Life'

Wishing you all the best for a fun relaxing weekend.

10 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I think that platform is do or die for Ford. If anything, everything not named F-150 or Explorer is likely on hold until that project is done. 

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

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.

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/

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?