G. David Felt

I was at one time excited about Polestar and trying out their EV as a possible on my list to buy. Now, NOPE, Not Gonna Happen. Where at all possible, I am avoiding buying anything from China.

Yes, Once the Chinese parent company bought Volvo and Polestar, they choose to move the Polestar division to China and make it a pure EV performance line built in China. That is my understanding of the purchase of those two companies. Geely is the parent owner of those two auto companies.

Interesting to see that Mercedes has posted to their Instagram account an EQS/EQB picture and wow, talk about a styling failure when at a quick glance one cannot tell the difference. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfFcH01v-3t/

Mercedes-Benz first EV built in America is the EQS SUV and their third model built on the Mercedes-EQ architecture. This top-of-the-line Mercedes EV offers space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers and will be offered with a high-level of flexibility to fit a wide range of customers' needs arriving at dealerships fall 2022 with a starting price of $104,400. The EQS will come in the following models, EQS 450+ SUV, EQS 450 4MATIC SUV and EQS 580 4MATIC SUV. For the U.S. market these three models will have three trims available. Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle with each trim level showcases EQ-specific technologies and luxurious features along with a long list of customization options. The EQS has an optional third-row seating and electrically adjustable second row seating as standard allowing customers the flexibility, they desire in Mercedes Top of the Line SUV. Mercedes believes this will give everyone the space they desire in the best or nothing focus of Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes EQS 450+ and 450 4MATIC SUV will have a standard 12.8" OLED multimedia touchscreen in Portrait mode for controlling all things inside and outside of the EV. The EQS 580 4MATIC SUV will come with the MBUX Hyperscreen, a 56" curved glass surface that has three displays merged seamlessly under the top glass While Mercedes has not released any 450+ or 450 4MATIC interior images yet, it is assumed it will mirror the EQS sedan interior in the lower levels. Image below is of a EQS sedan entry level dash and Portrait OLED screen. Mercedes MBUX system extends to the second row for compete comfort control of the rear passengers. Mercedes has stated that all three models will come with the latest MBUX software that now offers an intuitive new zero-layer interface, ensuring key applications are always at the top level of the screen so that the driver no longer has to scroll through submenus or give voice commands to access commonly used applications. The EQS SUV family will all have the following SUV-specific features within the instrument cluster: Off-road mode which will show the following Steering Angle Suspension height Elevation Geo coordinates Power level and more Additional modes will also be available Heads-up display Customizable to show all features Additional features will be announced as Mercedes gets closer to shipping date The Mercedes EQS SUV family will have a new navigation system to work with the new MBUX software. This new EQ-Specific navigation system will seamlessly plan the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, and dynamically react to traffic jams or change in driving style. This new system will use past data and with the EQ Intelligence look into the future taking into account energy demand calculated for the route traveling. Included in this calculation is the topography, route, ambient temperature, speed, heating and cooling requirements and more such as traffic situations along the planned route, availability of various levels of charging stations, including their availability, capacity and payment functions. Mercedes me Charge will come with every EQ EV offering the customers the benefit of truly hassle-free charging experience. A wide variety of charging options will be available to Mercedes me Charge customers offered by various providers. EQS SUV customers will receive the first two years complimentary Mercedes me Charge access via Electrify America where the EQS SUV drivers will have unlimited 30-minute DC Fast charging sessions across North America once account activation is done. Mercedes says this is part of their Ambition 2039 plan to be a global EV only auto company with complete neutral CO2 production. The EQS SUV depending on configuration will have up to 536 HP from their progressive electric powertrain and will exceed every expectation for their customers in comparison to the Flagship S-Class segment. EPA range figures are as follows: EQS 450+ 305 miles of range per charge EQS 450 & 580 4MATIC SUVs will have 285 miles of range per charge The 2023 EQS SUVs arriving at Dealerships fall of 2022 will have the following Trim Levels as a glance: The above prices exclude the required $1,150 destination and delivery charge. More details will follow as Mercedes gets closer to shipping. For all the current details Mercedes says to visit their web site. Luxury Cars - Sedans, SUVs, Coupes & Wagons | Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa.com) View full article

@ccap41 @Drew Dowdell @oldshurst442 @surreal1272 @A Horse With No Name Hertz has signed a deal with BP to build a National Network in North America of Fast EV Chargers that will be tied into all Hertz EV rentals for knowing where to get a fast charge and BP has stated for a fee, these chargers will be open to the public for fast charging. Hertz, bp collaborate to accelerate EV charging in North America | Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. QUOTE: The agreement also involves the management of Hertz’s charging infrastructure by bp pulse and the customization of its Omega software to ensure Hertz’s growing fleet of electric rental cars are recharged quickly and efficiently between rentals. Omega supports fleet operations by automating charging when the power price is low, while providing real-time visibility to EVs, chargers, power usage, and more. Quote: Bernard Looney, bp chief executive, said: “It’s brilliant to be joining forces with Hertz – quite simply, they are one of the biggest names on the road. Working together to deliver charging facilities and design solutions, we believe we can take the EV driving experience to the next level for US customers. And this is just the start for bp pulse in the United States.” bp acquired fleet charging and energy management company Amply Power in 2021 as part of its commitment to grow mobility and fleet products and services in North America. Amply Power, now rebranded as bp pulse, began installing charging infrastructure at 25 Hertz rental locations in multiple states in 2022. This should put to rest any concerns by anyone about renting an EV when you can Fast Charge at Hertz locations as well as many of thousands of other places. QUOTE: bp pulse is expanding its global network of high-speed charging for cars, light commercial vehicles, and trucks, with a global target of more than 100,000 chargers by 2030, with about 90% of those rapid or ultra-fast chargers. The company also is partnering with fleet operators to accelerate the electric transformation of their fleets. IMHO Electricity is the new Oil Barrons of the Future. Just like Shell that has been buying up charging companies across Europe, Asia and the Americas. BP and others are also seeing the writing on the wall. Oil will always be here as it is used in tons of other products, but the auto industry days of ICE are tagged for replacement by EVs and Electrical charging. Knowing that it takes a bit of time to Charge, Hertz is having Relaxing Massage chairs for people to rest in. If you want to check out a Chinese made EV, then head to Hertz and rent one.

@ccap41 This will help as the final 17 states have approval that has triggered the first of the funds to install coast to coast along all national highways Chargers. States get final OK to build highway EV charging network | AP News QUOTE: The Transportation Department said it had OK’d EV charger plans from a last set of 17 states, triggering the release of $1.5 billion in federal funds to all jurisdictions nationwide — or $5 billion over five years — to install or upgrade chargers along 75,000 miles (120,000 kilometers) of highway from coast to coast, with a goal of 500,000 EV chargers nationwide. Plans for the other 33 states and the District of Columbia were approved earlier this month.

No, I have not had a chance to see a GMC Hummer or the Rivian in person yet. While I have seen plenty of Rivian R1T around this area, I also saw on the news that the Bellevue service and delivery center had their first R1S's, I have not seen like you one in the wild yet. Thank you for posting, awesome to see. I do like just about everything on the Rivian both internally and externally. GMC Hummer, my big issue that we have discussed here in other threads and @Robert Hall and I believe others here have also mentioned is the depressing black all interiors and the lack of options for said interior colors. The First Edition GMC Hummers were a no go with that ugly colored black and white or was it grey and white, NASA inspired theme. While the wife and I both like the external styling, the internal is a failure to us for colors, style and layout is fine. I have to say that I am really liking the Rivian look and style works so well. It is going to be interesting to see what GM and Ford does for Full size SUV EV style. I also already responded to a GM survey on full size SUV/Trucks and bashed them about the lack of interior color options and exterior color options. Why does an EV from GM not have a green color of some sort to show off their Green Auto's?

As many know, @ocnblu always attacked me for not owning an EV, but I do not fit into anything but full-size auto's and even then, I need a test fit as every auto is different. I would not agree with your last statement. Tesla owners have come to see their EVs and Charging times to work for them so one could not say it is not an IDEAL situation as many are fine living with the longer charge times. I would say that EV ownership and EV rentals is NOT IDEAL for some portions of humanity at this time. We know for a fact that in places in Africa where they do not have reliable or any electricity, that an EV will not work yet. Though never say never as Rivian did prove that driving an EV from the southern tip of South American back to the US through central American can be done. A road trip I hope to do one day myself as I love road trips.

Sure, for local driving I tend to never let the tank get below half and I refill, but I know my wife is going on a road trip with her sister on thursday, so she should come back in the Escalade on empty so I will check this out. One thing to point out about the statement you have above, that is based on perfect conditions and we know most gas stations DO NOT service their equipment until forced too except for Costco which seems to stay on top of changing fuel filters on their tanks. I find due to the vapor recovery hose system which I hate as it slows things down when fuel vapors push back up and click off or slow down the pump that most stations as the filters get dirty, the longer it takes to fuel. West Coast especially all fuel pumps have this damn nozzle that really can slow down dispensing of the fuel, but I get it as it keeps the vapors from going into the ozone. This was a good read. Why Do Gas Pumps Run Slow? (jalopnik.com)

I would not call @ccap41 Tucker as some might confuse it with the great auto pioneer Tucker and his dream car that the Legacy OEMs destroyed. He has a right to see how he sees things as do you and me. Honestly it has been a good debate, you and I see no problem with a little longer time to re-charge an auto just like we do for our laptops, phones, etc. Others find change hard. In @ccap41 point he sees the benefits of EVs for home use, local driving, he just does not see it for rentals and that is fine. If he visits Hawaii after 2030, his only choice will be an EV for rental as the Islands are doing everything they can to change to green energy and reduce emissions by requiring all rental places to have EVs starting with 2030 for rent. I honestly think we will see more rental companies watch Hertz and over the next few years start buying EVs for rent as people get more comfortable. Some folks like myself love living on the edge of technology and change, others want more comfort in what is established and known. Others yet are willing to die to keep things stagnant and that is how great societies have died and fallen. We have history to prove this as you look at the Egyptian empire, Roman Empire, Persian Empire, Gangu's Kaan Empire, Russia and the great cold war and the fall of Communism and how now Russia wants to rebuild their empire thinking they can force humans back into the old ways. Too late, too little, society will always move forward and those that resist change eventually fall to the wayside.

? I love how you and few others always say 5 min give or take a minute. I only see that for subcompacts. Most mid-size auto's take 10 minutes to fuel give or take a minute and full size; you have 20 minutes for sure. I have never seen my Escalade fuel up 33 gallons in less than 20 minutes at Costco or Fred Meyers, etc. I think due to the habit of fueling many people do not think about how long it takes to fuel an auto anymore especially if they drive a compact or sub-compact auto, yes those run 5 to 10 minutes at most. Everything else is longer.

@ccap41 @oldshurst442 Due to the ease of adding chargers, this is becoming far more popular and will help with the transition to EVs over the crazy cost and EPA requirements for gas stations. Campgrounds with EV charging stations in North America (chargehub.com) Jeep EV Charging Stations at Off-Roading Trails to Be Built (businessinsider.com) Jeep Wrangler 4xe Charger & Charging Station | Enel X Way Rivian has published a map showing the off-road areas they are going to install or have installed Fast Chargers at like MOAB, Rubicon Trail, etc. Electric Bolt shows where they are installed already on the map. Charging - Rivian Update, Nation Parks have started to post all the charging stations and when new ones open due to the ease of installing chargers compared to fuel stations. electric vehicle charging stations - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Seems Camping web sites are tracking this too. 6 National Parks With Convenient EV Charging Stations - Campendium

LOL, comfort over MPG in my household as why I have a performance SS, Performance Custom built Suburban also 9 mpg empty or full of people and my Escalade ESV at 14 mpg. LOL Also, thinking on the on-Vacation travel as I just got back from visiting a friend for a long weekend from Galveston Texas and I noticed as they took my wife and I to the boardwalk to walk about and see the beach area that all the parking was paid parking with a 3hr maximum parking requiring one to have to move their ICE auto no matter what. Thinking on this, it was this way also in Hawaii when my kids took us to Maui for a year and half late celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary. Many tourist areas have time limits requiring one to move their auto, ICE or EV. Even in large cities, like NY or Seattle there are time limits regardless of the type of auto, so moving one from a charging spot after 2 to 3 hours is no different than moving one's ice auto IMHO. At least with all the EVs on the market, one can monitor their EV while it charges and know when it is full so they can go move it.

H'mmmm ? We'll you cannot put the fuel pump in the gas tank, start the fueling and walk away from the auto and come back a few hours later. They would tow your auto so others could use the fuel pump. Tesla owners have not had a problem with charging their auto and moving it. In fact at the shopping stores that Tesla has installed superstations like Fred Meyers on the west coast, people plug in, go do their shopping, come back move the auto if they still need to continue to shop or if done, load up and leave. No big deal.

Many Chargers at local outdoor sporting areas are level 2 so it would take 2 to 3 hours to recharge and yes, one would hope you would remember to check on your EV and once fully charge, move it for others to use. But unlike Tesla and I have not seen any Tesla Supercharger stations near Ski resorts, but I could be wrong, one does not get dinged for sitting past the 5 minutes of grace Tesla gives you before they charge for sitting there not allowing the use of a charger. Like Apple Fans, Tesla Fans seem fine with sitting at their auto for the 30 to 45 minutes for charging and then move the auto and go on about visiting the area they are in. Hertz has been renting out all their Tesla and Polestar autos and have more on order as demand is greater for EV rentals than supply currently. I see no problem with the GM/Hertz EV purchase for EV rentals. Yes, some places will be far more receptive to this than others and only time will tell how people respond to the Charging time. Who knows, Hertz could end up with a big money maker as people return them at the 10% or higher mark and let Hertz use their 350 kWh 800V chargers to recharge the auto's. Hertz paid Tesla to install a few at each rental place of Tesla supercharging points and it seems they are well used as Tesla owners can also go to a Hertz and charge if they want having the rate charged back to their Tesla account.

So true and yet there is a market for people who do not care about MPG or kW per miles used. Example is I own an SS that gets on average 12 miles per gallon on Premium fuel but is a blast to drive.

This is not an auto for efficiency, but performance and ultimate off-road handling. It is a poster auto to show what can be done with various tech. No one should expect amazing range per kilowatt. Heck even the Tesla Platinum in their performance mode gets terrible ratings. Like all things, when it comes to showing off performance, mileage will always suffer.

Been a long time since I have seen the old plastic H2 hummer SUV on the road.

Interesting read! Very cool https://www.notebookcheck.net/9-000-lb-GMC-Hummer-EV-put-through-its-paces-in-a-highway-range-test-at-70-mph.657307.0.html

Very cool to see continued GM investments in EVs. https://electrek.co/2022/09/23/gm-invests-760m-ohio-plant-build-drive-units-ev-trucks/

I have to think that GM has shared their EV roadmap with Hertz under NDA and as such, the 5 years is based on buying each new EV released so they have a wide assortment of EVs. I honestly see no problem of buying the 175,000 EVs over the next 5 years. GM says they will have ramped up to be able to start producing 1 million EVs a year by the end of 2025. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Thank you for posting about outside of the U.S., interesting to see and on par with gas charging. Weird since it is so much cheaper than gas to do even with the wait time. Waiting to charge a car is longer than fueling a car if you can just pull up. Yet with that said, the Costco Gas site by the Maui airport where my kids took my wife and I this year to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary was a 20 min wait in line, another 10 minutes to fuel the auto, then off to the airport, so 30 minutes to get cheaper gas than what they charge you at the airport. Still took time and if the vacation time with your family and friends is more important, than like the gas, bringing it back empty and paying Hertz to fuel it is part of the vacation cost then is how I see it. So in that case, instant gratification as my vacation time is more important than the cost is how I would look at it. Since we had an afternoon flight out and had to leave our AirBNB rental by 11am, it was convenient to just stop, fuel, drop the auto and keys off and head to the airport. I see both sides of the coin. The businessman in me sees the increased profits and reduced maintenance of EVs for this over ICE and I can see why Hertz is doing it.

This is very cool to see, new C130 float planes. C-130 Seaplane Should Fly In 2023 Says Air Force Special Ops Commander (msn.com)