G. David Felt

Consumer reports has had individual reports in the past on various specific models of electric vehicles, but they now publish the following report on the current state of EVs and the reliability of what is out there. Consumer-Reports-Insights-for-More-Reliable-Electric-Vehicles-Jan-2022.pdf Per the attached report above, we start looking at the latest overview they have put together: Per an Executive Order from President Biden, by 2030, half of all new vehicles sold should be zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. While EV sales are trending up, they currently make up only 4% of 2021 new vehicle sales. (Source: Wards Intelligence) CR’s 2021 Auto Reliability and Satisfaction survey results reveal that current EV owners are highly satisfied. In fact, survey respondents with EVs report the highest owner satisfaction (76%) of all vehicles (model years 2019 and higher). However, respondents also report significant reliability issues with EVs. Electric SUVs were the least reliable car category. Consumer Reports then had the following key insights and takeaways for auto manufactures: The reliability of EVs has significant room for improvement in order to appeal to the majority of new-car buyers who are looking for reliable vehicles. Reliability is “extremely important” (top box) to 71% of new-car buyers, according to CR’s most recent National Car Buying Survey. Despite the high satisfaction rates of current EV owners, who may have been early to adopt EVs for specific reasons such as environmental concerns or interest in new technologies, the mainstream car buyer prioritizes reliability. By providing additional data on EV reliability problem areas, CR hopes to influence future manufacturing decisions that make EVs more reliable, and in turn, more appealing to the majority of new-car buyers. There are lessons to be learned from CR’s Auto Reliability data to improve EV reliability: Compact Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids are the most reliable. While “simple” electric drive systems can and do have electrical failures and battery pack problems, most of these vehicles are built on proven systems. Electric SUVs are the least reliable. The highest problem areas in EVs often have no connection to the drivetrain. Issues are most commonly found in other components: In-car Electronics, Noises & Leaks, Power Equipment, Climate System, Body Hardware, Drive System, and Paint & Trim. Automakers should focus on building an electric platform and establishing the EV itself as a mainstream vehicle with the same systems and technology that have already proven reliable in their current lineups. If components other than the drivetrain have proven to be reliable, including them may increase the likelihood that the vehicle will have fewer issues. Next step in the Deep Dive of Consumer Reports was the EV Reliability Data which shows that for the 2021 Auto Reliability analysis, compact hybrid/plug-ins were the most reliable auto and electric SUVs were the least reliable per auto catagory. Consumer reports then shows that for 2019 to 2021 models, electric vehicles had higher problem rates than internal combustion engine vehicles. The sample showed the following: The EV reliability problem rates and top problem areas show that the following issues from electronics to noise and even paint and trim were considerable. These rates were from the optional survey questions that people filled out. While CR stated it was just an example of EV reliability problem areas, this does seem to show that one manufacture has more problems than others and begs the question of how legacy OEMs will do as they start to produce BEVs. In-car Electronics o Audi e-Tron MY 2019 In-car Electronics problem rate is 11 compared to the model year average of 3.4. Problems reported by CR members include the display screen going blank. Noises & Leaks o Tesla Model X MY 2020 Noises & Leaks problem rate is 9.6 compared to the model year average of 1.3. Problems reported by CR members include seals and weather stripping, air and water leaks, wind noise, and squeaks and rattles. Power Equipment o Audi e-Tron MY 2019 Power Equipment problem rate is 5.1 compared to the model year average of 1.5. Problems reported by CR members include exterior lights. Climate System o Tesla Model S MY 2020 Climate System problem rate is 6.9, 6.1 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include automatic climate control and temperature sensors failing. Body Hardware o Tesla Model X MY 2020 problem rate of 5.8 is 5.1 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include issues with gull wing doors not closing properly. Drive System o Chevrolet Bolt MY 2019 Drive System problem rate is 4.0, 3.3 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include electrical failure, drive unit replacement, and other faulty components. Paint & Trim o Tesla Model Y MY 2020 Paint & Trim problem rate is 7.2, 6.5 points above the model year average. Problems reported by CR members include trim coming loose, and blotchy/mismatched paint on body panels. This report makes one wonder if GM and Ford are paying close attention and how will Rivian fare when this report comes out in January 2023 for the 2022 year. Will we still see Tesla as the leader of EV reliability issues, or will some other auto company take its place? Insights for More Reliable Electric Vehicles - Consumer Reports Data Intelligence Insights and Impact - Consumer Reports Data Intelligence View full article

December 2021 possible customers and existing customers noticed that the production date for the Cybertruck had dropped off the reservation page at Tesla.com. The CEO later sent out on social media that he would have an update in the near future. Seems Reuters.com got the 411 on this info as now per a person familiar with the matter informed Reuters yesterday that production is pushed back to the end of 2022 with initial deliveries to be done at the end of the first quarter of 2023. Tesla as an electric car and suv builder has talked about electric semi-trucks and in 2019 revealed the Tesla Cybertruck to a much-flawed introduction, but a very successful reservation of the truck. Production was originally to begin in 2021 with deliveries by the end of the year. Due to the pandemic, Tesla delayed the truck as well as the semi to 2022. Now we learn that the removal of production dates means at the earliest 2023 with some insider revealing that production is supposed to begin at the end of 2022 with deliveries by the end of the first quarter of 2023 or end of March 2023. Yet, no test mules have been seen, the Texas assembly plant that is to be used for the Tesla Y and Cybertruck is still under construction. Latest picture from 1-11-2022, and as folks know, having the walls up is one thing, installing a production line, testing it and starting production has not been a smooth thing for Tesla. Rivian has started to in small numbers build the R1T truck and R1S SUV in limited numbers as they look to avoid the quality flaws that Tesla is still dealing with. Ford Motor company is on track to start deliveries of production trucks this spring as they fine tune things with the vast number of F150 Lighting pickup mules they have out. GM has started production of their Hummer pickup mules with production to start fall 2022 with deliveries planned before xmas 2022. Chevrolet and GMC will then have their F150 competitor out in 2023 around the same time as Tesla. This begs many questions that could be asked as Ford has seen their company stock for the first time ever breach the $100 billion market value surpassing GM at a time that GM is also reaching to break this major company milestone. CEO Elon Musk has now stated that a detailed product road map will be presented Jan 26th, 2022, at the earning call. Musk has blamed much of the FAILURE TO LAUNCH on the supply chain nightmare as he tweeted in late November 2021. Musk has also stated that Model Y production will begin at the Texas assembly plant in early 2022, yet as Tesla has proven, that could mean June 30th which would still be early 2022 as it falls in the first half of the year based on how Tesla tends to stretch things out. Exclusive: Tesla delays initial production of Cybertruck to early 2023 - source | Reuters View full article

Seems Bollinger is out of the retail EV game and focusing only on Commercial now.

Not really, in a country with socialized healthcare where everyone pays into the system, those that refuse vaccination and are putting the biggest burden on the system should pay more. Kind of how health care insurance here in the US if you smoke or chew tobacco have higher premiums than those that do not. Why not have those that ignore the science to stay healthy pay to cover their health needs? Makes sense to me. This is what I find confusing is that mRNA tech has been around for 40 years, being used to treat cancer and we have given such a better quality of life to Cancer survivors of which both my wife and I are survivors and yet people think this is to make you part of the BORG. The science is very solid and well tested. Crazy IMHO

Yup Roll Over protection since the autos from 20 to 30 years ago and older did terrible when an auto rolled over. Pancake flat.

True the 100K is over 3 years but with options for more and that is where the 500K has come in if they elect to activate all options from Rivian. Meanwhile Amazon is buying EVs from everyone for all over the world. They just placed a 10,000 EV van with a new EV startup in India to get converted over there. Indian EV startup EVage raises $28 million, will build electric vans for Amazon (hindustantimes.com) Amazon has stated they want the bulk of their last mile delivery fleet worldwide to be mostly EVs by 2030 unlike UPS or FedEx that has stated 2035 and 2040. Would seem Amazon is planning to compete big time with emission free delivery autos. Rivian has also started to take orders for other countries like Canada and Europe, Asia comes online sometime in 2022. For now as they scout for locations, UK is the latest site they are in talks about, but until they have plants elsewhere for production, Normal will be the site as well as Georgia. Yes, Rivian CEO has 6 other EVs planned to come out over the next 3 to 5 years that include cars too. Be interesting to see how this works out and how fast they do end up ramping up.

Happy Belated Birthday @balthazar Ya do not look a day over your 59 Buick!

Nissan has a great tech with CHAdeDo, they failed as they tried to do what Sony did with Beta, charge for others to use their spec. In 2020 they released the 500V CHAmoDo and stated it could easily do 1000V once they had finished testing. CHAdeMO 3.0 released: the first publication of ChaoJi, the new plug harmonised with China’s GB/T – Chademo Association Sadly, they realized no one was going to pay them and they should have taken the road like Panasonic did with VHS and pretty much let everyone just copy it for free to make it the standard. As such the CCS became the world standard. The site is still up for CHAdeMO Chademo Association – EV Fast Charging Organisation They even returned to trade shows in Dec 2021. Not sure how it will survive with the rest of the world going CCS/CCS2

So then another question, were you not vaccinated for going to school growing up?

Dec 16th, 2021, Rivian press release went out that the great state of Georgia had won for Rivian's second assembly plant campus. This carbon-conscious campus is to be built east of Atlanta, in Morgan and Walton counties. This is a $5-billion site development and manufacturing investment. Rivian stated this new 2,000-acre campus would have the following: Employ more than 7,500 workers Produce up to 400,000 auto's a year Renewable energy production Construction of the plant begins summer of 2022 with production slated for some time in 2024. Now we find a posting of the Site Plans Map and Description on the https://www.rivianforums.com site that gives us far more details about the new campus. Thanks to AdamsFan1983 for posting this. This map plan expands showing that not only will it be an assembly plant, but we also see the additional following details: Adventure trail and test track On-site delivery center 144 chargers for outbound vehicle prep R & D three story building Training facility Considerable outdoor amenity space CX & Event center building Clearly a very large investment by Rivian into the state of Georgia. With that we also now have one of the best views into the 2022 production at the Normal, Illinois production campus. Rivian to site second manufacturing plant in Georgia ? Rivian’s Georgia Plant Site Plan Revealed - Includes Trail & Test Track, Delivery Center, 144 Chargers | Rivian Forums - R1T & R1S Owners, News, Discussions, RIVN Stock 12-15-21 (rivianforums.com) View full article

Creepy that they could pass for brother and sister.

Out of Curiosity why have you chosen to not be vaccinated?

I have been seeing multiple other writeups that Tesla is considering standardizing the Americas market with Europe, but as of now this is the latest that has been posted on the various Tesla sites. Tesla Charge Ports & Plugs of the World Compared (for Models S, X, 3, & Y) (1), (2), & (3) NOTES (China) The acronym "GB/T" stands for "Guobiao" ("National Standard") and "Tuijian" ("Recommended"). Note incompatible gender and wiring differences between otherwise similar Chinese and European Type 2 plug ends. Older cars: Model S (before October 2017) and Model 3 (before November 2019) came with a single European-style Type 2 charge-port. These cars must use GB/T AC (alternating current) and GB/T DC (direct current) adapters in order to charge from National Standard equipment. Newer cars come equipped with dual GB/T ports. No National Standard adapters are required. NOTES (North America) All model-years use Tesla Proprietary Connection (TPC) ports, which accept both Tesla AC and DC equipment. The Level 2 J1772 adapter (with TPC plug) is used at public AC charging stations and for non-Tesla home/destination charging equipment. Third-party CHAdeMO DC fast-charge stations are found in North America. Until October 2021 Tesla offered a CHAdeMO adapter with TPC plug intended for use with all four models. Third-party CCS1 (CCS Combo 1) DC fast-charge stations (used by almost all non-Tesla electric cars in North America) are increasing in number. A Tesla CCS Combo 1 adapter is supposedly coming "soon" to North America. (A presumably similar Tesla CCS1 adapter in South Korea is not compatible with North American vehicles and/or the CCS1 charging stations they hope to use.) Cars sold in Japan (Models S, X, 3), South Korea (all models), and (previously) Taiwan (S, X, 3) also come/came with Tesla proprietary (TPC) ports. Tesla CHAdeMO adapters with TPC plugs are sold in South Korea and Taiwan (see below) and may still be available from dealers in Japan. The Tesla CCS Combo 1 adapter sold just in South Korea (see note above) is for Models 3 & Y there only. In TaiwanTesla has switched from North American TPC to European Type 2 ("Mennekes") ports and plugs. The CHAdeMO adapter with TPC plug is still listed but is currently (as of 11/2021) "sold out." Two types of Tesla Generation 2 Mobile Connectors (for home AC use) are available for (older) cars with the TPC port and for (newer) cars with the Type 2 port. NOTES (Europe) A (likely) goal of allowing all model-years to use all Supercharger, CCS2, and CHAdeMO sites throughout Europe has not yet been fully achieved. But the level of access is good, especially for certain models. According to Tesla, the Supercharger network is (collectively) available to all model-years (Supercharging in Europe). V2 Superchargers now have two cables to accommodate cars with either Type 2 or CCS2 ports. V3 Superchargers each have one CCS2 cable. Ultimately, the ability to use specific Supercharger and other DC charging sites still depends on model, age, and hardware/software-status of the car as well as availability of charging adapters (see model-specific notes, below). Note incompatible gender and wiring differences between the otherwise similar-appearing European and Chinese Type 2 plugs. Models S & X: All years to date come with Type 2 charge-ports (pictured in the Table, above). Note modifications to the basic "Mennekes" design in the Model S port pictured below. Only Models S and X were apparently originally intended to use Superchargers. To use CCS2 equipment, a CCS Combo 2 (CCS2-to-Type 2) adapter is required. Cars made before May 2019 also require a hardware retrofit to use Tesla CCS2 adapters. Newer cars do not need such a retrofit. A Tesla CHAdeMO adapter (with Type 2 plug) remains available (for Models S & X only). Older vehicles must be Supercharger-enabled (at a Service Center) to accept the CHAdeMO adapter. Newer vehicles come Supercharger-enabled from the factory. In summary, all Models S & X (with qualifications) should now be able to charge at: V2 Superchargers. V3 Superchargers (using a CCS Combo 2 adapter--see note above on whether a hardware retrofit is needed). Third-party CCS2 charging stations (using that CCS2 adapter). Third-party CHAdeMO stations (using the CHAdeMO adapter--see note above on needing to be Supercharger-enabled). Models 3 & Y Since November 2018 Models 3 and Y come outfitted with CCS Combo 2 inlet-ports (pictured in the Table, above). Models 3 & Y outfitted with CCS2 ports should be able to charge at: V2 Superchargers (which have been retrofitted with CCS2 charging cables). V3 Superchargers. Third-party CCS2 charging stations. Sadly, these cars cannot use Supercharger cables with Type 2 plugs. And they cannot use Tesla CHAdeMO adapters. Other areas that use European-style charge connectors include New Zealand, Australia, Macao, Hong Kong, and (now) Taiwan. In Australia and New Zealand (part of Oceania) Tesla sells Models S, X, and 3. Supercharger characteristics are similar to those in Europe. - V2 Superchargers now have CCS2 and Type 2 (modified) charge cables. - Proprietary Supercharger Type 2 plugs have that extra "key" that prevents entry into non-Tesla car (Type 2) ports. - V3 Superchargers have CCS2 cables only. As in Europe, Models S & X continue to come with Type 2 (modified) charge-ports. - A Tesla CCS Combo 2 adapter (CCS2-to-Type 2) is available. - As is a Tesla CHAdeMO adapter (with Type 2 plug). Model 3 comes with the CCS2 port (Tesla Charging in Australia). - These cars require no adapter to use CCS2 Supercharger and third-party charging stations. - But are unable to use the Tesla CHAdeMO DC adapter or Supercharger Type 2 cables. In Hong Kong and Macao Tesla sells the GB/T-to-Type 2 AC adapter (see Mainland China notes) on its websites. See also information about Taiwan under "NOTES (North America)," above. NOTES (all) Charge-plug-end illustrations are not to scale. The (4-color) charge-plug illustrations (derived from Wikipedia sources) are intended to reveal: The full range of possible connection-circuit functions, and internal and external differences among regional equipment. Individual circuit pathways may or may not be active or even present depending on whether a plug is intended for AC or DC loads. We know that charging a Tesla car from one region (say North America) in another region (Europe, for example) may be possible. But research, planning, and preparation should be undertaken before taking a car from one region to another. Despite that, not all charging options (e.g., Supercharging) may ultimately be available. As a help. aftermarket adapters may be available to increase charging opportunities in the region to be visited. But use appropriate caution when selecting and using non-Tesla charging accessories. Also, we are told that not all vehicle features, like Navigation, may function properly in a new region. So if you plan to take a car from one region to another, investigate carefully and thoroughly. See Charging Equipment of the World for a map showing where various types of charging equipment are used in the different countries. Sources included Wikipedia, Electrek, Teslarati, Reddit, and the TMC. Words of Caution: Presentation of this information to North American readers, in particular, is not simply an academic exercise. In recent years Tesla vehicles and charging equipment in China and Europe have undergone significant (and cumulatively expensive) charging-standard conversions that affected both newer and older cars. It is conceivable that Tesla in North American could bow to internal or external pressures and eventually do away with its long-time North American proprietary charging (TPC) standard since... increasingly, most electric cars, both worldwide and in North America, use charging-equipment standards other than TPC. In conclusion, future North American Tesla drivers may experience aspects from among at least three Possibilities: No change. Cars, Superchargers, and Tesla charging equipment (wall and mobile connectors and optional adapters) continue to use the popular and convenient Tesla Proprietary Connector (TPC) ports and plugs. (Non-Tesla drivers allowed to use Superchargers would presumably have to employ a TPC-to-CCS1 adapter or be limited to selected Supercharger stalls outfitted with CCS1 cables.) New and retrofitted Superchargers start to come with CCS1 (CCS Combo 1) charge cables, increasingly requiring Tesla operators to use CCS1-to-TPC adapters for the fastest charging. At some point Tesla transitions to a new North American standard--new cars, Superchargers, and mobile charging equipment all eventually come with CCS1 (or other?) ports and plugs. Older cars have to use a CCS1 adapter. A combination of Possibilities 2 and 3 might approximate what has already happened in China and Europe (plus Oceania and Taiwan). Last edited: Jan 2, 2022

Very cool Drag race!

Some lovely trucks Not sure how they can justify a $285,000 price for this 1952 Thriftmaster 3100 Pickup, but wow it is nice looking. 1952 Thriftmaster 3100 Inspired by TR Gets a New School Upgrade, $285K Price Tag (newsweek.com) Loving this Purple Pickup. Part of this story with very cool auto's 10 Coolest Cars Metallica's James Hetfield Hides In His Garage (hotcars.com) Loving these cars While the look of this 1937 Ford is just nice to me, the real beauty is the Maroon paint job!

Seems in less camo, the Ford Ranger and Bronco Raptor versions are out testing on the streets around Detroit. Ford Ranger Raptor caught with less camo next to a Bronco Raptor (autoblog.com) Interesting read, but looking at the sales numbers it does look like VW has surpassed Tesla in sales as an American company mines Lithium in Europe and VW has 2 gigafactories under construction to build battery packs for VW BEV. Forget China, Ignore Tesla…The Lithium Story Moves on to Europe | Market Tactic

I actually liked this Cadillac and especially the dark green metallic paint job GM had for it. This is just Drop Dead Sexy to me!

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Flu or Covid is no fun. Hopefully Flu more than Covid. Found out my Niece and her husband are part of the we do not believe this is real, unvaccinated crowd. My wife was wanting to go down and see the boys, but when she called our Niece said she has been sick since Jan 1st. Hard to breath, and all the rest of the symptoms. I asked her if she has been tested and that is when I found out about her views including God will take care of her. At this point, wife chose to not go and see them even when Jess said come on down and we will wear masks. Sadly, she is barely High School educated. She was very healthy as she teaches mixed martial arts, but I suspect she has covid and at this point is winded just walking up stairs to her bedroom according to her. Sick is no fun, take care Drew. Wishing you a healthy recovery and I hope you spouse does not get it. Let us know how it goes and what your test results are. Sending positive thoughts your way for a speedy recover my friend.

2022 Chevrolet Performance Catalog is now online. 2022 Chevrolet Performance Catalog (dcatalog.com)

Interesting read by an EV owner who was stuck on the I-95 mess. “I'm Grateful That I Was Driving My EV When I Got Stuck On I-95” - ZETA (zeta2030.org)

Interesting question that I asked my Sister and her partner was of the roughly 30% unvaccinated medical folks at Evergreen Hospital, how many are actual Doctors / Nurses and how many are support folks? These are those that only require a 2yr degree or certificate to assist nurses / Doctors. Not Surprising answer was that 88% of the people were of the 2yr / Certificate certified programs. The few Doctors that were on the list were all very conservative doctors, most near retirement or could have retired and are not ready to accept the data yet. Nurses were 100% vaccinated at the hospital. I also just got notified that the Cardiologist who 5 generations of my family has seen and knows our family history in deep detail has decided to retire early rather than deal with the vaccine and hospital mandates as the Hospital has given all unvaccinated employees till the end of March to get vaccinated or lose their job. Evergreen Hospital is on a massive hiring but with a very clear mandate, MUST BE VACCINATED.

Is that the Cult of Ota?