Poll: Do you have, or plan to get, an electric car?

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Do you have an electric car or plan to get one?

  • Yes

  • No

  • I plan to

  • Over my dead body


Results are only viewable after voting.
Sidestepping all the which is better, which is evil hubbub for just a moment, can someone 'splain to me why some Kia & Toyota EV's have a **MASSIVE** whine noise? I thought it was just in reverse, or just under 10mph, but I have experienced it many many times.
 
I've noticed a slight whine coming from my Tesla at low speeds. This is probably from the variable drive carrier frequency being amplified by the motors. Possibly worse in induction motors vs permanent magnet type.
 
I don't know, but I've heard concerns that quiet EVs could be dangerous to distracted pedestrians and people have suggested that EVs need to make some sound to give people a better chance to notice them. I think I've picked up on a sound coming from my Bolt and there was definitely some intentional sound coming from the BlazerEV we borrowed.
 
Pretty sure NHTSA has at least proposed "noise requirements" for EVs and hybrids, just don't know if they have been written into the regulations...

Cheers!
 
Article says Tesla sold 164k vehicles in 2Q24 when the actual data is more like 444k cars.
They didn't call it out, but 164K appears to be the US estimate and 444K appears to be worldwide.

The article previously called out GM's US sales numbers explicitly as US, and then didn't for Tesla, which is sloppy IMHO. But it appears that they were comparing apples-to-apples. (Which may also be sloppy if GM isn't really selling much at all outside the US).
 
“We’re talking 0-60 in 1.4 seconds. That’s fast enough to rearrange your internal organs and make you question your life choices, all before you hit second gear."

Yes, please? :cool:

https://electrek.co/2024/09/07/1070-hp-awd-electric-dodge-hornet-r-t-goes-from-0-60-in-1-4-sec/
Been there, done that. Zero to 140 kts. In about 200’. Once was described as, “…like making love in a car wreck.”

‘Course, you need an aircraft carrier and a pair of these:

IMG_2941.jpeg
 
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Sidestepping all the which is better, which is evil hubbub for just a moment, can someone 'splain to me why some Kia & Toyota EV's have a **MASSIVE** whine noise? I thought it was just in reverse, or just under 10mph, but I have experienced it many many times.
We’ve got a 2017 Prius PHEV. There’s some very faint whine in reverse, but that’s it. 67,000+ worry-free miles. Pleasure to drive.
 
Been there, done that. Zero to 140 kts. In about 200’. Once was described as, “…like making love in a car wreck.”

‘Course, you need an aircraft carrier and a pair of these:

View attachment 858483


And then you go from 140K to 0 in about 200 ft (or is it 300 - 400 ft) coming home... :oops:

Brew on :mug:
 
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And then you go from 140K to 0 in about 200 ft (or is it 300 - 400 ft) coming home... :oops:

Brew on :mug:
Rumor had it that the Navy Aero Medical Institute (NAMI) conducted research during the 70s where they attached biometric sensors which recorded stress levels during different mission stages to Navy pilots in combat theater operations during the Vietnam conflict.

The study was designed to measure physiological responses to threat of being shot at as well as doing the shooting. However, the recording ran for the duration of the mission from launch to recovery, so data were collected for all mission stages in addition to actual combat. The data were collected over the period of combat zone deployment of pilots, and changes and “acclimation” of the subjects were observed during the study.

As you can imagine, the physiological stresses spiked during bombing runs, SAM missile engagements, as well as ‘dog fights.’ These levels of stress surprisingly diminished over time during the on station deployment.

The stress levels also decreased over time during the anticipatory moments just prior to catapult launch.

Some of the highest physiological stress spikes of the entire mission profile, however, were those associated with the final approach and landing phase on the carrier deck. These, allegedly, never diminished with time and mission experience.

Now over the years NAMI compiled far ranging datasets on a wide range of topics, but actually obtaining these data for private purposes or interest is not so easy as filing a FOIA request. So it is with this caveat that I attest to the veracity of this alleged study:

There are Fairy Tales and there are ‘Sea Stories”. The only distinction between the two is, a Fairy Tale begins with, “Once upon a time…”

A ‘Sea Story’ on the other hand begins with, “Now this is no sh*t…”

“Fair winds, Shipmates!”
 


And then you go from 140K to 0 in about 200 ft (or is it 300 - 400 ft) coming home... :oops:

Brew on :mug:

The physics are spot on. However there is a critical mistake in the math. The assumed value for final velocity is correct, but the initial velocity is not zero. Forward motion of the carrier is likely ~30 kts. Additionally there is wind over the deck of another 15-20 kts.

The initial velocity of the aircraft relative to the carrier is zero, but relative to the earth it may be +50 kts. Of course this assumes that the precise axis of the catapult aligns with the relative wind over the deck (seldom does), that the course of advance of the ship’s keel aligns with the axis of the aircraft (never does), and that the ship’s direction is not affected by pitch and roll induced by the sea state (occasionally does).

Also, as you know, the final velocity of the aircraft is indicated airspeed (KIAS) whereas G forces are relative to the Earth’s gravitational constant of 9.8 m/sec^2. The actual G forces felt by the pilot in the aircraft are more likely in the 2.5G range. Still enough to induce a slight “grey-out” or brain fog if it’s not anticipated.

Fun ride, probably an “E” ticket at Disneyland, but you’d better be ready to take control after the cat stroke plays out.

One last point. The landing ‘runway’ length is irrelevant. If you don’t capture one of the cross deck pendants (arresting gear cables) you’re doing a “touch and go”. That distance between the “1” wire and the “4” wire is only about 75 feet, complicated by the fact that the angled deck is never aligned with the actual direction of the ship, so it’s always moving away from your final approach course. You also will encounter burbling crosswind from the carrier “island” just as you touch down.

Not a pastime for the timid.
 
The physics are spot on. However there is a critical mistake in the math. The assumed value for final velocity is correct, but the initial velocity is not zero. Forward motion of the carrier is likely ~30 kts. Additionally there is wind over the deck of another 15-20 kts.
Is there a minimum headwind component that is required for cat launches? I expect there might be. If there weren't, then the 3+g's would be a correct worst case. Is the cat acceleration adjusted based on headwind component?
One last point. The landing ‘runway’ length is irrelevant. If you don’t capture one of the cross deck pendants (arresting gear cables) you’re doing a “touch and go”. That distance between the “1” wire and the “4” wire is only about 75 feet,
The relevant distance for trap deceleration would be how far the aircraft travels after capturing a cable. Any idea what that distance is?

Brew on :mug:
 
Is there a minimum headwind component that is required for cat launches? I expect there might be. If there weren't, then the 3+g's would be a correct worst case. Is the cat acceleration adjusted based on headwind component?

The relevant distance for trap deceleration would be how far the aircraft travels after capturing a cable. Any idea what that distance is?

Brew on :mug:
Wind over the deck is only one factor that goes into the calculation of the variable “load” programmed into the catapult shot, but more is generally better than less. Other factors include gross weight (fuel, ordnance load), ship’s speed, afterburner settings, etc. The “load” is variable and targets desired aircraft speed at the end of the cat stroke.

The runout after tailhook engagement is likely 150-200’. Where you end up on the deck is a function of which cable you trap (or which traps you). Target is the “3” wire, “2” is acceptable, “1” is dangerously close to the aft deck round-down (stern), and “4” wire means you almost missed your last chance to trap.

“1” or “4” aren’t considered particularly good, “2” is alright, “3” is O.K., which is the highest grade the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) will give your “pass.” Things have probably changed since I last went to the boat (1982), as some carriers now only have three cables, and optical landing systems (the “meatball”) are also more sophisticated. The decks are also larger.
 
Been there, done that. Zero to 140 kts. In about 200’. Once was described as, “…like making love in a car wreck.”

‘Course, you need an aircraft carrier and a pair of these:

View attachment 858483
My brother has a pair of those. Marine corps but naval aviator. (At least that's the wings I assume he has lol).

He wanted absolutely nothing to do with fighter jets when he graduated flight school. He didn't like the idea of 2 hours of briefing and 3 hours of debriefing to fly for 90 minutes. Also he didn't like the idea of having to cram himself into that cockpit and potentially risk serious leg injury upon ejection at 6'4" lol.

He wanted to go transport (no slots available) so went helo, and then eventually reverted back to be a flight instructor for fixed-wing and parlayed that into a cushy job flying for United after he made his 20.

Also, as you know, the final velocity of the aircraft is indicated airspeed (KIAS) whereas G forces are relative to the Earth’s gravitational constant of 9.8 m/sec^2. The actual G forces felt by the pilot in the aircraft are more likely in the 2.5G range. Still enough to induce a slight “grey-out” or brain fog if it’s not anticipated.

Fun ride, probably an “E” ticket at Disneyland, but you’d better be ready to take control after the cat stroke plays out.

Of course G forces also depend on direction. I think when most of you fighter pilot types talk about high G's you're talking about pulling heavy vertical acceleration. Whereas I'm assuming the catapult is "push you back in your seat" type of acceleration.

The craziest roller coaster ride I've ever had is Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Way back when I was a young buck (age 22) there with friends we rode it several times in a row. It has this high-speed downward helix section where I was literally fighting myself to keep consciousness.

Of course, I didn't to worry about taking control afterwards 😂
 
My brother has a pair of those. Marine corps but naval aviator. (At least that's the wings I assume he has lol).

He wanted absolutely nothing to do with fighter jets when he graduated flight school. He didn't like the idea of 2 hours of briefing and 3 hours of debriefing to fly for 90 minutes. Also he didn't like the idea of having to cram himself into that cockpit and potentially risk serious leg injury upon ejection at 6'4" lol.

He wanted to go transport (no slots available) so went helo, and then eventually reverted back to be a flight instructor for fixed-wing and parlayed that into a cushy job flying for United after he made his 20.



Of course G forces also depend on direction. I think when most of you fighter pilot types talk about high G's you're talking about pulling heavy vertical acceleration. Whereas I'm assuming the catapult is "push you back in your seat" type of acceleration.

The craziest roller coaster ride I've ever had is Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Way back when I was a young buck (age 22) there with friends we rode it several times in a row. It has this high-speed downward helix section where I was literally fighting myself to keep consciousness.

Of course, I didn't to worry about taking control afterwards 😂
Yeah, I was in a couple of joint Navy-Marine Corps training command squadrons during my career. Also eventually leveraged that into 22 years flying for United. Two great careers.
 
To go along with a previous comment regarding charging at dealerships, it appears a popular network dealerships use is EV Connect.

I looked at a route with one of their chargers along the way, and I checked out their homepage. I should have navigated over here, as their homepage is built for businesses who want to install chargers rather than drivers.

That's one thing I don't understand. Networks (who I know aren't listening), make your websites optimized for drivers who might be on the road frantically looking for a way to plug in without spending all day at one of your chargers. Your customers looking to install, they're sitting at a desk, likely not dealing with any emergencies, they can afford to click around. Drivers are less patient.
 
To go along with a previous comment regarding charging at dealerships, it appears a popular network dealerships use is EV Connect.

I looked at a route with one of their chargers along the way, and I checked out their homepage. I should have navigated over here, as their homepage is built for businesses who want to install chargers rather than drivers.

That's one thing I don't understand. Networks (who I know aren't listening), make your websites optimized for drivers who might be on the road frantically looking for a way to plug in without spending all day at one of your chargers. Your customers looking to install, they're sitting at a desk, likely not dealing with any emergencies, they can afford to click around. Drivers are less patient.
Doesn’t your car find the chargers for you?
 
Doesn’t your car find the chargers for you?

Lolnope. That's a terrific feature on your Tesla (and it was also on the loaner Blazer I drove for a bit, iirc), but for us cheapskates we need to make due with vehicles that don't have that feature built into the infotainment screen.

I do have some of those features in the myChevrolet app, which is nice. Before I traded my Volt for this Bolt I did reassess which charging networks would be most helpful for me and where the most helpful chargers are along my usual "road trip" routes. Until a boatload of new chargers come online in my part of the world I'm going to want to plan all this out before my trips anyway, because that's just how my mind works.
 
I saw a 4xe Wrangler at the grocery store this weekend.

Well that's neat, Airborne. I wouldn't get a Mach-e myself, but it sounds like people who buy/lease them don't regret it. Hopefully you and your wife will feel that way as well.
 
We just bought a Mach E. My wife fell in love with them recently. So we’re a two EV family now. But… I bought a toy, a Wrangler TJ. So we still use some gas. ;)
Thank you for calling it a Mach E and not using the name it shouldn't carry.

My toy is my Wrangler JK. Not sure yet whether my next daily driver will be BEV or ICEV, but the Wrangler will be kept around either way.
 
Good grief. Ford can do anything they want with the mustang brand. They could design a coal powered shopping cart and call it a mustang and we can't do a thing about it.
 
Thank you for calling it a Mach E and not using the name it shouldn't carry.

My toy is my Wrangler JK. Not sure yet whether my next daily driver will be BEV or ICEV, but the Wrangler will be kept around either way.
My last Jeep was a JK but the TJ I owned before that left a hole in my heart when I had to sell it. Hopefully my new “Money Pit” can fill it. ;)
 
A couple of articles about re-use of old EV batteries. For anyone looking to power their house on solar energy, you'll know that if you want the battery backup, the material costs can double. I'd like to think that all the old EV batteries becoming available now, the cost of batteries for home solar would decrease by using recycled materials.

https://arstechnica.com/science/202...x-car-batteries-go-on-the-grid-in-california/

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/1...-its-own-recycling-facility-for-ev-batteries/
 
Elon Musk says $25,000 electric cars are "pointless." The oft-stated goal of delivering an "affordable" EV is apparently no longer a Tesla thing. Just as well from my perspective, as I have never wanted to buy a Tesla. I hope other makers will pursue less expensive models.
Well, I'm sure he knows he won't compete with BYD in china bringing in theirs. It will sell like hotcakes and own the low $ EV market here. No dealerships, buy it on amazon.



https://electrek.co/2024/06/21/byd-huge-mexico-ev-plant-deal-50000-sales/
 
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