G. David Felt

I watched this video which wraps up all the craziness that Musk has done in the last few weeks, and he really could sink Tesla at the way he is going.

Very cool site on history of solid-state batteries. Solid State Battery - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics This is why Tesla delay on getting their large 4680 cell into production could be a short-lived run as solid-state will replace any desire for traditional Lithium-ion batteries. Interesting video to watch, I do agree with Muro that solid state battery pack with some super capacitors will allow a quick charging system that would truly make recharging faster than ICE fueling.

Interesting read about batteries Battery Problem Could Be A National Security Problem For U.S. (jalopnik.com) Interesting on Oil Where does the US get its oil by country 2022? How much oil does the US import each year? (msn.com)

Very cool story that many here will love: The 1973 Hurst Pontiac Grand Am That Never Was (motortrend.com)

I would not be surprised to see it as a $45 to $55 K auto with an attempted $20K dealer markup.

This just re-enforces why states need to let auto companies compete directly with dealers. Kia Dealers Are Going To Kill The EV6 (jalopnik.com) Update: West Virginia Dealership association got the idiot politicians to submit a bill that would essentially kill Tesla and Force all auto manufactures to stop OTA. These idiots fear the future, future tech and change. I hope people wake up to this stupid ignorance. Why should anyone have to pay a dealer to get software updates / improvements to their auto! West Virginia Law Would Restrict Vehicle OTA Updates To Dealerships (motor1.com)

Seems Hyundai / Kia is now telling Dealers to knock off the 2nd sticker of adjusted market value or face loosing access to hot selling models. Even Hyundai Thinks It’s Ridiculous to Markup Hyundais This Much (thedrive.com)

Seems Ford is leaking info about the Ranger Raptor to some news sites. Ford Ranger Raptor Gearing Up for United States - The Truth About Cars Update: 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor First Look: Midsize Truck, Full-Size Aggro (motortrend.com) Seems more tech details at this story but nothing on pricing.

I see what ya mean about the headlights.

The whole Ukraine / Russia thing is going to make this year interesting. Did not know the following till this morning: Russia accounts for: OIL & Natural Gas 12% of the world's oil production 1/3rd of the natural gas Europe consumes. Minerals 49% of Global Nickel production 42% of Global Palladium production 33% of Global Diamonds production 26% of Global Aluminum production 13%% of Global Platinum production 7% of Global Steel production 4% of Global Copper production Ukraine accounts for: Uranium - 30% of the consumption by Russia and local Ukraine energy production come from this country. OIL & Natural Gas - Has huge undeveloped reserves, 26th ranked in the world Minerals - 2% of world steel production and 6% of world mineral production Manganese Iron ore Bituminous and anthracite coal Brown coal Titanium ore bauxite nepheline alunite mercury ozokerite potassium rock salt phosphorites sulfur Farming beets vegetable oil sunflower seeds meats grains dairy fish So why am I posting this, NO NOT POLITICAL. Yes, we all can see that there are natural items that Russia would want to control and consume from Ukraine. Automotive is the focus here as Palladium, Titanium and other associated minerals come from these two countries that are used in auto's and this is an indication that we can get used to an auto shortage for a few more years as the semiconductor chip shortage should be expected to extend. Heightened tension in Ukraine to hit carmakers, secondary batteries (koreatimes.co.kr) Food is the other big thing, but the supply chain is about to get worse till local production ramps up as more countries look to bring back production of many components to reduce reliance on either Russia & Ukraine (Raw Materials) or China (Raw materials and finished production products) How a Russia invasion of Ukraine, the 'breadbasket of Europe,' could hit supply chains (msn.com) U.S. sanctions over Russian attack on Ukraine could roil financial markets - The Washington Post Renault, VW, Stellantis, others potentially exposed to sanctions on Russia | Automotive News (autonews.com) Russia Downplays Trade Sanctions’ Impact on Auto Industry | WardsAuto Rio Tinto sees US sanctions on Russia potentially disrupting aluminium supply (miningweekly.com) We also could see issues with the plane industry as both Boeing and Airbus use titanium from Russia in their planes and as this story states, content is 14-15% of the plane. Sanctions against Russia lead to the collapse of the American industry – Arabic newspaper -Profile News End result is our love of the auto industry will have us see potential shortages till new mines in other more stable places / countries come online along with production of U.S. made semiconductors. Crazy times we live in.

Face only a mother could love, looks like a manta ray.

Was just cruising the net and hit this story of crazy things Mechanics have come across. I cannot even imagine how one can let an oil filter get this bad. How did the Animal get there?

Today Kia announced with Electrify America that Kia EV6 owners will have three years from date of purchase to use 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging. During this time EV6 owners can direct any questions or request guidance from Electrify America's 24-hour Customer Contact Center. The two companies' agreement will enable Kia owners 3,500 to 4,000 miles of all-electric driving at no charging cost, depending on the vehicle model and various conditions. Electrify America's vast DC charging network is the largest in the country, allowing high-speed charging of up to 350 kilowatts (kW) for capable vehicles. Kia customers will access the advanced charging network through the Electrify America Mobile app. An enrollment code for the app is provided through the owner's portal of the Kia Access App after the EV6 owner enrolls into the Kia Connect, the brand's robust in-car telematics system. Per Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America: “Kia is undergoing a pivotal shift to electrification and the all-new EV6 is the first major step in that direction, underpinned by the company’s advanced E-GMP platform.” “Partnering with Electrify America will enable our customers to enjoy a superior charging experience coupled with the outstanding all-electric range of the EV6.” The EV6 state-of-the-art 77.4 kWh high-density lithium-ion battery allows for an EPA-rated 310-mile range for road trips and excursions. An 800V multi-charging architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging capability from 10 to 80 percent charge (up to 217 miles) in under 18 minutes at 350 kW charger speed, depending on various conditions, aligning with Electrify America's high-speed charging experience. KIA AMERICA COLLABORATES WITH ELECTRIFY AMERICA TO PROVIDE EV6 BUYERS WITH 1,000 KILOWATT-HOURS CHARGING AT NO ADDITIONAL COST (kiamedia.com) Kia America collaborates with Electrify America to provide EV6 buyers with 1,000 kilowatt-hours charging at no additional cost - Electrify America NEWSROOM View full article

I got a hankering for Burgers! YUM

Interesting how some view auto stations of the future will be like. I wonder if this was done before the Pandemic or during? ?

Very cool Cadillac video and the concept of the future of Cadillace. Exploring Cadillac's Futureworldly InnerSpace Autonomous Concept (insideevs.com)

Aviator by Lincoln now has a Jet package, pretty much body color molding and everything else is blacked out. PICTURES & Press release Quote: Lincoln debuts a new Jet Appearance Package for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator, bringing striking elegance to the forefront with high-gloss black accents and sleek new features. Lincoln designers tuned in to what clients said they wanted in creating the new Jet Package, which builds on the success of the Monochromatic Reserve Package, replacing chrome accents with high-gloss black design elements. Featuring black-painted 22-inch wheels, a blacked-out Lincoln grille, black skull caps, roof rails and lower fascia, as well as body-colored lower cladding and wheel lip moldings, Aviator Jet Package offers clients a new way to personalize their vehicle with an on-trend design theme. “Jet Package offers a clean, dramatic look that accentuates the presence of Aviator on the road,” said Earl Lucas, Lincoln exterior chief designer. “The black accents emphasize the strong lines and sleek look of the exterior design.” The new Lincoln Jet package will come on four color options including Pristine White, Infinite Black, Silver Radiance and Burgundy Velvet, and will be available early next year on the Aviator Reserve series.

Yet even with a real world show of pulling more than 1 million pounds, the Ford F150 Lighting is sold out for the next two years of production and they even moved up the production totals to 600,000 within the next two years. I think the bulk of people will be very happy with a BEV pickup and 10,000 pounds of towing capacity. I would have to think based on what Ford and GM has shown that their BEV system for the trucks can tow way more than the current released numbers for the first year. I would eve go as far to say we will see a considerable bump in tow capacity every year for the BEV Pickups.

Yes, as to why I said the batteries. It is interesting to see that efficiencies in the electronics / motors are jumping faster than ICE as we are seeing many electric autos with 70 to 80 kWH battery packs have 300 miles. I see that the Magna truck conversion was done with a minimal battery pack as they are testing the motor / controller. I am willing to bet you could easily convert to a 200 kWH battery pack to give you a decent towing range. Also, all the work on the upcoming solid-state batteries that have 4 to 10 times energy density is going to help. For the subcompact / compact space, I expect 30 to 40 kWH battery packs giving ya 250 to 300 miles. For mid-size and full-size, I think we will see battery pack options so people can decide what range they want.

Like anything, I expect this to be understated and they will QA Test it. I expect it to get there even though I doubt many people who buy an HD truck actually ever really tow what the crazy weight is stated for towing.

Sure, for the little torque where the engine has to rev to 1,600 RPM and yet as I posted here, we are talking 13,777 nM or over 10,000 lb-ft of torque from a dead start. Other than battery pack, I do not see Diesel being able to do better than electric at this time. Once Solid-State batteries become standard, I think it will be very hard to not replace Diesel for electric.

Volkswagen or VW to the bulk of society launched their e-Mobility site with links to 6 BEVs that are launched or near launch and their largest assembly plant. E-mobility | Volkswagen Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com) What is e-mobility? At a Glance, this is what it is: E-offensive: Volkswagen has launched the world's largest e-offensive. The Group is investing 35 billion euros. Models: By 2030, Volkswagen will have launched about 70 all-electric models across the Group. ID. Family: The newly developed, all-electric model family has started in 2020. Big goals: In 2025, the Volkswagen brand intends to sell more than 1 million electric cars per year worldwide. MEB: The modular electric drive system (MEB) is the technical and economic backbone of the E offensive. E-production: The new e-cars will be built at eight MEB locations in Europe, China and the USA. The portfolio of BEV consists of the following: ID.3 - Read ID.4 - Read ID.4 GTX - Read ID.5 & ID5 GTX - Read ID.Buzz - Read Zwickau - VW largest Assembly plant for BEVs This e-mobility is the start of VW major change over from ICE auto's to BEVs and making up for the deceit that was caused by the Diesel Gate mess. Part of this e-mobility is the excitement around the upcoming launch of the ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo. EN_ID_Buzz_CoveredDrive.pdf Yes, you're reading this correctly, there actually will be two versions, the traditional people van and a Cargo version that VW also had back in the day. VW says that the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo incorporates seven decades of Bulli know-how into these 21st century MEB platform based BEVs. The World premiere of the ID. Buzz autos will take place on March 9th, 2022. The ID. Buzz made a sensational splash at the Detroit Motor Show in 2017. Five intensive engineering years of development has followed with an electric motoring game-changer. The ID. Buzz is a 5-seater van and the Buzz Cargo is just that, a cargo delivery van. While a colorful semi design is covering the ID. Buzz, one can clearly see that the bulk of the 2017 Concept made it to production. The stylistic elements of the legendary T1, the original Bulli have survived. Some may wonder what these stylistic elements might be and here is the list: Extremely short vehicle body overhangs Maximum utilization of space on a minimal footprint Classic division of the vehicle body design into an upper and lower level Unmistakable face with its V-shape Rear-wheel drive The MEB platform allows both ID.Buzz versions to launch this year with the following features: Lithium-ion battery with a Gross energy content of 82 kWh (net: 77 kWh) 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor integrated into the rear axle 310 Nm of torque (229 lb-ft of torque) from a standing start 145 km/h (90 mph) top speed Low center of gravity ID. Buzz turning circle of 11 meters (36 feet) Additional features of the ID. Buzz are as follows: Standard wheelbase 2,988 mm or 118 inches Overall length of 4,712 mm or 185 inches Width is 1,985 mm or 78 inches wide Rim size of 18 to 21 inches Van height of 1,937 mm people / 1,938 mm cargo which is 76 inches or 77 or 77 1/2 inches tall Interior space with all seats occupied has 1,121 liters of luggage space or 68408 cubic inches of space Bidirectional charging and DC charging capable Over the air updates Trained parking and Travel assist The original emission free Bulli was shown in 1972 when the dream was born and could only travel 85 kilometers or 53 miles. The dream of an emission free Bulli was born and in 2022 that dream is becoming a reality. Data Sheet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolkswagenNutzfahrzeugeMeinWerk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volkswagen-commercial-vehicles-/ VWN ‘wetransportsuccess’ podcast: https://www.radio.de/p/wetransportsuccess E-mobility | Volkswagen Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com) Rebirth of an icon: Countdown launched for the electric ID. Buzz! | Volkswagen Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com) View full article

This is a very cool video to watch of Magna's EV conversion system on a GMC 2500 pickup and I have to say it rocks! 547 HP or 408 kW of power using an 80 kW battery pack. Yes, I know I am bias toward BEV, but I really think Magna has a great conversion system. I cannot wait to see it go on sale in 2024. @balthazar @Robert Hall @ccap41 @riviera74 @daves87rs @Drew Dowdell @oldshurst442 @surreal1272 Thoughts?