G. David Felt

For those interested in EV component development, News has been busy with new items: Charged EVs | Solenoid fundamentals: magnetic latching solenoids for EVs - Charged EVs On-off solenoids are the simplest. When power is applied, the solenoid will pull in or push out, depending on the design. The inclusion of a spring or other external force will cause the solenoid to return to its original position when power is removed. A proportional control solenoid works in much the same way except that the plunger will move a distance that is proportional to the current applied to the coil. If 50% of the designed maximum current is applied, the plunger will move 50% of its stroke length. While these types of solenoids have a place in automotive applications, they both require the constant application of power to hold a position once actuated. This can make them less than ideal for the needs of EVs in applications where the solenoid must hold a position for an extended period. Latching solenoids have an advantage over these other two designs, making them a great option for EV applications. They use only a short power pulse to change state and do not need constant power to maintain a given position. Latching solenoids come in two major types: the single-fire release latching actuator and the bistable latching solenoid. Charged EVs | Rincon Power launches new 600 A, 1,000 V manual battery disconnect - Charged EVs “Our 600A HVBD Battery Disconnect offers an attractive solution for physically isolating high-voltage systems while allowing for a visual indication that the switch is turned OFF,” said Markus Beck, Rincon Power’s VP of Sales. “The HVBD series has been successfully implemented in a wide range of applications including electric buses, off-road equipment, electric marine and a wide range of high-voltage battery systems.” Consider the above switch a safety switch for mechanics working on an EV or emergency services protecting the people responding to a crash. Charged EVs | Billions of bucks for US battery plants announced in 2022 - Charged EVs According to the Center for Automotive Research (via the Wall Street Journal), automakers announced plans to invest some $22 billion in battery plants in the US in 2022 (plus another 11 big ones for auto assembly facilities). Atlas Public Policy (via NPR) puts the figure at $73 billion for US battery plants in 2022. And that’s just in the US in 2022. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence calculates that, globally, almost $300 billion of investment has been announced in new battery gigafactories since 2019. Charged EVs | Researchers develop cobalt-free cathodes using hydrothermal synthesis - Charged EVs Researchers at the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new method for producing cathodes for lithium-ion batteries by relying on hydrothermal synthesis, which eliminates the need to use cobalt, making the process quicker, less wasteful and less toxic. Cool thing also is the above new process changes the multi-day process of creating a cathode to a 12hr process.

Audi had two press releases that are Interesting, Sold 1.61 Million autos world wide in 2022 and of that 118,000 were EVs, a 44% increase over 2020. Audi delivers over 100,000 electric models in 2022 – despite challenging environment | Audi MediaCenter (audi-mediacenter.com) Then Audi has moved up their time table, ICE auto's will stop production in 2029 rather than 2033 and rather than 2030 for the start of releasing EVs only, they will move this to 2026 when only new models that are released will be EVs. After 2026, ICE auto's will be produced as is for select markets as they phase them out over 3 years from 2026 to 2029. Audi Presents Plan for the Production of the Future | Audi MediaCenter (audi-mediacenter.com)

Interesting read on battery cost for EVs and while Battery cell costs actually rose in 2022 7%, the overall cost have dropped 89% in 2022 dollars from 2008 to now. DOE: In 2022 money, EV battery costs have kept falling (greencarreports.com)

I agree that it is very cool to see Hyundai doing decent upgrades by model year allowing the comfort of the customers used to clear differences to still be there as people move forward with new auto purchases. Yes, Luxury is a rather Fluid term these days it would seem. I agree, I have seen more and more negative comments on review boards about the Mercedes lineup and the cheapening of the interiors for the price they charge. Some have said it seems that the German brands in some cases are replicating what American brands did in the 80's/90's with cheapness for the sake of profits. I agree the interior is nice on the Jeep Compass but based on coworkers who bought and have had engine problems, I would stay far away. The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was a surprise to me and it sent me looking for why with this being the clearest explanation. It has underwhelming fuel economy, and while it looks more significant from the outside, owners report cramped head space in the cabin. If you are looking for a more reliable option, check out the 2022 Audi Q7. Consumer Reports Least Reliable SUVs for 2023, What to Buy Instead (motorbiscuit.com)

Yes in many threads we have had the whole debate about names and the double standard applied to certain German brands and now they are doing an about face. No big surprise here. ?

Most and Least Reliable Cars You Can Buy in 2023: Consumer Reports (businessinsider.com) The Most Reliable Cars You Can Buy 5th Place - 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata 4th Place - 2022 Toyota Prius 3rd Place - 2023 Mini Cooper 2nd Place - 2023 Lexus GX 1st Place - 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid The Least Reliable Cars you can Buy 5th Place - 2023 Ford Explorer 4th Place - 2023 Nissan Sentra 3rd Place - 2023 Lincoln Aviator 2nd Place - 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric 1st Place - 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid pickup Do you agree or disagree with this list?

Very interesting list of autos most current owners say they would never buy again. 8 Cars Most Drivers Would Never Buy Again (moneytalksnews.com) Ranked from last to first place 8th Place - Nissan Kicks 6th & 7th Place - Volkswagen Taos & Kia Seltos (Tie) 5th Place - Jeep Compass 4th Place - Mercedes-Benz GLA 3rd place - Infiniti QX50 2nd place - Mercedes-Benz GLB 1st place - Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

? I still do not consider Tesla Luxury other than by price, but it is cool to see that Tesla has taken the sales lead in Luxury sales from the Germans. Tesla’s Latest Achievement Is Great News Even If You Hate Tesla (msn.com) Here is Automotive News breakdown of U.S. luxury car sales for 2022: Tesla: 491,000 BMW: 332,388 Mercedes-Benz: 286,764 Lexus: 258,704 Audi: 186,875 Cadillac: 134,726 Acura: 102,306 Volvo: 102,038

Gotta love the clear messaging on what the 2023 over the 2022 Ioniq5 from Hyundai has. IONIQ 5 - Hyundai Newsroom WOW, that sucks, I did not know the author was such a nut case. Totally understand. Thanks for the enlightenment.

As one who uses Slack messaging software both at work and in other areas, I find todays Dilbert cartoon to be very funny.

WOW, This is to me bait and Switch and I would expect a lawsuit over this against Tesla. Mechanics Discover Tesla Snuck Downgraded Brakes Behind New Red Calipers on 2023 Tesla Model Y (motorbiscuit.com)

Welcome back Horse, been a long time since you and I have chatted here and elsewhere. Hope life has been good to you, give us an update on what you been doing in woodworking and with the family. Take care Surreal, health is the most important thing for each of us, otherwise life can be very miserable.

WOW, Long time no hear, great post to come back with. How have you been? How is life and WTF have you been doing?

Interesting, @Drew Dowdell did they talk about wet weather or snow and Ice handling for these tires at all?

Weird, but I guess Ford is finally delivering F150 Lighting EV trucks, saw two more today running errands and a couple more of the R1T from Rivian. Becoming very popular around here it seems since I am seeing them so often.

Seems Lexus is working to get everyone onboard with electification.

Kicking this off with what I observed today heading up to Stevens pass to ski. Saw two Rivian R1T in the Yellow and Blue colors. Saw a brand-new Ford F150 Lighting EV truck. Kinda a storm grey and was really great to see in person.

Seems that according to Motor Biscuit, this truck could have an insane amount of power. How Much Horsepower Does the Ram Revolution Truck Have? A lot! (motorbiscuit.com) 885 HP to be exact.

Very interesting that the latest survey of the top 10 auto's for theft. Catalytic Converter Theft: The 10 Vehicles Thieves Target Most (msn.com) The 10 Cars Most Prone to Catalytic Converter Theft 10. 2001–2021 Toyota Prius 9. 2011–2017 Chrysler 200 8. 1987–2019 Toyota Camry 7. 1997–2020 Honda CR-V 6. 2005–2021 Chevrolet Equinox 5. 1999–2021 Chevrolet Silverado 4. 1990–2022 Ford Econoline/E-Series 3. 2007–2017 Jeep Patriot 2. 1989–2020 Honda Accord 1. 1985–2021 Ford F-series

Very cool barn find.

@oldshurst442 @ccap41 @Drew Dowdell @surreal1272 @trinacriabob Just read this story about Detroit Speed. A company started by a former GM Suspension Engineer for the Corvette development team. Talk about a SEXY Riviera built on a modern platform. Detroit Speed 1965 Buick Riviera Build | Hemmings Olds, I think you would find something to love in the cars from Oldsmobile here: Oldsmobile For Sale | Hemmings Motor News

Been a crazy Friday workday, thanks for the laugh! ?

This is a Great concept and one that I hope both Ford and GM consider offering. In cold weather areas, if you're in the snow plowing business, this makes great sense. A well muffled generator to give the extra power needed during a long night of plowing and road clearing while being very quiet on top of the use for hauling over long distances.

WOW, you are the first person that I know who does not know what Keystoning of pricing is in retail. Thinking on this, maybe that is why, I have spent a good chunk of my life in retail/sales and Keystoning of the cost in what becomes the selling price is common. I agree with @trinacriabob that I feel if a dealership or any place of business keystones the wholesale price, I see no problem with that in making a fair profit. I have issues when a place of business keystones MSRP. That is just highway robbery. For those that are interested: Everything You Need to Know About Keystone Pricing | Wiser Retail Strategies This I found Funny about your State Drew. 95 Pennsylvania Facts And Weird Laws 2023 (contactsenators.com) Interesting things I have learned today about Pennsylvania. Keystone Opportunity Zone (pa.gov)