G. David Felt

So I am asking this as I honestly have wondered about people buying Ford products right now. Recalls are high, quality has left many questions including crash tests, if you take all that into account, would you still want to buy and drive a Bronco? The Bronco Sport is not doing well either with recalls. Right now, I have to wonder about all auto companies as like you I do find the Bronco a very cool SUV, but the quality of the build and materials used, make me question ever owning one.

This is an interesting read: New state-of-the-art energy facility just opened its doors in California — and it could set a precedent for the nation Very cool when we apply technology to solving problems that have changed and are harming our planet. I hope to see more projects like this.

EVgo, a publicly traded national company offering public fast charging stations across North America teamed up with various auto companies like GM, Toyota and Subaru to offer fast charging stations access to customers of newly purchased electric vehicles. EVgo had 1,000 public EV stations in August of 2023, and a year later in 2024 they opened their 2,000th DC fast charging station and are on pace to finish out 2024 with 2,850 DC fast charging stations nationwide. This is 390 locations in 45 metropolitan markets across 32 states. This is part of a longstanding collaboration to expand public access to EV charging in amenity-rich locations, such as grocery stores, retail centers and city centers. EVgo believes they can offer a convenient charging experience for those that cannot charge at home or work and include those such as renters living in apartments or multifamily dwellings where there is no local charging available. The newest EVgo charging stations are five dual 350kW chargers serving 10 vehicles simultaneously. EVgo plans to take this new format forward into the future across the U.S. with their newly closed $1.25 Billion guaranteed loan from the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") loan program under title 17 Clean Energy Financing Program which will go to pay for building our EVgo's reliable public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This secured loan will allow EVgo to construct 7,500 new DC Fast charging stations nationwide. This buildout will bring EVgo's total owned and operated network to at least 10,000 fast charging stations, tripling the EVgo footprint by 2029. EVgo CEO, Badar Khan stated; “As one of the nation’s leading public fast charging providers, we are well-positioned to deploy the infrastructure needed to support both current and future domestic investments in transportation electrification. This public-private partnership will help us continue to scale our operations to serve the influx of vehicle options that will be available to American consumers in the coming years.” EV's now account for 9% of new vehicle sales and with the investments by the auto industry in EV with more and more new models coming out for sale, this will give increasing consumer confidence in the availability of public charging. This DOE loan will not only allow EVgo to expand and grow their company but will be contributing to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in the U.S., over 700 of which will be contacted resources by EVgo that will encompass roles in construction, engineering, development, and operations and maintenance. The closing of this loan marks the conclusion of a thorough 18-month process. Terms of EVgo $1.25 Billion Guaranteed Loan This loan allows EVgo to move forward with offering innovation of next generation charging systems that EVgo will have joint development and secured domestic intellectual property rights. This new system will allow EVgo  more control over the full customer experience, streamlining the charging process as it delivers energy efficiency and cost savings. The new architecture will be rolled out nationally beginning in the second half of 2026 in partnership with Delta Electronics. This collaboration will allow the next generation of DC fast chargers to offer an all-in-one power electronics, contactless payment interface while delivering a minimum of 400kW dispensers using extended cable lengths that allow easier maneuverability to reach any charging port. EVgo is focused on giving the consumer an easy tap to pay system using current chipped credit/debit cards or giving a richer experience to those that choose to sign up for an EVgo account. This delivers on EVgo focus to serve all EV drivers, regardless of the make or model of their vehicle. The joint development of next generation charging stations will allow EVgo to implement a variety of station configurations that will serve individual EVs or those with trailers easier to maximize the customer experience. The new system will deliver a faster, more efficient charging experience by taking advantage of each EVs unique charging curves, allowing to maximize the re-charge of ones battery while reducing energy consumption and costs. View full article

Seems the crazy Stooges circus has begun. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/liz-cheney-referred-for-criminal-investigation/ar-AA1w2lHB?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=12 Crazy back n forth, I hope Ukraine can recover their land and kick Russia out. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/vladimir-putin-embarrassed-as-ukrainian-rout-causes-huge-russian-surrender/ar-AA1w0T5o?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=23 Next year is going to be one extremely large clown mess of attempted dictatorship wanna be attempts against our Constitution and I fear this is only the beginning as investment firms lock in profits and get out of companies, they do not feel can handle a downturn in a U.S. and or Global Economic recession. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/dow-suffers-worst-losing-streak-in-nearly-50-years-this-stock-is-driving-index-down/ar-AA1w2wlh?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=34 This will hurt the GOP as folks assess their view of Conservative with the GOP party. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/record-slim-house-majority-faces-new-problems-as-gop-lawmaker-announces-exit-from-republican-conference/ar-AA1w2e2V?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=47 Good to see our judicial system stand up to the snake oil salesmen who think they can get away with various crimes. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/judge-merchan-just-put-leash-on-trump-during-presidency-legal-analyst/ar-AA1w2qhi?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=67 This brings up a good question for all here, do you like Standard Time or Daylight Savings time? If you are like me and not wanting to deal with flipping back and forth on time twice a year, which time do you want? https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-says-he-ll-end-daylight-saving-time-here-are-the-winners-and-losers-if-he-does/ar-AA1w1Obc?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=78 So here is how states have voted to make one or the other permanent and do away with the flip back and forth. I do find it interesting that Ford is still filing patents on EV technology even though they have pulled back and have not really planned to move forward with 800v platform. Ford's Latest Patent Could Revolutionize EV Charging Crazy the lease deals you can get on an EV. As expected another ICE only, death to EV writer finally, actually got behind a wheel and found that the EVs are way better than ICE and even states that his next auto will be an EV now that he has actually driven one and tested it. Interesting read, his few dislikes is more of him needing to choose the display preference. I like mine in Dark mode, but the wife likes hers in light mode. So it is totally customizable. I drove an EV for the first time Have to say, I am hearing more and more from coworkers who were a never EV mind set, have actually test drove and ended up buying an EV. I think the tipping point is here where variety of EV choices are going to only make this more and more common. I suspect the Kia EV3 next year will be a huge deal for them as will the Chevrolet BOLT coming back into the market. Two SUVs that are below $30,000 will attract many new auto buyers.

@oldshurst442 Thank you for the laugh, I needed it today. Much appreciated the post you did.

Interesting read seems we are approaching the same points in running up to the Great Depression and the 2000 stock crash. The Stock Market Is Making Dubious History, and It Appears to Foreshadow Trouble for Wall Street

Would you really pay $4 for that trash? I got picked up by a friend who is visiting in a rental and was given a Nissan, less than 3,000 miles on it and yet so many things wrong with the ICE auto Rental that it had me thinking where is my EV. I also had to wonder, is this really all the torque this thing has as it struggles to move around on the highway without pushing the sewing machine engine near red line.

Interesting read and comparison of the ID.BUZZ versus EV9 Volkswagen ID Buzz vs. Kia EV9: Which 3-Row 7-Passenger EV Is Best?

Cool looking fighter jet, happy that Ukraine is destroying Russia on their own soil. Time to make them feel the pain they have wrongly brought to Ukraine. Ukrainian intel strikes deep: Aircraft destroyed in Russia

@oldshurst442 Excellent read and I totally agree with the writeup, let the GOP burn themselves to the ground. Treat them like the addict they are and self combust. Opinion: America voted for a dumpster fire — Democrats just need to let it burn itself out @A Horse With No Name Very cool video on making a wooden cup. Woodturning - Cubism | Watch Another awesome wood turning project. Crazy what people will think up. Woodturning - I Maxed Out My Lathe! | Watch We are getting hit hard starting tonight through next week, heavy rain, winds and snow. Atmospheric River Set to 'Wallop' Western US: What We Know Seems the incoming administration wants to kill off safety for the sake of profits, focused on Robotaxi profits. Trump team set to end key vehicle safety rule opposed by Elon Musk's Tesla: report

I will have to agree that I will never go back to the complexity and overload of maintenance on ICE. Love my EV9 and once Genesis has their full size Luxury SUV out to compete with the EscaladeIQ, I can see me possibly retiring my Escalade for the Genesis. Of course, the wife would still love a truck, so once Kia gets the EV9 pickup out, might get that since we are very happy with the EV9 SUV. https://insideevs.com/news/744035/ev-owners-survey-global/ This is awesome what they did in making this Skyline R32 an EV. Would love to have an R32 or R33 EV. Nissan Made an Electric GT-R R32

Honda has been surprising with their Prologue as it is a huge seller here in the U.S. GM has come on strong, but I wonder if it will last without the Android Auto and AppleCar play support. I see Kia/Hyundai/Genesis taking a solid 2nd place for 2024 in EV sales. I think they could challenge Tesla next year even if they kill off the IRA which will require both House and Senate to approve and right now, this will affect a big chunk of RED states where EV and battery production is, so those house and senate members have already said that touching IRA is a bad thing. Going to be interesting. Germans are falling and Genesis as well as Cadillac has come on strong with Luxury. I honestly see no reason to spend the extra coin for the German brands over Cadillac or Genesis.

ROFLMAO this just cracks me up, why would Time give him a cover, but I agree with the MEM.

VW has announced the eight-generation of the Golf model with the most powerful Golf ever built for the North American market. The 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R offer a compelling blend of performance, technology and driver engagement and will be offered in the following trims per model: 2025 Golf GTI S trim SE trim Autobahn trim 2025 Golf R Black edition The Golf GTI has a fresh look with enhanced technology. The exterior has new headlights, front bumper, illuminated logo and a standard lightbar. The interior gets significant upgrades with a new freestanding 12.9-inch touchscreen. This system has the latest operating functions as shared in the ID.Buzz and ID4 offering faster, better software with a more intuitive layout. Physical buttons replace the haptic switchgear on the steering wheel for improved functionality. The mid-level GTI SE trim gets upgraded seats as standard, these black ArtVelours seats from the EU market high-performance GTI Clubsport. The engine is a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard features available across all trim lines: standard navigation Dynamic Road Sign Display Wireless App-Connect on the base S trim IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology remains standard across the board consists of the following: Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance) Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring) Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor) Rear Traffic Alert Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency) The 2025 Golf R is more exciting than ever, featuring a 13-horsepower increase delivering a total of 328 hp for the 2025 model year. Paired with the dependable 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission this moves the Golf R quickly delivering the power to new 19-inch forged alloy wheels that are 20% lighter than previous wheels. The driving purist can get the 2025 Golf R with the Euro Style Package that offers a sunroof delete, fabric seats and Akrapovic titanium exhaust for enhanced engine acoustics. This package reduces the Golf R's weight over the standard Golf R. Pricing and availability for the 2025 Golf GTI and R models will be announced closer to launch. View full article

Very Cool Video, VW honored an unused and dead program for a woman who bought her Cabriolet with Pickup in Europe and shipment back to the U.S. Yet with her pickup of her 1987 Cabriolet in the Netherlands and driving it around on vacation, she decided to stay till more than 37 years later she decided it was time to come back home to the U.S. and VW honored her with bringing her car home. Very cool Story.

Kia, Hyundai, Genesis make superior EVs at 800V true platform compared to the dated 400V Tesla platform. I honestly if Idiot47 figures out a way to pull back the IRA, Tesla is going to Hurt more than Moron Musk realizes. We have had way too many auto companies for the last Decade and the move of the Dodge van to Chrysler only with Chrysler becoming a Van only product line and no real new products on the horizon, time to Kill Chrysler, move the van back to Dodge. Ram/Dodge/Jeep have been plundered for decades for the profits they generated to keep other brands in Europe going. I agree with you that Stellantis needs to kill off half of their brands to clean up to a far more manageable portfolio. Infiniti has been on life support for the last Decade and Nissan I stick with it that it could be bankrupt by the end of 2025. A day of reconning is coming for the auto industry and I would not be surprised to see a few of the current name plates dead in the industry by 2030.

Electrify America, the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the U.S., and Costco Wholesale are offering electric vehicle charging at five Costco Wholesale locations. The charging stations feature Hyper-Fast chargers- capable of speeds up to 350 kW- and will help meet the growing demand for open and convenient fast charging. Electrify America - Costco Wholesale Station Facts Five charging stations in operation in California, Colorado, and Florida. In collaboration with Electrify America's Electrify Commercial® team, the charging stations are owned by Costco Wholesale. Costco Wholesale’s charging stations will be compatible with nearly all-electric vehicle (EV) brands, and pricing is set by Costco Wholesale. The charging stations are integrated into the Electrify America charging network, enabling customers to seamlessly locate the stations and pay for charging sessions via the Electrify America app. Open Costco Wholesale stations: Clermont, Florida – 4600 Collina Terrace – 6 Hyper-Fast chargers Denver, Colorado - 4717 Airport Way – 6 Hyper-Fast chargers Loomis, California - 4107 Sierra College Blvd. – 14 Hyper-Fast chargers Pleasanton, California – 7220 Johnson Drive – 10 Hyper-Fast chargers Sacramento, California - 3881 E Commerce Way – 10 Hyper-Fast chargers Electrify Commercial - the business unit from Electrify America designed to deliver turnkey EV charging solutions to retailers, convenience stores, travel centers, and electric utilities – is implementing EV charging programs tailored to fit customers’ individual needs. Electrify Commercial presents a unique opportunity for businesses like Costco Wholesale to own their own charging stations while leveraging Electrify America’s experience building the largest open, DC-fast charging network in the U.S. View full article

Very cool, Kia has confirmed the EV pickup is coming still. 2025 Kia EV Pickup Virtually Expands EV9 Family to Fight Ram’s Mid-Size Truck - autoevolution

@A Horse With No Name This is a very cool woodworking video. Woodturning - Log To Bowl | Watch

OUCH, this is going to hurt many who thought they could retire, but if you were born after 1960, to be eligible for retirement, you will have to work till your 70 to claim SS and Medicare. Republicans Want to Raise Retirement Age to 70 as Life Expectancy Is Falling | Truthout

Seems McLaren has been sold to the UAE. UAE buys McLaren after carmaker suffers record loss Seems Nissan has a all new Leaf coming in a form of a sedan. Be interesting to see if they can get this out before they run out of money. https://www.carscoops.com/2024/12/2026-nissan-leaf-ditches-dorky-looks-gets-much-needed-glow-up/

WoW, Chery Automotive of China is wanting to show that their EVs are 5 star crash safe for the occupants. The harshest crash test is the U-Turn crash test where two autos hit the U-Turning auto in off setting corners. Safety to the occupants with minimal degradation of the body is pretty impressive here. @trinacriabob You might get a faster crossing if this does get approved to be built. Inside the $20trillion Transatlantic Tunnel That Would Link The US to the UK in Under an Hour : The Hearty Soul