shelbyfv wrote:

Tax incentives encourage all sorts of stuff including home mortgages and having kids.

shelbyfv wrote:

It's in our best interest for people to buy EVs...

PButler96 wrote:




Those simple facts were for 2021 models, which means the numbers are probably from 2 years ago. A nothing burger.

Personally I take issue with tax credits for EV's, or anything else FWIW. If they're so great they can stand on their own merits, no incentives needed at someone else's expense. The government does not generate any money so the credit is payed for by other taxpayers.

Rick Jay wrote:



I really have to disagree with this statement. From beginning to end of the entire process, there is no clear "best" between EVs and ICE vehicles.
~Rick

Rick Jay wrote:

Sure, I'll jump on this bandwagon.

I think EV's are being pushed upon us and forcing technology upon us that will be outdated and very expensive to repair for those of us who keep our vehicles for a long time.

Do I think that eventually that will be the way vehicles are powered? Most likely, unless something better comes along. But we're forcing the technology, creating powertrains and batteries that will be obsolete before the useful life of the vehicle has been reached, and ultimately will just add to the ever increasing landfill piles.

I think Plug-In HYBRID vehicles should be what is pushed now and probably for the next 10+ years to give the EVs a chance to develop an infrastructure AND to allow the electrical grid time to expand and grow to fill the demand for widespread use of EVs. The batteries are MUCH smaller so each plug-in hybrid battery made is much less damaging to the planet. Or, put another way, more than a half a dozen plug-in hybrid batteries could be made using the resources for just one EV.

A plug-in hybrid has an effectively an unlimited range, except for fuel stops. Long distance travel can be done with little change to our current life style. Short distance travel such as typical work commutes, can make use of the batteries for the first 40-60 miles, which is well within the average work commute. If you need to run extra errands that day, the gas engine will get you where you need to go. The distribution network for gasoline is already in place, so we don't have to search high and low for charging stations.

I can't imagine having an EV minivan loaded up with the kids, heading out on vacation, and having to stop for potentially a few hours to recharge. And the EVs I've researched would could carry such a family are in the $80k+ range. A good gas powered minivan is in the $40-50K range, and plug-in hybrid hardware would only add a few thousand dollars to that platform. MUCH more economical, affordable and practical for middle-class families.

Like I said, I think EVs WILL be the way we travel in the coming decades. But I don't like seeing "bleeding edge" technology forced upon the population, especially when it doesn't make good sense, given all of the issues. It effectively becomes a burdensome tax upon the lower and middle class citizens.

For the time being, I would like to see the plug-in hybrids be the technology which is developed. In my opinion, it's a sensible compromise.

~Rick

shelbyfv wrote:

I don't think you'll find anyone with expertise who agrees with you. ICEs aren't sustainable and there isn't anyone maintaining they are. However, you are correct that EVs currently don't suit everyone's needs. Truth be told, we may never see fifth wheels towed by EVs. But it will be the 5ers that become extinct, not the EVs. JMO, but I think the more folks who adopt EVs, the less pressure on those of us who enjoy ICEs for our hobby. Sort of like how classic car guys don't have to worry about emission rules, we may become fringe enough that we can fly under the radar. Again, thanks to the mods for putting an EV thread in Campfire where it belongs.

eubank wrote:

I'll go ahead with my 2 cents' worth:

1. I don't think EVs are there yet for heavy towing. Going to have to continue with ICE vehicles for a while longer.

2. One concern I have in particular is locating a lightweight EV auto that can be towed four-down. I don't know that it exists yet, but I could be wrong. (For the interim, one can have a four-down towable lightweight auto converted to EV. I've been toying with the idea for my MGB.)


Lynn

atreis wrote:



A reasonable post with real concerns. Yes, they're not yet great at heavy towing. They could be, but would be horrendously expensive right now. It'll take some time yet.

No, there are no BEVs that are 4-down towable. There are a number of FWD models that can be towed on a dolly, including the reasonably priced Chevy Bolt, the upcoming FWD Equinox, the FWD Nissan Ariya, and others.

There are some hybrids and PHEVs that are 4-down towable though.