[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Wondering

Really! You agreed to rent an EV and didn't check to see where charging stations were located. Your experience is your fault - own it. EV's are the future - get use to it! Sore head!

Did you miss the part where they stated that was all the rental place had?

It was either take the EV or walk...

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Interesting points.

I think one common misconception is that people here are "opposed" to EVs. That is certainly not the case: I know plenty of people who one one (or two) and are happy with them. More power to them. If an EV fits your needs, wonderful. People are certainly free to choose them. However, the statement "No one is forcing them to buy", if the administration has their way, would prove to be untrue. See below.

I think, bottom-line, that folks here are opposed to what they see as some pretty blatant social engineering, based on concepts that at best are legitimately challengeable and at worst a power-grab. The proposed EPA emissions limitations which would mandate a 13% annual emissions reduction and an overall 56% cut in fleet emissions, for example. The administration's plan to use taxpayer dollars as as grants to automakers to retrofit for purposes of manufacturing more EVs. The proposal to dramatically cut greenhouse-gas emissions by heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, buses, and the like beginning in 2027 with ever-more stringent reductions annually to 2032--an especially problematic area because America's economy runs on such vehicles, and such restrictions would inevitably mean a significant increase in the cost of domestic goods and services. Other examples exist as well.

There is, or should be, no problem with letting the market decide, and with Elon involved the market could very well swing eventually in favor of EVs regardless of government interference. But anything that smacks of social engineering is a surefire way to raise the hackles of many--probably most--Americans. That is what you're seeing here--not opposition to EVs but opposition to what is seen as arbitrary government meddling.

I don't know how things are seen in the UK regarding such matters, but I go back to a quote by former President Ronald Reagan: "The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Maybe the citizens of the UK don't see government in that way, but a whole lot of Americans do.

[LoisR]

That's why I went with a PHEV Rav 4. It got 70+ mph on our trip to TV.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Blackbird45

That might be true today, but these companies are investing millions of dollars to get the kinks out. Once they do they expect a big return are their investment. There too much cash going into this, it's not going away.

They are investing millions of $$$ because they are being FORCED to...

[Dantes]

I wonder why they cost so much
Using child slaves to dig up rare
Earth u would think the cars would b cheaper and no EPA laws to follow ???

[Maker]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

After purchasing a series of eight Chysler vans; Town and Country and then Pacifica, we purchased a Pacifica Hybrid this year in 2023 in July. We have filled the tank with gas only three times since July. Granted we are older and use it mostly for travel here in The Villages area. Our younger family members were amused and surprised when we purchased this car because this isn't how we vote.

Please add STABIL to your gas tank ASAP. And use it every time you get gas. You are not driving enough to keep gas in your tank fresh.

Gas that sits too long becomes gummy and will cause a big problem if left to become stale. Varnish deposits will foul the injectors. Fuel lines will plug up. Your hybrid will become an expensive paperweight. (unless you pay $$$$ to get it fixed)

[Blackbird45]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

They are investing millions of $$$ because they are being FORCED to...

No one is forcing companies or people to invest in EVs. Everyone is getting involved because they believe there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And with the amount of money that is being poured into this I'm sure they're right. Please don't tell me you believe there is some type of deep state conspiracy with a gun to everyone's head, making them invest, manufacture and purchase EVs.

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

They are investing millions of $$$ because they are being FORCED to...

So what difference does it make?

Back in 1975 the average miles per gallon was 13.5. Since then the government has mandated continuous increases in the mileage standard. That's why I today we enjoy vehicles that get 30 to 40 miles per gallon. I don't hear you complaining about that!!!

Point is industry can do it… If they have to.
Driving to 54.5 MPG: The History of Fuel Economy | The Pew Charitable Trusts

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by tvmurray

It was Dollar/Hertz. However most other rental companies had no vehicles. They did exchange it for a real car with no hassle or cost. My question remains as to why any rental company would have an EV in their fleet.

Because people want them!!!! No car rental company is going to stock vehicles that no one wants to rent.
Whether it's being environmentally conscience or just plain wanna try one. Just like rentals in the villages people maybe want to try them out before they determine if it's something they want to purchase or not.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Maker

Please add STABIL to your gas tank ASAP. And use it every time you get gas. You are not driving enough to keep gas in your tank fresh.

Gas that sits too long becomes gummy and will cause a big problem if left to become stale. Varnish deposits will foul the injectors. Fuel lines will plug up. Your hybrid will become an expensive paperweight. (unless you pay $$$$ to get it fixed)

Just get the ethanol free gas at WaWa, problem solved.

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by LoisR

That's why I went with a PHEV Rav 4. It got 70+ mph on our trip to TV.

For the uneducated in terminology and mathmatics. PHEV means plug in hybrid. And no the PHEV RAV 4 does not get 70 mpg. The PHEV RAV 4 gets about 40 miles from an electric battery then the hybrid motor kicks in at about 38mpg (combined). The electric, gas free, miles do not boost your mpg of gasoline fueled miles. If they did I acheved 263 mpg on my last tank.

This doesn't mean PHEVs are not fantastic (I own one), it means facts matter. Gasoline, hybrid powered, mpg is currently at about 50mpg maximium with todays technology.

Spoken by an owner of the highest mileage PHEV, currently for sale in North America.

[jswirs]

Originally Posted by Maker

Please add STABIL to your gas tank ASAP. And use it every time you get gas. You are not driving enough to keep gas in your tank fresh.

Gas that sits too long becomes gummy and will cause a big problem if left to become stale. Varnish deposits will foul the injectors. Fuel lines will plug up. Your hybrid will become an expensive paperweight. (unless you pay $$$$ to get it fixed)

That is not true. I have a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid so, in order to keep the gas fresh the vehicle goes into an "engine refresh mode", so the vehicle, when necessary, runs on gas only, until you add fresh gas to the tank.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

A friend of mine bought a Tesla a few years ago (admittedly, chargers were more scarce then). When he finally got rid of it, it was primarily a result of his Therapist's advice. He told me he had "range anxiety" every day he owned the thing. It was so bad, he almost couldn't function.

He was an idiot to have bought the thing in the first place, knowing he spent most of his time "on the road".

Customer Satisfaction scores for EV's are abysmal. The major automakers have inventory backing up, because most everyone who wants an EV, has already bought one. Something has to give soon, as EV's simply aren't the answer.

Attention Required! | Cloudflare

It is NOT that "customer satisfaction with EVs is abysmal. people like the EVs. They don't like the fact that there are NOT enough charging stations away from home...............at least, for now.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Keefelane66

The first EV by GM was extremely popular as a commuter vehicle which it was designed for. They developed leading edge battery which they sold to Cheveron Oil and shelved.
A documentary was made “ Who killed the Electric Car”
Available on TUBI for free other streaming sources $3.59 to $3.99
GM EV1 1996-199….

EVs are doing fine in Europe. It is SAD that the US is more backward than Europe. We still don't even use the METRIC SYSTEM.

[Maker]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Just get the ethanol free gas at WaWa, problem solved.

That is bad advice. Here is why...

Let's say you have been using ETH free fuel every fill up. And then go on a trip. Along the way it's highly likely you would fill up with E10 because of availability.
Now you have introduced E10 fuel into a fuel system that has been exclusively using non-ethanol gasoline. That ethanol, as a new solvent, will tend to dissolve and loosen deposits that have become present in the tank and fuel system over time. This surface cleaning action removes that built up gunk and leads to clogging of the fuel filter and injectors. That was an actual widespread problem when E10 was first being rolled out. Many people had serious problems with their vehicles. Luckily, the modern fuel systems no longer use rubber gaskets, which was another nightmare by itself.

Second, ETH free fuel is about $1 per gallon more expensive than E10. One quart of stabil is about $10, and will treat many tanks full of fuel. Significantly less expensive overall, and superior protection.

Third, when on a trip, there's no need to take stabil since you will consume all the fuel you are buying in a short time span. When you get home, then add stabil. No worries about some fuel in the tank remains unused for months.