Electric Vehicles (EV) Thread

[Dannie Boy]

For once, an update on EV batteries that doesn’t appear to exaggerate what’s coming - hopefully the future is becoming a lot closer - the only thing that will no doubt be lagging is the charging infrastructure!!

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ev-batt ... -emerging/

[2/cb]

A Lotus SUV EV is an expensive joke that nobody will buy.

[2/cb]

For once, an update on EV batteries that doesn’t appear to exaggerate what’s coming - hopefully the future is becoming a lot closer - the only thing that will no doubt be lagging is the charging infrastructure!!

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ev-batt ... -emerging/

Lots of wishful thinking and very little solid information.

[Big Boy]

Talking about electric vehicles, I've been in a couple this week - Grab taxis. I was having a good look around inside the car. The thing that struck me was heavy use of computer screens. My unknowledgeable brain started working overtime. With these screens, there has to be a computer somewhere. I'm then thinking, how reliable are these computers? Working for MOD, I was responsible for all of the regular (maritime) computers (RAF and army was somebody else). Our computers were not top of the range, but they had a minimum shelf life of 3 years, although we often did not replace for 5 years.

The question going through my mind was 'What is the expected life of these electric vehicle computers?' I don't suppose any of you guys have had an electric car long enough to find out/talk with any certainty.

This then got my mind moving into overdrive, when we upgraded computers, software had often moved on and peripheral hardware was no longer compatible. Could this scenario happen with these electric vehicles whose technology is advancing in leaps and bounds?

Just idle curiosity guys, and wondering if anybody has the answers to my questions.

[pharvey]

The question going through my mind was 'What is the expected life of these electric vehicle computers?' I don't suppose any of you guys have had an electric car long enough to find out/talk with any certainty.

Not just the "Computer System", but battery life and technology. I am far from against EVs, but the "Pro EV and Environmental Groups and Supporters" seem to forget (or ignore) the impact that EVs have on the environment.

Look at the mining for example - Lithium (crucifies groundwater), Cobalt dust is toxic and many in the likes of those working in Africa will suffer - I myself have issues with my lungs which I'm pretty sure will be traced back to working in the Congo on a mine site. I've mentioned previously issues with "Precious Metals" which China both control and are completely ignorant as to Environmental, Health, Welfare of it's own citizens, let alone others.

China seem to have a huge influence in numerous nations - be very careful!!

Apologies, I've leapt upon my Soap Box yet again...

[Dannie Boy]

A number of new cars come with “over the air” upgrade technology, but no doubt there will come a time when the hardware might need replacing . No doubt they’re thinking about that day, but probably hoping it’s so far away they can ignore it for the time being.

[Big Boy]

The question going through my mind was 'What is the expected life of these electric vehicle computers?' I don't suppose any of you guys have had an electric car long enough to find out/talk with any certainty.

Not just the "Computer System", but battery life and technology.

LOL, talking about battery technology, not a car, but I bought Mrs BB an electric tricycle (still an electric vehicle) about 2 years ago to restore her mobility. She loves it and she often nips down to 7-eleven, the hairdresser and the nail bar. It truly restored her independence, and if I believe the literature costs about 8฿/week to run (certainly no massive spike on the leccy bill).

I presumed with modern battery technology, the battery was going to go on for years. I was quite shocked when checking with Mr. Google that the batteries have a life of 6 to 12 months before they need replacing. Mrs BB's did do 17 months.

Still a great little machine though, and worth every Baht.

[STEVE G]

A Lotus SUV EV is an expensive joke that nobody will buy.

I’ve seen one of them on the road in Luxembourg already after seeing that one in the mall.
I suppose they’ll make a change from all those electric Porsche Taycans that I see on the road here.

[STEVE G]

Talking about electric vehicles, I've been in a couple this week - Grab taxis. I was having a good look around inside the car. The thing that struck me was heavy use of computer screens. My unknowledgeable brain started working overtime. With these screens, there has to be a computer somewhere. I'm then thinking, how reliable are these computers? Working for MOD, I was responsible for all of the regular (maritime) computers (RAF and army was somebody else). Our computers were not top of the range, but they had a minimum shelf life of 3 years, although we often did not replace for 5 years.

The question going through my mind was 'What is the expected life of these electric vehicle computers?' I don't suppose any of you guys have had an electric car long enough to find out/talk with any certainty.

This then got my mind moving into overdrive, when we upgraded computers, software had often moved on and peripheral hardware was no longer compatible. Could this scenario happen with these electric vehicles whose technology is advancing in leaps and bounds?

Just idle curiosity guys, and wondering if anybody has the answers to my questions.

Computer screens aren’t a requirement of EVs, we have a load of basic EV Peugeots cars at my work that have dials for speed and battery capacity etc.
Also many new IC cars have just as much computer and screen control as a Tesla.

[Dannie Boy]

The question going through my mind was 'What is the expected life of these electric vehicle computers?' I don't suppose any of you guys have had an electric car long enough to find out/talk with any certainty.

Not just the "Computer System", but battery life and technology.

LOL, talking about battery technology, not a car, but I bought Mrs BB an electric tricycle (still an electric vehicle) about 2 years ago to restore her mobility. She loves it and she often nips down to 7-eleven, the hairdresser and the nail bar. It truly restored her independence, and if I believe the literature costs about 8฿/week to run (certainly no massive spike on the leccy bill).

I presumed with modern battery technology, the battery was going to go on for years. I was quite shocked when checking with Mr. Google that the batteries have a life of 6 to 12 months before they need replacing. Mrs BB's did do 17 months.

Still a great little machine though, and worth every Baht.

What type of battery is it - many of those still have lead-acid batteries?

[caller]

Also many new IC cars have just as much computer and screen control as a Tesla.

My Honda HRV for one.

[Big Boy]

What type of battery is it - many of those still have lead-acid batteries?

A Lithium Ion battery.

[Big Boy]

Computer screens aren’t a requirement of EVs, we have a load of basic EV Peugeots cars at my work that have dials for speed and battery capacity etc.
Also many new IC cars have just as much computer and screen control as a Tesla.

As I said, "Unknowledgeable brain." When I was writing, I didn't know if I was typing rubbish. I just looked around both cars. I think one was a BYD Atto, and the other sounded like the name of a real car, which I've since forgotten (Guinness memory loss), but definitely electric. Both cars were certainly giving the impression of a heavy computer reliance, but that was to my mind. Maybe a cosmetic addition to make the cars look futuristic. If it was, both looked very impressive.

[Dannie Boy]

What type of battery is it - many of those still have lead-acid batteries?

A Lithium Ion battery.

Having checked other items (e.g. drills and other DIY tools) most of those have some form of lithium ion or similar battery, although not at the same level of technology as EV cars - hopefully they will all get better in the coming years!!

[PeteC]

We need to ask the golfers. Are courses replacing older carts with Lithium powered when carts need replacing?

I would imagine the cost is considerably higher than a new lead-acid powered cart.