I feel my last post on types of naysayers was a bit negative. EV owners should be able to talk to most people. In my experience I've found though the naysayer tends to be a bit closed. Still this is on a range and one should be able to simply talk.
Four general points for discussions:
Stay truthful. EVs like my Leaf are by no means perfect. We have battery ageing, reduced cold range, and used value issues. I think the 'next gen' is well on its way to solving these but it's important to acknowledge issues. Range is good to acknowledge as it formerly was not a showstopper but was inconvenient quite often. Because the 'next gen' and 'high end' solves this issue it's a great one to discuss.
Stay positive - Present EVs are incredible on maintenance and cost to run. Plenty of good studies of well to wheel and complete lifecycle show electrics to be superior both in cost and environmental impact. Fun to drive is a big point too - in person, offer a test drive. I find that is a game changer because of how peppy the Leaf is. I'm sure it's even more exciting in an S or Roadster.
Stay informative - Example - I often hear claims of batteries being toxic. True of older battery chemistry, lithium is easily recycled into new batteries. Even old battery stacks before recycling are generally reusable in home backup systems. Almost all the major objections are similar - an out of date talking point that has been solved or can be clarified as not stopping EVs.
Stay polite - This can be hard when the 'Rolling Coal' bonehead demands his god given right to take a dump on the planet you would like to pass down to your grandkids. Take a breath. Sometimes when there are multiple parties I'll instead praise the most levelheaded for their ability to argue without name calling. I may use 'bonehead' above to make clear I have negative feelings about an obstinate opponent but it never is productive in a dialog. I generally keep exchanges short in these cases and provide links to factual data. Pointing out fallacies such as 'ad hominem' may put the debater on an angry defensive posture as they don't understand the point. A more laymen's explanation like this chart may assist: http://www.relativelyinteresting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/10-commandments-of-rational-debate.jpg
A tip for each type listed in the prior post:
The Perfectionist - Make a final point that intermediate progress is critical due to cumulative nature of CO2 / CO / Carbon particulate damage.
The Novice - Usually approachable and often interested in a test drive. Keep discussion short and pointed - if interest appears get them in an EV!
The Stakeholder - Stay calm. Point out economic pluses for green industry. Short and Factual.
The Conservative Media Consumer - Stay apolitical and point out economic losses associated with denial of the climate problem. In particular point out that very conservative insurance companies have increased rates for coastal and flood insurance - meaning money is on the side of the facts even if lobbyists are spouting misinformation. Links to studies when they are skeptical of EVs advantages will help.
The Professional - Expose their sources and sponsors if possible. In my case I submit my motivation - survival and a good life for my children and the world. Link to factual scientific studies and disengage early - you are not the one being paid here.
Remember in all these cases the argument may not change the debater, but may expose the fallacies of their side. Our goal is to get the good information out and allow the silent audience out there to make up their minds.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Monday, April 11, 2016
The EV Naysayer
Well it's begun in earnest. Like cigarettes before the oil industry is gearing up the misinformation drive. It was there before but the Koch brothers announcing funds to fight electric vehicles is the tip of a new iceberg. In general I see five sources of bloggers out there running negative EV (Electric Vehicle) commentary:
The Perfectionist. Probably the most difficult to counter as it's true the EV's can't solve every problem despite positive points. On one end of the scale they point to big rigs not currently replaceable by EVs. At the other end they point to mining needed for lithium batteries. Usually a conversation admitting the whole of motoring won't be replaced overnight and that gas cars have plenty of rare earth and metal mining with end with an admission that EV's are an overall positive. Some in this category won't be happy until we all are bicycling again though.
The Novice. Ranging from gas motoring enthusiast to outright luddite. They dislike a change to new electric vehicle technology, either sentimentally for classic cars or due to fear. Usually not too bad to have an exchange with. They have a point - old motor technology was fun. Sadly it poisons the air and makes large areas prone to being underwater in a couple decades.
The Stakeholder. These bloggers are the buggy whip makers of yesteryear. Dealers who prefer making money on repairs and oil, not to mention the Tesla no dealer model. Mechanics that realize a world with EV's needs a lot fewer repairs. Media with big advertising from the same old guard. Gas and oil workers of all types. Animosity runs high in this crowd and besides giving them links to studies it may not be worth the time to engage here. Fear of job loss is a powerful motivator.
The Conservative Media Consumer. Often recognisable by similar arguments they parrot from Fox news or Beck / Limbaugh on the radio. When refuted by sound sources they tend to deny or name call. I don't just mean greenie or liberal - some vile stuff. They have been trained by media repetition to consider holders of other views unamerican or immoral. I still find some of the brighter ones worth engaging with, but many just don't have any intent to understand an opposing view. Inability to compromise to get things done is common as well - see government gridlock.
The Professional. A big area for shadowy money, lots of bloggers are paid to advance the other side. They promptly pop up in every forum. Unaccountable but very professional in turning positive online discussion into disinformation and trolling. I believe this is one way secretive policy organizations get great bang for the buck in these times of hard to find employment. Best to just provide good sources and links. They simply will engage without end or any positive movement regardless of argument strength.
** Next blog - sources to help counter naysayers. Here's a first good link below **
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/life-cycle-ev-emissions#.VwwicxMrKV4
The Perfectionist. Probably the most difficult to counter as it's true the EV's can't solve every problem despite positive points. On one end of the scale they point to big rigs not currently replaceable by EVs. At the other end they point to mining needed for lithium batteries. Usually a conversation admitting the whole of motoring won't be replaced overnight and that gas cars have plenty of rare earth and metal mining with end with an admission that EV's are an overall positive. Some in this category won't be happy until we all are bicycling again though.
The Novice. Ranging from gas motoring enthusiast to outright luddite. They dislike a change to new electric vehicle technology, either sentimentally for classic cars or due to fear. Usually not too bad to have an exchange with. They have a point - old motor technology was fun. Sadly it poisons the air and makes large areas prone to being underwater in a couple decades.
The Stakeholder. These bloggers are the buggy whip makers of yesteryear. Dealers who prefer making money on repairs and oil, not to mention the Tesla no dealer model. Mechanics that realize a world with EV's needs a lot fewer repairs. Media with big advertising from the same old guard. Gas and oil workers of all types. Animosity runs high in this crowd and besides giving them links to studies it may not be worth the time to engage here. Fear of job loss is a powerful motivator.
The Conservative Media Consumer. Often recognisable by similar arguments they parrot from Fox news or Beck / Limbaugh on the radio. When refuted by sound sources they tend to deny or name call. I don't just mean greenie or liberal - some vile stuff. They have been trained by media repetition to consider holders of other views unamerican or immoral. I still find some of the brighter ones worth engaging with, but many just don't have any intent to understand an opposing view. Inability to compromise to get things done is common as well - see government gridlock.
The Professional. A big area for shadowy money, lots of bloggers are paid to advance the other side. They promptly pop up in every forum. Unaccountable but very professional in turning positive online discussion into disinformation and trolling. I believe this is one way secretive policy organizations get great bang for the buck in these times of hard to find employment. Best to just provide good sources and links. They simply will engage without end or any positive movement regardless of argument strength.
** Next blog - sources to help counter naysayers. Here's a first good link below **
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/life-cycle-ev-emissions#.VwwicxMrKV4
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Why I'm not feeling fooled this April.
Well Tesla unveiled the Model 3 and I like what I see. My Grand was correctly invested.
*** Warning I own Tesla stock for the long term ***
Musk cautioned that these were his minimum base model specs and could improve:
$35,000 Base model pre incentives.
Range EPA on a charge: 215 miles.
Seating : 5 adults comfortably.
Base model speed : 0-60 in six seconds.
5 Star safety all category rating goal.
Autopilot hardware standard and all safety features active in base model.
15 inch center dash screen.
Supercharger capability built in base model.
( All images from Tesla and can be removed if requested. They are just sooo good lookin. )
*** Warning I own Tesla stock for the long term ***
Musk cautioned that these were his minimum base model specs and could improve:
$35,000 Base model pre incentives.
Range EPA on a charge: 215 miles.
Seating : 5 adults comfortably.
Base model speed : 0-60 in six seconds.
5 Star safety all category rating goal.
Autopilot hardware standard and all safety features active in base model.
15 inch center dash screen.
Supercharger capability built in base model.
Many are debating the styling. The two biggest exterior points the nose and the passthrough trunk vs a hatchback. I like the nose very much - stingray/shark like. Says I don't need no stinkin radiator. As for the trunk while a hatchback is nice for cramming stuff I really prefer the privacy of a trunk. Either way not a big deal to me.
Now I wait - hopefully being early in line means the full Federal credit will still be available. Musk grins when he says end of 2017 for first deliveries - he knows that will be a challenge.
As of yesterday when they expanded to online reservations 253,000 - a quarter of a million had been reserved for a grand each....
More to come...
( All images from Tesla and can be removed if requested. They are just sooo good lookin. )
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Time for Tesla?
Again my post numbers have been light as the Leaf continues to be a good driver but slowly loses range. I'm at 2 bars lost from 12 and rarely drive more then 30 miles from home - especially in winter. However the Leaf maintenance has been excellent in the first 50k miles. Wiper blades/fluid, and tires. We also are facing an uncertain future as regards the remote app system. Hacking issues and lost of 2G network is leading to some uncertain change of uncertain cost to restore it. Oddly also we early adopters did not receive any charging incentives when new owners were offered charging benefits. Leaves one a little flat having stood in line and paid 40k in 2011 but I still enjoy electric driving.
Enter Tesla. They offer their original Roadster owners a 400 mile range battery change for 6K. This is to double the range on a car THEY NO LONGER SELL. Rather than throw away an older Tesla - they make it better for you. The Model S, the new main line, receives online updates activating novel capabilities overnight for owners. Titanium armor added free to improve already incredible safety levels. Cars designed, built, and many parts sourced in the U.S.A. Instead of a car that starts ageing off the lot, one that gets better with age. I'm so impressed with their business model I own stock.
So I woke at 5:30 am this morning and went to Montgomery Mall in MD. I waited from 7am to 10am. By 10:13 I was standing in front of a Tesla rep and plunked down my plastic and drivers license. A 1000 dollars and 60 seconds later I proudly had a reservation for a Tesla model III (sorry I don't have a sideways font).
I don't know what it will look like (unveiling is an hour away) . I don't know the specs except a 200 mile range and a base price of $35000.
I'm all in.
Enter Tesla. They offer their original Roadster owners a 400 mile range battery change for 6K. This is to double the range on a car THEY NO LONGER SELL. Rather than throw away an older Tesla - they make it better for you. The Model S, the new main line, receives online updates activating novel capabilities overnight for owners. Titanium armor added free to improve already incredible safety levels. Cars designed, built, and many parts sourced in the U.S.A. Instead of a car that starts ageing off the lot, one that gets better with age. I'm so impressed with their business model I own stock.
So I woke at 5:30 am this morning and went to Montgomery Mall in MD. I waited from 7am to 10am. By 10:13 I was standing in front of a Tesla rep and plunked down my plastic and drivers license. A 1000 dollars and 60 seconds later I proudly had a reservation for a Tesla model III (sorry I don't have a sideways font).
I don't know what it will look like (unveiling is an hour away) . I don't know the specs except a 200 mile range and a base price of $35000.
I'm all in.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Hydrogen keeps plugging along
Well I just finished a 'Fully Charged' viewing. Mr. Llewellyn has been looking at hydrogen for some time and he drives a Hyundai IX35 that looks quite a bit more polished then the Honda hydrogen concept car previously driven.
While the drive was impressive it was Robert's assertion that hydrogen could be produced by wind units that were idled by overproduction that was interesting. Electric cracking of water to hydrogen with otherwise wasted energy sounds like a possible answer to the extreme waste of energy for the process. It might take 2-3 times the electric in but if the wind turbine is otherwise idle - why not. I'm curious if this can be done maintain ably with sea water as fresh water at least on the US west coast is problematic.
Still the next questions are has the drive train and hydrogen storage and cell parts improved in long term service life. Hydrogen tends to corrode and make brittle metals that contain it. The Hyundai rep claimed safety with the cell and tank was not a concern. Finally do the numbers work out for idled green production like the wind towers? If not the oil lobby is waiting to sell hydrogen from their ever carbon intensive resources. I would not like to have clean hydrogen via dirty petrol that has to be extracted offshore with the associated spills and pipeline bursts.
Here's the episode - I agree the technology should at least continue to be researched - just as long as it's not a facade for big oil. Still looks to me like vaporware for quite some time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFrCQE3bEwg
Meanwhile Tesla continues to do well on the stock front. Sadly I will probably never make enough to buy a Tesla S but maybe a 3 when it appears in 2018 or so... Also Chevy and Nissan continue to accelerate efforts to bring us a long range economy car ahead of Tesla - cool with me!
While the drive was impressive it was Robert's assertion that hydrogen could be produced by wind units that were idled by overproduction that was interesting. Electric cracking of water to hydrogen with otherwise wasted energy sounds like a possible answer to the extreme waste of energy for the process. It might take 2-3 times the electric in but if the wind turbine is otherwise idle - why not. I'm curious if this can be done maintain ably with sea water as fresh water at least on the US west coast is problematic.
Still the next questions are has the drive train and hydrogen storage and cell parts improved in long term service life. Hydrogen tends to corrode and make brittle metals that contain it. The Hyundai rep claimed safety with the cell and tank was not a concern. Finally do the numbers work out for idled green production like the wind towers? If not the oil lobby is waiting to sell hydrogen from their ever carbon intensive resources. I would not like to have clean hydrogen via dirty petrol that has to be extracted offshore with the associated spills and pipeline bursts.
Here's the episode - I agree the technology should at least continue to be researched - just as long as it's not a facade for big oil. Still looks to me like vaporware for quite some time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFrCQE3bEwg
Meanwhile Tesla continues to do well on the stock front. Sadly I will probably never make enough to buy a Tesla S but maybe a 3 when it appears in 2018 or so... Also Chevy and Nissan continue to accelerate efforts to bring us a long range economy car ahead of Tesla - cool with me!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
AWOL
I fully admit to being AWOL on the blog. The Leaf is still running like a champ and I haven't given up EVing.
The Leaf did lose a bar at 40k miles last year ( out of twelve ) but is running great. Retirement limits most of my driving to 30 mile out and back which round trip is 60. That's just fine still. I always have to plan for two extra bars to get back up the mountain ( hill? - 1200') at the PA border where I live.
I continue to own stock in Tesla - the shorts continue to try making up bad press. However the company at every turn continues to chase the right thing so I and it appears others are in for the long haul.
It appears out on a two year horizon, but Tesla's model 3 and the Nissan long range Leaf version should be arriving. Very exciting but with my Leaf I'll be able to sit back and decide after the first adopters this go round. I bought the high end 2011 calendar /2012 model year Leaf at full freight in line so I feel no guilt there. I hope more serious long range contenders arrive as well. A 200 mile Bolt? A 100 battery mile Volt?? A better BMW set of EV entries?
If anyone is still reading - with my AWOL lack of articles, stay positive. Oil interests are still fighting EV's tooth and nail but I think range will put a big dent in the petrol coffin. Gas may never go away but we can hope it becomes like diesel - a secondary fuel. Despite fanfare and announcements of new H cars, nothing breakthrough is making hydrogen any less of a phantom.
The Leaf did lose a bar at 40k miles last year ( out of twelve ) but is running great. Retirement limits most of my driving to 30 mile out and back which round trip is 60. That's just fine still. I always have to plan for two extra bars to get back up the mountain ( hill? - 1200') at the PA border where I live.
I continue to own stock in Tesla - the shorts continue to try making up bad press. However the company at every turn continues to chase the right thing so I and it appears others are in for the long haul.
It appears out on a two year horizon, but Tesla's model 3 and the Nissan long range Leaf version should be arriving. Very exciting but with my Leaf I'll be able to sit back and decide after the first adopters this go round. I bought the high end 2011 calendar /2012 model year Leaf at full freight in line so I feel no guilt there. I hope more serious long range contenders arrive as well. A 200 mile Bolt? A 100 battery mile Volt?? A better BMW set of EV entries?
If anyone is still reading - with my AWOL lack of articles, stay positive. Oil interests are still fighting EV's tooth and nail but I think range will put a big dent in the petrol coffin. Gas may never go away but we can hope it becomes like diesel - a secondary fuel. Despite fanfare and announcements of new H cars, nothing breakthrough is making hydrogen any less of a phantom.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Financially compromised!
Well I have not had much news for the blog - continuing to drive mainly electric with some long trips on a gas Yaris. As of December there is a confession to make.
I'm biased - I bought stock in Tesla. Not going to go into how much etc. Let's just say it would not buy a model S.
However up until now I have always bought market index funds towards retirement. Sadly this probably includes energy sector stocks which to make their profits contribute to climate change.
I simply felt in news story after news story Tesla and Elon Musk not only acted responsibly towards customers and shareholders but mankind as a whole. The company has made great strategic decisions as well. While the stock may be high it had fallen from a high of 290s to 216 which I think very long term will be a great place to get in even though 3 years ago they were in the 40's. I really believe in two decades or less Telsa will be the largest seller of autos in the USA and perhaps world wide.
I probably won't live to see that but my kids might so a little of my nest egg has been moved into Tesla.
Anyway - I've always claimed no bias so now I will admit to having one - I like and own some of Tesla.
I'll continue to write - including when I think Tesla is wrong, but so far I haven't seen much evidence of that. Heck I wish they sold public stock in SpaceX.
The other big financially compromising news is gas is dirt cheap lately. Nice when I have to do some distance driving but tough for financial comparison with electrics. When you run the numbers, and add in the 100,000 mile 6K$ battery change, when gas is under $2.50 the ICE engine comes out ahead per mile. Cheap oil appears here for a while. Of course strangling in pollution, watching sea coral bleach, and world temps go up is a cost too.
I'm biased - I bought stock in Tesla. Not going to go into how much etc. Let's just say it would not buy a model S.
However up until now I have always bought market index funds towards retirement. Sadly this probably includes energy sector stocks which to make their profits contribute to climate change.
I simply felt in news story after news story Tesla and Elon Musk not only acted responsibly towards customers and shareholders but mankind as a whole. The company has made great strategic decisions as well. While the stock may be high it had fallen from a high of 290s to 216 which I think very long term will be a great place to get in even though 3 years ago they were in the 40's. I really believe in two decades or less Telsa will be the largest seller of autos in the USA and perhaps world wide.
I probably won't live to see that but my kids might so a little of my nest egg has been moved into Tesla.
Anyway - I've always claimed no bias so now I will admit to having one - I like and own some of Tesla.
I'll continue to write - including when I think Tesla is wrong, but so far I haven't seen much evidence of that. Heck I wish they sold public stock in SpaceX.
The other big financially compromising news is gas is dirt cheap lately. Nice when I have to do some distance driving but tough for financial comparison with electrics. When you run the numbers, and add in the 100,000 mile 6K$ battery change, when gas is under $2.50 the ICE engine comes out ahead per mile. Cheap oil appears here for a while. Of course strangling in pollution, watching sea coral bleach, and world temps go up is a cost too.
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