Electric Tacoma coming

Gentlemen, I've worked in the power generation market for the past 35 years. There's a lot of turmoil going on right now; aging infrastructure (both generation and distribution systems), retirement of experienced workers, political machinations, etc. Renewable energy is a very small percentage of the current fossil and nuclear-fueled generation plants and far less reliable in terms of required gigawatts, especially during peak demands, regardless of season. If TPTB intend to add lots of EVs without an upgrade in serious generating capacity (and distribution), then you'll be looking at a scenario where you'll be all dressed up with no place to go.

Hopefully, battery technology will improve dramatically in the next 10-15 years (check out Samsung's silver oxide technology) to help store the electrical energy required to operate EVs, but the ICE isn't going the way of the dinosaurs in our lifetime or the next. My two cents.

 

I am excited about electric trucks coming online because I think it gives options and opens up possibilities. I think an electric truck with four independent wheel motors could offer some incredible performance possibilities. I mean, imagine the low end torque combined with the ability to control traction at each wheel totally independently. The offroad capacity has incredible potential. Definitely not a fan of what battery production is doing to the environment. I am also not a fan of what gasoline is doing to the environment. So there are always trade off. Glickenhause, is putting their money on hydrogen fuel cell technology for the future and I also think that has huge potential. Overlanding might be a challenge if the batteries have a limited range, on the other hand, imagine an overlanding set up with a super efficient inverter that would allow a couple solar panels to charge the betteries in short order. Imagine getting to a point where one could spend weeks in the backcountry wheeling with no need to carry extra gas. All kinds of fun possibilities to consider. I think for any of us truly concerned about the environment, just not driving as much as possible, when possible, is the best bet. Bike, walk, mass transit when possible. I really like the option of multiple vehicles. Walk when possible, bike when possible, take the daily driver super efficient light weight car when possible (my old 1989 CRX cost $4,000 used and gave me 47mpg long before the Prius came along), and then use the truck when a truck is needed. My two cents.

 

Solid state coming quicker than that. Speculation is the new SUV and LExus will have solid state batteries. LG and Panasonic are pretty much done development.

 

Tesla's new batteries definitely are, they're rated at half a million miles. So if that's an indication of future battery tech than absolutely cleaner for the environment due to their lifespan. And as long as the charging station is powered by a clean source (solar, wind, hydro, geo, etc.) it's certainly better for the earth. Not to mention that it would cut our reliance on foreign oil and the political implications of not being glued to the Saudi's anymore would be a welcome relief for America.
And just nit-picking here, but imagine a smoggy city like LA with 80% of cars suddenly becoming EV's. Air quality would improve drastically. Why do you think the chinese are pushing ev's so hard? Yeah their cities are way dirtier in terms of AQ, but they also realized the public health crisis that petrol based vehicles cause. Everything from lung cancer to basic asthma and the resulting cost of treatment.

 

Interesting video I watch the other day on the EV charging topic. One big issue in the US is that Tesla is not using the same type of charging connector as other manufacturers so some of the infrastructure isn't cross compatible.

 

little things I've heard of:

1) Joe "campaigned" on rolling out charging stations across America
2) Tesla's new battery design "could possibly" come out in another year or two
3) EV's have less moving parts compared to ICE's
4) Workhorse light duty trucks having true independent 4 wheel drive

 

During the stay at home order in L.A. and India etc. they showed how clear the air was in those place due to hardly any cars on the road.

 

The motor and gearbox, single and for the Porsche 2 speed gearbox.

 

They have adaptors for the Tesla to charge on non Tesla charging stations.

 

I can't wait for the wireless charging full electric Tacoma from Toyota.

 

Just playing devil's advocate here. I'm sure buggy builders and horse breeders said the same thing when cars began mass production and adoption. "But who will buy our Clydesdales now that everyone want's a model T?". That's the free market for ya.

They'll get new certifications and adapt or die a slow death as a dedicated internal combustion engine "specialist".

 

Good. Give me at least a plugin hybrid Taco.

 

Right now we're a long, Long way from charging by any solar panel that would be off road portable.

 

It needs to be a plugin hybrid, though. An oldschool hybrid doesn't cut it at this point, and certainly not by 2025.

 

Ok?

 

They will be recycled to the fullest extent possible, just like the steel and other materials in a '57 Chevy.

 

That would be neat! Never really thought of nuclear to often! I’ve often wondered about propane.

 

As I said in my previous post, rated for a half million miles and practical application are two different things. And right now, the people purchasing Teslas or fully EV vehicles probably lean more towards the ideal customer base, which is more conscientious and more self-educated on proper battery care and where energy comes from. As EVs become more standardized, this awareness is going to dissipate.

That said, the two questions I have are, "how 'green' is the battery production process," and, "where do we get the energy to charge our Tesla?" I can't speak to the first one, but in the US at least, 20% of the electricity generation comes from renewable resources. Reliance on petroleum has declined over the past 10 years, but renewable isn't what has filled that void - natural gas is.

I'm all for being a good steward of the earth, but I want to be responsible and informed in doing so. I'm not totally convinced that EVs are there yet, although I have little doubt for their future. I just don't know that future is coming in my lifetime. I am really interested in the technology of the Mirai, and need to dig into that a little (lot) further.

Easy, just bring along a generator to increase mileage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCSNCs7bwCw

 

They already have for like 95% of the population. It's electric.

 

Yes we are, but I like to imagine the possibility. at the moment you would need to tow a trailer with a boatload of panels to charge in any reasonable amount of time...and you could only go in desert locations with constant sun...