Comment on A 2014 Ford electric with dead batteries is only worth 500$, even if you spent 20/30k on it
squashkin@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
i mean is it comparable to blowing an engine transmission or burning up the fuel, sure it is costly to replace
mostly this sounds like a critique of how many commericial EVs are probably made, not being as open of a design or serviceable
masterofballs@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
Why its best to usually not be a early adopter. I likely will not switch to electric until its cheaper to do so.
If the electric cars do not allow open source software ( like they currently don't) I will likely pay more not to drive one.
iamtanmay@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
As much as I hate Tesla for its Apple like, everything closed mindset... at least you know the batteries will be there to swap out in some years
Maybe non US makers like Toyota or Nissan would be better for getting replacement packs
squashkin@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
pinephone has entered the chat (lol)
yeah I have been interested in the DIY EV route, basically just get batteries and hook them up to a motor system (there's more but that's the summary).
ICE (gas) vehicles are already bloated, EVs look bloated and probably will have trash proprietary software hooked up to them.
probably our main problem is we need major deregulation of car industry so more cars can be made by more companies.
there's also ICE DIY car kits you can build. all this costs more tho. ebikes are good for smaller distances.
also the OP brings up an interesting point, I guess EVs are kind of different, I mean some parts can be stolen off ICE vehicles and some gas. But with EVs people could steal batteries. idk if there is more of a theft issue. Instead of filling up a little gas like ICE cars, EVs are often basically like hauling tons of gas with them in a way (with all the batteries they bring).
Another route I'd consider is like a bigger e-velomobile (they're like cars you can pedal like a bicycle), like bigger or more car sized.
We'll figure out a way to navigate the coming mess
iamtanmay@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
There's regulations around chassis for safety reasons. You can build on top of existing chassis, but otherwise it won't be street legal
That said, DIY car.... its gonna look ugly... and its a crazy amount of work
I would rather buy an existing hybrid which uses a generic battery supplier, so I can replace it myself even if the manufacturer is gone.
Spotted_Lady@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
I've heard of folks 3D printing cars. That's only the body. The chassis is another matter.
squashkin@wolfballs.com 2 years ago
velomobiles, some diy EVs, car kits, I think these things are legal. Also maybe we can change the law. but yeah there are legal limitations to work through.
I like the hybrid idea too or a gas car for long trips (or rent one) and EV for shorter.