Electric Cars -- anyone own one?

[NorCalMikie]

Latest I've heard is the Tesla charging stations don't work as smoothly with a NON Tesla EV. THAT could present a BIG problem.

 

[Larry Koch]

The electric car is a great idea, now they need to create a power source. Which could be 10 to a 100 years out. until then lets enjoy the gas engine and work on its economy.

 

[Brians356]

A note.

My Chevy Bolt EUV normally charges to a full charge of around 240 miles, give or take.

During this recent cold spell, where it has been in the high 20’s, it will only charge to around 200 miles Of range.

A story on CBS last night reported 1/2 charge range for those in subzero temps. Not a big deal getting stranded in those conditions, though, is it?
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[Brians356]

Ultimately, those cars are coal powered. Its coal that charges their batteries. That's where most of the electricity comes from.

Actually far less coal than natural gas generation now in the USA. Worldwide coal still reigns, dominating in greater Asia where most of the population is.
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[Larry Koch]

Natural gas is less efficient because they use peak-er units. They have one pass of hot gas thru the turbine and exhaust.
If they would build a reheat boiler then that would make it as efficient.
We have 100 plus years of coal laying near the top of the ground. Some estimates as much as 400 years.
What's different if we burn coal here or in China. USA does it better, with less harm to the
environment .

 

[SeabeeKen]

95% of electric cars are still on the road. 5% made it home

 

[rwj]

Natural gas is less efficient because they use peak-er units. They have one pass of hot gas thru the turbine and exhaust.
If they would build a reheat boiler then that would make it as efficient.

That would be a combined cycle plant and they do exist for increased thermal efficiency as you noted.

Combined Cycle Power Plants | GE Vernova

Learn how a combined cycle power plant can generate more efficient power for your site. Take a virtual tour to understand how CCGTs work.

www.ge.com

 

[Larry Koch]

That would be a combined cycle plant and they do exist for increased thermal efficiency as you noted.

Combined Cycle Power Plants | GE Vernova

Learn how a combined cycle power plant can generate more efficient power for your site. Take a virtual tour to understand how CCGTs work.

www.ge.com

Electric company are reluctant to build one, it has a high upfront cost, and the fuel cost is a wild card. With coal they can lock in contacts for years, it cost more to move it than the coal itself. The closer you are to Wyoming the cheaper.

 

[Larry Koch]

95% of electric cars are still on the road. 5% made it home

Stuck in the snow, with no charge.

 

[markT]

Ford might be a good play soon. They have bled out billions on EV's and are cutting back employees and production. .. Stock is down ~9% for 1 yr and ~18% down for last 6 months.. Mustang EV is a flop.

 

[M-61]

A note.

My Chevy Bolt EUV normally charges to a full charge of around 240 miles, give or take.

During this recent cold spell, where it has been in the high 20’s, it will only charge to around 200 miles Of range.

The actual KiloWatt usage seems to be about the same on my combined 92 mile commute each day.

During your cold spell was the car heater in use and just as importantly in an EV, the rear window defroster?

 

[rr2030]

During your cold spell was the car heater in use and just as importantly in an EV, the rear window defroster?

Additionally, the EV battery needs heat to function properly. Where do you think it gets the heat from ...

 

[Larry Koch]

Hopefully this cold spell from winter aka-(climate change) will shock some people back to reality.

 

[ern.santos]

All commercially known chemistries just don't perform as well in cold temps. I've evaluated all of them at this point. The temp drops, capacity and efficiency go to sh!t. The double whammy comes to charging in cold temps. Secondary battery cells can't be slammed with typical fast charge profiles in colder temps because there's a higher risk of lithium plating. Heat may be the enemy of electronics. But it's the cold that's the enemy of secondary cells.

 

[Fuj]

I remember back in the day, the car stayed in the garage and the
truck in the driveway. i would keep a 60 watt trouble light next to
the battery over night. Later on in life, I started using a trickle
charger. Back in the early 90's, Erie had a stretch of minus 10 to
minus 18 degrees. I had the crazy idea to cover the engine and
radiator with an electric blanket just in case.....Had a good chuckle
over the news last night of the EV's not wanting to charge.

 

[SeabeeKen]

Stuck in the snow, with no charge.

No charge until the tow truck gets there or just wait till the battery catches fire and melts the snow.

 

[Larry Koch]

Old Joe wants electric military vehicle by 2030. Electric tanks and such.

 

[M-61]

Old Joe wants electric military vehicle by 2030. Electric tanks and such.

He certainly has a broad military background to make those decisions.
Can we get a picture of him in a tank like Michael Dukakis?

 

[bsekf]

Pay attention, they are mandating EV School buses. Want your 6 year olds stuck on an electric school bus in 0 weather. Never mind they cost twice as much to buy. Delete that! Taxpayer money, so they are free.

 

[TrapperBR549]

Pay attention, they are mandating EV School buses. Want your 6 year olds stuck on an electric school bus in 0 weather. Never mind they cost twice as much to buy. Delete that! Taxpayer money, so they are free.

At least around here they have started cancelling school for cold weather. Now I understand why. They need to make it normal so the EV buses won't be a step backward.