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5 votes
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Car maintenance/replacement advice
I have a 2014 CRV, it loses oil horribly and I'm going to have to check it a couple times a week or risk my engine. The mechanic was hesitant to even help me limp it along and said basically...
I have a 2014 CRV, it loses oil horribly and I'm going to have to check it a couple times a week or risk my engine. The mechanic was hesitant to even help me limp it along and said basically there's no fix besides replacing the engine. He put 3 quarts in that day. I didn't have a warning it was low other than the loud start.
I'm trying to decide if it's worth continuing maintenance on this car or worth trading in now while the engine is still kicking (and switching to an electric used car probably) or nursing this along for another year or so. We have a car loan on a wheelchair van we're trying to refinance which means I'll be looking at cars that are about equivalent in value to the CRV.
Thoughts? Advice? Besides keeping oil in my car because I didn't know it was this bad. Ó╭╮Ò
17 votes -
How self-driving cars will destroy cities
34 votes -
Elon Musk now says it's 'pointless' to build a $25,000 Tesla for human drivers
39 votes -
California EV maker Aptera unveils solar car with 64 km of daily, charge-free range
18 votes -
New deadline by which only zero-emission new vans may be sold in Norway will no longer be 2025, but 2027
9 votes -
Atlantic Aviation preparing Manhattan Heliport for electric air taxis
5 votes -
US probes Tesla's Full Self-Driving software after fatal crash
23 votes -
Bike manufacturers are making bikes less repairable
60 votes -
The bill finally comes due for Elon Musk
41 votes -
Filipinos are embracing electric three-wheelers faster than officials can regulate them
24 votes -
Human drivers keep rear-ending Waymos
37 votes -
EV discussion thread
Just though it might be nice to have a space for general EV discussion here on Tildes. The only other space I know of to talk on the subject is r/electricvehicles, which has gotten big enough to...
Just though it might be nice to have a space for general EV discussion here on Tildes. The only other space I know of to talk on the subject is r/electricvehicles, which has gotten big enough to get polarized and echo-chambery… prepare to get bombarded if you say anything positive about EV models from Japanese manufacturers or suggest that a used Chevy Bolt isn’t a great fit for everybody, for example.
Anyway, what is everybody driving and how do you like it? Has it given you any trouble? Any upcoming models you’re excited about or interested in? If you don’t drive one now, is there a model you’re eying?
Right now I’m driving a 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum+, which I chose because it’s what I could get a reasonable lease deal on without too much trouble. It’s been great for the most part but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t total overkill for my needs… something more like a modernized electric Golf would better fit me, but those don’t exist in the US, so here I am.
The upcoming model I’m most interested in is by far the Rivian R3. It’s sized about the same as a Golf, the retro styling is cool, and its got several high-utility features that make it almost seem like a reincarnation of the Toyota Matrix (fold flat seats including front passenger, back hatch window that can open to accommodate long objects, etc) without the Matrix’s weaknesses. The Pacific Northwest inspired interior of the higher end R3X model looks gorgeous too and is a welcome departure from the sterile grayscale interiors that EVs have become known for.
38 votes -
Norway sees electric cars outnumber petrol models – sovereign wealth fund cushion has made it possible for government to offer green incentives to motorists
11 votes -
Swedish battery company Northvolt has announced it would be laying off a large part of its workforce and selling or consolidating several sites as the electric vehicle market slows down
11 votes -
When electric vehicle startups shut down, will their cars still work?
24 votes -
My experience buying a used low-range EV a year later
A little over a year ago I posed some questions on Tildes about used electrics. Shortly after that topic, I went put and purchased a 2016 VW E-Golf. I think that my experiences might be useful for...
A little over a year ago I posed some questions on Tildes about used electrics.
Shortly after that topic, I went put and purchased a 2016 VW E-Golf. I think that my experiences might be useful for anyone that is considering an electric but struggles with range anxiety or just wonders how practical a car with low range would actually be. When looking at used car prices, I was shocked at how cheap a low range electric car was compared to longer range EVs. I picked mine up for $10,500 out the door.
For context, I live on the outside of a small city in the Midwest. It gets cold here. I am also in a two car household, the other being a hybrid. There are two adults and children in the house.
The Golf has a roughly 20 kWh battery. Over the year that I have driven it, I have averaged 4.5 miles per kWh. That sounds like a range of 90 miles, but that doesn't tell the whole story. On cold days when resistive heating has to be run, the mileage drops by around 30%. On a nice mild day, I can get it up to 6 mi/kWh on a trip if I am off of the highway.
I did not need to install any additional charging abilities in my garage. I have the charger plugged into a random 110V outlet in my garage. I was prepared to shell out a bit of money for an electrician if the 110 circuit didn't cut it, but over a year of use I have not actually run into a scenario where I needed to use more than the trickle charge.
I work a hybrid setup. Twice a week I need to drive into the office around 20 miles away. The office does have some electric charging stations on a 220 circuit but I have not felt the need to charge there on any occasion.
The shorter range does mean that some coordination is required between the two adults in the household. If one of us needs to travel out of town for work or something involving the kids, the other has to limit their travel. In practice for our house, this annoyance ends up being more a concern for which vehicle needs car seats than a concern for mileage. Exactly one occasion this year we have had to adjust plans to deal with having a limited range vehicle.
Overall, I really have been thoroughly happy with the low range EV choice as the primary vehicle in a two vehicle household with a backup for longer range trips.
70 votes -
Volvo Cars has abandoned its plan to become a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030 due to weakening consumer demand for pure electric vehicles
42 votes -
Bipartisan group of 350 US city mayors commit to electrifying fleets and broadening EV charging infrastructure
18 votes -
Did your car witness a crime? Bay Area police may be coming for your Tesla — and they might tow it.
28 votes -
In the quest for electric planes, hybrid may be the answer
8 votes -
California hits new milestone with EV chargers: 40% increase in one year
16 votes -
Mercedes EV fire causes power outage, hospitalizations, 140 cars damaged
26 votes -
29% of global, 46% of US, EV owners likely to switch back to ICE cars per McKinsey consumer survey
36 votes -
Volkswagen to invest up to $5 billion in EV maker Rivian as part of tech joint venture
20 votes -
EV maker Fisker files for bankruptcy
18 votes -
BYD: China’s electric vehicle powerhouse charges into Europe
16 votes -
Brussels is gambling that tariffs on Chinese EVs are a prod, not a punch
15 votes -
EU expected to impose import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles
26 votes -
Electric cars are suddenly becoming affordable
48 votes -
Militarized Cybertruck cop cars are coming
21 votes -
Jury finds Boeing stole technology from electric airplane startup Zunum
26 votes -
Toyota’s bet on hybrids was mocked, then vindicated. Now it’s trying to repeat the trick with an unlikely bet on the combustion engine.
41 votes -
Electric bikes are about to get more expensive in the US
8 votes -
Teslas can still be stolen with a cheap radio hack—despite new keyless tech
17 votes -
The inside story of Elon Musk’s mass firings of Tesla Supercharger staff
36 votes -
E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs
I've done considerable e-bike research, and I'm still struggling with unanswered questions... I'm looking for a mid-range e-bike mainly for commuting, approximately 3 miles/5 km each way. Part of...
I've done considerable e-bike research, and I'm still struggling with unanswered questions...
I'm looking for a mid-range e-bike mainly for commuting, approximately 3 miles/5 km each way. Part of the route is on unpaved but graded park trails, otherwise paved (sometimes very bumpy) streets and sidewalks. I don't anticipate using the bike for heavy cargo, rough trails or long powered rides, but wouldn't mind working up to 30 mi/50 km trips with partial assists.
The primary goal is a safe, stable ride that gets me to work reliably without leaving me too banged up.
Requirements:
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Major assistance with steep hills. Though I've rebuilt decent endurance and muscle strength, I've got two artificial hips, and occasional inflammation in knees, ankles, and feet that makes powering up a long incline painful.
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Suspension fork and relatively upright riding position. Even with gel gloves, bumps and bangs through a rigid frame and forward leaning will wreck my wrists and hands quickly.
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Step-through frame. Thanks to hip replacements, my balance and range of motion aren't all they could be.
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Local service availability. Fortunately, I'm in a town with great (if expensive) bike shops.
Nice to have:
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60 lbs. or less. I don't expect to wrestle the bike up/down stairs or into vehicles frequently. It's more a question of being able to propel it under my own power most of the time and carry it on a standard car rack. I've looked at e-trikes for stability, but they're too heavy and cumbersome.
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Hydraulic disc brakes, belt drive and sealed motor hub (expensive but cleaner for commuting and lower maintenance), torque sensor.
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Integrated lights.
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Fenders, chain guard, rear rack, kickstand, phone holder included or available at reasonable cost.
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Visual appeal - colors, not too obvious battery, etc.
Overnight recharge is fine, the battery doesn't have to be removable.
Possibilities so far:
Priority Current (via Costco). review,
review
Con:- Rigid frame
- Complaints about required pedalling and power distribution on hills
Pro:
- Meets most of the requirements
- Model has been out for a few years with an established track record
- Well-reviewed
RadPower Radster Road Regular review, review
Pro:- Checks all requirements
- Safety emphasis
Con:
- Heavy (78 lbs.)
Electric Bike Company Model E or R
review, review
Pro:- Extensive customization available
Con:
- Cruiser style less likely to be comfortable for long rides
- Model R is 78 lbs.
Ride1Up 700 Series ST review, review
Pro:- Inexpensive
- Meets most requirements
Con:
- Assembly difficulties reported, no local dealer
Aventon Level.2 Step-through review, review
This is still early research... but more questions:
- What am I failing to consider?
- What's an appropriate price point to look at for my requirements (keeping in mind that I'd be paying as much as $150/mo. for transit when not using the bike)?
- Anyone else in a similar spot?
Edit - updates on continuing research, for those interested in comfort bikes... So many manufacturers! It might be time to turn the optimizer brain off. Quite a few of the online-only vendors are just mixing and matching Chinese parts. Reports of terrible customer support and quality/safety issues are common.
New candidates:
Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ Speed
Reviews of this specific newer Class 3 model are scarce, but other Neo models get mostly rave reviews from older riders with various disabilities. As much as I've loved Cannondale bikes, there are some reported quality and design issues in comments that give me pause. The only reason I'd consider an e-bike in this price range is if it's a durable, realistic car replacement capable of safe use in very bad conditions.
Pro:- Most of the important wishlist items covered
- Top quality powertrain and gearing parts
- Torque assist - comments say it's smooth and you never miss a manual throttle
- Versatile for city and road
- Locally available
Con:
- High price even with quality factored in
- Chain guard not included, and it should be at this price
- Comments mention battery is difficult to remove
Envo seems like a reliable Canadian brand that's doing interesting things. There are U.S. distributors. Dollar purchasing power makes this a potentially excellent value choice.
Envo Lynx 20" Only one professional review, but customers seem happy. I wasn't considering folding bikes originally, but this seems well-made, has English-language support, and has decent specs for the price and flexibility.Envo ST 50 - few if any comments available, but the stepover D50 model gets rave reviews. Meets all requirements, with excellent range for longer trips.
Mokwheel Asphalt ST review, review, review
Pro:- Meets wishlist with moderately priced accessory package
- Adjustable stem angle
- Excellent price for features
- Extra safety lights
Con:
- DTC-only (US-based)
- Lower-quality and range of gearing
Tenways AGO T review, review
Pro:- Meets wishlist
- Premium components
- No-brainer torque control and CVT
- Stylish
Con:
- May be underpowered for steep hills
- Class 2 limited (may be hackable)
- DTC, based outside US
Zen Photon Pro review
Pro:- Wishlist mostly covered
- Premium components
- Powerful hill-climbing capability
- Long range
Con:
- Price is over upper limit of budget
- Relatively new to market
- Users complain about weight
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 LS CVT review, review, review, review non-CVT. This might be the pick - meets requirements and then some, good value for quality, relatively future-ready, adaptable for the conditions I'm likely to encounter, and comfortable. It doesn't hurt that it's $300 off right now.
18 votes -
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Tiny electric trucks are coming to a bike lane near you
18 votes -
Chevrolet Malibu heads for the junkyard as GM shifts focus to electric vehicles
17 votes -
US to require automatic emergency braking on new vehicles in five years
42 votes -
Tesla’s two million car Autopilot recall is now under US federal scrutiny
22 votes -
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold
25 votes -
Tesla recalls Cybertrucks over accelerator crash risk
31 votes -
Indiana will test a highway that can charge moving vehicles
4 votes -
India’s electric rickshaws are leaving EVs in the dust
14 votes -
EV bargains to be found as Hertz sells off some of its US electric cars
31 votes -
You're wrong about Aptera's car. It's ridiculously efficient (and solar powered).
24 votes -
Fisker's EV prices slashed by up to $24,000, Tesla freezes them as trades
27 votes -
Nobody warned electric vehicle owners how quickly they would burn through tires
39 votes -
Cowboy launches all-road electric bike to attract riders beyond European city centers
6 votes