OT: Electric vehicles

Rutgers Chris

All-American
Nov 29, 2005
5,075
5,940
97
It’s funny how much crap ford gets for “failing” with the lightning. As if making these things is so easy. Their next one looks intriguing if they can pull it off
 
Last edited:

Smols

All-Conference
May 3, 2023
1,798
1,959
113
It’s funny how much crap ford gets for “failing” with the lightning. As if making these things is so easy. Their next one looks intriguing if they can pull it off

I'm on my second Mustang MachE. I had the first edition for 3 years without a problem, when the lease was up, I leased another. I love the car, had several recalls that were handled either with OTA updates or done in my driveway by techs from the dealer. I'm happy with the mileage I get event with this cold winter.
 

T2Kplus20

Heisman
May 1, 2007
31,827
19,810
113
I'm on my second Mustang MachE. I had the first edition for 3 years without a problem, when the lease was up, I leased another. I love the car, had several recalls that were handled either with OTA updates or done in my driveway by techs from the dealer. I'm happy with the mileage I get event with this cold winter.
So you are the one owner happy with the MachE? I think Ford is discontinuing it.
 

MADHAT1

Heisman
Apr 1, 2003
31,449
16,285
113
So you are the one owner happy with the MachE? I think Ford is discontinuing it.
I believe that the Lightning E Truk that's being dumped.
googling found this:
>Ford is discontinuing the all-electric F-150 Lightning by the end of 2025 due to low demand, high production costs, and a pivot toward hybrid vehicles. While the specific EV model is canceled, the "Lightning" nameplate will return on a new, Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) that uses a gasoline engine to charge the battery while driving<
>Ford is not discontinuing the Mustang Mach-E, as production is confirmed to continue into the 2026 model year despite shifts in the company's EV strategy. While reports indicated potential, long-term uncertainty about the platform, the model remains active, with 2026 models receiving price cuts.
  • Production Status: Ford Authority reports the Mach-E will continue to be produced, with Key West Ford noting its role in increased Q3 2025 sales.
  • 2026 Changes: The 2026 model year introduces price cuts ranging from
    1771362049565.gif
    to
    1771362049576.gif
    , with the base Select model starting at
    1771362049586.gif
    .
  • Features & Updates: The 2026 Mach-E will drop standard features like seatback map pockets and the standard front trunk ("frunk"), which becomes an optional item.
  • Safety Notices: A, Facebook post in a Mach-E group indicates that in 2025, there was a stop-sale order for certain 2021-2025 models due to a 12-volt battery drain issue affecting door latches.<
 
  • Like
Reactions: Smols and T2Kplus20

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
88,655
86,657
113
It’s funny how much crap ford gets for “failing” with the lightning. As if making these things is so easy. Their next one looks intriguing if they can pull it off

Was it a fail, or did they pull out too early?
Time will tell.
But the idea behind this new vehicle is a good one. The F150 has terrible aerodynamics, but for people like, me with charging at home, it is a great daily driver. I have saved countless time with no stopping at gas stations, no oil changes and other regular service, and a very enjoyable ride in a vehicle that has phenomenal acceleration, heats right up in the winter because I don't need to wait for a radiator to warm up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rutgers Chris

fsng

Freshman
Oct 31, 2025
73
74
18
Don't think this was posted, but world's first mass produced EV with sodium battery about to launch. Sodium offers energy densities comparable to lithium ion but is far better in cold weather. CATL (world's largest battery manufacturer) started production of sodium batteries a few weeks ago with plans to get them in more vehicles.

All China for now but a promising development for the notorious diminished weather performance, a major obstacle for wider adoption.


"At -30°C, their discharge power is nearly triple that of equivalent-capacity LFP batteries; at -40°C, their capacity retention remains above 90%, according to the company. Power output also remains stable at temperatures as low as -50°C."
 

MADHAT1

Heisman
Apr 1, 2003
31,449
16,285
113
Ford EV lead dumped, likely due to the Lighting disaster:

Looks like the Lightning disaster has Ford shifting gears,
It's getting more involved in building Hybrid Trucks and SUVs, along with making the ones fueled by gas.
Their EV manufacturing looks like it's turning to putting out smaller EVs like the ones China builds that has taken over a lot of Europe's EV market .
For now Gas power is the fuel system Americans trust the most and buy more of.
 

rucoe89

All-American
Jul 31, 2001
12,882
6,713
113
Ford EV lead dumped, likely due to the Lighting disaster:

Bad move to give up on the technology altogether. Hybrid is promising with nw tech using small gas engine to power electric system, which may be the future until batteries get greater range. These get 500 mile range VW unit Scout now looking to release SUV with this technology next year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUDiddy777

TheHandOfChaos

All-Conference
Oct 9, 2002
1,288
1,924
113
Bad move to give up on the technology altogether. Hybrid is promising with nw tech using small gas engine to power electric system, which may be the future until batteries get greater range. These get 500 mile range VW unit Scout now looking to release SUV with this technology next year.
Good.

Rivian stock looking really good right now
 
  • Like
Reactions: T2Kplus20

Jtung230

Heisman
Jun 30, 2005
19,194
12,354
82
Bad move to give up on the technology altogether. Hybrid is promising with nw tech using small gas engine to power electric system, which may be the future until batteries get greater range. These get 500 mile range VW unit Scout now looking to release SUV with this technology next year.
Personally, I wouldn’t buy one. I like my EV but also will always have an ICE.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUDiddy777

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
88,655
86,657
113
Bad move to give up on the technology altogether. Hybrid is promising with nw tech using small gas engine to power electric system, which may be the future until batteries get greater range. These get 500 mile range VW unit Scout now looking to release SUV with this technology next year.
Not seeing where Ford "gave up on the technology altogether." Please point that out.
They still have the Mustang.

And you may have missed this link in the article?

The Detroit automaker plans to produce a midsize, four-door electric pickup at the Louisville Assembly Plant, slated for 2027.

"The Detroit automaker’s new “Universal EV Program” centered around low-cost EVs will start with a midsize, four-door electric pickup, produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant. That vehicle launch is slated for 2027."

"Ford noted that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the new family of EVs will be assembled in the U.S. and not imported from China."

Seems to me they are reinvesting in newer and more pragmatic technology for the future.

 

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
88,655
86,657
113
Those Rivian’s are the best looking vehicles in the EV space. Love them.
Yeah, if you like your EV to look like Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons. Ugly front. Saw one the other day hauling some trash--pickup bed is tiny.



To each their own. Have read about nightmares for anyone needing any kind of minor body work on Rivians.


Still thrilled with my F150 Lightning. Will keep a full 10 years and will consider trading when the next generation battery technology with longer range and faster charging and lighter weight is a couple of years old. Technology evolves.
 

29PAS

All-Conference
Sep 21, 2001
3,435
1,395
113
SIAP but over the last few months, I've noticed a ton of Fiskers in Manhattan. I talked to a guy parking one (an Uber or Lyft driver) and he showed me the app on his phone from American Leasing along with his $355/week leasing charge. He told me many app car drivers have them. I looked up American Leasing and it seems they bought Fisker's entire inventory (about 3,000 Ocean SUVs) when they went out of business. I don't know if they brought them all here but it could be.
 

rucoe89

All-American
Jul 31, 2001
12,882
6,713
113
Not seeing where Ford "gave up on the technology altogether." Please point that out.
They still have the Mustang.

And you may have missed this link in the article?

The Detroit automaker plans to produce a midsize, four-door electric pickup at the Louisville Assembly Plant, slated for 2027.

"The Detroit automaker’s new “Universal EV Program” centered around low-cost EVs will start with a midsize, four-door electric pickup, produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant. That vehicle launch is slated for 2027."

"Ford noted that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the new family of EVs will be assembled in the U.S. and not imported from China."

Seems to me they are reinvesting in newer and more pragmatic technology for the future.

Missed that they are reinvesting elsewhere. Thought they were just pushing it aside. That would not make sense at all.

Just spent quite a bit of time in the Rivian R1S. Awesome SUV. Much better ride than the Tesla. Also rode in a KIA EV6 and that was an impressive ride too.
 

RUDiddy777

Heisman
Feb 26, 2015
33,685
38,154
113
Not seeing where Ford "gave up on the technology altogether." Please point that out.
They still have the Mustang.

And you may have missed this link in the article?

The Detroit automaker plans to produce a midsize, four-door electric pickup at the Louisville Assembly Plant, slated for 2027.

"The Detroit automaker’s new “Universal EV Program” centered around low-cost EVs will start with a midsize, four-door electric pickup, produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant. That vehicle launch is slated for 2027."

"Ford noted that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the new family of EVs will be assembled in the U.S. and not imported from China."

Seems to me they are reinvesting in newer and more pragmatic technology for the future.


Really like the Mach-e. Probably my next car.
 

fsng

Freshman
Oct 31, 2025
73
74
18
SIAP but over the last few months, I've noticed a ton of Fiskers in Manhattan. I talked to a guy parking one (an Uber or Lyft driver) and he showed me the app on his phone from American Leasing along with his $355/week leasing charge. He told me many app car drivers have them. I looked up American Leasing and it seems they bought Fisker's entire inventory (about 3,000 Ocean SUVs) when they went out of business. I don't know if they brought them all here but it could be.
Interesting – like getting an Uber ride to your destination by way of the recent past.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Knight Shift

fsng

Freshman
Oct 31, 2025
73
74
18
Would love to see some Chinese-style REEV (range-extended EV) pickups here. Current gen hovering around 1,000 km/620 miles of total range, better than pure gas trucks. Think some diesel ICE pickups can get that type of range, but 600+ mi of range between stops, your choice of fueling and/or charging stop, and zero emissions driving available for forests, daily work commutes, whatever.

Next-gen battery tech and could be seeing 1,000 miles instead of km. That kind of thing should make electrified vehicles interesting to anyone, even if current ones don't meet their needs (like me)
 
  • Like
Reactions: RUDiddy777

njknightsfan

All-Conference
Sep 1, 2001
2,399
3,078
113
I got Cadillac Lyriq when there was a $7500 tax refund and Caddy was offering to install a charger in house for free, with $7500 tax break and they were running rebates on the EV vehicle. Basically with the tax break and the rebates and having a home charger installed foe free, I'm basically getting around a year free on my lease, couldn't pass up the deal at the time. Under Trump I think the $7500 tax credit for EV is longer available.
 

RUDiddy777

Heisman
Feb 26, 2015
33,685
38,154
113
Would love to see some Chinese-style REEV (range-extended EV) pickups here. Current gen hovering around 1,000 km/620 miles of total range, better than pure gas trucks. Think some diesel ICE pickups can get that type of range, but 600+ mi of range between stops, your choice of fueling and/or charging stop, and zero emissions driving available for forests, daily work commutes, whatever.

Next-gen battery tech and could be seeing 1,000 miles instead of km. That kind of thing should make electrified vehicles interesting to anyone, even if current ones don't meet their needs (like me)

Once they get here, say adios to the US auto industry.
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: bac2therac and fsng

Jtung230

Heisman
Jun 30, 2005
19,194
12,354
82
I got Cadillac Lyriq when there was a $7500 tax refund and Caddy was offering to install a charger in house for free, with $7500 tax break and they were running rebates on the EV vehicle. Basically with the tax break and the rebates and having a home charger installed foe free, I'm basically getting around a year free on my lease, couldn't pass up the deal at the time. Under Trump I think the $7500 tax credit for EV is longer available.
The other bonus was no sales tax.
 

T2Kplus20

Heisman
May 1, 2007
31,827
19,810
113
Yeah, if you like your EV to look like Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons. Ugly front. Saw one the other day hauling some trash--pickup bed is tiny.



To each their own. Have read about nightmares for anyone needing any kind of minor body work on Rivians.


Still thrilled with my F150 Lightning. Will keep a full 10 years and will consider trading when the next generation battery technology with longer range and faster charging and lighter weight is a couple of years old. Technology evolves.
LOL! The front/headlights are unique, but I just like the style. We know a few people with them and they look sharp in person.
 

Knight Shift

Heisman
May 19, 2011
88,655
86,657
113
Missed that they are reinvesting elsewhere. Thought they were just pushing it aside. That would not make sense at all.

Just spent quite a bit of time in the Rivian R1S. Awesome SUV. Much better ride than the Tesla. Also rode in a KIA EV6 and that was an impressive ride too.
I may have come off as anti Rivian. I like the SUV more than I like the pickup truck, which has too little bed space for what we wanted a pickup for. As mentioned, not a fan of the Rivian headlights, and this is a matter of personal taste. On the other hand, the Rivian pickup truck has a really cool compartment that passes through both sides of chassis for long items such as skis, etc. Not sure if they worked out the issues with the body work being very expensive either.

Back to Ford, I think they concluded that making full EV F150s was not worth it because of aerodynamics and range issues. The GMC and Chevrolet EV full size pickups have huge battery packs and more range. Considering we only use the F150 for daily driving to/from work at about 75 miles per day, we are still thrilled with the vehicle. The ride is fantastic. In nearly 4 years, we have had zero maintenance, no oil changes, etc. Charging at home is a huge bonus, as we never have had to stop anywhere to charge the vehicle.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rucoe89 and Smols

robcac26

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2012
3,005
2,636
83
I put a deposit down on a Slate. Not the most glamorous or capable pickup of course, but it'll save me a ton of money on my commute while preventing me from putting a ton of miles on my beloved Subaru Baja. I love that it has actual tangible buttons and knobs instead of a nonsensical touchscreen tablet. I was using a 1997 Mazda B2300 pickup for this purpose until the engine recently died, so the Slate will be an upgrade/replacement for that without all the unnecessary tech (and associated cost) of other modern vehicles.