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Not sure if this thread is appropriate here; mods delete or move as necessary. Random EV musings...

Now that Toyota has released pricing and specs on its upcoming Rav4 Prime, considering a fully loaded Rav4 Prime is ~$47k in the US, with initial fed tax credits of ~$7500 bringing the price down to ~$40k, I find myself cross shopping a Tesla (which has no more fed tax credits remaining) to replace my gas guzzling Lexus LX570.

A new standard range RWD Model 3 is $38k. Long range AWD Model 3 is $47k.

And looking at Tesla website for used Teslas in Northern Cal: a used 2015 Model S at ~40k miles with AWD is ~$40k. A used 2016 Model X is ~$53k. A new LR Model Y is $53k.

Which is the more compelling long term buy? Toyota is more reliable, but only ~43 miles on electricity and still has the moving parts/maintenance of an ICE to deal with. Tesla's have 250-320 range and a super charger network, but has random build issues, and long road trips require planning around charging...

Relates to hybrid batteries which have code B1 to B4 and MB1 to MB4 was allegedly by most of the car garage in Cambodia that it was not made in Japan and work not smoothly. And my car changed cells with much of those battery, will it cause any damage to my car. Please help advise me. thanks

Please make the world a better place. Join a sit in if that’s your thing. If you’re more of an introvert, make sure you do your research and vote. Get your friends and family to vote. Change the world. It’s the least you can do. Russell spends – literally – a few seconds teasing about […]

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Put your beverage down:

Bob Wilson

ps. Moderators, I have no problem if this moved somewhere else but I think it is news.

Russell spent some time with a Tesla Model Y and a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both reviews are available in our “Car Reviews” playlist. Make sure to check out “The Tesla Life” to get Russell’s full Model Y review. Toyota recently introduced the PROACE van, offering a warranty of 15 years or 1,000,000 miles, whichever comes […]

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PLANO, TX (May 29, 2020) – The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime will break ground as the most powerful and quickest RAV4 ever, hitting dealerships this summer with a starting MSRP of $38,100. The RAV4’s first-ever plug-in model has up to 302 horsepower with an ability to do 0-60 mph in a projected 5.7 seconds, which makes it the quickest four-door model in the Toyota lineup. But, it doesn’t end there. The RAV4 Prime also has up to a manufacturer-estimated 42 miles on battery alone on a single charge, making it the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market. The RAV4 Prime also has up to a manufacturer-estimated 94 combined MPGe. Even more, what sets RAV4 Prime apart is the standard Electronic On-Demand AWD.

First revealed at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2021 RAV4 Prime will be available in SE and XSE grades, both emphasizing athletic on-road performance and premium comfort and style.



SE Grade

The SE flaunts its sporty attitude with 18-in. painted and...

Here is a link to the story

Nuro's self-driving vehicles to deliver prescriptions for CVS Pharmacy

Nuro, the autonomous robotics startup that has raised more than $1 billion from Softbank Vision Fund, Greylock and other investors, said Thursday it will test prescription delivery in Houston through a partnership with CVS Pharmacy. The pilot, which will use a fleet of the startup's autonomous Toyota Prius vehicles and transition to using its custom-built R2 delivery bots, is slated to begin in June.

Hope this was the right place to post this - if not please move to the appropriate place

Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid confirmed for Europe, likely for US

General Motors and LG Chem have formed a joint venture to create batteries for EVs. They are calling it Ultium. The factory will be in Lordstown, OH. It’s expected to employ more than 1,000 people. This could be a really big thing. Here’s hoping. Toyota introduced two new hybrids to their fleet: Venza and Sienna. […]

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You know him from Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me or maybe “We’ll leave the light on for you.” but we know Mr. Tom Bodett as a green energy advocate who walks the walk. His self-installed 37kW solar array, advanced heating pump system and his new Tesla Model Y all speak of someone who cares. Spend […]

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2012 Prius II has a body part rattle at 65+ mph at the front of the car. Sounds like a body part is flapping in the wind. Started this year. Never had this since new.

I have a question about Prius 2010, because I had replaced my old battery pack by a battery pack with all modules tested and proven at a good capacity. but after switching the new battery pack doesn't last for long as the previous on. Only one month it can last and the check Hybrid System pop up. Is it because of Car system or it because of the battery itself ? Could any body help explain me about this issue ?

In the headlines today, some discussion of lithium battery developments.
As always, we should be careful because inventing new things that are better is not easy.
Makes sense to me Tesla planning trying these in China first...probably easier to get approvals etc.

Exclusive: Tesla's secret batteries aim to rework the math for electric cars and the grid - Reuters

I'm won't be unhappy if this is moved to another thread because I can't figure out where it belongs. There are more than one Toyota hybrid addressed. Ok, call it car 'eye candy:'


Enjoy,
Bob Wilson

8am PDT/11am EDT
Link:


I assume it'll be the Sienna and Venza...

Thoughts?


It's possible both will be based on the HiHy's powertrain - 2.5 litre HSD setup. The question is whether a 3.5 litre HSD setup will continue. The reason is that there's still the RXh and will Toyota put a 4-cylinder in a Lexus product or will they continue with the 3.5 litre HSD to differentiate it from the HiHy?

If so, does that mean there'll be multiple versions of the Sienna and Venza? a 4 and 6 cylinder hybrid?

Do you older readers remember the Mobil Economy runs.

I was taking a trip down memory lane and I went to an AMC website and they were referring to the Mobil Economy Runs. I copied this:

"In the 1964 run, a 6-cylinder Rambler American 440 sedan averaged 27.8336 miles per US gallon (8.4507 L/100 km; 33.4268 mpg‑imp); once again, the best of all the cars that year" This was a 2000 mile cross country event.

I bought a used 67 Rambler American 220 from my dad when I got out of the service in 1970. It was a 199 cubic inch six with three speed on the column, bench seat, no air, manual windows, steering and brakes. If I recall, it was one of the last with vacuum windshield wipers. When I mustered out, I drove it from Ft Dix, NJ to Columbus, Oh and it averaged about 25 mpg. It was a true economy car for the times.

Fast forward a lot of years and our 08 Odyssey gets that kind of highway mileage from a much bigger vehicle with safety additions, better handling, brakes, ride, quieter,...

Volkswagen ID.1 electric car | CAR Magazine

Next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander might get engine from Nissan

Volkswagen design boss: 'wrong' not to develop dedicated EVs | Autocar

Lexus UX 300e Comes With 10-Year/1 Million Kilometer Battery Warranty


That's over 620,000 miles and it includes battery degradation.