From Inside EVs:
Fisker Ocean Owners Need Parts. The Company Planned On It Being 'Perfect' Instead
Scarce replacement parts forced Fisker to poach components from its factory and disassemble cars, former employees told InsideEVs.QuoteFisker had grand plans to become the next Tesla. The electric vehicle startup touted an Apple-like business model that would allow it to outsource manufacturing while focusing on technology and design. And Fisker actually got its debut vehicle—the sleek, Range Rover-esque Ocean SUV—out to thousands of paying customers, something many EV upstarts die trying to do.
But according to several former Fisker employees who spoke with InsideEVs on the condition of anonymity, the startup was never really ready to sell cars in the first place. Fisker did not plan for a proper stockpile of replacement parts in the U.S. for repairs, for example. The resulting scarcity of parts has sometimes left Ocean owners high and dry when they've needed basic fixes. And it's forced Fisker to source components in unconventional ways, like from disassembled cars, former employees said.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2uy)
Fisker was dumpster fire several times over.
"You will buy and use our cars and you will love them!"
Mike
From TechCrunch, originally from Jalopnik (https://jalopnik.com/fisker-was-never-going-to-succeed-1851515960):
Inside EV startup Fisker's collapse: how the company crumbled under its founders' whimsQuoteAn autonomous pod. A solid-state battery-powered sports car. An electric pickup truck. A convertible grand tourer EV with up to 600 miles of range. A "fully connected mobility device" for young urban innovators to be built by Foxconn and priced under $30,000. The next Popemobile.
Over the past eight years, famed vehicle designer Henrik Fisker suggested his electric vehicle startup would deliver on all of these promises.
None came true.
Instead, Fisker Inc. is on the brink of bankruptcy after having delivered just a few thousand electric Ocean SUVs. As the company grasps for an improbable rescue, employees who spoke to TechCrunch say the blame largely rests on the shoulders of two people: the husband-and-wife team whose name is on the hood.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2v0)
Watching a company fail catastrophically twice, with two distinct eras in a little more than a decade, is kind of sad. I feel bad for the rank and file there that work for such incompetent boobs.
For every successful auto brand, history has hundreds of short-lived marques. Agree or disagree with Tesla and their products, but is truly one of the few brands to stick around.
What's the last "new" brand to enter and stay in the US domestic market for a decade...Kia? (RAM doesn't count.)
Fisker makes something besides scissors and pruning tools?
That might be part of the problem, that people don't recognize the company name.
Quote from: formulanone on June 05, 2024, 07:31:39 PMAgree or disagree with Tesla and their products, but is truly one of the few brands to stick around.
I still have my doubts about Tesla and electric vehicles in general. How much does it cost to replace the battery pack anyways? Plus, any new vehicle I would get needs to have Android Auto compatibility, which Tesla is a holdout on.
Then again, the earliest that I can afford a new vehicle is the beginning of 2030.
Much like hybrids the battery sled cost will probably come down with time.
Regarding Tesla my concern with their brand is that their cars have uni-body designs that aren't built to be easily repaired. A lot of seemingly minor collisions lead to them being totaled out.
This article touches on what the problem I'm speaking of is regarding the Model 3 specifically:
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-body-structure-steel-aluminium-composition/
The market for straight battery-electric vehicles has been tanking BIG TIME lately and those places that have made them mandatory will have to rethink those rules.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on June 06, 2024, 12:04:11 PMThe market for straight battery-electric vehicles has been tanking BIG TIME lately and those places that have made them mandatory will have to rethink those rules.
Mike
I guarantee you they won't rethink the rules, even if the EV market starts approaching zero.
Source: lives in one of said states and knows how it thinks
A couple thoughts:
- A lot of you are calling these mandates "EV" when they are just as much if not more "PHEV." While I'm not a fan of mandates in general there is a difference between EV and PHEV.
- I tend to look at the early EPA emissions stuff as an analog for how future mandates will go. The EPA stuck firm to their initial emissions reductions in the 1970s even though it probably seemed absurd at the time. It led to the Malaise Era sure, but catalytic converter as we know it now did come out of it.
- California has a history of sticking to the rules CARB sets. Let's not forget, there is a lengthy history of cars being sold here with CARB emissions compliant engines as required equipment.
- And yes, I'm aware that the two above items led to a spike in new car prices. I unfortunately fully anticipate something similar to happen again with PHEV stuff.
Max I know I've discussed this before with you. My state follows your state, but has not at any time made an exception for PHEVs. As far as the law states, we go 100% EV in 2035. I highly doubt the current party in power is going to change the rules from when Charlie Baker signed this into law.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicles-in-massachusetts/
Yikes, I had forgotten about that one with MA.
It's OK Charlie Baker is off ruining the NCAA now after he ruined Massachusetts.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 06, 2024, 02:02:40 PMMax I know I've discussed this before with you. My state follows your state, but has not at any time made an exception for PHEVs. As far as the law states, we go 100% EV in 2035. I highly doubt the current party in power is going to change the rules from when Charlie Baker signed this into law.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicles-in-massachusetts/
Do they specifically say that PHEVs would not count, or specifically mandate BEVs? I know when most people think of EVs they think of BEVs, but PHEVs are considered EVs too (as are HEVs, for that matter).
EV = Electric Vehicle
BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle
HEV = Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
PHEV = Plug-in Hybrid
Quote from: GaryV on June 06, 2024, 08:27:49 AMFisker makes something besides scissors and pruning tools?
That might be part of the problem, that people don't recognize the company name.
That's Fisk
ars.
Fisk means
fish in a few Scandinavian languages. Fiskars is named after a river they were originally located near, called Fiskarså (Fishes River), and Fisker was started by some guy named Henrik Fisker (Henry Fisher).
Henrik Fisker seems like a bit of a scam artist. This is actually the second failed EV company he's started.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 06, 2024, 10:41:43 PMHenrik Fisker seems like a bit of a scam artist. This is actually the second failed EV company he's started.
"Average smalltime car manufacturer has 1.2 failed EV companies" actualy just statistical error. Henrik Fisker, who had 2 failed EV companies, is an outlier adn should not have been counted
Quote from: vdeane on June 06, 2024, 09:00:25 PMQuote from: SectorZ on June 06, 2024, 02:02:40 PMMax I know I've discussed this before with you. My state follows your state, but has not at any time made an exception for PHEVs. As far as the law states, we go 100% EV in 2035. I highly doubt the current party in power is going to change the rules from when Charlie Baker signed this into law.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicles-in-massachusetts/
Do they specifically say that PHEVs would not count, or specifically mandate BEVs? I know when most people think of EVs they think of BEVs, but PHEVs are considered EVs too (as are HEVs, for that matter).
EV = Electric Vehicle
BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle
HEV = Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
PHEV = Plug-in Hybrid
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-climate-report-card-transportation-decarbonization
As far as I know, it's just EV-only in 2035. There is no carve out for something else (like California has) so unless I see that there is, I assume there isn't.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 07, 2024, 03:03:10 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 06, 2024, 09:00:25 PMQuote from: SectorZ on June 06, 2024, 02:02:40 PMMax I know I've discussed this before with you. My state follows your state, but has not at any time made an exception for PHEVs. As far as the law states, we go 100% EV in 2035. I highly doubt the current party in power is going to change the rules from when Charlie Baker signed this into law.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicles-in-massachusetts/
Do they specifically say that PHEVs would not count, or specifically mandate BEVs? I know when most people think of EVs they think of BEVs, but PHEVs are considered EVs too (as are HEVs, for that matter).
EV = Electric Vehicle
BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle
HEV = Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
PHEV = Plug-in Hybrid
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-climate-report-card-transportation-decarbonization
As far as I know, it's just EV-only in 2035. There is no carve out for something else (like California has) so unless I see that there is, I assume there isn't.
My point is it might not need a carve-out. While the general public tends to equate EV = BEV, in actuality policy makers and people "in the biz" tend to view EV = PHEV + BEV + HEV (ie, encompassing ALL of them). So without more word on what Massachusetts specifically means by "EV", it's hard to say.
Quote from: vdeane on June 07, 2024, 11:14:15 PMQuote from: SectorZ on June 07, 2024, 03:03:10 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 06, 2024, 09:00:25 PMQuote from: SectorZ on June 06, 2024, 02:02:40 PMMax I know I've discussed this before with you. My state follows your state, but has not at any time made an exception for PHEVs. As far as the law states, we go 100% EV in 2035. I highly doubt the current party in power is going to change the rules from when Charlie Baker signed this into law.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-electric-vehicles-in-massachusetts/
Do they specifically say that PHEVs would not count, or specifically mandate BEVs? I know when most people think of EVs they think of BEVs, but PHEVs are considered EVs too (as are HEVs, for that matter).
EV = Electric Vehicle
BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle
HEV = Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
PHEV = Plug-in Hybrid
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-climate-report-card-transportation-decarbonization
As far as I know, it's just EV-only in 2035. There is no carve out for something else (like California has) so unless I see that there is, I assume there isn't.
My point is it might not need a carve-out. While the general public tends to equate EV = BEV, in actuality policy makers and people "in the biz" tend to view EV = PHEV + BEV + HEV (ie, encompassing ALL of them). So without more word on what Massachusetts specifically means by "EV", it's hard to say.
Well for now other states (like California) have specified a specific amount of cars that can be sold as PHEVs. Massachusetts has not, and doesn't even reference their existence in any language about the ban, therefore it can only be assumed it is EV only until they say otherwise. That was the law as written. A PHEV still emits CO2 and NOx, and the law only allows zero emission vehicles, which the government states is EV and hydrogen fuel cell only.
(Note: These are similar articles.)
From CNBC:
EV slump, Hertz fire sale take used Teslas to 'no haggle' $25,000 priceQuoteThe race to the $25,000 EV in the U.S. car market has been won, but not in the way the auto industry wanted.
Since January, Hertz Global Holdings has been in Tesla sales mode, with 20,000 electric vehicles from its global fleet, representing nearly a third of the rental-car company's existing EV inventory, on the dealer lot. The move, viewed as a stumble in Hertz's EV strategy — in 2021, it heralded plans to order hundreds of thousands of Teslas, Polestars and battery-electric GM models — also reflects a sobering up of the electrification hype within the U.S. auto industry, which has run into a consumer in 2024 spurning at least the expected pace of the transition away from gas-powered cars.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/06/ev-sales-slump-hertz-dump-take-used-tesla-to-no-haggle-25000-price.html)
From Fortune:
You can now buy a used Tesla for just $21,000 thanks to Hertz's fire saleQuoteHertz's failed bet on EVs is turning out to be a great thing for the savvy used-car buyer.
Thanks to an ill-fated plan that included buying a fleet of 100,000 Teslas right after emerging from bankruptcy, car buyers can now find various EVs below $30,0000 through the rental car company's Hertz Car Sales division, including Teslas for as low as $21,000.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://fortune.com/2024/06/07/buy-used-tesla-hertz-fire-sale/)
EV rentals are fine for some people who stay within the same region, but much less so for travelers who drive all over the place. The two times I've been offered an EV rental, I've had to drive three hours from that airport rental location, so there's no way I was going to get it 75% charged before returning it to the airport without changing my work day to accommodate that. Might work better for leisure travelers.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 08, 2024, 07:43:50 AMWell for now other states (like California) have specified a specific amount of cars that can be sold as PHEVs. Massachusetts has not, and doesn't even reference their existence in any language about the ban, therefore it can only be assumed it is EV only until they say otherwise. That was the law as written. A PHEV still emits CO2 and NOx, and the law only allows zero emission vehicles, which the government states is EV and hydrogen fuel cell only.
OK, so probably just BEV and HEV then. Sounds like they are confusing everyone by using colloquial language rather than the technical terms. A hydrogen fuel cell car is really just another type of electric vehicle, just like battery electric vehicles.
Quote from: formulanone on June 08, 2024, 11:13:53 AMEV rentals are fine for some people who stay within the same region, but much less so for travelers who drive all over the place. The two times I've been offered an EV rental, I've had to drive three hours from that airport rental location, so there's no way I was going to get it 75% charged before returning it to the airport without changing my work day to accommodate that. Might work better for leisure travelers.
They should just install chargers in the parking lot. Plug in, and it will be charged by the time the next person picks it up. Easy, and no need to "get it to 75%" or anything like that before returning.
Quote from: ZLoth on June 06, 2024, 10:36:47 AMQuote from: formulanone on June 05, 2024, 07:31:39 PMAgree or disagree with Tesla and their products, but is truly one of the few brands to stick around.
I still have my doubts about Tesla and electric vehicles in general. How much does it cost to replace the battery pack anyways?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 06, 2024, 10:47:47 AMMuch like hybrids the battery sled cost will probably come down with time.
One critical issue is the dearth of available repair facilities/technicians/parts that are able to repair the battery packs rather than replace them outright. Frequently it's just a small portion or a component in the battery pack that requires replacement, and they could be cost-effectively repaired if given the opportunity.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 06, 2024, 12:46:25 PMQuote from: mgk920 on June 06, 2024, 12:04:11 PMThe market for straight battery-electric vehicles has been tanking BIG TIME lately and those places that have made them mandatory will have to rethink those rules.
Mike
I guarantee you they won't rethink the rules, even if the EV market starts approaching zero.
Source: lives in one of said states and knows how it thinks
Remember "The market will out".
Mike
Quote from: formulanone on June 05, 2024, 07:31:39 PMAgree or disagree with Tesla and their products, but is truly one of the few brands to stick around.
I think somewhere down the road (no pun intended), Tesla will have a monopoly on at least the American EV market.
Tesla more gets by selling tech bros and old 3 Series drivers nowadays.
Quote from: epzik8 on June 11, 2024, 01:44:27 PMQuote from: formulanone on June 05, 2024, 07:31:39 PMAgree or disagree with Tesla and their products, but is truly one of the few brands to stick around.
I think somewhere down the road (no pun intended), Tesla will have a monopoly on at least the American EV market.
Let's hope not. Ignoring personal feelings regarding Elon Musk aside, I don't like Tesla's quality control issues or that they try to make the car an iPad on wheels. They have many non-standard controls, don't even allow people to control the windshield wipers without using the tablet or voice commands, and many models have a yoke instead of a proper steering wheel. They're a lot like Apple in that it's Musk's way or the highway.
The disparity between Tesla and other EVs in terms of ability to roadtrip is mainly the charging network, not the car (most non-Tesla EVs aren't the Nissan Leaf). There was an effort underway to convert the other case to Tesla's charging port standard and allow full access to the Supercharger network, but there's some question as to what Tesla's layoff of the entire Supercharger team means for this.
Quote from: vdeane on June 11, 2024, 09:09:58 PMThey're a lot like Apple in that it's Musk's way or the highway.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/elon-musk-says-he-will-ban-apple-devices-if-it-integrates-os-with-openai-2024-06-10/
When my way or the highway bros clash.
Quote from: vdeane on June 11, 2024, 09:09:58 PMQuote from: epzik8 on June 11, 2024, 01:44:27 PMQuote from: formulanone on June 05, 2024, 07:31:39 PMAgree or disagree with Tesla and their products, but is truly one of the few brands to stick around.
I think somewhere down the road (no pun intended), Tesla will have a monopoly on at least the American EV market.
Let's hope not. Ignoring personal feelings regarding Elon Musk aside, I don't like Tesla's quality control issues or that they try to make the car an iPad on wheels. They have many non-standard controls, don't even allow people to control the windshield wipers without using the tablet or voice commands, and many models have a yoke instead of a proper steering wheel. They're a lot like Apple in that it's Musk's way or the highway.
The disparity between Tesla and other EVs in terms of ability to roadtrip is mainly the charging network, not the car (most non-Tesla EVs aren't the Nissan Leaf). There was an effort underway to convert the other case to Tesla's charging port standard and allow full access to the Supercharger network, but there's some question as to what Tesla's layoff of the entire Supercharger team means for this.
Not to mention that no consumer is under any obligation to put their personal feelings against Elon Musk aside when making purchasing decisions. My personal feelings about him is that he's a fucking ignoramus and I wouldn't trust a trash can his company designed to not try to lop my hand off when I go to throw something away, never mind trust a whole-ass car his company made. If he became the only provider of cars in the United States, I would ride the fucking bus.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 11, 2024, 09:31:52 PMQuote from: vdeane on June 11, 2024, 09:09:58 PMThey're a lot like Apple in that it's Musk's way or the highway.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/elon-musk-says-he-will-ban-apple-devices-if-it-integrates-os-with-openai-2024-06-10/
When my way or the highway bros clash.
Fuck AI, but fuck Elon Musk as well. This is the definition of a trash vs garbage type of deal.
From CNBC:
Fisker recalls thousands of Ocean EVs for safety and compliance issuesQuoteElectric vehicle startup Fisker
announced on Wednesday that it is recalling thousands of Ocean SUVs in North America and Europe due to issues with vehicle software and will roll out an over-the-air software update.
The company recalled 11,201 Oceans across the U.S., Canada, and Europe due to safety issues. The affected vehicles potentially had issues with the Motor Control Unit and Vehicle Control Unit software, which could make the vehicle lose motor power, the company said in a press release.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/12/fisker-recalls-thousands-of-ocean-evs-for-safety-and-compliance-issues.html)
I'm shocked that 11,201 people were brave enough to buy those things. They're probably America, Canada, and Europe's next Vinfast buyers once Fisker craps out.
All those who didn't see this coming, please raise your hands. Anyone? This is a chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
From CNN: Electric SUV maker Fisker files for bankruptcy
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/18/investing/electric-car-maker-fisker-bankruptcy/index.html)
From Electrek: The time has come: Fisker has filed for bankruptcy
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://electrek.co/2024/06/18/the-time-has-come-fisker-has-filed-for-bankruptcy/)
From TechCrunch: EV startup Fisker files for bankruptcy
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/18/ev-startup-fisker-files-for-bankruptcy/)
Reading the CNN story of that, I was kind of ignorant to the apparent fact that global EV sales are falling. I know they are kind of stagnating in the US but I feel on Facebook that I see high-and-mighty Euros trashing Americans for not buying them yet they apparently aren't as well.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 12, 2024, 05:20:58 PMI'm shocked that 11,201 people were brave enough to buy those things. They're probably America, Canada, and Europe's next Vinfast buyers once Fisker craps out.
You are always going to have those "early adopters" of any technology, and first releases are usually more expensive and needs improvements versus more mature versions of the technology. I remember seeing the first Phillips flatscreen telelvsion commercial in 1998:
I remember seeing that television displayed at a Good Guys, and the price tag was $10,000 for a set that displayed 720p. Nowadays, you can get bigger, better, and smarter televisions that are very much cheaper than that so that a household may have multiple televisions hanging on their wall.
Same thing with DVD players. The 1997 models were very basic and somewhat glitchy compared to the models released just a few years later (
The Matrix was a killer title that everyone had to have), and was a significant improvement over VHS in many years. Now, it's considered obsolete in the face of streaming which was made possible by high-speed broadband.
The list goes on and on. The concerns that I have with electric vehicles is the range of the vehicle, the charge time, and the availability of chargers. Even with high-speed chargers, it still takes significantly longer than to fill up at a local gas station. It was easier in the 1970s to convert a fuel pump to use unleaded gasoline, including the adjustment in nozzle size to fit the slightly smaller filler tube. One of my primary concerns is the mandating of EVs by a certain year rather than letting the market decide.
Quote from: ZLoth on June 18, 2024, 09:02:06 AMYou are always going to have those "early adopters" of any technology, and first releases are usually more expensive and needs improvements versus more mature versions of the technology.
I've been doing software QA for over a decade and that makes me extremely leery of being a first adopter of a lot of technology for precisely the reasons you point out. First iterations, or minimally viable products, are just not going to be as impressive as what comes down the line later. I have zero issues with EVs and assume at some point I'll finally get one, but for me that date is a long time from now. My current cars are in great condition and should last me through 2030, if not longer. I'll reevaluate at that point if the charging infrastructure is robust as well as the ability to charge to full power within 10 minutes...and a range of 400+ miles.
The EV market is a bit soft for a number of reasons, but I think we've gone through the first adopters and the second round of enthusiasts. EV prices are awfully high and that precludes many buyers.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 18, 2024, 08:58:19 AMReading the CNN story of that, I was kind of ignorant to the apparent fact that global EV sales are falling. I know they are kind of stagnating in the US but I feel on Facebook that I see high-and-mighty Euros trashing Americans for not buying them yet they apparently aren't as well.
I don't know about that. Almost every fifth car I see on the highways now here is a Tesla. It's not the bros, it's the growing population of South Asians.
If Tesla made a run-of-the-mill pickup and not that Elmo jackass creation of the Cybertruck, I might be in that market.
Quote from: Road Hog on June 21, 2024, 05:21:57 PMIf Tesla made a run-of-the-mill pickup and not that Elmo jackass creation of the Cybertruck, I might be in that market.
Doesn't help that the asking price is equivalent to a down payment on a house in Las Vegas, either.
On the positive side, getting parts doesn't seem like it'll be a major issue, since Fisker reportedly only sold around half of their inventory. I'm curious to see who buys them at the inevitable bankruptcy auction.
Quote from: kwellada on June 20, 2024, 05:02:28 PMQuote from: ZLoth on June 18, 2024, 09:02:06 AMYou are always going to have those "early adopters" of any technology, and first releases are usually more expensive and needs improvements versus more mature versions of the technology.
I've been doing software QA for over a decade and that makes me extremely leery of being a first adopter of a lot of technology for precisely the reasons you point out. First iterations, or minimally viable products, are just not going to be as impressive as what comes down the line later. I have zero issues with EVs and assume at some point I'll finally get one, but for me that date is a long time from now. My current cars are in great condition and should last me through 2030, if not longer. I'll reevaluate at that point if the charging infrastructure is robust as well as the ability to charge to full power within 10 minutes...and a range of 400+ miles.
The EV market is a bit soft for a number of reasons, but I think we've gone through the first adopters and the second round of enthusiasts. EV prices are awfully high and that precludes many buyers.
I disagree with one of your points. The Fiskar Ocean was essentially a first generation product from what would be considered a brand new manufacturer. That's enough to be wary from my perspective. Having the EVs be more expensive that ICEs not to mention the length of charging is also enough to put me off on considering a EV for now... not to mention that I have two perfectly good vehicles and a desire to pay off my home before financing a new vehicle.
Rivian seems to be handling the whole "new car brand" thing way better. The RT1 got a couple awards and doesn't seem to be getting many complaints. It took them forever to bring a vehicle to market and I'm not well versed on their financial status.
From Notebook Check:
Tesla Cybertruck owner's ordeal while towing 4,000 pound boat proves just how impractical it is over long distancesQuoteTesla's Cybertruck is undeniably a very powerful and capable machine. However, although the truck can tow 11,000 lbs pretty effortlessly, it does so while losing range quite rapidly. This, along with the long charging times, makes towing using the Cybertruck a rather stressful ordeal, as depicted in a recent YouTube video.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.notebookcheck.net/Tesla-Cybertruck-owner-s-ordeal-while-towing-4-000-pound-boat-proves-just-how-impractical-it-is-over-long-distances.852343.0.html)
Quote from: ZLoth on June 26, 2024, 09:26:36 PMFrom Notebook Check:
Tesla Cybertruck owner's ordeal while towing 4,000 pound boat proves just how impractical it is over long distances
QuoteTesla's Cybertruck is undeniably a very powerful and capable machine. However, although the truck can tow 11,000 lbs pretty effortlessly, it does so while losing range quite rapidly. This, along with the long charging times, makes towing using the Cybertruck a rather stressful ordeal, as depicted in a recent YouTube video.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.notebookcheck.net/Tesla-Cybertruck-owner-s-ordeal-while-towing-4-000-pound-boat-proves-just-how-impractical-it-is-over-long-distances.852343.0.html)
Heh. Maine State Police were begging people not to tow with electric vehicles around this past eclipse.
From InsiddeEVs:
Fisker, Amid Bankruptcy, Recalls Every Single Car In U.S.
The recall includes a mandatory stop sale as the availability of parts and service is as questionable as Fisker's future.QuoteIt's official: every Fisker Ocean sold in the U.S. is being recalled.
Fisker issued a recall and stop-sale of all 2023 Fisker Oceans produced through May, when Magna officially paused production, over door handles that "may stick" and prevent passengers from opening the door to enter or exit the vehicle. With Fisker currently in bankruptcy proceedings that will likely result in liquidation, the timing couldn't be worse.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://insideevs.com/news/724919/fisker-bankruptcy-recall-all-cars/)
Can one or two of these vehicles be relegated to the Museum of Failure (https://museumoffailure.com/)?
Quote from: ZLoth on June 28, 2024, 06:22:58 PMFrom InsiddeEVs:
Fisker, Amid Bankruptcy, Recalls Every Single Car In U.S.
The recall includes a mandatory stop sale as the availability of parts and service is as questionable as Fisker's future.QuoteIt's official: every Fisker Ocean sold in the U.S. is being recalled.
Fisker issued a recall and stop-sale of all 2023 Fisker Oceans produced through May, when Magna officially paused production, over door handles that "may stick" and prevent passengers from opening the door to enter or exit the vehicle. With Fisker currently in bankruptcy proceedings that will likely result in liquidation, the timing couldn't be worse.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://insideevs.com/news/724919/fisker-bankruptcy-recall-all-cars/)
Can one or two of these vehicles be relegated to the Museum of Failure (https://museumoffailure.com/)?
Well, there are no 'H' engine railroad locomotives in the industrial wing of that museum.
:meh:
Mike
From Quartz:
Electric cars just aren't working for Hertz and other rental companies
Sky-high repair costs and an increased likelihood of crashes have made it hard for rental companies to electrify their fleets
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://qz.com/electric-cars-evs-hertz-rental-companies-repair-crashes-1851594331)
From AutoBlog:
Judge OKs Fisker plan to liquidate its Ocean EVs for $14,000 apiece
Would you buy at that price?QuoteFisker has been given the green light by a bankruptcy judge to sell more than 3,000 of its Ocean SUVs to a vehicle leasing company, a deal that will net the defunct EV startup a maximum of $46.25 million, or about $14,000 apiece. The approval of the sale clears the way for the rest of Fisker's bankruptcy process to play out as it continues to liquidate what's left of its failed business.
The judge's decision, issued in a hearing late Tuesday afternoon, comes after Fisker and its legal team received only one major objection to the sale. The Department of Justice's office of the U.S. Trustee had argued Fisker's lawyers and its chief restructuring officer, John DiDonato, hadn't done enough work to show it properly shopped the inventory around for the best deal. The Trustee's office also said Fisker did not properly explain how it reached the valuation for the vehicles, and was unhappy with how fast its lawyers tried to get the deal done.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/17/judge-oks-fisker-plan-to-liquidate-its-ocean-evs-for-14000-apiece/)
At that price, only the brave and the adventurous should apply. Hopefully, even the foolhardy will stay away from this.
6-12 months until the vehicle software needs an update and potential brickery ensues.
The best thing that can happen is it becomes an open-source car. Buy the vehicle and you get the plans to do whatever you can with it; it not like Jeep owners aren't doing the same thing in many states. It's a kit car and hobbyists can do what they please with it, unlike any other modern vehicles today.
But I'm not getting anyone's hopes up...doubtful anyone buys millions in assets just to turn around and effectively make the business model where you aren't obligated to return to the dealer.
Will 'Right to Repair' laws become a bigger thing in coming years?
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on July 19, 2024, 10:54:27 AMWill 'Right to Repair' laws become a bigger thing in coming years?
Mike
Honestly does not sound far-fetched to me, all things considered.
I remember perhaps 15 years ago seeing a bunch of Fisker Karmas sitting at a dealership on Memorial and the BA in Tulsa. I don't think I ever saw one on the road. They were quite homely.
Quote from: bugo on October 05, 2024, 12:39:03 AMI remember perhaps 15 years ago seeing a bunch of Fisker Karmas sitting at a dealership on Memorial and the BA in Tulsa. I don't think I ever saw one on the road. They were quite homely.
I don't think I've ever seen one. Surely they couldn't be as homely as the Cyberdumpster.
Remember when we thought the Pontiac Aztek was rock bottom?
The Karma was far from the worst looking car out there. The biggest thing that went against how it looked was the weird mustache-like twin grill.
The performance of the Fisker wasn't super impressive (0-60 in 5.9 seconds) considering the price (starting near 100k) and probably had to do more with why it didn't sell. But then again those were early plug-in hybrid days.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 08:46:22 AMThe Karma was far from the worst looking car out there.
I don't even think it's that bad of a design. I definitely prefer it to any of the Tesla offerings.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:33:12 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 08:46:22 AMThe Karma was far from the worst looking car out there.
I don't even think it's that bad of a design. I definitely prefer it to any of the Tesla offerings.
Tesla exterior styling strikes me as safe and appealing to those who don't really know what pseudo-luxury is.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 06:37:06 PMQuote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:33:12 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 08:46:22 AMThe Karma was far from the worst looking car out there.
I don't even think it's that bad of a design. I definitely prefer it to any of the Tesla offerings.
Tesla exterior styling strikes me as safe and appealing to those who don't really know what pseudo-luxury is.
It's either that or the worst design out of all cars ever since the first horseless carriage.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:40:51 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 06:37:06 PMQuote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:33:12 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 08:46:22 AMThe Karma was far from the worst looking car out there.
I don't even think it's that bad of a design. I definitely prefer it to any of the Tesla offerings.
Tesla exterior styling strikes me as safe and appealing to those who don't really know what pseudo-luxury is.
It's either that or the worst design out of all cars ever since the first horseless carriage.
I certainly don't think the Cybertruck will do them any favors long term. They'll likely get stuck in a rut of churning out cars with a similar look to the 3 and Y.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 06:42:38 PMQuote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:40:51 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 06:37:06 PMQuote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:33:12 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on October 05, 2024, 08:46:22 AMThe Karma was far from the worst looking car out there.
I don't even think it's that bad of a design. I definitely prefer it to any of the Tesla offerings.
Tesla exterior styling strikes me as safe and appealing to those who don't really know what pseudo-luxury is.
It's either that or the worst design out of all cars ever since the first horseless carriage.
I certainly don't think the Cybertruck will do them any favors long term.
And Elon Musk's racist, transphobic views won't help.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:56:52 PMAnd Elon Musk's racist, transphobic views won't help.
I really don't get what he is thinking with this. Like, even if his views were harmless and simply very partisan, it would be pretty dumb to publicly air a bunch of opinions that aren't shared by your target customer base. Most smart CEOs in that situation just keep their trap shut and funnel money to their favored candidates on the sly through a super PAC. No fingerprints at all. (Not saying that's a good thing, mind you, but the system as currently constituted allows it.)
This goofball, on the other hand, makes sure national media sees him cavorting around on stage behind a candidate most of his potential customers hate.
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 06, 2024, 08:39:27 AMQuote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:56:52 PMAnd Elon Musk's racist, transphobic views won't help.
I really don't get what he is thinking with this. Like, even if his views were harmless and simply very partisan, it would be pretty dumb to publicly air a bunch of opinions that aren't shared by your target customer base. Most smart CEOs in that situation just keep their trap shut and funnel money to their favored candidates on the sly through a super PAC. No fingerprints at all. (Not saying that's a good thing, mind you, but the system as currently constituted allows it.)
This goofball, on the other hand, makes sure national media sees him cavorting around on stage behind a candidate most of his potential customers hate.
Masterful gambit, as his bootlickers say.
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 06, 2024, 08:39:27 AMQuote from: LilianaUwU on October 05, 2024, 06:56:52 PMAnd Elon Musk's racist, transphobic views won't help.
I really don't get what he is thinking with this. Like, even if his views were harmless and simply very partisan, it would be pretty dumb to publicly air a bunch of opinions that aren't shared by your target customer base. Most smart CEOs in that situation just keep their trap shut and funnel money to their favored candidates on the sly through a super PAC. No fingerprints at all. (Not saying that's a good thing, mind you, but the system as currently constituted allows it.)
This goofball, on the other hand, makes sure national media sees him cavorting around on stage behind a candidate most of his potential customers hate.
He probably isn't thinking. Remember the marijuana incident? Or that time he got himself removed from the Tesla board for tweeting that he was going to take the company private? As much as he's managed to create a good image for himself as an innovator, he's terrible at personal PR in every other way, and now rich enough that he can tell anyone who might try to reign him in to go screw themselves.
What's really weird is how long it's taken for the mainstream media to notice. He's been doing this for years now (ever since California pissed him off with COVID lockdowns, and ever since Grimes dumped him in favor of Chelsea Manning), and yet the media is acting like this all started within the past year.
Even EV owners seem to be more annoyed at him over the yoke, putting everything that isn't mandated by federal regulations to be a button on the touchscreen (even windshield wiper controls) while rearranging the physical controls just because, and quality control issues with the manufacturing process, than anything else.