Are we being forced to go electric?

[Gillstay]

But can the common man afford the alternative....

Well having come past a bar in Belgium last week in which the occupants were having a great time and then counting 12 electric bikes ouside I think the answer is yes.

 

[Gillstay]

Not if such vehicles are out of reach to the common man, a heck of a lot of people can't afford a 2/3 year old used ICE car, let alone an EV, so will have to keep running what they have through sheer necessity.

But that is peoples choice. Same as the ones still buying foolishly large vehicles with appalling mpg. An many people struggling still wont by eco tyres or look after their vehicles to ensure they are not wasting money needlessly burning fuel. Or even switch off while messing with the phone.

 

[Buck]

So ban everything that is so old it pollutes then, bet they don’t get voted in next time round, rather than it belongs to a company so they’ll just pay up

Businesses are better able to offset costs than private individuals.

All expenses such as the ULEZ charges can be put through as legitimate expenses in their business accounts and reducing their taxable income but then again likely that they are in the cash society that avoids paying tax like the vast majority have to?

 

[midlife]

Not sure how true this is, cropped up on the LFGSS electric vehicle thread.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/15/...se-allegations-battery-minerals-mining-energy

Not a good look for Tesla (and others like VW) if it is.

 

[CXRAndy]

Allegations going back to before Tesla even started selling EVs. This will be down to folk demanding the latest phone, tablet, laptop, Gameboy. The fuel industry too, cobalt used in sulphur extraction form fuels.

So all of us are complicit in the abuses by creating a demand for lithium, cobalt.

 

[fossyant]

Allegations going back to before Tesla even started selling EVs. This will be down to folk demanding the latest phone, tablet, laptop, Gameboy. The fuel industry too, cobalt used in sulphur extraction form fuels.

So all of us are complicit in the abuses by creating a demand for lithium, cobalt.

We definitely all are complicit, but the demand for EV batteries is huge, and the battery in an EV will make many many phones. If you looked at a lot of products, an ethical and sustainable supply chain is a big problem (very questionable) Rare mineral extraction has a terrible reputation, especially for things like modern slavery.

It's going to get many times worse.

 

[CXRAndy]

Thing is, are we feeling guilty enough to not buy any product that some organisation accuses suppliers of misconduct?

 

[cyberknight]

But that is peoples choice. Same as the ones still buying foolishly large vehicles with appalling mpg. An many people struggling still wont by eco tyres or look after their vehicles to ensure they are not wasting money needlessly burning fuel. Or even switch off while messing with the phone.

its the boots analogy
https://moneywise.com/managing-money/budgeting/boots-theory-of-socioeconomic-unfairness
those who cannot afford to buy a "better " thing but need it now , saving isnt an option as you live pay packet to pay packet so you buy the cheaper alternative so you can get it , the choice is buy better and pay to look after them and not have money for food or heat or make do and have the ability to eat at the end of the week

 

[Grant Fondo]

When I went to order in January the wait was less than 6 weeks as their supply chain had improved but not sure what the situation is now. I suppose it depends on the specification and whether that is a from scratch build or one that can be modified?

Its a factory build so assume you get updates on slots etc? Kind of warming to the Q4 etron a bit, good range anyhow.

 

[Pale Rider]

Allegations going back to before Tesla even started selling EVs

I think we are way past allegations now.

It's nailed on the mining companies are not covering themselves in glory in terms of how they treat workers.

A mixture of bribery of local officials and the unpalatable fact that few people care about suffering Africans keeps the show on the road.

 

[CXRAndy]

Thing is, are we feeling guilty enough to not buy any product that some organisation accuses suppliers of misconduct?

A mixture of bribery of local officials and the unpalatable fact that few people care about suffering Africans keeps the show on the road.

And who is willing to pay reparations (so trendy these days) to these poor folk?

No one is

We will all keep on buying our electronics, cars, buying sulphur reduced fuel etc etc

 

[Buck]

Its a factory build so assume you get updates on slots etc? Kind of warming to the Q4 etron a bit, good range anyhow.

I believe that you either register on the BMW website with your order details or there is a BMW app that you can download (perhaps via the dealer) that shows you build progress and other bits of info re the car and the spec?

 

[mjr]

We definitely all are complicit, but the demand for EV batteries is huge, and the battery in an EV will make many many phones. If you looked at a lot of products, an ethical and sustainable supply chain is a big problem (very questionable) Rare mineral extraction has a terrible reputation, especially for things like modern slavery.

A terrible reputation: almost as bad as oil extraction.

 

[Buck]

@Grant Fondo coincidentally I’ve just received this email. Not sure if you have or can access this offer?

 

[fossyant]

Passed an i3/i4 on the motorway with el-cheapo plastic wheel trims that were all wobbly as heck. What's that about for a £40k car. ? So 1980's.

Got better 'Ring' wheel trims on the little Aygo - £19.99 for 4 - VW need to address this.