A star for Weird Al!

The first and second generation Prius used nickel metal hydride batteries, which were not very green. From the third generation onwards, they switched to lithium batteries, which are almost completely recyclable (and are also the type used in all models of pure electric cars). So the “Prius isn’t green” argument…

Fascinating! It says 64% of vehicle fires start in the engine, running gear or wheel area. That points to a major advantage for electric cars, since there’s much less running gear (just an electric motor with one moving part, and no transmission) and it contains no oil.

True, gasoline doesn’t ignite easily, but its vapor does. Gas engines also contain oil that can combust. Nevertheless, lithium batteries are not to be toyed with, and I think there’s a reason nearly all electric cars have their batteries in the floor, probably the most shielded part of the car. The last thing we need…

I doubt they’ll be more likely to combust than gasoline (lithium batteries don’t leak fluids everywhere the way a damaged gas tank does, and they’re much more well protected from punctures) but it will be a potential danger until a better battery technology is invented.

Is it just me, or is this incident a vivid metaphor for what’s happening to the entire Uber company right now?

I didn’t even notice the number change, but I did notice that the locomotive suddenly changes colors and turns into a pickup truck when seen close up.

I didn’t watch Fate of the Furious.

It looks like it’s trying to be both a sedan and a wagon. Either that or they’re just copying the Tesla Model S. The thing is, Tesla pulls it off because it has the proportions and roofline of a normal sedan. BMW went for more of a 4-door fastback look, and it just doesn’t work.

Good one! I was going to suggest this:

Does this mean the autonomous technology will make sure they never hit anything?

I thought I read somewhere that it was actually a suspension issue, and they were able to raise it a few millimeters and that took care of it. I might be wrong, though.

Lithium batteries do contain some very flammable materials, which can ignite if the battery is punctured. Tesla had problems with this early on with the Model S, but were able to solve it with a software update. I’d be interested to find out if the Rimac has a history of battery issues.

“FASKING” is my new favorite word.

It was the beige Camry of its time.

My favorite weird car name is the Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard. (It’s actually just a clone of the Rodeo, but doesn’t Mysterious Utility Wizard sound infinitely cooler?)

If Richard Hammond were a car, he’d be a Mustang.

First the end of the V6 Mustang, and now this? Why are they taking away our V6s? Why, I say? WHY?

You’re right, the headlights especially are super close! However, given the overall size of Cruz (the yellow car) compared to Lightning, and her lack of side scoops, I think she looks more like a Jaguar F-type.

Raph’s articles are getting very existential lately.