“we’ve updated our terms of service, continuing in the vehicle (currently at 60 mph) constitutes agreement.  Exit the vehicle immediately to decline.”

“or simply show their government-issued ID”

The new (old) idea of sand batteries really makes you wonder if we could store excess summer heat for winter; ok at least the cold parts of winter that are left.

I’d say in non-salt areas 20+ years is ‘possible’ but not sure I’d go with common for ICEs. Just too much complex mechanical stuff to go wrong.

Oh, right... We’re too busy sucking the world’s ass and shoveling money around to everyone but where it’s needed: Home.

I see a plethora of PHEV minivans in your future ;-)

the PHEV’s were the solution we really needed to push 10 years ago.

The sheer simplicity of EVs is going to radically change the ownership experience. Even ICEs have solid 10 year lifespans now. EVs? That car could easily push 20 with a battery replacement and lack of significant road salt winters.

Early 50s here and I think myself I’ve actually bought a total of 2 new cars and 3 cars in total. I tend to keep cars until they are barely worth money at trade in.

Mid 90s, my ex-father-in-law had a Buick dealer where he knew the service manager. Even had said mgr loan him *his* car at times. He bought nothing but Buicks from *that* dealer. The sales team was all salaried w/o significant commissions. Best of both sides buying/service.

Once you dislocate something, it’s generally easier to do it again...and again.  Not a critical issue unless it starts happening frequently.   Doesn’t make it not hurt though...lol

The spiciest thing about my parents Chevette was the time the cat shit under the seat going to the vet...and then smeared it as they tried to get said cat out of there.

Officer: Did you just change lanes without signalling?

yeah, rail is the real solution for short to medium distance travel. Unfortunately the examples of such rail systems generally required a world war to make rebuilding easier or China which just forces relocations to make way.

Honestly, liquid hydrocarbons are the only thing with enough density.

yeah, nothing is ever deleted. Even if it *is* deleted, they have last weeks backup to grab it from as well.

fuel is only as plentiful as the size of your tank. Planes simply can’t carry enough hydrogen to make it feasible.

Hydrogen’s biggest Achilles heel is density. It’s never going to run commercial aviation flights.

caveat on the BEV mining. We’re in a massive crunch right now, but in 20 years the recycling of them will be far more mainstream. There won’t be the need for nearly as much ‘new’ mined resources.

nuclear fusion is not at that point yet.