I agree. I think there is a bigger role for strong PHEVs to play (and it’s interesting to note that the recent CARB rules do as well compared to last time around). I see strong PHEVs like diesels of today: If someone really tows big loads (hogs, cattle, construction equipment, RV trailer, etc.) long distances, then…

Norway has entered the chat.

Uh, last week Daimler showed a Class 8 semi truck at the IAA with a 300+ mile range. Battery electric semi truck. The high power charging connector just got released that goes up to 3.75 MW. Is there a role for hydrogen? Sure. It’s just getting smaller as batteries move along which makes for the same amount of costs…

There are nearly 3M EVs on the road in the U.S. Are 3M drivers waiting until the battery tech improves?

It allows “strong” plug-in hybrids, capped at 20%. What’s a strong PHEV? One that goes 50 miles electric per the window sticker and when you “punch it, Chewie,” the gas engine doesn’t kick on.

A plug-in hybrid pickup with 50 or so miles of range would be pretty sweet. The new CARB rules encourage that.

Exactly this. We can debate the BEV versus PHEV split, but at the end of the day, Toyota has been fighting the switch to plug-ins around the world.

We put 300 miles on our EV during that weekend of peak demand in California. Guess what - EV drivers already charge at night. No big deal. But, hey - those headlines sure get the clicks.

Have you seen the new EQS? It looks like a Honda Civic sedan from the 90s overfilled with air.

I love how you can see out of that 7 series. Excellent outward visibility, the new luxury.

There is a similar one for out-of-state plates in California (20 days is the cutoff):

This.

Don’t need high beltlines and thick A, B, and C pillars. Cars are safe enough and the law of diminishing returns has kicked in. At some point, excellent outward visibility is as important as rollover roof crush standards, etc.

Is there charging at work? If so, you could do a bulk of your miles on electric power.

Perfect for this. Also, if there is a 120V outlet in good shape at the lakehouse, you can easily charge there with the charging cord that comes with the Jeep.

This.

Then a plug-in hybrid is for times like this. It’s didn’t get much attention, but CARB’s recent update to the ZEV mandate allows for 20% plug-in hybrids, as long as they are “strong” and have a 50 mile range.

Strong plug-in hybrids have big electric motors and basically function like a battery-electric, including…

This. “Charge where you park.” Exactly this. And cars sit parked 20+ hours/day (not all, obviously).

Started restoring a speedometer assembly from a 1947 Willys “Stordor” van:

This.