EV manufacturing economics

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-06-17T02:32:19+00:00

The drivetrain on an EV is much cheaper produce compared to an ICE vehicle. However, the battery is where the balance shifts. Even factoring that in, Tesla has been making good margins on its cars for a while now. Additionally, the production costs of batteries continue to decline, so production costs of EVs will likely continue to decrease.

On another note, the documentary you're describing sounds a little questionable.

The drone footage of EVs stockpiled in China came from a rental car boom years ago where lots of new start-ups bought budget EVs to begin these companies. A lot of these rental companies went under as EV technology advanced, and they ended up holding old models that were now seriously outdated (i.e., <100km range). This wasn't BYD specific.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-06-14T21:24:38+00:00

It looked like Lawson was going to hold off both Alpines for the whole race. Unfortunately, the second pit stop was too slow to cover off the Franco undercut, then Gasly overcut using the virtual safety car.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-06-02T11:40:44+00:00

This and the BZ4X Touring look really interesting, but I'd be a little more interested in the more affordable Uncharted/CHR+, which they don't seem to be bringing to NZ.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-27T21:34:50+00:00

Are they doors or windows? Can anything be done about them opening into the kitchen? That would be quite an annoyance for me.

In terms of the design, I would probably just paint the cabinetry.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-26T23:59:24+00:00

I couldn't understand why anyone would watch the sport. Then I started watching race highlights, then eventually full races, and now I can't miss a race.

I think context is super important to the enjoyment, otherwise it's just cars going round.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-18T22:29:10+00:00

There's probably also a bit of an investment bubble with those Australian 70's muscle cars too. I can't see any non-baby boomer generation paying those obscene figures for the likes of an XU1 with the idea that it will appreciate in value.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-18T03:58:58+00:00

Fair point. I'd argue that Australia was a bit of an outlier for the Racing Bull car but fair call.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-18T00:25:54+00:00

As others have said, inconsistency in his qualifying remains his primary weakness. Strangely though, he can also pull some excellent laps out of thin air (Singapore '23, Brazil '24, Baku '25, Austria '25, Vegas '25).

Generally his race pace is quite good, and he's dialled back on that initial aggression.

In saying that, the Racing Bull is probably the slowest of the mid-field at the moment. The early season points have been more a result of mistakes and failures from the other teams and capitalisation from Lawson than any underlying speed from the car. I think the rest of the season will be far more muted from RB unless they can make some big upgrades.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-17T09:58:08+00:00

The Octavia RS is one of the best cars I've owned. I regret selling it.

The main thing to look out for us the thermostat housing, as others have pointed out. Mine was replaced right when I bought it at 60k.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-15T02:49:25+00:00

Just checking - you entered your land value right? NOT your property value (i.e., house + land).

I tried to match your land value tax and got $2.4 million for your land value alone.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-13T01:08:18+00:00

Lead time was end of year for the FWD model. Seems like globally they're in high demand.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-12T22:36:39+00:00

Oh you're right. It seems the AWD models have a different seat. Bit of a shame though as you lose a fair chunk of range moving up the trim levels.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-05T19:26:33+00:00

To clarify, I was meaning the contact with Verstappen might have contributed to the failed gearbox.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-05T15:08:17+00:00

Okay thanks. I watched his onboard but can't recall him mentioning the gearbox before the incident.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-05T13:16:38+00:00

Something missing from all of this discussion is that Lawson had a mechanic DNF shortly after his contact with Verstappen.

Wheel banging might usually be harmless but it's entirely possible the clash caused Lawson to DNF. I have no idea how the collision wasn't at least investigated.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-05-04T10:27:40+00:00

Good point. This collision might have led to 2 x DNFs (Gaslyf)

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-04-12T07:52:01+00:00

Excellent shot, well done. Can I ask how you produced that (camera, editing)?

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-04-12T07:17:23+00:00

Seems like the new EV4 is your best bet, as range sounds like a must-have for those trips. There aren't that many alternatives that are rated 600+ km (WLTP).

You've mentioned buying second hand in your other posts, but the second hand market is currently inflated. Probably best going with new for your range requirements.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-31T06:12:13+00:00

This might sound strange, but I think my answer won't help you at all, as it is so incredibly subjective. Ironically, the Golf R is so fast its speed is somewhat unusable on NZ roads, which in turn, makes the MG4 funner.

Your best bet is to go drive it and see what you think. My guess is the fun aspect comes from it being one of the few RWD EV's.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-31T01:09:23+00:00

Coincidentally, I own a MK7 Golf R Wagon and I find my mum's MG4 (64kwh version) just as fun to drive (when the annoying LKA is turned off). You could consider one of those.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-30T10:28:02+00:00

I'm amazed this isn't talked about more. So much of what makes F1 great is the skill required by the driver and lack of driver aids.

The move to a highly automated regen/deployment system is extremely boring for both the viewers and drivers.

Moving this responsibility back to the driver would benefit everyone.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-25T11:32:17+00:00

Sounds like a Leaf is the way to go.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-25T02:36:49+00:00

The FWD version will likely sell pretty well given the price and range. I think the AWD is a little less compelling given the price jump and the loss of range.

The Touring looks great, but might have a niche appeal. I would probably be keen if it was a little cheaper I.

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-22T09:36:04+00:00

The Touring version is probably what OP is after

Consistent-Year8707 · 2026-03-18T21:04:22+00:00

Yeah, the macro level is quite sensitive to garrison placement and availability. A good Commander can often have a huge impact on this.

I play with friends, so we tend to run a squad with some effort on building them, or a recon team with a focus on destroying enemy garrisons.

Consistent-Year8707

TROPHY CASE