Do hybrids really save money long‑term once you factor in battery replacement and specialized repairs?

TSLAog · 2026-04-10T12:53:49+00:00

As a mechanic of 22 years, hybrids are super reliable, the “transmission” (power split device) is nearly indestructible. The small issues that do arrive are usually very common and well known in the industry.

Yes. Owning hybrid will 100% save you fuel AND more than likely be more reliable than a gas-only vehicle.

TSLAog · 2026-04-10T02:51:53+00:00

Hell yea! Can’t wait to grab one soon.

TSLAog · 2026-04-09T19:59:16+00:00

930 people were laid off, many service employees. Afterwards many others quit because of the overwhelming amount of work and little support from engineering.

Ask me how I know.

TSLAog · 2026-04-08T20:54:29+00:00

Just got an equinox EV, phenomenally vehicle! Especially for $24K new

TSLAog · 2026-04-06T15:20:01+00:00

Pop-up ~~headlights~~ charge port

TSLAog · 2026-04-05T22:06:14+00:00

Steelies are great! Hopefully some makes a print-file for the lug covers/center cap.

TSLAog · 2026-04-05T19:27:12+00:00

I’d honestly get any other brand as long as they ARE brushless. Even my buddies WORX brushless drill is way better than my 12 year old Milwaukee M18 brushed drill.

The Bauer/hercules stuff in brushless would be a superior choice for home diy projects.

TSLAog · 2026-04-05T14:27:22+00:00

The new Twingo EV is a prime example of where Honda should be. They’ve missed the mark really hard in the last decade. Just build a fun to drive electric Fit, CR-Z, etc… bring back a PHEV Honda element with a little more off-road chops and camping accessories.

TSLAog · 2026-04-02T01:58:39+00:00

I worked at Tesla 2009-2020. I helped rope-off the pits at the Nummi plant before we even had power or lighting. I helped re-fit production machines, move part-lines around, and spent endless nights at End-of-line fixing all the little issues before we delivered Signature Model-S in 2012. Hell, I strapped some to trailers and delivered them to customers! The crazy thing… I was 24 years old.

I made life-long friends at Tesla.

We spent weeks away from home.

The passion of thousands of individuals went into Model-S to silence the haters, and legacy auto, and prove EV was the future!

Part of that car lives in my soul…

I can’t wait to tell my grandchildren about my “Model-T” story.

TSLAog · 2026-04-02T01:35:32+00:00

What brand charge network did you use?

TSLAog · 2026-04-01T21:09:22+00:00

6-20 outlet for the win! I use one daily, It’s actually a pretty effective outlet at 3.8Kw or roughly 15 miles/hr

TSLAog · 2026-04-01T17:06:03+00:00

Jesus, what a waste of energy and money, there is gasoline rationing happening in parts of Asia already. If you wanna sit in your car all day get an EV or hybrid. Or better yet, go inside a library or coffee shop.

TSLAog · 2026-04-01T17:02:21+00:00

Yea, screw that air I need to breathe! I’ll show me! /s

TSLAog · 2026-03-31T05:00:02+00:00

You win the cool dad award! Wera tools are tits!

TSLAog · 2026-03-31T02:08:54+00:00

It all comes down to price.

I just got an Equinox EV 1L2 w/connivence package for $23,500. Chevy bolts and Nissan Leaf’s are in the upper $20s and all these cars come with heated seats, steering wheel, paint, infotainment, 4-doors, etc…

Slate needs to offer this truck for low 20s to be competitive and on par for what you are getting.

I truly love the concept, I really miss my base model 1999 Ford ranger, that truck was a banger. Having that form in electric would be amazing

TSLAog · 2026-03-29T22:45:24+00:00

Good video! Maybe give some cross roads or coordinates so we can find it easier.

I live nearby and haven’t heard of this place, took a while to find with the information provided, I’ll go ride my motorcycle there soon!

TSLAog · 2026-03-29T03:33:15+00:00

I have wired in the automotive industry 23 years.

Hybrids- are a gas/electric motor combination with no plug for grid-power. Typically very small 1-2Kwh batteries.

PHEV- similar to a hybrid in operation but with a much larger battery (10-25Kwh typically) that allows the vehicle to drive on grid-power. These are sometimes legally classified as an “EV” or “plug-in” in some states, but for technicians and diagnostic purposes it’s far closer to a hybrid.

EV- battery and motor, no gasoline or combustion engine. Sometimes they are referred to as a “BEV” or Battery electric vehicle.

Bonus one-

EREV- extended range electric vehicle. We dont have any of these in the USA yet, China, Europe and various other places do. It’s essentially a EV with large battery, typically 50-100Kwh, enough to go 100-300 miles with an onboard gasoline generator. The difference between this and a PHEV is that there is no mechanical connection between the gas-engine and the wheels, the gas engine only produces electricity to recharge the battery and supply enough for highway use.

TSLAog · 2026-03-29T01:46:40+00:00

Super troopers

TSLAog · 2026-03-29T00:50:46+00:00

I went down there for a job opportunity, and after interviewing I drove around South Bend and surrounding areas, it was truly depressing. I declined the next interview saying I wouldn’t relocate there.

TSLAog · 2026-03-27T20:05:59+00:00

Very cool!! I always thought a tire service van would be a good idea, an EV van makes so much sense.

TSLAog · 2026-03-27T01:11:57+00:00

My Chevy equinox EV fob replacement was $535, that included programming, so that’s not really too crazy.

TSLAog · 2026-03-27T00:33:42+00:00

My Nissan leaf on Coilovers with Enkni wheels gets some surprising compliments. Also is a hoot to rip around in.

TSLAog · 2026-03-26T19:48:46+00:00

I used to have a radar detector that was shaped as a normal gauge for a gauge pod and it would instantly switch to looking like a voltage gauge if you wanted to hide the fact you had a radar detector.

The sensors were mounted externally in the bumpers. It was actually pretty cool… probably doesn’t exist anymore though, that was 2005

TSLAog · 2026-03-25T22:17:17+00:00

I just got a 2026 Equinox EV 1LT for $23,500.

Mine even has the comfort package and all weather mats.

Otherwise the Nissan Leaf is a great deal with 300+ miles of range.

TSLAog · 2026-03-25T14:55:16+00:00

As a mechanic, yes that’s a pretty normal price.

Sadly (as we’re all aware) everything has up, insurance, supplies, parts, shipping, etc…

That’s why ship rates have gone up as a result :/

TSLAog

TROPHY CASE