I have been saying this for years to anyone that will listen but to me, a working bicycle with racks/baskets should be a part of every households emergency resiliency kit. All they require to function is a fed human and are relatively easy to maintain. DRT's (Disaster Relief Trials) have been going on in many cities for years showcase how the humble bicycle can save lives and access places automobiles just can't get to in emergencies.
Electric utility bikes, or what many might know as an electric cargo bike, take this capability to the next level. They can be charged off a 100v wall outlet, cost pennies to 'fill', and purchase price is in a range that many more families can afford. They can carry a couple kids/or 1 adult and can be outfitted to maximize the cargo capability to carry almost anything a family would need to move. They can also get up to 100+kms or range per charge.
The cost of a very good one is only 1/5th the price of an electric car. Something like a Benno Boost is the kind of bike I am referencing but there are many options out there. And they can go where cars can't: Bypass gridlock, blocked roadways, navigate walking/biking trails, and work around obstacles that stop cars cold.
Riding bikes for transport, even if they are electric, also builds physical fitness and supports better mental health, 2 things we’ll all need more of in the future.
If we could get anything besides a Tesla. I'd buy a slate truck or a BYD as a replacement to my jeep if I knew it could do the things I need. I like having an off-road capable machine that can ford water and winch itself up a steep hill.
I used to drive a Ford focus hatchback. Great little car. I got stuck in a parking lot with literal gridlock snarl of cars all around, but clear escape routes that would require hopping curbs and a small ditch. No way in my car. At that moment I had a good question occur to me- how would I get away from this area if I couldn't drive? I owned a jeep a half year later. I will get away!
You might look into an Ioniq 5 by Hyundai. That's what we got, because it kept coming up at the top in reviews. Has all wheel drive and "snow mode." Just tossing it out there. I have no affiliate links or ulterior motives, just what we learned.
The tech is good and getting better. How much better? Even during the Biden administration there was people pressure to tarriff Chinese EVs. 100% so that they would not be competitive. Now in 2024 Trump added all his other tariffs on top of this 100%.
Given all this, BYD may still be able to deliver a 4 door sedan for considerably less than a Tesla model 3.
Far, far, more importantly I would say is the coming revolution of solid state batteries, it has been a long time coming, and they have been, seemingly, 10 years away, for the last 20 years, but we're seeing actual scaled commercialization for solid state chemistries coming online within the next few years. (LG, Panasonic, Hyundai, CATL, BYD, Toyota, etc) We have moved from a matter of "if" this is ever going to happen to a matter of "when" and also which chemistries will come out on top. For example, John Goodenough (the inventor of the Lithium Polymer battery cathode) had created a sodium ion battery which used a glass as the electrolyte. They estimated that it would have thousands, possibly tens, or hundreds of thousands of charge cycles of a lifespan, and that work was over a decade ago at this point.
This technology has the capacity to UTTERLY revolutionize the entire energy distribution of the planet, as you could essentially buy solar panels and a battery that could, as a system, last decades, and provide extremely stable and reliable power for the better part of a human lifetime.
As the cost of oil rises, and the obvious madness associated with it does as well, the alternatives are extremely compelling. And our present government has virtually handed this entire economic future to China with one demented month of favors to Russia and Israel.
If we’re talking about slow/catabolic collapse, it’s 100% prepper tech (when combined with solar panels, as mentioned).
Less useful in the event of a rapid and global catastrophic collapse, but still pretty handy. Especially if you still happen to be alive after everybody else has died. Scavenging the ‘ruins of the metal world’ gets easier with a vehicle. And any survivor networks you become a part of will benefit from easy transportation for trade and/or emergencies, etc.
So yes, a win/win if you can pull it off. The resistance to them is lessening, but it’s definitely still a thing. Watching my neighbor marvel at the benefits of his electric lawnmower and say “he’ll never go back” only to watch him get awkwardly uncomfortable when I bug him about getting an electric is a funny example of how strange people are about it for no apparent reason.
We really need a minivan due to Covid and disability, but EV minivans aren’t really a thing. Especially used and for $22,000 or less. Which is a batshit amount of money for a nearly 10 year old vehicle, but that’s what we’ve found is the case for a used minivan. And that’s not EV!
We tried to purchase one from Carvana but they spray some horrid spray inside that burns when you breathe, even if you don’t have MCAS, but which is horrific, even with an N95, when you do. We asked for the last two vehicles that they please not spray it, but they always do. And we talked to a detailer who said that ruins the vehicle, and there isn’t a way to get the smell out (we tried EVERYTHING).
So we’re sticking with our 2008 van for now. Good Old Reliable.
I wish there were more EV options and that they were more affordable.
Sorry for the novel, my brain is foggy so I’m not able to edit myself.
I'm a fan of hybrid cars. I've driven them since the late Oughts. I hit the jackpot when I traded my '19 Toyota RAV-4 hybrid for a '21 RAV-4 Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid. I love it! It has two sets of batteries- one with a 45 mile range for EV only, and the other the hybrid set. When I exhaust the EV batteries, the hybrid system takes over. Even better, I can recharge the EV batteries with the hybrid engine or plug it in to a standard household outlet. It does take time to charge, but it also means that I can use my EcoFlow River to charge the car if my mains power goes out.
I'm still a little leery of the range capacity of true EVs which is why the PHEV is my preference. It's another step towards being more conservative with power. I am also planning a solar/battery backup system for my home.
You can enjoy the benefits of a level 2 charger in your garage or driveway for much less than $2000. An electrician can install a 50A breaker in your panel and a 240V outlet (similar to a dryer outlet) for <$1000. Av EV charger isn’t necessary. You can DIY for <$250 if the cable run isn’t too long.
I have a Kia Niro EV- got it with the tax credit a little more than a year ago. It was used, so far hasn’t been an issue at all. It was very reasonably priced with the credit. It’s an excellent and straight- forward car with easy ways to improve your mileage (I almost never have heat/ AC on). It also sparks joy to drive, what with the quick acceleration… something I find I value in these uncertain times. Anyone who has questions/ doubts about owning an EV is more than welcome to message me!
I've been holding out for the solar Aptera since 2022, and still have hope that it will happen within the next year despite the trade wars (I have a low number reservation). I have a 2002 F150 that is still running well, so haven't purchased an EV that plugs in. I may go that route if necessary, but really wanted to get enough solar to never have to plug in. For those who are not in need of a vehicle asap, it may be another option to consider down the road. You can google Aptera Motor Company, based in San Deigo CA, with the factory in Carlsbad CA. It's not for everyone, but it will be a good commuter or regular vehicle for single/couples who don't need to transport kids (me), or as a second vehicle. The lure of never plugging in (400 mile range, 40 miles per day of charging by sitting in full sun) is powerful. EDIT: Full disclosure, I have a reservation to purchase a vehicle and own common stock in Aptera, but am not connected to the company in any other way. I just see it as a good step forward in moving toward a future that doesn't burn oil for hauling people around.
I have been saying this for years to anyone that will listen but to me, a working bicycle with racks/baskets should be a part of every households emergency resiliency kit. All they require to function is a fed human and are relatively easy to maintain. DRT's (Disaster Relief Trials) have been going on in many cities for years showcase how the humble bicycle can save lives and access places automobiles just can't get to in emergencies.
Electric utility bikes, or what many might know as an electric cargo bike, take this capability to the next level. They can be charged off a 100v wall outlet, cost pennies to 'fill', and purchase price is in a range that many more families can afford. They can carry a couple kids/or 1 adult and can be outfitted to maximize the cargo capability to carry almost anything a family would need to move. They can also get up to 100+kms or range per charge.
The cost of a very good one is only 1/5th the price of an electric car. Something like a Benno Boost is the kind of bike I am referencing but there are many options out there. And they can go where cars can't: Bypass gridlock, blocked roadways, navigate walking/biking trails, and work around obstacles that stop cars cold.
Crazy days ahead. Be safe everyone.
Excellent idea! I'll probably write about this next. Bicycles, electric bikes, electric scooters, with and/or in place of electric vehicles.
Riding bikes for transport, even if they are electric, also builds physical fitness and supports better mental health, 2 things we’ll all need more of in the future.
Be well,
I wish there were better options for disabled people who can’t use bikes.
every person on a bike is another person not using services/vehicles/energy that can help those with mobility challenges get around
If we could get anything besides a Tesla. I'd buy a slate truck or a BYD as a replacement to my jeep if I knew it could do the things I need. I like having an off-road capable machine that can ford water and winch itself up a steep hill.
I used to drive a Ford focus hatchback. Great little car. I got stuck in a parking lot with literal gridlock snarl of cars all around, but clear escape routes that would require hopping curbs and a small ditch. No way in my car. At that moment I had a good question occur to me- how would I get away from this area if I couldn't drive? I owned a jeep a half year later. I will get away!
You might look into an Ioniq 5 by Hyundai. That's what we got, because it kept coming up at the top in reviews. Has all wheel drive and "snow mode." Just tossing it out there. I have no affiliate links or ulterior motives, just what we learned.
Consider a Rivian R2?
The tech is good and getting better. How much better? Even during the Biden administration there was people pressure to tarriff Chinese EVs. 100% so that they would not be competitive. Now in 2024 Trump added all his other tariffs on top of this 100%.
Given all this, BYD may still be able to deliver a 4 door sedan for considerably less than a Tesla model 3.
Far, far, more importantly I would say is the coming revolution of solid state batteries, it has been a long time coming, and they have been, seemingly, 10 years away, for the last 20 years, but we're seeing actual scaled commercialization for solid state chemistries coming online within the next few years. (LG, Panasonic, Hyundai, CATL, BYD, Toyota, etc) We have moved from a matter of "if" this is ever going to happen to a matter of "when" and also which chemistries will come out on top. For example, John Goodenough (the inventor of the Lithium Polymer battery cathode) had created a sodium ion battery which used a glass as the electrolyte. They estimated that it would have thousands, possibly tens, or hundreds of thousands of charge cycles of a lifespan, and that work was over a decade ago at this point.
This technology has the capacity to UTTERLY revolutionize the entire energy distribution of the planet, as you could essentially buy solar panels and a battery that could, as a system, last decades, and provide extremely stable and reliable power for the better part of a human lifetime.
As the cost of oil rises, and the obvious madness associated with it does as well, the alternatives are extremely compelling. And our present government has virtually handed this entire economic future to China with one demented month of favors to Russia and Israel.
If we’re talking about slow/catabolic collapse, it’s 100% prepper tech (when combined with solar panels, as mentioned).
Less useful in the event of a rapid and global catastrophic collapse, but still pretty handy. Especially if you still happen to be alive after everybody else has died. Scavenging the ‘ruins of the metal world’ gets easier with a vehicle. And any survivor networks you become a part of will benefit from easy transportation for trade and/or emergencies, etc.
So yes, a win/win if you can pull it off. The resistance to them is lessening, but it’s definitely still a thing. Watching my neighbor marvel at the benefits of his electric lawnmower and say “he’ll never go back” only to watch him get awkwardly uncomfortable when I bug him about getting an electric is a funny example of how strange people are about it for no apparent reason.
We really need a minivan due to Covid and disability, but EV minivans aren’t really a thing. Especially used and for $22,000 or less. Which is a batshit amount of money for a nearly 10 year old vehicle, but that’s what we’ve found is the case for a used minivan. And that’s not EV!
We tried to purchase one from Carvana but they spray some horrid spray inside that burns when you breathe, even if you don’t have MCAS, but which is horrific, even with an N95, when you do. We asked for the last two vehicles that they please not spray it, but they always do. And we talked to a detailer who said that ruins the vehicle, and there isn’t a way to get the smell out (we tried EVERYTHING).
So we’re sticking with our 2008 van for now. Good Old Reliable.
I wish there were more EV options and that they were more affordable.
Sorry for the novel, my brain is foggy so I’m not able to edit myself.
I'm a fan of hybrid cars. I've driven them since the late Oughts. I hit the jackpot when I traded my '19 Toyota RAV-4 hybrid for a '21 RAV-4 Prime, which is a plug-in hybrid. I love it! It has two sets of batteries- one with a 45 mile range for EV only, and the other the hybrid set. When I exhaust the EV batteries, the hybrid system takes over. Even better, I can recharge the EV batteries with the hybrid engine or plug it in to a standard household outlet. It does take time to charge, but it also means that I can use my EcoFlow River to charge the car if my mains power goes out.
I'm still a little leery of the range capacity of true EVs which is why the PHEV is my preference. It's another step towards being more conservative with power. I am also planning a solar/battery backup system for my home.
You can enjoy the benefits of a level 2 charger in your garage or driveway for much less than $2000. An electrician can install a 50A breaker in your panel and a 240V outlet (similar to a dryer outlet) for <$1000. Av EV charger isn’t necessary. You can DIY for <$250 if the cable run isn’t too long.
I have a Kia Niro EV- got it with the tax credit a little more than a year ago. It was used, so far hasn’t been an issue at all. It was very reasonably priced with the credit. It’s an excellent and straight- forward car with easy ways to improve your mileage (I almost never have heat/ AC on). It also sparks joy to drive, what with the quick acceleration… something I find I value in these uncertain times. Anyone who has questions/ doubts about owning an EV is more than welcome to message me!
I've been holding out for the solar Aptera since 2022, and still have hope that it will happen within the next year despite the trade wars (I have a low number reservation). I have a 2002 F150 that is still running well, so haven't purchased an EV that plugs in. I may go that route if necessary, but really wanted to get enough solar to never have to plug in. For those who are not in need of a vehicle asap, it may be another option to consider down the road. You can google Aptera Motor Company, based in San Deigo CA, with the factory in Carlsbad CA. It's not for everyone, but it will be a good commuter or regular vehicle for single/couples who don't need to transport kids (me), or as a second vehicle. The lure of never plugging in (400 mile range, 40 miles per day of charging by sitting in full sun) is powerful. EDIT: Full disclosure, I have a reservation to purchase a vehicle and own common stock in Aptera, but am not connected to the company in any other way. I just see it as a good step forward in moving toward a future that doesn't burn oil for hauling people around.
I would like to find a solar charger that is compatible with my SmartCar.