American drivers still in love with the internal combustion engines

[tamada]

After going for broke on EV's in 2022, Hertz are dumping excess Tesla's on the market, using the proceeds to get some more ICE in their fleet.

"The car rental giant began to sell off its stock of Teslas a year ago - due to a lack of demand from customers who prefer gas models. Bosses also said they wanted to offload the cars due to high repair costs."

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/a ... lunge.html

[Sport]

The hybrids I dont mind, all pure EVs should all go broke imo. Nothing beats the sound of V8s, F1s, Nascars and Indy cars screaming around.

[Bandung_Dero]

I agree with your point about EV's. I'm not fussed with F1 or Indy. V8's in any form for me! IMHO, would be great to see a combined field of Australian V8 supercars racing against NASCAR at both Bathurst and Circuit of Americas using their own specifications. Interesting to see which car SVG would drive!

[Sport]

At Bathurst the Supercars would have the edge, if the NASCARS modified their suspensions it would be close, I would back the Supercars. I dont think the US drivers could handle the tight turns and up and down hills, need a lot of practice runs.

The COTA track would be close for the Supercars and I would have to back the US drivers here. SVG would have to drive the Supercar. Both races would be great to watch.

[Bandung_Dero]

Supercars raced COTA a few years ago but not with the latest "Gen" cars. Trying to find some lap times to compare with NASCAR of the same era.

I'm sure the likes of Kyle Larson & Allmendinger will only need 10 practice laps and a few competitive laps to get Bathurst by the balls.

[Lone Star]

The hybrids I dont mind, all pure EVs should all go broke imo. Nothing beats the sound of V8s, F1s, Nascars and Indy cars screaming around.

Agree.

The internal combustion engine is the way to go.

[jackspratt]

A different perspective, which indicates the decision by Hertz to dump part of its EV fleet is driven more by steep repair costs, rather than driver preference for ICE. This is apparent, given a large part of the EV fleet is/was used for ride-share leasing (eg Uber) rather than the rental market.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/hertz-e ... la-report/

[tamada]

A different perspective, which indicates the decision by Hertz to dump part of its EV fleet is driven more by steep repair costs, rather than driver preference for ICE. This is apparent, given a large part of the EV fleet is/was used for ride-share leasing (eg Uber) rather than the rental market.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/hertz-e ... la-report/

Excellent read, thanks js. I wonder why Tesla "body shop" repairs cost more? Without googling, do they use stainless steel, carbon fiber or other composites in their bodywork? Something that beats the panel-beaters?

[samster]

JS is nearer the mark. There are significant increased costs in running an EV rental fleet for no greater margin.

[jackspratt]

The hybrids I dont mind, all pure EVs should all go broke imo. Nothing beats the sound of V8s, F1s, Nascars and Indy cars screaming around.

Agree.

The internal combustion engine is the way to go.

Well blow me down with a feather - the 'roid monster hog is back after 5 years, just in time for the next 4 years of the Criminal Tangerine Insurrectionist's chaos.

I guess that means poor old Declan McPherson has been put into deep sleep for the time being.

Meanwhile, in Australia, sales of EVs in 2024 increased by 150% over 2022, representing about 10% of new car sales.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... ecord-high

[Sport]

JS. You may have missed this piece in the same little article from the lefty (your paper) the guardian. "Despite reaching a new annual record, the growth of EV sales slowed throughout 2024. The 9.5% market share figure covers both pure battery EVs as well as the less-popular plug-in hybrid vehicles".

Data published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reveals a record 129,895 new hybrid vehicles were reported as sold over the first nine months of 2024, up 87 per cent on the same period a year prior.

[jackspratt]

Didn't miss it, Sport - you may notice I provided the link, for your elucidation.

I thought the facts reported were more interesting than the medium in which it was reported - why did you think otherwise?

And isn't it great to see the increasing move away from polluting, petrol guzzling vehicles.