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95
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: The EV thread
Last post by LP -
Quote from: cookie2 – on
I have no inclination or plan to buy an EV. Just does not add up for me.
There was a lot of anticipation about the HiLux EV, and the expected next gen Landcruiser EV, to say the HiLux has fallen flat is a tad understated.

They aren't true 4x4, they are heavier than the old model, reduced load and reduced towing, and performance is horrendous. I read one review stating they basically took an EV Sedan and put on a HiLux body, but really it's now a Mum's school or soccer run car and not genuine off-road.

PS; They also cost about 30% more on the diesel! :o

Sign of the times?
97
The Sports Desk / Re: God help me - the Cricket thread
Last post by Professer E -
My old man saw Bradman, played with Miller etc and was adamant that Sobers was the best cricketer ever, daylight second.  Not even an argument in his mind. Still have a Slazenger "Gary Sober 365 n.o. test special". RIP champ.
98
The Sports Desk / Re: God help me - the Cricket thread
Last post by ElwoodBlues1 -
Quote from: LP – on
In my teen years I worked and trained at an ICC where Gary worked and had his small cricket gear shop, and he also offered some coaching. I was a net bowler for the WSC crew. He hated being called Sir Gary or Sir Garfield, and would correct you in the gruff voice "Call me Gary!" When the WSC bowlers were being coached I'd get to have a bat, Gary would stand behind the net giving me tips. He was the exact opposite of most coaches, he didn't try to change your technique to make you look classical, he'd look at your strengths and weakness and work on them without trying to make you look like a Greg Chappell. The year after he started giving me free coaching I scored a double century in suburban cricket, I'd changed from an opening bowler low order batsmen to an opening batsmen all rounder.

I don't want to trigger anyone who might be a fan, but as good as he was at cricket he had a lot of troubles off the field, drinking was a big problem, I'm not sure he ever got the better of it. I believe he was arrested multiple time for D&D and also for domestic violence orders, really for all his fame it's quite a sad story. I talked to a police officer once who was standing the carpark when they come to "give him a lift", a euphemism I'm sure, he told me Sobers was his childhood hero but he couldn't see him in the same light, it sounds a bit like Winmar. I've meet Winamr too, and he seemed a terrific person, but I suppose we only ever get to see one side of life.
He did have problems with drinking and was behind the wheel during an accident which cost a teammate his life back in 1959 but I think the cricket culture of drinking which is still alive and well today was to blame for him having continual issues through his career and life.
Interesting story about Sir Gary was he was born with an extra finger on each hand.....which he removed with cat gut and a knife...as a child 😲
99
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: The EV thread
Last post by LP -
BYD sell batteries, China always use the same tactics to kill the market then boost prices. The problem for them is India is now rapidly coming online as a competitor. I have Chinese business associates who have started buying India made to sell into China, because they tell me China can't compete on price and the only thing the China domestic market cares about is price. When the subsidies dry up, the market collapses at an astonishing rate.

btw., You can now purchase re-badged BYD under dozens of different brand names, each one gets cheaper and nastier.

Everyone I talk to tells me the new EV Mazdas are a cut above the accepted standards and sensibly priced, but that they too will struggle to compete in a cutthroat market.

There is a lot of argy-bargy in EV circles about hydrogen being dead / defeated, but it's just a hiatus, there have just been a series of R&D breakthroughs that will make hydrogen generation and transport cheaper and greener. It's going to appear in heavy transport and mass transit first, where depos are easily retrofit for refuelling, but it's inevitably coming to residential. The only thing slowing the uptake are the subsidies on batteries, and distribution.
100
Blah-Blah Bar / Re: The EV thread
Last post by kruddler -
Quote from: ElwoodBlues1 – on
Quote from: kruddler – on
I saw some random youtube video on BYD and how they are heavily backed by the chinese government and its not sustainable and could potentially go bust if one of a couple things happen.
It was kinda just on in the background, but it seemed theoroughly researched and plenty of facts and figures based on annual figures etc etc.

Was a bit worrying as if any of it came to fruition, it would cause complete chaos to the car market.
BYD get looked after by the Chinese Government with subsidies and cheap state bank loans because they are seen as a national success story, they do have some debt but its not extreme.
Founder led listed business on the HK exchange and the Chairman who runs it is a keen CCP member with an interest in China's strategic position and hasnt had to have his arm twisted to align himself with Xi's directives.
Their sales figures have dropped at home but with Xi helping him out Id expect that to be mitigated and they will stay on top of the  EV heap while the brand stay aligned with the Government..

I think one of the issues would be if the Chinese government stopped subsidising them, they would crumble like a house of cards and just as quick.
I think sales figures have also been inflated, with 1000's of them being 'bought', but rusting away in a car park somewhere.