Global warming.

[Oddsocks]

It’s evident it’s there and there are some very quick wins available:

1) public transport. It runs whether being used or not so incentivise/subsidise people to use it. A few years ago I had to go from London to Leeds by train return in a day, £265!!! There was two of us in the carriage capable of taking I’d guess 50+. I’d estimate that train had 10-12 carriages. Had I been driving it would have cost £60 in fuel max. Bring that cost down to £50 and that carriage would have been full- £2500 in fairs in one carriage. Now times that by Ten carriages and that’s £25k. Think of the cars that would have pulled off the m1. The train was exactly the same capacity wise on the way home.

The same to be said with busses. In our development I’m 3 stops from Salisbury’s(up a friggin big hill) to pop there on a bus is 1.60 each way so for me and the misses it’s almost £7 to go three stops return. Introduce a locals rate and I’d happily jump on the bus, it’s always bloody empty.

2) limit all manufactures of cars to an MPH/engine size/co size. If a formula one car can be a 200mph 1.6 hybrid then in my opinion the only vehicles needed past a 2L are haulage vehicles.

3) packaging! Everything is so over packaged it’s scary. Double plastics wrap - polystyrene - plastic wrap etc etc etc. even food is over packaged.

These are three quick steps.

 

[Ethan]

If a formula one car can be a 200mph 1.6 hybrid then in my opinion the only vehicles needed past a 2L are haulage vehicles.

The F1 car does need an engine rebuild after every drive and goes through several sets of tyres, though. Not sure about the green credentials for that.

 

[Oddsocks]

What we really need is to better balance the population. Sorry oldies, some of you need to go (heading that way myself). Maybe a Logan's Run, with a cutoff set a bit higher than the movie (30, IIRC).

Based on some of the forum responses this could also wipe out half the membership here too!

 

[Ethan]

Based on some of the forum responses this could also wipe out half the membership here too!

See, extra benefits already!

 

[Oddsocks]

The F1 car does need an engine rebuild after every drive and goes through several sets of tyres, though. Not sure about the green credentials for that.

Granted, but back that 1.6l hybrid back to a cap of 90mph ( still 20% over the speed limit) and the reliability issues are gone! This is proved with certain manufactures limiting there plug in hybrids to 112mph top speed which imho is pointless. Why limits a car to 42mph over the speed limit?

Tesla proved how fast an EV CAN be, limits to its top speed would also increase range further reducing electricity usage.

 

[cliveb]

The traditional approach to managing population is to reduce birth rates. This only amplifies the demographic problem. What we really need is to better balance the population. Sorry oldies, some of you need to go (heading that way myself). Maybe a Logan's Run, with a cutoff set a bit higher than the movie (30, IIRC).

You've set it up so nicely, but I dare not state the obvious.

 

[Robster59]

Granted, but back that 1.6l hybrid back to a cap of 90mph ( still 20% over the speed limit) and the reliability issues are gone! This is proved with certain manufactures limiting there plug in hybrids to 112mph top speed which imho is pointless. Why limits a car to 42mph over the speed limit?

Tesla proved how fast an EV CAN be, limits to its top speed would also increase range further reducing electricity usage.

My Skoda Superb iV hybrid a 154bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor that generates 114bhp. Together they give the iV 215bhp.
It has a stated performance figures of 0-62mph:7.7 seconds (Hatch) / 7.8 seconds (Estate) and a top speed:138 mph.
More than adequate for most people.

 

[PJ87]

Granted, but back that 1.6l hybrid back to a cap of 90mph ( still 20% over the speed limit) and the reliability issues are gone! This is proved with certain manufactures limiting there plug in hybrids to 112mph top speed which imho is pointless. Why limits a car to 42mph over the speed limit?

Tesla proved how fast an EV CAN be, limits to its top speed would also increase range further reducing electricity usage.

I read even germany is considering speed limits on the autobahms due to the energy crisis

it is remarkable the price of fuel and you still see cars wizzing around (not talking about people going work or just just doing what they need I mean not slowing the pace at all, so burning fuel for no reason)

also will add the bit above isnt just people letting off the cars .. bit of fun etc etc.. I mean commuting to work and its a lot of traffic there will be about 10 cars bombing down the fast lane.. come to traffic undertake another car to get round bomb through (all to be caught 2 mins later at the next red light)

 

[Oddsocks]

My Skoda Superb iV hybrid a 154bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor that generates 114bhp. Together they give the iV 215bhp.
It has a stated performance figures of 0-62mph:7.7 seconds (Hatch) / 7.8 seconds (Estate) and a top speed:138 mph.
More than adequate for most people.

This is a perfect example. If you have purchased a hybrid to reduce running costs and get increased mpg via dual power source, why does it need to be capable of 138mph when the national speed limit is 70mph, even limiting it to 90mph would increase battery range and improve Mpg… hey it might even reduce the carbon output which “apparently” is the main reason we are doing this.

Ps this isn’t a personal dig, just a factual observation.

 

[Robster59]

This is a perfect example. If you have purchased a hybrid to reduce running costs and get increased mpg via dual power source, why does it need to be capable of 138mph when the national speed limit is 70mph, even limiting it to 90mph would increase battery range and improve Mpg… hey it might even reduce the carbon output which “apparently” is the main reason we are doing this.

Ps this isn’t a personal dig, just a factual observation.

And, of course, I would never exceed the National Speed Limit.

 

[PJ87]

This is a perfect example. If you have purchased a hybrid to reduce running costs and get increased mpg via dual power source, why does it need to be capable of 138mph when the national speed limit is 70mph, even limiting it to 90mph would increase battery range and improve Mpg… hey it might even reduce the carbon output which “apparently” is the main reason we are doing this.

Ps this isn’t a personal dig, just a factual observation.

Adding to this (not a dig at anyone) but why have big over the top engines been produced for no reason aswell for years after they aren't needed

It's just because we like things isn't it?

Personally I've never understood 2 seater cars as I always like the option to give my mates a lift home or always seemed sensible to enable more people to travel together where possible

I mean I'm a full EV convert. I love mine as an ev (not as the brand.. still poor in that sense) but ev life for me is great. For others it won't be hopefully hybrids will be able to

But why weren't more cars made hybrid sooner?

Don't get me wrong my people carrier is a diesel but that's not out of choice . They could have made that a hybrid for sure .. it has 1 petrol engine , which isn't in the options I needed for the kids and that's that. Least it's adblue so much less harmful

The world always the same tho if something works we flog it until it doesn't work anymore and only then do we worry

EVs fact are too costly. That debate has been had. However if they had not plugged so much into ice cars constantly like models of the stupidly big ones for no reason surely the cost could be leveled off

I mean the price of lithium dropped dramatically but the price in cars never dropped between EV and ice

If everything dropped a bit in price people would do what you said previous .. get a train and then a cab other end but it ends up cheaper to drive

 

[Oddsocks]

Adding to this (not a dig at anyone) but why have big over the top engines been produced for no reason aswell for years after they aren't needed

It's just because we like things isn't it?

Personally I've never understood 2 seater cars as I always like the option to give my mates a lift home or always seemed sensible to enable more people to travel together where possible

I mean I'm a full EV convert. I love mine as an ev (not as the brand.. still poor in that sense) but ev life for me is great. For others it won't be hopefully hybrids will be able to

But why weren't more cars made hybrid sooner?

Don't get me wrong my people carrier is a diesel but that's not out of choice . They could have made that a hybrid for sure .. it has 1 petrol engine , which isn't in the options I needed for the kids and that's that. Least it's adblue so much less harmful

The world always the same tho if something works we flog it until it doesn't work anymore and only then do we worry

EVs fact are too costly. That debate has been had. However if they had not plugged so much into ice cars constantly like models of the stupidly big ones for no reason surely the cost could be leveled off

I mean the price of lithium dropped dramatically but the price in cars never dropped between EV and ice

If everything dropped a bit in price people would do what you said previous .. get a train and then a cab other end but it ends up cheaper to drive

100%! Currently looking at moving jobs where an xc40 hybrid is the basic car, available in two options/

T4
208bhp
8.2 0-60
112mph limit
28 miles battery range

Upgrade option

T5 pro
262bhp
7.0 0-60
112mph limit
28 miles battery range

Now given the upgrade is £10k list, and both cars are 1.5l turbo petrol have I missed something?

Both limited to same 112mph, both 28miles battery range and both 1.5l engines.

Others cars in its class are the new cupra formenta.

1.4l petrol.( smaller engine, guess it will be the same engine across most vag group cars)
204 bhp (same as t4)
7.8 0-60 (a touch slower than t4)
127Mph WHY?
37 miles battery range.
* bigger boot that the xc40

Excluding the cost which is almost £15k in favour of the cupra, it’s a smaller engine producing a better battery range but close up 50%. This has to be the target in carbon reduction. As it stands an ex demo t4 hybrid is between 40-45k, a cupra is 30-32k both 71 reg.

Incidentally, both Volvo’s offer 134mpg against the cupra of 188mph.

 

[cliveb]

Personally I've never understood 2 seater cars

If you've never had a roadster, you've missed out on one of life's great pleasures.

 

[PJ87]

If you've never had a roadster, you've missed out on one of life's great pleasures.

I probably have your right, I just never travel light so fitting everything in. the corsa is too tiny for me. im not a fan of clubs on back seat im used to keeping them in the correct place (the boot) atm its trolly in the boot. clubs back seat.

I mean today was suppose to pan out as follows, golf at 10, pick nan up straight after to take her to see grandad in the home as she doesnt drive. clubs on back seat nan in the front

a roadster would be drop the clubs back home then off to nans (who would struggle to get in it lol)

however was a moot point as the course is closed due to the fire in the local area where they still got the main road closed (understandable) so no clubs to factor in today

tomorrow is golf at another club, usually ill pick up my mate save him driving , throw his clubs on top of mine and off we go. got to be back early tomorrow so hes driving himself so he can stay and chat

same with work. I always give my mate a lift in if we are on together as I drive past his house on the way to work. one less car on the road and his cars are normally death traps so doing his family a favour. last set of nights it was me, him and then another guy at work jumped in to drop off down the station as its 20 min walk gets him home quicker more sleep etc (drive past it anyways)

roadster I would just have to wave as I drove past

100%! Currently looking at moving jobs where an xc40 hybrid is the basic car, available in two options/

T4
208bhp
8.2 0-60
112mph limit
28 miles battery range

Upgrade option

T5 pro
262bhp
7.0 0-60
112mph limit
28 miles battery range

Now given the upgrade is £10k list, and both cars are 1.5l turbo petrol have I missed something?

Both limited to same 112mph, both 28miles battery range and both 1.5l engines.

Others cars in its class are the new cupra formenta.

1.4l petrol.( smaller engine, guess it will be the same engine across most vag group cars)
204 bhp (same as t4)
7.8 0-60 (a touch slower than t4)
127Mph WHY?
37 miles battery range.
* bigger boot that the xc40

Excluding the cost which is almost £15k in favour of the cupra, it’s a smaller engine producing a better battery range but close up 50%. This has to be the target in carbon reduction. As it stands an ex demo t4 hybrid is between 40-45k, a cupra is 30-32k both 71 reg.

Incidentally, both Volvo’s offer 134mpg against the cupra of 188mph.

isnt there still a lot of badge in play aswell tho? I remember when VWs , Seats, Audi and Skoda all brought out basically the same cars but diff badges .. you paid more for the audi, little bit less for VW.. skoda and seat even cheaper (think they have stopped it a bit now but not in the customers favour)

Im keeping an eye on what the new MGs look like second hand in a few years.. so much in them for a low (er) price .. I mean there still costly but so much cheaper than for example your Kias .. which dont get me wrong great cars .. just price point

 

[road2ruin]

Personally I've never understood 2 seater cars as I always like the option to give my mates a lift home or always seemed sensible to enable more people to travel together where possible

One of my previous cars was a 2.8l BMW Z3, was a lot of fun to drive and, for me, the added benefit of only having two seats is that I didn't have to offer lifts!

 

[Oddsocks]

I probably have your right, I just never travel light so fitting everything in. the corsa is too tiny for me. im not a fan of clubs on back seat im used to keeping them in the correct place (the boot) atm its trolly in the boot. clubs back seat.

I mean today was suppose to pan out as follows, golf at 10, pick nan up straight after to take her to see grandad in the home as she doesnt drive. clubs on back seat nan in the front

a roadster would be drop the clubs back home then off to nans (who would struggle to get in it lol)

however was a moot point as the course is closed due to the fire in the local area where they still got the main road closed (understandable) so no clubs to factor in today

tomorrow is golf at another club, usually ill pick up my mate save him driving , throw his clubs on top of mine and off we go. got to be back early tomorrow so hes driving himself so he can stay and chat

same with work. I always give my mate a lift in if we are on together as I drive past his house on the way to work. one less car on the road and his cars are normally death traps so doing his family a favour. last set of nights it was me, him and then another guy at work jumped in to drop off down the station as its 20 min walk gets him home quicker more sleep etc (drive past it anyways)

roadster I would just have to wave as I drove past



isnt there still a lot of badge in play aswell tho? I remember when VWs , Seats, Audi and Skoda all brought out basically the same cars but diff badges .. you paid more for the audi, little bit less for VW.. skoda and seat even cheaper (think they have stopped it a bit now but not in the customers favour)

Im keeping an eye on what the new MGs look like second hand in a few years.. so much in them for a low (er) price .. I mean there still costly but so much cheaper than for example your Kias .. which dont get me wrong great cars .. just price point

The Kia / Hyundai done an exceptional
Job reinventing their brands.

 

[Robster59]

I probably have your right, I just never travel light so fitting everything in. the corsa is too tiny for me. im not a fan of clubs on back seat im used to keeping them in the correct place (the boot) atm its trolly in the boot. clubs back seat.

I mean today was suppose to pan out as follows, golf at 10, pick nan up straight after to take her to see grandad in the home as she doesnt drive. clubs on back seat nan in the front

a roadster would be drop the clubs back home then off to nans (who would struggle to get in it lol)

however was a moot point as the course is closed due to the fire in the local area where they still got the main road closed (understandable) so no clubs to factor in today

tomorrow is golf at another club, usually ill pick up my mate save him driving , throw his clubs on top of mine and off we go. got to be back early tomorrow so hes driving himself so he can stay and chat

same with work. I always give my mate a lift in if we are on together as I drive past his house on the way to work. one less car on the road and his cars are normally death traps so doing his family a favour. last set of nights it was me, him and then another guy at work jumped in to drop off down the station as its 20 min walk gets him home quicker more sleep etc (drive past it anyways)

roadster I would just have to wave as I drove past



isnt there still a lot of badge in play aswell tho? I remember when VWs , Seats, Audi and Skoda all brought out basically the same cars but diff badges .. you paid more for the audi, little bit less for VW.. skoda and seat even cheaper (think they have stopped it a bit now but not in the customers favour)

Im keeping an eye on what the new MGs look like second hand in a few years.. so much in them for a low (er) price .. I mean there still costly but so much cheaper than for example your Kias .. which dont get me wrong great cars .. just price point

Badge play definitely comes into it. One of my work colleagues won't drive a Skoda because.... it is a Skoda. Most VWG have the same chassis underpinnings but you tend to pay more for the German badges.

But back on-topic. Hybrids are undoubtedly a stop-gap but, at least when you are using it around town, you are spending a lot more time on electric (providing you keep it charged), so you are impacting less on the environment in terms of vehicle emissions.

In terms of global warming, I do fear we may be too late. We've had hundreds of years of pumping emissions into the atmosphere with little or no thought of the consequences. Let's take my old company as an example, and some of the products they produced.

• Trichloroethylene - used for metal degreasing in large, open topped degreasers which basically allowed the vapours to go straight to the atmosphere.
• Perchloroethylene - mainly used in dry-cleaning. Modern machines are now far more efficient and recycle the product, but I'm of an age when you could walk into a dry-cleaners and you would almost be overcome by the fumes (goodness knows how it affected the people working in it).
• Methylene Chloride - used as a paint stripper
• CFC's - multi-purpose propellant, fire extinguisher, electrical cleaner
• BCF - multi-purpose fire extinguishant

I could name others, but these are just an example. The other thing to consider is that THEY WERE ALL VERY GOOD AT WHAT THEY DID. I'm not condoning the damage that they have contributed, but that when things worked as well as these did, people saw no reason to change until legislation forced the change.

 

[Oddsocks]

I agree robster in respect of years of abuse coming home to roost, but what are the other options? Accept that within 100 years the world is going to self destruct?

There are so many small steps that when combined will have a big impact.

On a side note, the government charge a ulez charge for older vehicles to enter city centres, they charge a congestion charge to reduce traffic as a rule in city centres. I’m very keen to see where these money goes after all their claim is to help reduce climate change etc.

 

[PJ87]

I agree robster in respect of years of abuse coming home to roost, but what are the other options? Accept that within 100 years the world is going to self destruct?

There are so many small steps that when combined will have a big impact.

On a side note, the government charge a ulez charge for older vehicles to enter city centres, they charge a congestion charge to reduce traffic as a rule in city centres. I’m very keen to see where these money goes after all their claim is to help reduce climate change etc.

I know exactly where londons goes, into TFL umbrella and it pays for road maintenance (600 million a year costs to maintain, 300 million comes from DFT rest from TFL) goes into improvements of the bus and tube networks to encourage people to use them instead of cars , I mean the signalling systems are a league above when I started (60s tech) compared to now (2000 tech prob lol)

ULEZ is a temp one though as people update their cars the fees level off..

for many many many years the tube has funded the rest of the TFL umbrella , tubes and road. covid took that away , its just starting to recover. we can cover full day to day costs now of running the network just projects cant be funded so we can cover all commitments just cant do any improvements which is no good to help solve climate change / improve

anything more I post will turn political.

 

[Oddsocks]

Interesting. We have a great rail network which I relied on heavily while not driving, I just wasn’t aware drivers were funding it.

Back to the point that the busier our transport system becomes, the more self financing it becomes so drivers don’t get raped!