Switzerland could ban electric vehicle use during energy crisis

[Newman]

Switzerland could ban electric vehicle use during energy crisis: reports | Fox Business

Switzerland could ban electric vehicles from being used non-essentially this winter as government officials begin to brace for an energy crisis during the winter months, according to reports.

The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Swiss officials have drafted emergency proposals that restrict power usage if things get bad this winter.

For example, shops may need to reduce their hours, streaming services may need to be limited and buildings may only be heated to 20 degrees Celsius, or 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other bans, according to the Telegraph, may include concerts, theater performances and sporting events, all to prevent a blackout.

Other bans could be fatuous confabs in Davos, the very definition of "non-essential."

[Adam]

Side note that may or may not be interesting to anyone:

David and I went to Chattanooga (~120 miles away) to watch the TSSAA ("T-double-S-double-A" is how it's called around here) finals for Montgomery Bell Academy ("MBA"). Unfortunately they lost, 38-34, and we froze our tender bits off for nothing in the end (if you've never experienced it, those extruded aluminum benches are seriously cold when it's cold outside). Anyway, we took his Tesla down to Chattytown, and even with a full charge at the house (not sure quite what that costs), we had to hit a rapid-charge station each way. Those two rapid-charges totaled up to about fifty bucks, and each one was about a thirty-minute stop. So, we fiddly-farted around for half an hour while the Tesla charging station did its business, peed, and waited around for it to be done.

In contrast, if I had filled the tank on my POS Accord (Gawd, I can't wait to get rid of that car), it would have cost about $45 and we could have made the trip there and back without having to stop and refuel at all. So, David's been bragging on how little it costs to run an EV, but in reality, it's actually more expensive. Sure, he saves on oil changes, but that savings is lost on electricity costs. And when he had a very minor fender-bender back in the summer, coming from Dallas to Nashville, it literally took eight weeks to get parts to repair the minor damage to his quarter-panel.

EVs don't actually save anything: not money, not time, and definitely not the environment.

[Gramps]

[QUOTE]So, we fiddly-farted around for half an hour while the Tesla charging station did its business, peed, and waited around for it to be done[/QUOTE]

[Gramps]

I take issue with the commercials who tout a 320 mile range.
They should be forced to tell the whole truth.
Temp no lower than 65 degrees.
No uphill or steep inclines.
No headwinds.
And then be forced to advertise charging times.
It can take up to 14 hrs to charge a fully depleted system.

[phillygirl]

I have been tempted to buy a hybrid. The RAV 4 has one that charges while you drive it on gasoline. That is attractive to me. I don't want one that I'm at the mercy of finding a charging station. Unfortunately, I hate the look of the RAV 4. Allegedly the Lexus makes one as well, but the hybrid is nearly impossible to get.

With regards to the charging stations...our local mall has now decided to put in charging stations. They have utilized the handicapped accessible parking spots closest to the entrance to place these chargers. I presume it has something to do with proximity to the power stations there. So, the good news is that those mall goers who are saving the environment don't have far to walk to get into the stores and restaurants. The downside is that it is nearly impossible to find an accessible parking space thanks to the Prius lineups.

[Newman]

Side note that may or may not be interesting to anyone:

David and I went to Chattanooga (~120 miles away) to watch the TSSAA ("T-double-S-double-A" is how it's called around here) finals for Montgomery Bell Academy ("MBA"). Unfortunately they lost, 38-34, and we froze our tender bits off for nothing in the end (if you've never experienced it, those extruded aluminum benches are seriously cold when it's cold outside). Anyway, we took his Tesla down to Chattytown, and even with a full charge at the house (not sure quite what that costs), we had to hit a rapid-charge station each way. Those two rapid-charges totaled up to about fifty bucks, and each one was about a thirty-minute stop. So, we fiddly-farted around for half an hour while the Tesla charging station did its business, peed, and waited around for it to be done.

In contrast, if I had filled the tank on my POS Accord (Gawd, I can't wait to get rid of that car), it would have cost about $45 and we could have made the trip there and back without having to stop and refuel at all. So, David's been bragging on how little it costs to run an EV, but in reality, it's actually more expensive. Sure, he saves on oil changes, but that savings is lost on electricity costs. And when he had a very minor fender-bender back in the summer, coming from Dallas to Nashville, it literally took eight weeks to get parts to repair the minor damage to his quarter-panel.

EVs don't actually save anything: not money, not time, and definitely not the environment.

I once leased a hybrid, now over a decade ago I think. It was the same story.

The salesmen were all a-flutter about the savings on gas. It would get 45 miles a gallon etc. (On a clear day in Montana, maybe, per Gramps' post). The lease ran about twice the lease on an ordinary gas-powered car, but I sprang for it. We'd been through a ridiculous gas price shock and were pretty tenderized by the experience.

After a year or so I used a pencil and figured out that to save money (over the cost of the lease) gasoline would have to cost over $9/gallon for the duration. I was paying for status, like the EV owners are now.

I posted my arithmetic on Facebook, and I remember getting a couple of compliments from very liberal then-friends, saying they were glad I was making a statement "for the environment" or something like that.

[phillygirl]

I've never investigated the hybrids or how they work, cost etc. Thank you all for the information. I suppose I shall just have to overpay for the Jeep Overland that I am looking at. And, given the supply chain issues, will not be able to get my preferred color in any reasonable amount of time. But such is life.

[Frostbit]

I've never investigated the hybrids or how they work, cost etc. Thank you all for the information. I suppose I shall just have to overpay for the Jeep Overland that I am looking at. And, given the supply chain issues, will not be able to get my preferred color in any reasonable amount of time. But such is life.

What color? Is "Overland" simply a trim package offered in Cherokee and Grand Cherokee? Is it available in the Wrangler line? WE love our 3.0L eco-diesel Wrangler Rubicon. Comfortable, nimble, fun to drive, great in sand, snow, mud and ice (with studs). 24-30 MPG regardless of terrain, highway, or stop and go.

[phillygirl]

What color?

Blue.

[Gramps]

buy it primed and paint it any color you want

[Frostbit]

buy it primed and paint it any color you want

53E713C4-FC93-4F58-A9D6-967297061306.jpg

[Celeste Chalfonte]

53E713C4-FC93-4F58-A9D6-967297061306.jpg

You psychedelic relic, you!

[Frostbit]

You psychedelic relic, you!

I knew you'd like it. I would love a "Mod Top Mopar". Too rare and way too valuable for my pocketbook.

[Celeste Chalfonte]

I knew you'd like it. I would love a "Mod Top Mopar". Too rare and way too valuable for my pocketbook.

'69 was a bad year for cars. I hate "fastback" anything, but especially the Mustang, and Mustang fastbacks were everywhere in 1969. Hideous.

Paisley is another thing that isn't a good look on a car.

[Newman]

53E713C4-FC93-4F58-A9D6-967297061306.jpg

Lordy, you bring back a rush of memories of "hippie" cars we decorated in high school.