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> but still want to help save the world Not sure how much of an impact you’re planning to have, but EVs are still fairly resource intensive in most metrics, es

> but still want to help save the world Not sure how much of an impact you’re planning to have, but EVs are still fairly resource intensive in most metrics, especially manufacturing and space usage in cities. One option might be to help reducing those, by conceptualizing lighter vehicles, or a way to have fewer standing around (autonomous driving). Another option would be looking beyond electric cars. Almost any thing requires electricity, so improving its generation would have an immense impact. “Cars as we know them, but electric” is probably not the optimal future. Maybe there are better ways to get around. Besides those far out ideas and considering your battery interface point: Maybe it’d be possible to standardize some batteries for smaller vehicles/appliances. I’m also surprised there doesn’t seem to be an after-market for EV battery packs (as in: a new pack for your EV) yet (fun fact: I think Renault has DRM on its batteries).

specialist 5y ago
> conceptualizing lighter vehicles Horace Dediu (Asymco) advocates "micromobility". I still don't really know what all that entails. Bikes, scooters, hoverboards, ...? I've been binging on his misc podcasts for a while. I really like how he asks questions, does analysis. For instance: ~1.1b automobiles today, ~1.8b by 2050 (IIRC). Average lifetime of ICE vehicle is 30 yrs. So getting to carbon neutral just by replacing the current fleet won't happen fast enough. We'll need alternatives to automobiles, like public transit and scooters. https://micromobility.io https://micromobility.io
- sudosysgen 5y ago
  Scooters, bikes and hoverboards are all micromobility.
- Gibbon1 5y ago
  What I've noticed with vehicles you have a last mile problem. Cars solve it but at huge cost both primary and externalized. With electric vehicles poised to cost less than gasoline powered ones, it's hard not to worry about Jevons paradox. Might be a wash if electric cars service life is significantly longer than gasoline powered ones. I digressed, things like electric bikes do partly solve the last mile problem. Biggest threat to their adoption is having to share the road with cars. My constant suggestion is grade separated bike lanes.
  - specialist 5y ago
    You might enjoy Dediu's thoughts on this stuff. I agree with him that we need to discuss automobiles and roads at the same time. I for one do not accept our current roads as a given. Changes will be required for self-driving, micromobility, etc.

specialist 5y ago

> conceptualizing lighter vehicles Horace Dediu (Asymco) advocates "micromobility". I still don't really know what all that entails. Bikes, scooters, hoverboards, ...? I've been binging on his misc podcasts for a while. I really like how he asks questions, does analysis. For instance: ~1.1b automobiles today, ~1.8b by 2050 (IIRC). Average lifetime of ICE vehicle is 30 yrs. So getting to carbon neutral just by replacing the current fleet won't happen fast enough. We'll need alternatives to automobiles, like public transit and scooters. https://micromobility.io https://micromobility.io

sudosysgen 5y ago
Scooters, bikes and hoverboards are all micromobility.
Gibbon1 5y ago
What I've noticed with vehicles you have a last mile problem. Cars solve it but at huge cost both primary and externalized. With electric vehicles poised to cost less than gasoline powered ones, it's hard not to worry about Jevons paradox. Might be a wash if electric cars service life is significantly longer than gasoline powered ones. I digressed, things like electric bikes do partly solve the last mile problem. Biggest threat to their adoption is having to share the road with cars. My constant suggestion is grade separated bike lanes.
- specialist 5y ago
  You might enjoy Dediu's thoughts on this stuff. I agree with him that we need to discuss automobiles and roads at the same time. I for one do not accept our current roads as a given. Changes will be required for self-driving, micromobility, etc.