Electric cars?

[sptrawler]

More to that story than meets the eye -

The electric-only successor to today’s Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe models has been delayed multiple times, reportedly due to battery issues.​

​

Unlike many EVs, where battery cells live in a horizontal layer under the floor, the new 718 has a vertical battery stack behind the passenger compartment to more closely mimic the weight balance of a traditional mid-engine sports car.​

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We don’t know when the new petrol-powered 718 models will debut, but it will likely be after the electric 718 variants have been launched as Porsche will probably need to do a bit re-engineering of the 718’s unique platform to accommodate the petrol engines and their ancillaries.​

Codenamed ‘K1’, the super-sized Porsche was originally planned to use the “sport” derivative of Volkswagen Group’s electric-only Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).​

​

K1 will now instead feature petrol and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. This decision likely came about because a large proportion of this class of car are sold in the US and Middle East, where EV adoption lags well behind Europe and China.​

Yes John, here is an article from AFR.

Porsche’s EV dumping shows cracks in German auto empire

Porsche is shelving a future battery-powered luxury SUV and will add more combustion engine models as it contends with high costs and muted sales.

www.afr.com

From the article:
The Germans – like their European peers Stellantis and Renault – are grappling with lower-than-expected EV demand even after they poured billions of euros into the technology.

Porsche has struggled to live up to expectations since its blockbuster 2022 listing, with a slowdown in China and US tariffs also taking a toll. A profit warning on Friday was the fourth time the company has cut guidance this year, and the share price has fallen so low that Porsche is dropping out of the DAX, Germany’s benchmark index.

Auto buyers “are putting little value on luxury electric cars,” said Matthias Schmidt, an independent vehicle analyst based near Hamburg.

To be sure, Volkswagen has made some headway on EVs this year. It’s outselling Tesla, Stellantis and BYD in Europe and has unveiled several affordable battery models to further stoke demand. And automakers in the region may get regulatory relief after politicians including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed industry warnings that the European Union’s plan to have them sell only new EVs in ten years’ time is unrealistic.

Porsche has replaced several executives and is slashing costs, including through job cuts, to get back on course. It also ditched a plan to produce its own batteries due to weak EV demand.

Still, the latest problems are putting more pressure on Oliver Blume, who is chief executive of both companies, to relinquish the Porsche role and allow someone else to turn the brand around. The search for a new leader has begun, Bloomberg News reported last month, with the Porsche-Piëch owner family holding discussions with potential candidates.

 

[JohnDe]

Yes John, here is an article from AFR.

Porsche’s EV dumping shows cracks in German auto empire

Porsche is shelving a future battery-powered luxury SUV and will add more combustion engine models as it contends with high costs and muted sales.

www.afr.com

From the article:
The Germans – like their European peers Stellantis and Renault – are grappling with lower-than-expected EV demand even after they poured billions of euros into the technology.

Porsche has struggled to live up to expectations since its blockbuster 2022 listing, with a slowdown in China and US tariffs also taking a toll. A profit warning on Friday was the fourth time the company has cut guidance this year, and the share price has fallen so low that Porsche is dropping out of the DAX, Germany’s benchmark index.

Auto buyers “are putting little value on luxury electric cars,” said Matthias Schmidt, an independent vehicle analyst based near Hamburg.

To be sure, Volkswagen has made some headway on EVs this year. It’s outselling Tesla, Stellantis and BYD in Europe and has unveiled several affordable battery models to further stoke demand. And automakers in the region may get regulatory relief after politicians including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed industry warnings that the European Union’s plan to have them sell only new EVs in ten years’ time is unrealistic.

Porsche has replaced several executives and is slashing costs, including through job cuts, to get back on course. It also ditched a plan to produce its own batteries due to weak EV demand.

Still, the latest problems are putting more pressure on Oliver Blume, who is chief executive of both companies, to relinquish the Porsche role and allow someone else to turn the brand around. The search for a new leader has begun, Bloomberg News reported last month, with the Porsche-Piëch owner family holding discussions with potential candidates.

that continues to point to what many have been saying for several years the ICEV industry is in trouble because they have not been preparing for a future dominated by EVs and China.

We are witnessing the beginning of the end of some of the world's biggest vehicle manufacturers, and they will say and do anything to try and slow or stop that end from coming. Electric shock: The Chinese threat to Europe’s industrial heartland

China engages in predatory trade practices. The colossal Chinese economy exports massive overcapacities of advanced manufactured goods to the world. But these goods are no longer the cheap electronics, washing machines and textiles of 25 years ago; complementarity is a thing of the past. Chinese goods now compete directly with Germany’s core industrial sectors. Current trends have the potential to dissolve Germany’s industrial backbone, including first and foremost its car industry.​

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Because of Germany’s deep integration with its neighbours, the ramifications of the second China shock will be widely felt. Direct trade between central and eastern Europe and China is comparatively low. But central and eastern European countries are wrapped tightly into German supply chains (and with each other). For years, these countries’ governments have been looking for a sweet spot: attaching themselves to competitive German global value chains, while cosying up to China for additional economic benefits. Yet central and eastern European leaders still fail to grasp that this China shock will be bruising for Germany—but fatal for them.​

This is the world of “level playing fields” with China; “improving European innovation” is the mantra. Political leaders’ discourse is preoccupied with notions of Europe spending more money, becoming more efficient and enhancing the framework conditions for its companies—to keep up with Chinese industries in key sectors, if not outcompete them.​

German vehicle manufacturers, put all their eggs in the one basket of high-end vehicle manufacturing that had EVs as a sideline, and now they scrambling to try and stay relevant.

German automobile manufacturers and suppliers have since established more than 350 sites in China. But the rapid growth in Chinese GDP and market sales concealed the structural challenges to the German position.​

German companies continue to invest heavily in activity within China and believe in their ability to turn things around. In March 2025, then-CEO of Volkswagen Oliver Blume, announced a new China strategy. He aims to secure 15% market share in the highly competitive Chinese market. This is a bold goal given that the overall market share of foreign car sales in China is falling steeply. ​

It is very unlikely that German market shares in China will bounce back, which will impact on the import of vehicles or parts made in Europe—with a significant effect on the supply chain in central and eastern Europe.​

 

[JohnDe]

Does Berkshire Hathaway know something or are they just monetising profits?
From CNN


View attachment 209211
Mick

There have been rumblings in the background or a while.

#10,038
BYD has publicly accused rival automakers of sabotage amid the intensifying EV price war, alleging underhanded tactics meant to damage its reputation and sales. The bold accusation reflects rising tensions in the hyper-competitive electric vehicle market, especially in China. Industry watchers now await responses from the accused competitors.

 

[mullokintyre]

From Evil Murdoch Press
It seems that ustralians will not participate int switch to EV's unlesss further incentives are thrown their way.




Mick

 

[qldfrog]

From Evil Murdoch Press
It seems that ustralians will not participate int switch to EV's unlesss further incentives are thrown their way.

View attachment 209294
View attachment 209295

Mick

irrespective of EV technical positives or issues, it is a matter of $.and as our leaders bring us to a poorer and poorer future by individual, Australians as a whole can not afford the extra premium of EVs in my opinion.
there is money in Australia, look at the monster utes or Rangers, but that audience is not going to show off in a Tesla or byd....
so for the commoners, it is a matter of:
can I afford it ?
before even going to the next step of:
does it fit my needs and maybe for some who can do the sums: does it save me money?

 

[Value Collector]

Does Berkshire Hathaway know something or are they just monetising profits?
From CNN


View attachment 209211
Mick

BYD was Charlie’s Idea, it took him a lot of convincing to get Warren to Buy in, and Warren Started selling down the holding almost Immediately after Charlie died.

Just like Warren has been selling down Apple, I think the Sale of BYD is based on Valuation mainly, and also the unknowns about the Trade war, and Berkshire seems to be Building is War chest.

 

[Value Collector]

@mullokintyre

Here is a video of Warren and Charlie talking about BYD, you can see how it was really a Charlie lead Investment, not Buffett.

Berkshire did make 30 times their money on it, so it’s been a great holding for them.

 

[SirRumpole]

Teslas full self drive package will soon be available in Australian cars, but regulations differ between States.

Rules for Tesla's self-driving technology differ around Australia

Owners of late model Teslas can now access the company's self-driving technology. But the rules for how drivers can use it differ around the country.

www.abc.net.au

 

[sptrawler]

Teslas full self drive package will soon be available in Australian cars, but regulations differ between States.

Rules for Tesla's self-driving technology differ around Australia

Owners of late model Teslas can now access the company's self-driving technology. But the rules for how drivers can use it differ around the country.

www.abc.net.au

Situation normal.

 

[JohnDe]

Does Berkshire Hathaway know something or are they just monetising profits?
From CNN


View attachment 209211
Mick

A good explanation is given here -

 

[mullokintyre]

BYD has had its first fall in sales since COVID.
from Business Times
Mick

 

[JohnDe]

Funny how everyone jumps up and down pointing their finger when one EV goes up in flames occasionally, but are silent when multitudes of ICEV self combust.

BMW is recalling hundreds of thousands of cars worldwide for defects that can quite literally torch your Beemer – even under your carport.​

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It’s one of the industry’s most serious safety meltdowns in years​

​

This isn’t just a minor glitch or some obscure sensor failing. It’s a global fire risk recall that’s got US regulators issuing “park outside” warnings, markets jittery and Australian owners now firmly in the firing line.​

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The markets reacted like an owner watching their 530i go up in flames – with panic. BMW’s share price dropped nearly 9 per cent as analysts tallied up the likely bill.​

How a Bavarian motoring marque has chargrilled its brand reputation with a recall of 200,000 so far​

The damage left to a BMW X5 four-wheel-drive in Sydney’s Parramatta after flames started coming from below the bonnet.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/li...ory/66467df5d1aaea434ae071d732c7356d#comments
BMW is recalling hundreds of thousands of cars worldwide for defects that can quite literally torch your Beemer – even under your carport.
It’s one of the industry’s most serious safety meltdowns in years.
And in case you’re wondering if you should still tuck your shiny X5 into the garage at night, BMW Australia says no. It “strongly recommends” parking outdoors and away from buildings until repairs are done. Subtle, isn’t it?

The carmaker that once sold itself on precision engineering is now telling customers to “treat your Beemer like a dodgy toaster and leave it outside”.
This isn’t just a minor glitch or some obscure sensor failing. It’s a global fire risk recall that’s got US regulators issuing “park outside” warnings, markets jittery and Australian owners now firmly in the firing line.

Double recall, single firestarter​

First came the September 2025 recall covering 196,355 BMWs and 1469 Toyota Supras (built by BMW).
The culprit? A starter relay which corrodes, overheats and can spark fires whether the car is moving or not. The US safety watchdog, NHTSA, didn’t mince its words: keep these cars away from houses and garages – but not the in-laws – until fixed.

BMW’s X5 – popular and expensive but how safe are they?
Days later, BMW doubled down by recalling another 145,102 vehicles. This time, it’s the starter motor itself overheating after repeated start attempts, and it has a nasty habit of igniting whatever’s nearby.
The problem affects BMW’s most popular metal – Z4, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, 4 Series and up-market models like the X5, X7 and 7 Series. Basically, if you’ve bought a BMW in the I’d five years, I’d be checking with your dealer right about now.

Dollars up in smoke​

The markets reacted like an owner watching their 530i go up in flames – with panic. BMW’s share price dropped nearly 9 per cent as analysts tallied up the likely bill.
And it’s not the first time Munich’s had the fire brigade on speed dial. A separate 2024 braking system recall, covering 1.5 million cars, cost “high three-digit millions” in euros. Add the current debacle and industry watchers reckon BMW’s recall bill is heading into the billions.

BMW’s image charred​

Recalls are part of the car industry’s DNA. Toyota had its sticky pedals, VW its dieselgate, Tesla its steering wheels falling off.
But BMW has a nasty habit of repeat fire recalls. Back in 2018, 50 BMWs literally burned in South Korea, costing the company $20m in fines.
Now the brand’s premium image of leather, badges and German engineering magic risks being singed beyond recognition. For buyers, the value proposition of paying top dollar for Bavarian reliability looks shakier by the day.

Yes, it’s here too​

This time, there’s no “we haven’t seen that before” escape clause. BMW Australia admits the problem has landed here.
It told me it’s “working closely with head office” to figure out exactly how many cars and which models are impacted. Translation: they know it’s bad, but they’re still counting.
And the fault isn’t just some glitchy dash light. In BMW’s own words, water can get into the starter, corrode it, stop the engine from firing, or – wait for it – create a short circuit and “local overheating” that in rare cases “could result in a vehicle fire”. Yes, even when parked.
As for whether we’ll see a recall here? Don’t bet on it. Our federal department of ITRDCS and A (please email me if I left a letter out) doesn’t really do recalls. But Beemer HQ Australia says dealers and customers will be contacted and action is “imminent”.

What owners should do (apart From panic)​

If you own a 2019–2022 BMW Z4, 3 Series (330i), 5 Series (530i), 4 Series (430i), X3 or X4, best to:
Check your VIN at recall.bmw.com.au
Call BMW’s recall hotline: 1800 243 675
Park outside until 2035.
Watch for smoke, burning smells, fire or the neighbours having a barbie on your bonnet.

When tiny parts torch billion-dollar reputations​

This isn’t just one brand’s problem. It exposes how fragile the auto industry’s supply chains are. Starter motors, relays – tiny parts supplied by third-party companies – can bring down billion-euro reputations.
For rivals like Mercedes and Lexus, BMW’s misery is marketing gold. “We don’t catch fire” is a hell of a pitch line when your neighbour’s X5 is smouldering near the patio.
And regulators? Chalk up another win for America’s NHTSA, which forced BMW into action before more homes went up in flames. In Australia renew the batteries in your smoke alarms.

 

[mullokintyre]

My wife's ATTO3 is passed 70k after three years, so its time to replace it with the next generation of EV's.
For us, the most limiting factor of an EV is the range.
Below is a chart that lists the vehicles with the best WLTP range.
They are all long range versions of standars vehicles.
The problem for us is that 90% of our driving is done at highway speeds.
The Polestar at $143,00 Mercees at $345,000 , Porsche at $216,000 BMW at $238,00 and Lotus at $225,000 are all crossed off based on price.
We will consider looking at the rest.



My wife was visting a friend of hers who was looking at getting an EV.
So the wife gave her a drove the ATTO which she liked.
The lady had also driven an MG which she thought was ok.
They then both drove a KONA which both liked too drive.
So the pair of them then went to a BYD showroom and drove a BYD sea lion.
The range is no better than the Atto3, and she was not impressed by the fact that the KONA bluelink WIFI links are at owners expense and supplied by OPTUS.
We don't have optus coverage in our area.
The sea lion was also larger than the ATTO3, and has similar range.
She did not think the seats were as comfortable as the KONA.

I noticed that Tesla has the new 2026 Model 3 with a claimed WLTP range of "up to 750km".
That would be a game changer if it asn't so difficult to get in and out of.
We plane to spend a day going down to Melbourne to tour the showrooms.
Mick

 

[Value Collector]

I noticed that Tesla has the new 2026 Model 3 with a claimed WLTP range of "up to 750km".
That would be a game changer if it asn't so difficult to get in and out of.

Sounds like you guys need to do a bit of yoga, strength and flexibility is pretty important as you age, and things like this are usually signs you are losing some of your fitness and flexibility, it’s not long after that people start having trouble getting out of regular chairs.

 

[JohnDe]

I noticed that Tesla has the new 2026 Model 3 with a claimed WLTP range of "up to 750km".
That would be a game changer if it asn't so difficult to get in and out of.
We plane to spend a day going down to Melbourne to tour the showrooms.
Mick

Check out the Model Y LR, the range is not as impressive as the M3LR but it’s not far off. The MY is higher than the M3, offering better driving vision, access, comfort, etc.

 

[mullokintyre]

Check out the Model Y LR, the range is not as impressive as the M3LR but it’s not far off. The MY is higher than the M3, offering better driving vision, access, comfort, etc.

A friend of ours has a model Y, which we both drove and I really liked.
But my wife did not like having to use the screens for so many functions. and it was bigger than what she wanted.
She also disliked the one pedal driving function, which I also really liked.
But it is her car, and she gets to choose.
Mick

 

[Value Collector]

She also disliked the one pedal driving function.

You can turn that off in the settings, and have the car coast free wheel like a regular petrol car, or you can adjust its firmness to two settings.

Of course if you switch it off though you aren’t getting your regen braking benefits.

I think it just takes a couple of drives to get used to it, most people love it once they are used to it.

 

[rederob]

My wife's ATTO3 is passed 70k after three years, so its time to replace it with the next generation of EV's.
For us, the most limiting factor of an EV is the range.
Below is a chart that lists the vehicles with the best WLTP range.
They are all long range versions of standars vehicles.
The problem for us is that 90% of our driving is done at highway speeds.
The Polestar at $143,00 Mercees at $345,000 , Porsche at $216,000 BMW at $238,00 and Lotus at $225,000 are all crossed off based on price.
We will consider looking at the rest.

View attachment 210326

My wife was visting a friend of hers who was looking at getting an EV.
So the wife gave her a drove the ATTO which she liked.
The lady had also driven an MG which she thought was ok.
They then both drove a KONA which both liked too drive.
So the pair of them then went to a BYD showroom and drove a BYD sea lion.
The range is no better than the Atto3, and she was not impressed by the fact that the KONA bluelink WIFI links are at owners expense and supplied by OPTUS.
We don't have optus coverage in our area.
The sea lion was also larger than the ATTO3, and has similar range.
She did not think the seats were as comfortable as the KONA.

I noticed that Tesla has the new 2026 Model 3 with a claimed WLTP range of "up to 750km".
That would be a game changer if it asn't so difficult to get in and out of.
We plane to spend a day going down to Melbourne to tour the showrooms.
Mick

There's the 2026 Zeekr 7X coming out soon at about $64K for the LR version that is already on my radar - I too have an Atto 3 that ticked off 3 years today. It has a real world driving range over 600km, although this will dip at highway speeds.


Then there's the the Xpeng G6, which comes in at around $62K on road depending where you live:


Apart from a lesser driving range and not having the Supercharger network immediately available to it, the Zeekr would be my pick over the Tesla LR given its offerings. (Note that the Zeekr can use Superchargers but at about half speed - approx 70kW - as it has 800 volt architecture instead of Tesla's lower 400V. But where very high speed non-Tesla chargers are available the Zeekr will have a 360kW maximum charge limit that enables a 10 to 80 per cent charge in under 20 minutes for the LR model.)

Not yet available in Australia, but my pick ahead of every other offering, would be the Xiaomi YU7 SUV. It's not in my typical price range, but if my gold shares keep running, then that's a different story.

 

[Knobby22]

My wife's ATTO3 is passed 70k after three years, so its time to replace it with the next generation of EV's.
For us, the most limiting factor of an EV is the range.
Below is a chart that lists the vehicles with the best WLTP range.
They are all long range versions of standars vehicles.
The problem for us is that 90% of our driving is done at highway speeds.
The Polestar at $143,00 Mercees at $345,000 , Porsche at $216,000 BMW at $238,00 and Lotus at $225,000 are all crossed off based on price.
We will consider looking at the rest.

View attachment 210326

My wife was visting a friend of hers who was looking at getting an EV.
So the wife gave her a drove the ATTO which she liked.
The lady had also driven an MG which she thought was ok.
They then both drove a KONA which both liked too drive.
So the pair of them then went to a BYD showroom and drove a BYD sea lion.
The range is no better than the Atto3, and she was not impressed by the fact that the KONA bluelink WIFI links are at owners expense and supplied by OPTUS.
We don't have optus coverage in our area.
The sea lion was also larger than the ATTO3, and has similar range.
She did not think the seats were as comfortable as the KONA.

I noticed that Tesla has the new 2026 Model 3 with a claimed WLTP range of "up to 750km".
That would be a game changer if it asn't so difficult to get in and out of.
We plane to spend a day going down to Melbourne to tour the showrooms.
Mick

Suggest look at Cupra, a Spanish brand also. Been in one recently bought by a cousin, very nice. Though it was the plug in hybrid version. I believe there are full EVs.

She uses it in electric mode around Canberra and uses the petrol engine when driving to Sydney.

 

[SirRumpole]

Suggest look at Cupra, a Spanish brand also. Been in one recently bought by a cousin, very nice. Though it was the plug in hybrid version.

She uses it in electric mode around Canberra and uses the petrol engine when driving to Sydney.

Some of the smaller makers are a risk, they may not be around for long.