U.S. May Have Only Five Years of Oil Left

So, you don't see an end to lithium.

I feel like batteries specifically is one of those areas where we need some kind of revolutionary breakthrough to make it truly viable and/or ubiquitous. But I'm no expert in this area. I remember reading something about trying to use alge and thinking, "Wow, that would be great." But, IDK, I guess it was just BS.

 

Why would we need to end lithium? It's fully reusable. Yes - it has environmental impacts to acquire, but so does every single form of power creation and storage. Seems unfair that lithium often gets singled out in this regard.

I think improving batteries is absolutely necessary, but I'm not sure on the need for massive breakthroughs. Take EVs for example. If we can eek out an additional 30% or more energy density (no small task and may fit your definition of breakthrough), then we're now looking at 400mile range EVs and eliminating range issues for most drivers.

The continously lowering of cost for renewables makes grid storage even less in need of breakthroughs. To make this point - let's take it to an extreme conclusion: If renewable electricity were free - the cost of grid storage would matter significatly less. I.e., for every cent that renewables grow cheaper, there is a reduction in required cost savings in storage.

 

I wonder about this move. They’re trying to catch up to their competition and their competition is diversifying into battery materials supply:

Chevron Enters Domestic Lithium Sector to Support U.S. Energy Security

 

Both Shell and BP have investments in non-hydrocarbon based energy projects. These combinations are all about proved reserves. If you keep drilling dry holes, you better find reserves another way.

 

It most certainly won’t take centuries. The biggest issues right now are vehicle cost (gaining parity) and charging infrastructure/time which is improved every year.

Your hydrocarbon comment is misplaced. Even if you assumed full natural gas powered energy generation it’s still less polluting than ICE by a long shot. And where I am our energy grid is 45% zero emissions. You can also elect for only zero emissions sources with the utility, or install solar on your roof to generate it yourself.

As an owner of “other electric” I won’t go back to ICE except if I buy a travel trailer or fifth wheel I might get a dedicated tow vehicle. Even then I might go with the Silverado EV instead. EVs are simply a superior driving experience for 95%+ of use cases.

 

Hmm. Slate would seem right up your alley.

 

Battery tech has been evolutionarily going for at least the last 55 years. From regular batteries to Duracell to lithium ion and it keeps just getting better and better. It’s not quite a moores law type of growth but it’s close. Batteries keep getting better and cheaper.

 

Good stuff! On the off topic side…3D printing is fascinating. We have a 3D printer at our office and will soon be adding to it for dentures.

 

There are other videos. They're looking at all kinds of aftermarket component parts and customization. Again, not sure this is going to work, but I really like the idea and approach. Also, is it me or does it look more like the 70s Broncos than the new Broncos?

My buddy in HS had one of those with a 305ci engine. What a blast!!!

 

interesting but wonder what it costs to accessorize to not make it look ugly

 

It's not designed to be sexy, but functional and cheap (that part is debatable). I kind of like it, but I like old, functional things vs. BS tech and hype. It starts as a pickup. The cab thing is an option. Like I said, it's more about the approach (modular, plug and play) than the product for me. But, again, I could see using it as a little shop or ranch vehicle.

I love the reviews where the guys are whining about the crank-up windows. Guess they're worried about breaking a nail. My, how far we have fallen.

 

Any thoughts on the tech from Quantumscape?
I know they have a deal with VW to produce SS batteries…

 

I had a 76 bronco (with a 71 parts bronco) with the 305 and three on the tree. This was in the late 90s. Had to hot wire it if it rained. That thing climbed like a damn mountain lion. Topped out about 58mph

 

We just bought a car packed to the gills with tech for Mrs exiled. It's great and she loves it. I'm still in my 2015 truck and wish it had roll down windows and manual locks. Phone in a vent holder and AC is all I require. And maybe a backup camera

 

Lots of folks trying to do SS batts.

If you can figure out who is gonna come out of battery making and batteey recycling a winner ahead of time, please let me know. Id like to be filthy rich.

 

I’d never go back to roll down windows. I have monkey arms but it’s a pain to roll down all the windows if you want them down. Personally I also love lane centering, dynamic cruise control, and for us where it gets warmer, ventilated seats.

 

And lane change warning

 

EV's are nowhere close to where they need to be for America. Buddy of mine bought the Ford Lightning. Cannot wait to get rid of the thing. For around town it was great. But one trip to Savanah GA from Ocala FL showed how ineffective/inefficient they are. Get on the highway and that battery gets eaten alive. I think if he could have made it there on a charge it would be different. There is a long ways to go on batteries...

But they have a place!

 

Wait, you are telling me that somebody who bought a giant pickup version of an EV had to stop once on a more than 240 mile trip? Gosh, he could have just used $30 of fuel up instead...