Automobile Industry

Stutz Blackhawk – Wikipedia

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Stutz Blackhawk – Wikipedia

The Stutz Blackhawk is an American ultra-luxury car manufactured from 1971 through 1987. Other than the name it bears no resemblance to the original Blackhawk (1929-1930). The Stutz Motor Company was revived in August 1968 by New York banker James O'Donnell. He joined forces with retired Chrysler stylist Virgil Exner who designed the new Blackhawk. Exner's design included a spare tire that protruded through the trunklid, a massive 'kidney' grille, and freestanding headlamps. The new Blackhawk was prototyped by Ghia in Italy at a cost of over US$300,000. To offer exclusivity and still allow easy servicing in the U.S. a custom built Italian body was added to a General Motors platform and engine. The Blackhawk debuted in January 1970 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Prices ranged from US$22,500 to US$75,000. All early Blackhawks were coupes, but rare sedans were produced later.

Over 25 Percent Of US EV Owners Install High-Voltage Chargers On Their Own

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Over 25 Percent Of US EV Owners Install High-Voltage Chargers On Their Own

The study came out earlier this week conducted by PlugShare Research, the research division of the fee app that tells you where you can find charging stations in your area. One quarter of US-based EV drivers are taking on a big electrical project within their own home, which is generally something homeowners avoid. It’s possible to safely work with wires, but you really have to know what you’re doing to avoid messing things up in a big way.

Level 2 high-voltage chargers produce 208-240 volts. The same plugs are also used for powering ovens or stoves, central air conditioning systems, water heaters, and other appliances that take up a lot of power. To install a plug can require a person to modify electrical panels and even excavate. In a nutshell, it’s generally not something you’ll fiddle around with at home. The fact that a quarter of EV owners in the States have done it is really interesting.

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I doubt I’ll ever own a electric car

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I have my doubts that I will ever own an electric car. Battery technology has improved a lot as has solar generation but still electric cars are heavily dependent on the fossil fuel-based power grids, as it’s difficult to generate and store a lot of electricity in a limited space. Almost every off-grid household relies on fossil energy – be it diesel or gasoline for their cars and trucks – and propane for cooking and heating – with maybe the supplement of wood.

I do think there is a strong future for electric buses and intra-urban transportation. Many people may choose electric cars in the future, especially those who live in the city and want a second car, have solar panels and can plan appropriately. Electric vehicles are more efficient and cleaner, especially in high pollution, densely packed urban areas. Moreover, electric drive trains are simpler and potentially much more reliable and long-lasting. But they still consume an enormous amount of energy which is difficult to generate on site using renewables.

Which is to say that I don’t believe we will meet our ambitious climate change goals and is going to be serious impacts to our economy and planet as a whole. But some action is better than none and indeed reducing the carbon intensity of society and energy use more generally, limiting greenhouse gases is better than no action at all.