One Finite Planet

One Finite Planet

Topics and Subtopics.
All: EVs, Mobility and Electrification.

Living with an Atto 3 EV in 2023: An Australian Experience and FAQ.

This page began as a ‘Should you buy an EV or not?’ written from experience, but as it is impossible to cover every possible perspective, the example is an Atto 3 in Australia, so the more similar the vehicle being considered is to the Atto 3, and the more similar the country to Australia the more of this content that will be of interest.

For comparison with other vehicles, I have a separate page soon to be published comparing the Atto 3 to both other EVs as well as traditional internal combustion or hybrid vehicles.

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2023 may not the year to buy an EV, but it’s definitely too late to buy a new ICEV!

While there are still valid reasons to hesitate before buying an EV in 2023, it’s definitely late to buy a new ICE vehicle and a better time to instead plan a combustion engine exit.

Considering the trend from where EVs were 5 years ago to today, and then projecting EV sales growth over the next 5 years, and it seems almost certain almost all ICEVs of today are an obsolescence risk.

While this does not mean everyone should rush out and buy an EV, it is an opportunity to prepare for an aspect of the future that may catch some unawares.

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BYD. Who?

Depending on how you count, BYD is either the biggest, or 2nd biggest, EV brand in the world. But that is only the start as BYD ranks not only compared to Tesla and other EV brands, but in total of ALL vehicle sales.

In August 2023 BYD overtook Ford to secure 4th spot in global car sales. In China, the world’s largest vehicle market. BYD has now in 2023 taken the lead from VW and Toyota as the bestselling brand of all vehicles inside China. No Chinese brand has ever been market leader in China before, and this not just of EVs but all sales including diesel and gasoline vehicles, despite BYD snow selling only EVs.

As of March 2023, the Atto 3 from BYD has risen to 3rd bestselling EV globally behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, but the world outside of China is only just starting to see the capabilities of BYD and quality of their vehicles and batteries.

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One pedal driving, lift-off regen and regen braking explained: reality, myths, hype, fads and Tesla vs the rest.

Update in progress.

To make sense of all the often seemingly conflicting information on “regen“, one-pedal-driving, and how to best drive an EV, it can really help to understand that in most EVs the regenerative braking is fully integrated into the braking system and the two different regen system in use in EVs can suit two very different driving styles:

  1. 1. Lift-off regen: In all EVs and like engine braking in an ICEV.
  2. 2. Brake-by-wire regen, an additional regen system in most EVs.

Confusion over these two systems is part of regen confusion, but there are many myths and so much misinformation about regen-braking, lift-off regen and one-pedal-driving including that “one-pedal-driving” is not the most efficient way of driving, and that the regen you feel from lift-off is not all the regen.

Despite the fact there is so many myths leading to so much misinformation making it sound complex, driving an EV for optimum efficiency is usually extremely simple.

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Why EV Battery size is not just about range, and the implications for hybrids.

When you look deeper, battery capacity of an EV matters far more than you might think, as it effects not just range, but also battery life and vehicle power.

If a battery is quite small, as is usually the case with a hybrid (HEV), and even most plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), there will be limited total distance that can be driven “emissions free” before battery degradation, which is why use of fossil fuels is a necessity for most hybrids.

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BYD Atto 3, AKA Yuan Plus: 3rd bestselling EV globally.

As of March 2023, this EV from the BYD brand that few have heard of, has risen to 3rd bestselling EV globally behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and could this year overtake the Model 3.

Despite this level of sales success, as the Atto 3, as it is known outside China, arrives in new markets, reviewers often struggle to communicate the significance. As the international bestselling model of the BYD brand responsible for 6 of the 10 top bestselling EVs globally.

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The two speed EV transition: Manufactures vs consumers. (part 1)

It is easy to underestimate how long it will take consumers to transition to EVs, and equally easy to underestimate how urgently manufactures need to transition to avoid collapse.

Two transition speeds? Yes, brands will switch to EVs in their showroom by 2025 or risk failure, but in what seems like a complete disconnect, there will still be internal combustion vehicles on the road past 2050.

Around 10.5 million Electric Vehicles were delivered in 2022, which resulted in less than 0.7% of Internal Combustion Engine vehicles (ICEVs) being replaced by EVs during 2022, even those EVs represented 13% of new vehicles sales.

The data shows that new car showrooms transition to EVs 20x faster than the roads, and vehicle manufacture transition 20x faster then the public, and while ICEVs will likely still around beyond 2050, vehicle makers that can’t switch fast enough could collapse by 2030, bringing radical economic change.

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EVs 2023: Is Tesla losing its cool as BYD ascends?

The world of EVs is changing, as is the leadership. Tesla lost 50% of its valuation in 2022. Some are predicting it will lose half of the remaining value in 2023, and although others predict the stock price will rebound, both outcomes are possible, and which becomes reality could depend very much on whether Tesla can remain ‘cool’, or through Musk and twitter becomes linked to far right.

Although entire EV future is not dependant solely on Tesla, a decline could have wide implications, for the market, competitors and the global transition to EVs. Not only are the ‘legacy’ automotive companies GM, Ford, VW and Toyota competition for the hearts and dollars from consumers, but also BYD, who is already taking the EV lead from Tesla.

Keys factor in EV trends during 2023 could turn out to be who is ‘cool’, shifting perceptions of a climate threat and the need for rapid response, and the impact of conflicts such as Ukraine. Rapid radical change for the industry, but it will take longer to impact consumers.

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EVs, Mobility and Electrification.

Electric Vehicles and Electrification: Another perspective.

Electric Vehicles and Electrification: Another perspective.

This topic contains subtopics on living with EVs, reference pages, and analysis of the impact of EVs and electrification on the world.

As this is not a news site, the focus is on analysing the implications of news for these topics, rather reporting all EV or electrification news, for which I recommend Cleantechnica, InsideEVs and CNEVPOST.

The focus of these pages is on how EVs and electrification will change our lives, and change the planet. As a species, we are currently transforming from combustion as our primary energy source, to an electronic age, where electricity is our energy source. Just how much of our lives are changed by this can be easy to overlook from the inside experiencing the steps as the occur.

Parent / Sub topics
Humans: the accessorised species.

Humans: the accessorised species.

The defining difference between humans and other species is that our "accessories" evolve independently of our genes. The difference between humans of 50,000 years ago and the 21st century can be seen by anyone while birds' nests, beavers' dams and bees' hives only evolve when the species evolves. Our "accessories" range from clothing and computing devices to houses, tools, toys and even weapons and define the ages of human development. Humans being augmented by these evolving accessories with the effect that the augmented species can evolve faster than biological evolution allowing the same humans rise in significance from another ape in paleolithic times to a species that defines the Anthropocene. This advancement through evolution of accessories is a new step in the process of evolution and enables accessorised humans to out evolve all otherwise complex organisms. In the spirit of Batman and Ironman, our 'accessories' or 'tools' provide humans with enhanced abilities that can be seen as superpowers. Genetically we may be similar to humans of over 50,000 years ago, but our accessories make us very different and the impact spans from population to racism.
2023 may not the year to buy an EV, but it’s definitely too late to buy a new ICEV!

2023 may not the year to buy an EV, but it’s definitely too late to buy a new ICEV!

While there are still valid reasons to hesitate before buying an EV in 2023, it's definitely late to buy a new ICE vehicle and a better time to instead plan a combustion engine exit. Considering the trend from where EVs were 5 years ago to today, and then projecting EV sales growth over the next 5 years, and it seems almost certain almost all ICEVs of today are an obsolescence risk. While this does not mean everyone should rush out and buy an EV, it is an opportunity to prepare for an aspect of the future that may catch some unawares.
BYD Atto 3, AKA Yuan Plus: 3rd bestselling EV globally.

BYD Atto 3, AKA Yuan Plus: 3rd bestselling EV globally.

As of March 2023, this EV from the BYD brand that few have heard of, has risen to 3rd bestselling EV globally behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, and could this year overtake the Model 3. Despite this level of sales success, as the Atto 3, as it is known outside China, arrives in new markets, reviewers often struggle to communicate the significance. As the international bestselling model of the BYD brand responsible for 6 of the 10 top bestselling EVs globally.
EV Literacy: EV tech, AC, DC and Electric Motors and other stuff that’s different.

EV Literacy: EV tech, AC, DC and Electric Motors and other stuff that’s different.

For almost 100 years, people have grown up in an age of the internal combustion engine. For many people, this has meant an understanding of engine capacity, cylinders, spark plugs, engine compression, crankshafts, valves, turbochargers, exhausts etc. The bad news is that EVs mean so much that previously learned literacy is about to be consigned to history and replaced by EV charging, EV Range, batteries, permanent magnet and induction motors, regen braking, and other new terms. The good news is, it is easy to build an EV literacy on those ICEV foundations, so there is no need to feel illiterate in this new EV world.
Any transition from gas to EVs needs around 30 years.

Any transition from gas to EVs needs around 30 years.

In this polarised world, there seem to be two groups: those who want all vehicles to be EVs now, and those who feel EVs will never be a good idea. Truth is, it would create a legal minefield and cost consumers and the environment heavily to ban too quickly, but bans will come. This is an exploration of reality of a transition to EVs, which concludes any optimum transition takes around 30 years. This conclusion means anyone wanting to reach EVs by 2050 needs to start very soon, and anyone worried all EVs should never happen, can take comfort that any environmentally sound transition will take a long time, although for economic reasons, does need to at least start soon.
Webpapers
Software and tips for BYD Atto 3 + other BYD EVs.

Software and tips for BYD Atto 3 + other BYD EVs.

One pedal driving, lift-off regen and regen braking explained: reality, myths, hype, fads and Tesla vs the rest.

One pedal driving, lift-off regen and regen braking explained: reality, myths, hype, fads and Tesla vs the rest.

Why EV Battery size is not just about range, and the implications for hybrids.

Why EV Battery size is not just about range, and the implications for hybrids.

BYD. Who?

BYD. Who?

Living with an Atto 3 EV in 2023: An Australian Experience and FAQ.

Living with an Atto 3 EV in 2023: An Australian Experience and FAQ.

Mr Bean cans EVs: what he gets right.

Toyota: Failure inevitable?

Toyota: Failure inevitable?

EV Battery Reference: Basics, Technologies, Care & Benefits.

EV Battery Reference: Basics, Technologies, Care & Benefits.

Why Car Makers are Lying about the storm.

Electric Cars 2025: ‘adding up’ will create a revolution. Who wins, who loses? China? Japan?

Electric Cars: 2021, It Just Doesn’t add up (yet).

EV Price-Parity: It’s here already – sometimes, and EVs are setting sales records in key segments.

EV Price-Parity: It’s here already – sometimes, and EVs are setting sales records in key segments.

EV or Hybrid: Pros & Cons of HEV, PHEV, EREV, Gas/Petrol/Diesel (ICEV) or BEV (Electric)?

EV or Hybrid: Pros & Cons of HEV, PHEV, EREV, Gas/Petrol/Diesel (ICEV) or BEV (Electric)?

EVs are green but there is no quick fix green transition.

EVs are green but there is no quick fix green transition.

Tracking Legacy Car Brands Fall as EVs Rise.

Tracking Legacy Car Brands Fall as EVs Rise.

The two speed EV transition: Manufactures vs consumers. (part 1)

The two speed EV transition: Manufactures vs consumers. (part 1)

BYD Atto 3 Australian Story.

BYD Atto 3 Australian Story.

EVs 2023: Is Tesla losing its cool as BYD ascends?

EVs 2023: Is Tesla losing its cool as BYD ascends?

What is needed to profitably make vehicles, and why only Tesla and BYD are there yet with EVs in 2023?

What is needed to profitably make vehicles, and why only Tesla and BYD are there yet with EVs in 2023?

BYD Atto 3 / Yuan Plus: The first 3rd wave EV arrives in Australia, and then the world.

BYD Atto 3 / Yuan Plus: The first 3rd wave EV arrives in Australia, and then the world.

The Electric Vehicle Road Trip Problem: EVs in Australian and USA as Examples.

The Electric Vehicle Road Trip Problem: EVs in Australian and USA as Examples.

Surviving with an EV and no driveway: on street charging.

Surviving with an EV and no driveway: on street charging.

EV Charging for Apartment complexes: A problem that can require a battle.

EV Charging for Apartment complexes: A problem that can require a battle.

Car Wars:  EV rebels vs oil and auto empires.

Car Wars: EV rebels vs oil and auto empires.

EV Charging Reference: Not just the new Refuelling.

EV Charging Reference: Not just the new Refuelling.

Tesla and BYD: Competitors or Duopoly?

Tesla and BYD: Competitors or Duopoly?

Charge Time Calculator: Configured for Atto 3.

Charge Time Calculator: Configured for Atto 3.

The 3rd EV wave: Tesla and the Chinese are coming, and in a hurry!

The 3rd EV wave: Tesla and the Chinese are coming, and in a hurry!

Solar Electric Vehicle Future: What you can, and can’t do with solar power.

Solar Electric Vehicle Future: What you can, and can’t do with solar power.

A deeper look how EVs impact the power grid.

A deeper look how EVs impact the power grid.

Why Hydrogen Cars are not the future, and EVs are here to stay.

Why Hydrogen Cars are not the future, and EVs are here to stay.

EV Battery swapping: Recharge or Refuel?

EV Battery swapping: Recharge or Refuel?

EV range: Anxieties vs realities & needs and the “real-world range” myth.

EV range: Anxieties vs realities & needs and the “real-world range” myth.

EV Range & Economy: Decoding the Numbers.

EV Range & Economy: Decoding the Numbers.

The electrical grid, V2G and EV Home Charging: Missing an opportunity for the planet.

The electrical grid, V2G and EV Home Charging: Missing an opportunity for the planet.

Personal Mobility Advance: Unagi Model One Electric Scooter. Unagi Model 11 Mystery.

Personal Mobility Advance: Unagi Model One Electric Scooter. Unagi Model 11 Mystery.

2022: Year Of The EV take over, and beginning of the end for the ‘Legacy’ Industry.

2022: Year Of The EV take over, and beginning of the end for the ‘Legacy’ Industry.

Vehicles And Mobility: Road Trips and Other Superpowers.

Vehicles And Mobility: Road Trips and Other Superpowers.

Hydrogen: Facts vs Myths, blue vs green.

Hydrogen: Facts vs Myths, blue vs green.

Electric Vehicle Tipping Point in 2022: An end to EV subsidies?

ScoMo Ingenious EV Plan: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, leading climate action blocker, stretching the truth again?

ScoMo Ingenious EV Plan: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, leading climate action blocker, stretching the truth again?

Hydrogen Future of Fool’s Gold & Scams: “Where does the hydrogen come from?”

Hydrogen Future of Fool’s Gold & Scams: “Where does the hydrogen come from?”

EV Charging Systems: Reference

EV Charging Systems: Reference

Autonomous Cars: What’s needed and are Lidar & Maps Fools-Gold

Autonomous Cars: What’s needed and are Lidar & Maps Fools-Gold