Carmakers are failing to deliver affordable electric cars, holding back EV adoption | Disproportionate focus of manufacturers on large SUVs and premium models means we have too few mass-market cars. - eviltoast
  • AMDIsOurLord@lemmy.ml
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    9 months ago

    Something that light at that speed is a fucking death sentence

    Cars are big because they need to crumble, absorb energy, and redirect it

    • Shurimal@kbin.social
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      9 months ago

      Not necessarily. First, ban huge pickups from private use (make them commercial licence only); second, tax heavier than 2000 kg vehicles. If you make small, light vehicles the norm you’ll make roads safer for everyone. Crumple zones etc can be made from composite materials and eg glass fiber is cheap, light and durable.

      Remember that an F1 car is surprisingly small and light, yet the driver can walk away from truly awful high speed crashes. We don’t need to mandate firesuits and neck restraint devices for road traffic, but at city and intercity road speeds (in Europe, typically 50 and 90 km/h) a small light car can be reasonably safe.

      • BurningRiver@beehaw.org
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        9 months ago

        First, ban huge pickups from private use (make them commercial licence only); second, tax heavier than 2000 kg vehicles.

        Two things that would be a non-starter in most of the US. Not saying I disagree with you, it would just never happen here.

        • Flumpkin@slrpnk.net
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          9 months ago

          One has to be a bit schizophrenic to argue for positive change: A) imagine a better future or B) accept reality

      • AMDIsOurLord@lemmy.ml
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        9 months ago

        No, still not safe. Even relatively heavier small vehicles fold like paper in a crash. Also, at least in my country, banning pickups would cripple the local economy and instantly result in riots. Most farmers would just get fucked

        Trying a crash in a light vehicle is up to you, I’ll be sure to remember to bring roses for your grave

        • Churbleyimyam@lemm.ee
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          9 months ago

          I live in a rural area and only about 2% of the pickups I see have anything in the back or any sign of being used off-road. Anyone who is moving stuff is using a tractor and trailer or a van.