North Carolina state reps want to rip out public charging stations, Genesis may go bespoke, Ram readies a special TRX. All this and more on today’s issue of The Morning Dump.
Welcome to The Morning Dump, bite-sized stories corralled into a single article for your morning perusal. If your morning coffee’s working a little too well, pull up a throne and have a gander at the best of the rest of yesterday.
This Sounds Like A Really Stupid Use Of Taxpayer Money
Forgive me for getting political for a second. While free EV charging likely isn’t sustainable in the long-run, North Carolina state representatives Kidwell, Moss, Brody, and Cleveland have introduced an anti-free charging bill that makes them sound like whiny little pricks.
House Bill 1049 consists of three main components. The first is to make stores with free EV charging stations print on the bottom of every receipt how much of a customer’s bill goes towards subsidizing charging. I mean really, who cares? At current EV take rates, you’re looking at a few cents on each bill, all of which comes out of the operating budget anyway. How is providing free EV charging any different from ad spend? It’s a hook to get consumers into stores.
Secondly, and this is where things get really insane, the bill wants to prohibit use of public funds for free EV charging stations on public land unless fossil fuels are also provided for free. One, electricity’s so much cheaper than fossil fuels that this is insane, two, public funds are drawn directly from constituents in the form of taxes. With the ever-increasing take rate of EVs, shouldn’t your taxes be spent on making your life better?
Third, and this is the most batshit part of all, $50,000 of taxpayer money from the DOT’s general fund will be spent ripping out free EV charging stations on public land effective July 1, and that measure is happening regardless of whether or not the bill becomes codified into law. I don’t know man, that sounds like a gross misappropriation of taxpayer dollars to me.
Look, I may not be a taxpayer in North Carolina, but when I pay my taxes, I really hate to see some of that money going towards stupid shit. This anti-EV bill falls well and truly in the territory of stupid shit. I reckon a lot of people regardless of political affiliation echo that general sentiment. While free charging definitely can’t last in the long run, ripping out charging stations just makes it harder for citizens to drive. Remember, it’s absolutely free to call up a representative’s office and kindly yet firmly let them know what you think about policy.
[Editor’s Note: I AM a taxpayer in NC, and I agree this is some industrial-grade dipshittery. – JT]
The Used Car Market Still Sucks
You know what weird used car market we’re experiencing right now? It’s most definitely staying weird. The Manheim Index of used car wholesale values rose again last month by 1.1 percent over April. While that figure alone seems to suggest pricing is holding, the nitty gritty is much more interesting.
Let’s start with the long run. Due in part to ridiculous gas prices, used pickup truck wholesale values have actually declined 2.7 percent year-over-year. Similarly, SUV values are up, but only by 9.9 percent. Conversely, compact car values are through the roof, up 14.7 percent year-over-year and nabbing the title of second fastest-gaining segment. The fastest? Well, people are ordering a whole lot more online, so van values are up by a whopping 27.6 percent year-over-year, an absolutely astronomical figure. As for Midsize cars and luxury cars, they land somewhere in the middle at 12.3 and 13.4 percent respectively. So what about the short term? Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that full-size and luxury car values declined over April’s figures, the bad news is that everything else is up.
As for whether or not we’re truly past the peak of market values, it’s hard to say from figures alone. While an index number of 222.7 is lower than the 236.3 peak we saw in January, it’s still up from last month’s 221.2. While a normal sales year sees values run hotter in the summer, 2022 is shaping up to be anything but a normal year on the used car market. Best advice? Hold tight for now unless you’re absolutely sure you can comfortably afford cars at their current prices and aren’t afraid of potential future depreciation.
Genesis Might Go Bespoke
According to The Korea Economic Daily, Genesis is set to launch a personalization program called “One of One.” The plan is fairly simple – first allow customers to pay a bit more money for custom interiors, then expand into paints, powertrain selection, and other special options. It’s a move directly out of the playbook of German competition. BMW has its Individual Manufaktur program offering a whole rainbow of colors and leathers, Mercedes-Benz’s Manufaktur program offers special paints, leathers, and trims, while Audi’s Exclusive program also has special paints and interiors.
Not only will extra-cost paint and interiors promise to generate more revenue for Genesis, they also blend well with what we’re already seeing from the brand. In my home market of Canada, orders are pulled from national pools of vehicles, so it’s fairly common to see Genesis models out and about in some really interesting specs. The take rates for actual colors are high, which means that customers should support a detailed personalization program.
Ram’s Ultra-Potent TRX Dons Desert Camo
Stellantis is a huge fan of special editions, so it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that the special edition treatment has made its way to the ridiculous 702-horsepower Ram TRX. This supercharged half-ton pickup truck has never been a shrinking violet, but this new Sandblast Edition promises to blend in better with desert surroundings. A subtle Ram TRX? Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron.
To create the Sandblast Edition, Ram first swiped a color from the Stellantis back catalog. Mojave Sand was previously available on the previous-generation JK Jeep Wrangler, so it only made sense to pop it on this special edition TRX. After all, why R&D a new color when something perfectly suitable is laying on the shelf? Speaking of stuff laying on the shelf, the TRX Sandblast Edition comes kitted out with the TRX Level 2 Equipment Package, a panoramic roof, a spray-in bedliner, cargo tie-downs, and a bed step from the Mopar accessory catalog. While the black beadlock-capable alloy wheels are new, those in the know will find a pleasing familiarity to the TRX Sandblast Edition’s exterior.
Things heat up a bit on the inside with more unique touches. Ram claims that the carbon fiber trim is unique to this special edition, and it pairs nicely with the carbon fiber steering wheel accents. Light contrast stitching abounds, while Ram has taken the time to ensure that the little animation of a Ram TRX in the digital gauge cluster is shaded in the correct exterior-matching tan. As a bonus, each TRX Sandblast Edition comes with a belt buckle-sized plaque on the center armrest with key specs and the truck’s VIN. Nifty.
Of course, all this off-road speed doesn’t come cheap. The Ram TRX Sandblast Edition clocks in at a whopping $100,090 including a $1,795 freight charge. So, if you have six figures burning a hole in your pocket and want a really fast way to haul bulk mulch across the desert, expect the Ram TRX Sandblast Edition to make an interest-piquing arrival at Ram dealerships this summer.
The Flush
Whelp, time to drop the lid on today’s edition of The Morning Dump. Happy Wednesday everyone, we made it to the middle of the week. To celebrate, let’s play a game. You can build a three-car garage using unlimited money, but there’s a catch. One has to be powered by gasoline, one must run on diesel, and one must have a battery pack you plug in to recharge. What three-car garage would you end up with?
Lead photo credit: Chargepoint
Gas: Aston-Martin DB5 convertible, manual transmission, Vantage-spec.
Diesel: 1952 Cummins Diesel Special Indy racecar.
Electric: Tesla Roadster.
Gas – Alfa Romeo Stradale 33. I doubt I can fit in it, but I’d be happy just to have it parked where I can look at it. Maybe the living room.
Diesel – one of those diesel Sprinter RV things. With a built in high pressure air compressor for scuba tank refills.
Electric – Tesla Model S with unlimited Supercharger subscription.
Money no object?
Gas: the only factory Miura Roadster or the newly rediscovered original Bond DB5.
Electric: while the Nevera is a great answer, I’d go for the OG Tesla Roadster.
Diesel: speaking of OG, a diesel Landy.
Gas: T.50
Plug in: 296 GTS
Diesel: Panamera
Gas powered: Shelby Cobra
Diesel: VW Jets Sportwagen TDI
Electric: Pole star 2
Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura need to start doing that individualization shit
cost to subsidize free charging: $.000000000000000000000000000000000001 LOL
Gas: Mercedes B-Class
Diesel: some kind of small pickup or something imported from overseas
Electric: iMiev
Gas: 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO SWB
Diesel: 1997 Ford F-250 with the 7.3L Powerstroke
Electric: Jaguar E-Type Zero (Project Marmite)
Finally, someone who read the part about cost not being a factor.
Gas – 2018 Buick Tourx
Diesel – 1992 Dodge Single cab pick up with the 5.9 Cummins
Electric – Canoo LV Adventure Trim
silly game:
BEV: Lucid Air Dream Performance
Gas: Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
Diesel: Escalade 4WD Sport Platinum Duramax
Sell the Bugatti and retire.
That guy sitting next to me’s choices:
BEV: Alpha 5 “DeLorean”
Gas: ’59 ‘Vette
Diesel: Non brand specific Diesel Dually 5th wheel equipped HD pickup
I can understand not wanting taxpayer funds to pay for EV charging since right now most of the people utilizing it are probably better off financially than the average taxpayer. Instead of ripping out the existing public chargers, wouldn’t it be cheaper to just change them to a pay to charge model?
I don’t see any reason to stop businesses from offering it if they feel it is a worthwhile expense to help bring in customers. That is no different than the old practice of McDonalds giving away toys in their Happy Meals to get kids to whine until their parents buy them one or a bank that gave away a toaster with new account openings. Let businesses control their customer acquisition costs however they see fit.
Dream garage would consist of what I feel are the best combination of luxurious styling and powerful driveline in each category. Sticking with American brands simply because that’s what I know the most about working on and my last two import projects burned me pretty bad so I’m a little gunshy about them right now.
Gas Powered – 2020 Cadillac CT6-V Blackwing
Battery Powered – 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid
Diesel Powered – Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45MX Class A Diesel Motorhome
Guzzoline: Cord 810
Diesel: If I’m restricted to landgoing vehicles, how about a FCCC Cascadia-based RV with a DD13? Or one of the GM motor coaches with the Detroit 2-stroke that I convert into an RV.
Electric: Mustang Mach E GT
Electric- This would be the primary do everything vehicle, something similar to the Bolt, but with a longer, more wagon like trunk, and basic offroad capabilities similar to a subaru. Functionally it would essentially be a mid 2000’s outback but electric. Since this doesn’t really exist yet (maybe the solterra, but blech), and money is no option, I’d probably have some custom shop figure out how to cobble this together from scratch, and end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for what would be a $40k production vehicle. Otherwise, just keep the Bolt we currently have.
Gas- This would have to be a sports car/GT with a stick shift, and a high strung engine that preferably revs to 5 figures. I would also have to fit in it though, and I’m 6’5″, so that would probably rule out almost everything. The Murray T50 would be the obvious choice, if I would fit, and it was actually available to buy.
Diesel- I’ve enjoyed the low end torque of the diesel Golf that my parents bought a decade ago on my recommendation, as well as various rentals in Europe, but now that electric motors have more low end torque, as well as up to 100+ mph from a single gear, no need for this. Just to check the diesel box, I would probably convert the old jeep XJ to a short range electric, with a small diesel range extender (I would prefer gas for simplicity, but have to check that box) for the few times a year I take it more than 50 miles from home. Or maybe get a bobcat to clear snow in the winter. Or get an old 5 ton army truck, that would only be used when some pickup truck blocks an EV charger, to use a tow strap to drag the offending truck off down the road on its roof.
Gas: Icon BR new school
Diesel: Icon FJ old school diesel
Electric: Ford Lightning
OK I’ll take a G70 in something other than silver, grey, white or black. Maybe a mustard yellow. And a manual transmission.
Do you think they’d also do a landau roof?
Gas: Ferrari 550 Maranello.
EV: Lucid Air.
Diesel: Some Audi sedan?
“Gas: Ferrari 550 Maranello”
Based on my stepdad’s experience with his: Never own your heros.
It was in the shop racking up $$$$ bills more often than in his garage, stupid stuff constantly going wrong. I don’t recall all of the issues, repeated A/C failures comes to mind, something about the cats, I do remember the dashboard cracking and curling something fierce which befuddled me as this car was not often parked outside. He absolutely babied that diva and it repaid his love with migraines.
Whatever shitbox you might already have in your stable is going to be more reliable than that thing. Enjoy slow car fast life instead.
Gas: McLaren F1
Diesel: BMW M550d Touring
Electric: a fully functional, no strings attached GM EV1.
The 550d is the most realistic of these and it’s a six-figure Euro-only car.
“North Carolina state representatives Kidwell, Moss, Brody, and Cleveland have introduced an anti-free charging bill that makes them sound like oil company shills.”
FTFY
The gas/diesel/BEV dream garage (as of right now–answers subject to strange whims):
BEV: 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo in Frozen Berry Metallic
Diesel: Unimog camper/overlanding rig
Gas: 2009 Ferrari F430 6MT
Not exactly a fantasy garage since it exists, but I currently fulfill basically all of the requirements:
Gas: 2001 Corvette
Diesel: 2015 Ram 1500
Electric: 2007 Prius (yeah, this particular one doesn’t plug in, but there are Prii that do so I feel like it fits the spirit of the game)
Turns out this makes for a pretty damn good garage. Corvette for weekend fun, truck for towing and hauling, and Prius for dailying.
I have a 3-car garage that meets that criteria:
2011 Express 4500 Ambulance w/ 6.6L Duramax
2011 Acura TSX Sportwagon
2017 Chevy Bolt
“Third, and this is the most batshit part of all, $50,000 of taxpayer money from the DOT’s general fund will be spent ripping out free EV charging stations on public land effective July 1, and that measure is happening regardless of whether or not the bill becomes codified into law.”
I’m not sure if these electric officials know this but that isn’t how bills work. You can’t just say part of it becomes law even if the bill doesn’t pass. Do we need to make every elected official watch “Schoolhouse Rocks – How a bill becomes a law”?
This should get the small government people united with the want-a-habitable-planet people in the streets with torches and pitchforks. Hateful and stupid political grandstanding is obviously nothing new, but like, cmon man
NC: What about Free Enterprise? Get government out of my personal business!
3 car garage: As a VAG masochist, I have to go with…
Gas: R8 Spyder with the gated manual — can I get it kitted out with those baseball glove seats from the first gen TT?
Diesel: 2015 Q7 or Touareg TDI for towing and road trips
EV: Taycan Cross Turismo because wagons!
You know they decided on the receipt thing because they know it is just onerous enough that most will just charge for vehicle charging. Imagine trying to break down your percentage costs and profits to be able to say what portion of each purchase goes to which things. Especially when monthly revenue may vary significantly.
“Your soda was $1.39 today. Of that:
$0.12 labor costs
$0.01 electric vehicle charging
$0.03 electric refrigeration/lighting/AC
$0.05 building maintenance
$0.10 shipping
$0.08 building lease
$0.05 licensing
$0.50 product
$0.45 profit
Unless we sell more than usual, in which case the profit is higher and the other expenses lower. Or less, in which case reverse those.”
Gas – Audi R8 V10 Plus with a Stick.
Diesel – ’49 Power Wagon with a 6BT and other upgrades courtesy of ICON
Electric – Lucid Air
ooooo this is a good list. didn’t think about ICON.
“You can build a three-car garage using unlimited money, but there’s a catch. One has to be powered by gasoline, one must run on diesel, and one must have a battery pack you plug in to recharge.”
Gas: 1997 Mercedes SL600 or an SL73 AMG
Diesel: 9th, 11th, or 12th generation Ford F-series truck. Nothing too huge or outrageous
Plug-in: Fully optioned Lincoln Aviator Hybrid (2022) — 20 miles of electric-only range, which would cover about 80% of my driving