I think specialist vehicles seem to have been left behind. But in any case, I’m not sure if electric power is ready for campers yet. Now hybrid is another thing.

Nothing beats the campers. I own a converted T6 and spend most weekends sitting on the coast somewhere, yesterday was Broadstairs, and have a trip to Brighton planned this week. Still no truly decent Electric alternative yet. I had hoped they would eventually give me a hybrid option, but it’s yet to arrive.

Definitely the right choice… horses for courses. And Tesla would charge the earth for fencing wire and shoelaces.

Thanks, Jonathan for these facts.

Hi Brian
I did some research about fires in electric cars – quite a lot actually – just one statistic, in the first half of 2023 4 people died worldwide in fires reported in electric cars. They are much safer than gas fuelled cars. . . . . but I won’t labour the point – you can do your own research – it’s absolutely clear!

The Cobalt issue is different – but cobalt is used in lots of other industries (including making petrol). Child – and other artisan mining – is inexcusable but it’s not limited to battery production for EVs, or for cobalt.

All the best
Jono

Many thanks, Bud. The big difference between Macfilos and many other sites is that we are all volunteers and have a personal interest in the subject. I’m lucky to have the support of several Leica enthusiasts. I am in London, where we started, but we have associate editors in Germany, California, and Illinois. In addition, we have a keen Leica enthusiast here in London who does wonders in helping maintain the technical aspects of the site.

Back to Tesla, I have not directly experienced Tesla stonewalling on such issues, but I have read enough articles and watched videos to understand that it is a real problem. In many ways, Tesla is an odd company (with no press office, for instance).

We are always keen to have stories on the M11 and, particularly, the M11-D (which I also own as my sole M digital currently). So sharpen your pencil and get in touch!

Mike

Mike, thank you for replying to my comment and all these comments so thoughtfully. Most sites don’t enjoy this level of discussion in the comments.

I just want to say that, while you and I are fine with those oddities like phantom breaking, it’s really the company’s response that I find troubling and dangerous. I also had the computer reboot while I was on the highway. I can deal with that, but if my wife were driving (and thus may have panicked) the outcome could have been different. Tesla—characteristically—was dismissive.

Thanks again! Maybe sometime soon I’ll submit an article about my love of the M11-D!

Thanks Tom. It felt like four miles at my age. I shall amend it forthwith.

Bear in mind that the lithium ion battery chemistry is used in all manner of devices, not just cars. This includes phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, aeroplanes (Boeing had an onboard fire) and many other handheld chargeable devices. Cobalt is also used in many grades of stainless steel, paint etc.

Not all EV cars use lithium ion batteries. I understand some of the lower spec models from China have a cheaper battery chemistry that doesn’t use cobalt or nickel. The downside is lower energy density, therefore either heavier batteries or less range.