Category Archives: Uncategorized

I had the chance to recently drive Toyota’s new BZ4X. Its always wonderful to see more EVs out on the market, that’s more choice for consumers. While it is true, it does fast charge slower (I observed 70 kW peak), and the range (I got about 300 km) is less than many similarly priced competitors,Continue reading “Driving the Toyota BZ4X”

I recently had a chance to spend some time with an old beast, the Subaru Legacy that is at least 15 years of age, but possibly closer to 35 (there is some ambiguity on the registration documents). With affordability high on peoples mind these days, for you my dear reader, I took the plunge andContinue reading “Driving “Dart Wader” a 2007 Subaru Legacy”

Ever since London (UK), started enforcing a congestion charge back in 2003, some have suggested that Toronto should do the same. London’s scheme evolved over the years, and starting in 2025, any car entering central London (congestion zone), will need to pay a fixed fee. There is a pair of larger zones (ultra-low and low)Continue reading “Should Toronto start an emissions charge?”

One of the wonders of our modern times is that in a few clicks, you can try to walk in someone elses shoes. Much ink has been spilled over the looming 2035 EV mandate from the Canadian federal government. Why not have a peak at how the car shopping experience might be closer to 2035Continue reading “Nissan Norway vs Nissan Canada”

Recently I went to Montreal to attend a major sporting event. I was tempted to take my 2018 LEAF as it certainly can make the journey, perhaps a little slower than a gas car, but with much better economics and of course emissions. But alas, the sporting event is unlikely to end until late afternoonContinue reading “Taking the train to Montreal”

April 1st 2024, saw a schedule increase in Canada’s carbon tax, to $80 per tonne. This caused much grumbling and complaining, over what amounts to a price increase of $0.03/litre of gasoline. Interestingly, gas went up further later in April, when refineries switched to a summer blend of gasoline. That increase amounted to perhaps 5-10Continue reading “Carbon Tax Bruhaha”

Lately, the Detroit big three (GM, Ford and Stellantis), have all made big announcements on hybrids (source and source). The main motive is to improve carmakers profits as hybrids are seen as easier to make. Looking at past hybrid programs (GM’s Volts and the Toyota Prius), Hybrids are complex machines that are very tricky toContinue reading “Are Hybrids a good idea for carmakers?”

The Parks of the St. Lawrence runs a number of campgrounds that jut into the St. Lawrence near Cornwall ON. Generally less busy than the better known Ontario Parks, these campgrounds offer lovely campsites by the river. There is lots to do in the area, from the Upper Canada Village, to Cornwall and the SaundersContinue reading “Millie Roches Camping trip”

Recently, headlines were made, when Canada’s Innovation, science and industry minster said that his government was considdering levying tarrifs against Chinese EVs, similar to what the Biden administration has done in the US (source). A cynic might point out that Michigan is an important swing state, in a tight presidential race. There is some truthContinue reading “Why keep Chinese EVs out of Canada’s market?”

As EV demand has been less than expected, automakers are searching for ways to eh, dispose of excess inventory. Tesla has been fairly direct and just cuts the price on their website. Other automakers have been more creative and provided a “cheap-lease deal”. Lets explore these aspects of the auto-industry a bit further. Our analysisContinue reading “The cheap lease deal?”