Vy commodore

[Wade]

I think Donald trump is going back on that now, in order to kick off manufacturing in the USA. Alls we got to look forward to is 10 new Chinese companies bringing ev’s state side within the next 10yrs. I remember seeing our government post pond shit so they could get all those new cars to the docks. Then on the news they were talking about how many cars they had but they can’t sell them

[immortality]

Is there a market for it. I guess is the real question ?

The stuff I'm making is primarily for myself. If it works as I intend it too them I might see if there is a market for it. I know my mate wants one my alternator brackets for his A2A/W2A setup. Moving the alternator simplifies his pipework and he doesn't use his AC so won't miss that.

[Wade]

Manufacturing is fucked here in oz. So there’s definitely a market. Just not sure on 20+ yr old commodores?

[immortality]

No idea TBH. I'm not doing it to make money, if I do then that is a happy coincidence.

[antus]

As far as the lifespan of older petrol cars go, I don't think they'll go away fast. EVs dont lend themselves well to low cost or second/third hand. A lot of people drive sub $5k cars, which can be bought in decent condition, and maintained with generic parts. EVs may have lower ongoing costs, but the cost to buy one is out of reach of many, and the battery lifespan and cost to replace is also too high for many. Therefore I think we'll see people starting to hold on and maintain petrol cars for longer, which should increase the size of the aftermarket. EVs will need to get comparably cheap (< $5k for something that works, and works well) to phase out petrol cars near entirely. Of course enthusiasts will keep them anyway.

For manufacturing, I am sure you can do anything for any minimum quantity you like, it just comes down to the unit price from the efficiency of scale. But for something very specialist, the price can be higher with low quantities as you cant get it anywhere else and someone needs it. Even if the unit price is higher, being able to do a small run reduces the risk.

[Wade]

Yeah people are already holding on to older cars. That’s why there’s a shortage at wreckers. Once ev’s are hitting the second hand market the prices will drop. But I’m wary as the batteries cost more than the car. And how long do the batteries last?

[Wade]

Either way parts will start to dry up

[antus]

The batteries are what kills them. Battery replacement price is many times more than a high kms but running petrol engine (as probably the most expensive part one might need to replace on a petrol vehicle). Evs with good batteries hold high prices. There is no cheap way to rejuvinate an ev with low battery health comparable to a petrol runner for someone who needs mobility.

[immortality]

As far as the lifespan of older petrol cars go, I don't think they'll go away fast. EVs dont lend themselves well to low cost or second/third hand. A lot of people drive sub $5k cars, which can be bought in decent condition, and maintained with generic parts. EVs may have lower ongoing costs, but the cost to buy one is out of reach of many, and the battery lifespan and cost to replace is also too high for many. Therefore I think we'll see people starting to hold on and maintain petrol cars for longer, which should increase the size of the aftermarket. EVs will need to get comparably cheap (< $5k for something that works, and works well) to phase out petrol cars near entirely. Of course enthusiasts will keep them anyway.

For manufacturing, I am sure you can do anything for any minimum quantity you like, it just comes down to the unit price from the efficiency of scale. But for something very specialist, the price can be higher with low quantities as you cant get it anywhere else and someone needs it. Even if the unit price is higher, being able to do a small run reduces the risk.

Spot on, I think our cars will be around for a decent while yet. Enthusiasts tend to make that period even longer.

Either way parts will start to dry up

I've already started stocking some parts...

I've still got a low km 3800V6 from a VN sitting here but I'm looking to swap that out with a low KM ecotec or L67 soon. Can use it for mock up work and hide it away under the bench for a rainy day. Fortunately some stuff from the LS world is compatible

[Wade]

Thing I’m worried about is the government and rising fuel prices. Either fuel prices will continue to increase or and the government will add some bullshit laws to make owning a fuel burning car un realistic