Gavin Shoebridge

Don't take anything I post seriously.
I like electric cars, memes and potatoes. 🥔

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nprofile1qqswc50wzp3t72tqgm0zqc8ykg9fvdqe2x56uu63gj0ynsyzjxf2jsgpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsnycv8g

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nos.lol

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npub1a3g7uyrzhu5kq3k7ypswfvs2jc6pj5df4ee4z3y7f8qg9yvj49qsm50u7n

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Last Notes

2026-10-24 20:44:06 UTC

Been busting my guts for the last 6 months so I bought myself a Christmas present! It's a magnetic ball bearing watch that I've wanted one for months.
I'd better get the Christmas tree out of storage earlier than planned. Actually quite thrilled about this. Maybe I'm not dead inside after all?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/497/826/221/652/641/original/23e4c4136400338c.png

2026-10-21 03:08:29 UTC

Got some new wheels to review. This is the just-landed Kia EV3 GT and what it lacks in PSC it makes up for in cornering.
Also, it has the option to open the sunroof so you can pretend you're commanding your troops through a very comfy war involving lots of pillow fighting. As you do.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/476/693/642/933/211/original/47d82de022473377.jpg

2026-10-20 07:30:21 UTC

Found this old flyer in a box from when I used to live in Australia, about twenty years ago. It's chock full of now-outdated bargains. 😄
Does that store even exist today?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/472/062/101/456/950/original/02a61847294073e5.jpg

2026-10-18 01:20:28 UTC

Cleaning my rooftop petrol station to keep my car's fuel at $0.00 per litre. #PriceFixing
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/459/282/724/943/296/original/4f7461262a71f523.jpg

2026-10-11 21:04:15 UTC

Crazy how a huge Russian data centre going offline coincides with fewer concerned moms from Arkansas questioning the safety of electric cars.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/424/301/737/086/459/original/33374accb8f25637.png

2026-10-06 05:51:44 UTC

This is currently the best value *proper* PHEV pickup truck you can buy, and the Americans can't have it. But as you see I needed my sports bra... 😅
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlusNOiexBk

2026-10-05 21:18:58 UTC

BREAKING: Lab testing has revealed that the PSC of the BYD Shark 6 Performance has increased by 9.09% over the existing model.
This largely stems from BYD moving the gear selector to a stalk on the steering column, freeing up important space for tubers. The result is that the vehicle's PSC has now reached 72.
Our team reached out to BYD's Global Design Center in Shenzhen, China, seeking clarification, with the official response being "How did you get this number?"
Investigations are ongoing, but this appears to be a noteworthy improvement in essential vehicular tuber storage by a relatively new brand in New Zealand & Australia.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/390/384/811/356/434/original/eafcab9423746b59.jpg

2026-10-04 18:06:13 UTC

That went well.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/383/942/816/811/514/original/ce3b4c730d2aed78.mp4

2026-10-03 19:49:46 UTC

Crikey. Clifford grew up.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/378/709/670/827/903/original/6dff51b60f27086e.png

2026-10-02 23:37:06 UTC

So there are two problems with this mouse pad idea. The first problem is it doesn't look anything like me.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/373/941/103/441/003/original/5d79f0e7652ca478.jpg

2026-09-27 00:22:55 UTC

Spotted on an electric pickup truck in the USA. Talk about cheeky!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/340/147/545/016/169/original/2cfa5355a798c5c6.png

2026-09-26 22:31:14 UTC

What should I buy:
A: Robot vacuum?
B: Tow bar?
I've been saving up and I've got enough for either a robot vacuum cleaner (I freaking hate vacuuming) or a trailer hitch on the car (I have to borrow cars to move stuff and it's a pain in the recharging socket).
So, which is the smarter purchase? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/339/704/524/342/374/original/011f7e25f9d09c61.jpg

2026-09-25 03:00:08 UTC

"Given what's going on in the world, would you still in 2026 want to buy a car with a combustion engine?"
About once a year I make a good point. Can't wait for 2027's nugget of wisdom. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/329/441/544/593/523/original/6716eb5f750d2710.mp4

2026-09-24 04:33:30 UTC

My new (1970s) toaster arrived! Looks great in my retro kitchen. Works great too. Much cooler than the plastic piece of junk it's replacing. 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/324/140/139/230/333/original/9dfeb044053cb780.webp

2026-09-06 22:22:30 UTC

There's a potato on my driveway. It's not one of mine.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/226/427/821/865/771/original/f73fbad160feedf9.jpg

2026-09-06 18:57:20 UTC

Update on the Austin Allegro EV conversion: got the aluminum battery box welded up. Next step: put feet on the frame that supports it and install it all into the boot.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/225/621/900/170/721/original/68d3f759e83311cb.jpeg

2026-08-31 04:50:39 UTC

Good news & bad news.
The Zeekr 7GT video is LIVE and I put it on a race track + through the snow. Even got to interview the head designer.
The bad news is that somehow, due to a MAJOR FLAW in the design of the race track, I *might* have gone into some dirt. 😅
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-njOQLfyIWE

2026-08-30 05:36:08 UTC

I flew to Japan, picked up the Racco in Tokyo and put hundreds of km on it then I decided to try sleeping in it... which did not go well. 😅
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfvJh4LQ0DM

2026-08-24 19:45:15 UTC

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I have my emergency travel spud!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/152/199/621/485/938/original/8da1771e8e281e8e.jpg

2026-07-29 04:53:30 UTC

Testing has just revealed an unexpectedly high PSC of 90 in the new electric Toyota Hilux.
This reflects a 1.2% increase in tuber storage over the Riddara RD6 electric ute.
I reached out to Toyota's design team for more information, with their response being "How did you get this number?"
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/117/001/470/891/042/158/original/f6b2f19e0aaae04b.png

2026-07-26 05:03:54 UTC

Something different for your Sunday: we take two cars for a blast. One is AWD and other is RWD to see if it's worth the extra cost.
Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLiJkbIlhZM

2026-07-22 02:06:31 UTC

Australia's Channel 9 News decided my pasty face & Werther's Original jacket was worthy of news coverage... 😄
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/961/180/442/468/797/original/ce26445d7765dea3.png

2026-07-17 04:34:13 UTC

I'm not just a car reviewer. I worked in the trades for a decade so I KNOW what makes a good work van. Driving the new $65k Kia PV5 across Auckland made me wish this existed years ago.
Honestly, diesel vans are dead.
About time, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsRC3r169x4

2026-07-04 04:28:42 UTC

Been a crazy week so I needed some 'convertible therapy'. It really does work! Left the house feeling 'eh' and came home with this goofy-ass grin. 😂
Good to blow the dust off this old machine to keep it running. Heck it's good to blow the dust off myself every now and then...
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/859/795/420/666/994/original/40e7a818e0b42f09.webp

2026-07-01 07:37:25 UTC

it took HOURS but Richard and I drained this BYD dead FLAT. Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEpUuWrB-1w
Oh yeah, I have a new job now too. 😄
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/843/573/385/222/560/original/f79d170d83337719.jpg

2026-06-17 19:33:13 UTC

That's one solution.
Not a good one, but it's a solution. 😄
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/767/115/317/211/165/original/41d0cbc9cf7392b8.jpg

2026-06-14 22:19:30 UTC

If you felt wronged by a person or organisation but you're also incredibly tired, would you

2026-06-07 19:25:38 UTC

I think I've finally reached the "Why is there so much sugar in everything?" level of adulthood.

2026-06-05 23:40:18 UTC

Does this mean the Fiat Multipla is an apex predator?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/700/139/638/902/941/original/7ae8993eb1cef597.png

2026-05-30 19:09:42 UTC

The Floor is Lava, Christchurch edition.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/665/096/587/018/601/original/01fa7ffbe15dcd0c.png

2026-05-29 20:23:16 UTC

This new car is why I was sent to Spain. But... it looks like just another bland electric car, right?
Haha, nope.
Turns out the Swedes have decided to start making actual Tesla killers. ⚰️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAPltPJiMVM

2026-05-26 22:35:57 UTC

Toyota officially announced pricing right now for the new battery powered Hilux. It starts at $79,990 which is no small sum, but off-road it's really something else. I mean, for that price it better be!
Here's me trying to trip it up at the official launch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUHBIXdMJsk

2026-05-26 19:35:08 UTC

Turns out Ferrari fans aren't in love with the new electric Ferrari Luce. To be fair, it almost looks like they took the 2003 approach of "Make it look a bit weird so it doesn't sell very well". Perhaps it looks better in person?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/642/552/475/128/611/original/8591bde2a5cd91cd.webp

2026-05-22 02:41:39 UTC

Behind the scenes at the launch of the battery powered Toyota Hilux. I'm sworn to secrecy for a few more days... 🤐
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/615/915/717/052/583/original/0e5b96bad430f0d0.mp4

2026-05-15 18:39:12 UTC

Wait... This restaurant I'm at in Spain has a tapas train? Has science gone too far? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/580/046/665/625/614/original/d310db8cdf0043d0.jpg

2026-05-12 21:28:33 UTC

Another stunning day in New Zealand but I'm heading to the airport.
Gonna be using at least one of these driver's licenses by the end of the week! Haven't done one of these trips for a while. Getting excited. I wonder what I'll be reviewing? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/563/726/173/356/381/original/b67a8997c95ea2dd.jpg

2026-05-12 18:57:41 UTC

Today will be interesting.

2026-05-07 19:18:34 UTC

The Dongfeng 007 is an affordable performance car, which is an odd thing in itself. Feels like James Bond but on a kiwi budget. 😅 Video review coming soon.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/534/903/405/212/752/original/c00dcfea4e8a27a4.jpg

2026-05-04 20:10:56 UTC

Time to don a suit & a bad Sean Connery impression as I've just picked up a Dongfeng 007 to review. 🍸
These new EVs from China start at $55k NZD ($32k USD) for 520 km range (323 miles).
This Performance one costs $5k more but does 0-100 in 3.9 seconds.
Any questions for the review? Let me know!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/518/122/528/558/917/original/fbc22bc0d9678c39.jpg

2026-05-01 21:20:14 UTC

This is the new Xpeng G6 and I just rapid charged it in less time than... actually, I won't spoil it. Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0YDwTULT6U
Give me a sympathy click or even a share if you can. Costs you nothing but keeps a roof over my pasty head.

2026-04-25 18:41:44 UTC

I'm not a qualified strapologist, but even so...
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/466/809/979/747/760/original/6b2d1e4aff2f217c.jpg

2026-04-18 00:56:58 UTC

For my birthday present my folks just took me to the tip. 🎉
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/422/987/831/445/353/original/dd5d07e2e3c4c249.jpg

2026-04-17 21:42:09 UTC

Rare footage of me running.
[2026. Colorized]
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/422/221/851/316/657/original/251bb715c19511e7.mp4

2026-04-11 20:49:44 UTC

- reply

Auckland

2026-04-10 18:28:34 UTC

Woop! Plane has landed! We got in before the cyclone! Hopefully she gets through quickly as we've got to get to Te Kuiti for the running of the sheep down the main street. Oh yes, my life is a rollercoaster. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/381/824/490/788/328/original/f54224951cd284b3.jpg

2026-04-09 02:44:58 UTC

First time in my life I've seen diesel over $4 a litre. This is going to sting for all of us. I wish we'd electrified all our trucks & trains ages ago. I've been saying it for years. 😕
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/372/451/093/986/214/original/85170908d0d0eb77.jpg

2026-04-07 19:13:19 UTC

It's taken many months but I've finally got my total emergency kit ready for the worst possible outcome.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/365/012/786/092/978/original/7f56a07babe4aea9.jpg

2026-04-05 21:50:23 UTC

Things do seem to be getting spicy down here 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/354/305/501/586/845/original/994d6eed4994e7b0.png

2026-04-04 22:36:53 UTC

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I'm not smart so I don't know if there's a hidden meaning through the use of speech marks or not.

2026-04-04 19:40:20 UTC

Artemis II has now gone past the halfway point to the Moon. I reckon that's pretty neat. We're capable of some amazing feats when we work together.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/348/126/329/734/364/original/67526234f97345bf.png

2026-04-04 00:38:01 UTC

I hope I'm wrong.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/343/640/955/998/845/original/bf2cfa76a4b7ed7d.mp4

2026-03-27 04:24:46 UTC

New video just dropped! I help kiwi families buy their first electric car by scouring EV dealerships. Wasn't easy with so many empty lots! 😅
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1QLrrH7Y4I

2026-03-26 21:47:37 UTC

EV drivers might feel like they've got all the cheat codes... until gas gets rationed. Then guess which idiots will be the ones going to the office while the gas drivers are enjoying working from home? They might be the ultimate winners in this saga! 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/297/672/439/496/895/original/ff8833fb88705eab.jpg

2026-03-26 03:13:05 UTC

Believe it or not, this hilariously bad scene in my Evnex charger review got some folks genuinely angry. First and last time I'll appear in drag so enjoy it while it lasts. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/293/286/496/289/200/original/d30dd2124868d612.mp4

2026-03-24 20:51:02 UTC

I like the easy ones.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/286/125/394/574/594/original/3023c89cbfc186f7.png

2026-03-21 01:22:03 UTC

Awwww yisssss. Back in the workshop. The batteries fit into the aluminum taco 🌮 Now will they fit into the Austin Allegro? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/264/541/805/679/013/original/3bfdba3e78b8e413.jpg

2026-03-20 22:35:53 UTC

Giving the Leaflet a sorely needed clean up. Halfway through removing 15 years of Humanjuice® from the steering wheel. 🤢
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/263/886/999/285/782/original/b242f8505d5eee88.jpg

2026-03-19 18:36:30 UTC

On my way to the rapid charger but I had to pull over to grab this photo. Looks like it's going to be a great day for solar power. 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/257/284/508/553/336/original/efd18bb9d9bf4100.jpg

2026-03-19 03:37:03 UTC

"Yes, you're absolutely right to spin out of control. I'll make sure to follow the road better in the future. Good spotting."
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/253/747/799/199/874/original/1b428de2a46fa1aa.webp

2026-03-19 01:40:41 UTC

Do other car reviewers recreate ridiculous mustard commercials from the 1980s solely to demonstrate a tray table?
No.
No they do not.
Possibly because they're sane. 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/253/288/099/288/602/original/01b29ea4cbd74950.webp

2026-03-17 20:34:26 UTC

Remember those low fuel prices of yesteryear?
Well, all those $3k Nissan Leaf drivers you see this morning be like "But I pay less than that for my fuel 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺"
That can be you, too.
Grab yourself a cheap & cheerful Nissan Leaf. There are still a handful available for good prices, but kiwis are snapping them up FAST.
In fact, they often cost less than a decent ebike and still do a solid 70-100 km per charge. Heck, even if you get a small loan for one, the weekly repayments are often much less than you spend in petrol!
Why not make this your call to action?
Come join the Dark Side.
We have muffins. 😃
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/246/422/305/908/099/original/1aff14704f05e661.png

2026-03-17 03:54:33 UTC

The anti-EV trolls have been quiet lately.

2026-03-06 04:05:07 UTC

🚤⚡ This is NZ’s newest electric ferry - and I went where nobody's allowed! 😁
From the bridge to the batteries - even the Hamilton jets - we go behind the scenes of this 200 person, battery-powered beast - even using the country's FIRST MEGAWATT CHARGER!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QymmzATSf6c

2026-02-25 02:42:52 UTC

It's here at last! Check out my new wheels!
I am now the proud owner of New Zealand's FIRST EVER registered Nissan Leaf. This car is a pioneer! Not bad for $1000 huh?
Just need to get this 15 year old Leaf home now... Might take a while...😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/128/962/833/029/883/original/ebcd2a1cef1c10bb.jpg

2026-02-22 18:30:42 UTC

Hope everyone enjoyed Friday's video of the Atto 1 launch. A very different behind the scenes approach to a car launch video. If you haven't seen it, check 👇
This week I've got the Cupra Tavascan VZ in my driveway, as I'm trying to answer the age-old question of whether an electric car has a soul?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/115/704/369/941/289/original/64cbd5a937a8273d.jpg

2026-02-20 05:47:08 UTC

Here's a behind the scenes look at the BYD Atto 1 launch with me and Rog from The Rock. What a radio voice the dude's got!🎙️
And yes, of course we got lost...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jRJ1da83rg

2026-02-18 05:12:15 UTC

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Sure is! We reckon we'll save a fair bit of weight.

2026-02-18 04:48:52 UTC

Things are happening! Picked up the battery box base from the fabricator! Let's get that bloody Austin Allegro running on electrons! 😎
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/089/823/396/405/272/original/5566600ed0602127.jpg

2026-02-11 20:48:29 UTC

Don't know quite what's happening at the official launch of the BYD Atto 1 but we've all ended up at the water's edge and a ferry is on the way... 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/053/959/032/943/445/original/0e96188ef6ba579b.jpg

2026-02-11 18:13:39 UTC

What's everyone's thoughts on the rear design of the Kia EV4? I'm staying silent. 🤐
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/053/351/864/420/595/original/e47c26dfd7363b4a.jpg

2026-02-10 19:47:00 UTC

Got Stonehenge all to myself in the Leapmotor C10 AWD. About to hand it back and pick up another interesting car. What's crazy is that this comfortable, sensible, boring(?) family wagon has 440 KW and 720 Nm.
Brakes and suspension seem to be from the standard version though. 😅
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/048/049/120/827/622/original/328e35565793e23b.jpg

2026-02-06 00:02:12 UTC

Fabricator's currently laser cutting metal for the battery box and in the meantime I'm editing the current video so that when we get the wheels spinning on full battery power you'll not have to wait long for the next chapter in this EV conversion saga. Doing a test render of what I have so far. Hope everyone's having a positive weekend.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/020/745/429/549/874/original/1175baefd937fdfd.png

2026-02-03 03:47:18 UTC

Here's something positive amongst the gloom: all the latest EV news in NZ in a bit-sized video. Everything from Donut Lab's battery claims to new models landing here now.
It took more than a week to make, so I'd be grateful if you watched it. Even pressing play and doing something else would be great, as it's the sort of video you can play in the background.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMsMR5JHyPk

2026-02-02 23:12:53 UTC

After a motorcyclist hit the mirror on my borrowed Tesla, instead of going through insurance, I bought a replacement cover from AliExpress for $30 NZD instead. The paint even matches. This is good news because I pick up my new/old car on Friday. Finally, something's gone right.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/003/566/449/405/928/original/b9e815d2bfeeed40.png
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/116/003/567/671/324/647/original/30a3bbf814d318b6.png

2026-01-28 19:30:23 UTC

As YouTube heads down the inevitable path of Enshitification, I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that soon they will make even skipping ahead in a video a paid only option.

2026-01-22 18:14:20 UTC

Looks like OpenAI might go bankrupt very soon, starting the AI bubble bursting. This could mean ChatGPT may stop working and your data may be sold to advertisers.
Feeling grateful I never told it any personal information. This is because the pessimist in me thought this exact scenario would happen.

2026-01-21 20:54:21 UTC

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I've tried time and time again to get my FB followers to join me elsewhere but they refuse, so I have to stay there too.

2026-01-21 18:46:29 UTC

I love weird cars from days gone by, long before surveys & focus groups dictated car design. This one is an experimental vehicle from Citroen from 1922, called the "Taxi speciale" whereby the driver sits at the back. Oddly enough, this design didn't catch on.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/934/569/647/573/594/original/880d91983c11d221.png

2026-01-21 18:31:20 UTC

Crikey that ute video last night REALLY angered some folks on Zuck's website. 😳
A few kiwi blokes got super emotional and let rip with some intense insults as if I'd offended them somehow by driving up a hill?? It's not even a long video. The heck's going on?
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/934/509/902/389/051/original/2523048665223358.png

2026-01-15 18:26:20 UTC

First time I've seen this. Towing companies and repo guys can now just send their car Rhoombas to grab your car! 😀
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/900/512/314/709/061/original/73d5820ccdbd845f.jpg

2026-01-15 04:47:36 UTC

What a day of highs and lows. Mirror got taken out by a motorcyclist lane splitting. I was right in the middle of the lane too. Oh well, if this is the biggest problem in my life, things aren't that bad I guess. At least it wasn't a bloody diesel bus. 😂
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/897/291/828/218/473/original/d6a077e462c9c68f.jpg

2026-01-13 00:21:14 UTC

Is there an app that lets you aim your phone at a supermarket shelf and it highlights products from companies that align with your values?

2026-01-12 07:30:00 UTC

Just learned that Linux has now reached around 5% of all desktop computer users globally, and it's accelerating.
Curiously, one of the key reasons for the recent surge of people moving over is Windows 11! 😲
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/880/951/238/355/058/original/5a4e57328484342e.png

2026-01-11 20:58:21 UTC

Let's see how long it takes to rapid charge this BYD Atto 2.
These ChargeNet chargers can pump out up to 300 KW each but the car can only handle a fraction of that - especially seeing as I drove it pretty hard before charging so the batteries are still quite warm. 🥵🪫
Place your bets.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/878/467/192/153/844/original/41f5ae0839b0c27c.jpg

2026-01-08 22:46:06 UTC

Whoever can accurately guess the PSC of the BYD Atto 2 wins a potassium-rich prize.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/861/900/099/192/355/original/cbd90fd08b7c79e9.mp4

2026-01-06 18:09:52 UTC

Sometimes you gotta shake out those last few electrons.
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/849/493/692/580/015/original/cdff46a150ad35ee.mp4

2026-01-06 06:50:22 UTC

Just seen the new solid state battery unveiled by Donut Lab and it's an industry changer. This is one to watch. The cells exist to buy TODAY. It's not tech trapped in a lab.
Seriously, watch it all the way through.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-aPS2AwMbc

2026-01-06 05:48:55 UTC

Sorry China, the Germans are bringing buttons back! 😁
This is a picture of the dashboard of the upcoming, battery powered Volkswagen ID.Polo and it's got buttons for everything... sort of.
Hopefully this means no more hunting through a menu with oncoming traffic (or ruining your audiobook/song with using voice commands) for essential features like lights/climate/ADAS etc, but I see there is still a display involved so let's just hope it's intelligently designed.
But most importantly, THE CAR HAS A VIRTUAL AUDIO CASSETTE ON THE SCREEN!
Yeah, I know it's about as useful as a condom machine in the Vatican, but still, my thousand year old soul feels 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯. 😃
The confirmed specs so far are that the car will be available with 4 motor outputs (85 kW, 99 kW, 155 kW, and a GTI with 166 kW coming later).
As for batteries, the confirmed sizes are either a small 37 kWh LFP battery (300 km WLTP range) or a 52 kWh NMC battery (450 km WLTP range). Deliveries are expected in the next few weeks as it says "Spring 2026" (meaning, in the weird hemisphere).
No word on costs yet, so I'm expecting it to beat the Chinese competition in terms of buttons, buuuuut not price...
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/846/546/700/891/311/original/abb8cec614d55924.png

2026-01-03 22:42:55 UTC

When I come to power I'll install these signs. 😄
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/833/569/820/811/621/original/cbca38e2c5130cd1.png

2025-12-31 01:30:21 UTC

Pushed myself in 2025 and I'm finally now in a position where I don't have to work for the rest of the WHOLE YEAR! 😅
In other news, I spoke to Bob the Builder and we'll be getting back in the workshop soon to upgrade this sexy slice of sensuous '70s seduction (did that with a straight face) to run off that bright ball in the sky.
Got all the batteries from China, just need to put them together in a pack, wire it up, and we can have the car finally running on full power. No more fuses blowing while running it off an extension cord...
After that, we'll wire up the BMS, get the speedo working, refresh the brakes, and then it's certification time. Work's been flat out for months and it's been ages since things happened on the Allegro project but that is about to change and 2026 should be a big one.
Have a sweet summer break, folks. Or a winter one if you're in the wrong hemisphere. 🏖️
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/811/572/629/134/277/original/f19fe436c8a2eaab.jpg
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/811/572/642/671/423/original/fa2219d5e7d8a093.jpg

2025-12-29 19:19:24 UTC

Behold: the Plybertruck
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/804/468/643/453/419/original/33b63772eb80b90f.jpg

2025-12-28 19:03:56 UTC

China is getting rid of retractable door handles and the EU is getting rid of essential controls hidden in touch screen menus.
The world is healing. ♥️
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/798/745/452/960/999/original/ef180e4b9cd97c17.jpg

2025-12-27 21:22:16 UTC

My hand-me-down vacuum cleaner has now reached the stage of life where it needs full-time care.
Should buy one of those robot vacuum cleaners or should I get another hand operated one and save the money? Is it worth spending a grand to never vacuum again? That's a heck of a lot of money. 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/793/627/303/076/415/original/b2a5db29646ee50b.jpg

2025-12-27 19:00:55 UTC

Something weird for those down under: I just discovered that a firm in China made Holden Commodores in the 90s for the domestic market.
It's called the BJ6490 and what's really impressive is how it was also sold as a hybrid or pure EV, decades before Australian car makers knew what one was!
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/793/069/569/843/953/original/46df75ea0d4c99fb.jpg

2025-12-27 03:13:06 UTC

This car has a combustion engine which meant it drowned immediately when attempting to drive through water.
The subsequent two cars, however, had quite different outcomes. Can anyone guess why? 🤔
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/789/320/031/465/597/original/937698bf9f990383.mp4

2025-12-23 02:22:00 UTC

Who wore it better, the Rivian or '60s luggage? 😀
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/766/494/199/373/919/original/d07867f78ce76304.jpeg

2025-12-19 04:08:28 UTC

It's 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 vs 𝗕𝗬𝗗 vs 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 🔋⛽
After 2 weeks of effort the ute showdown video is LIVE!
I tested these three plug-in hybrid utes to find which is better, faster, stronger, cheaper and goes further on electric mode.
Only one can win, so grab your popcorn and place your bets!
Click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmWHaBBIGVo

2025-12-18 19:14:39 UTC

When Americans get stopped by the New Zealand police 😃
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/742/156/381/290/458/original/e2180fc83035fc75.mp4

2025-12-13 09:08:54 UTC

What an interesting evening. Spent some time talking to a former Air New Zealand staffer who had his shift changed in 1979 which resulted his colleagues instead were on the plane which hit Mt Erebus. Quite a haunting tale.

2025-12-10 20:00:55 UTC

I was just driving next to this ute on the motorway and its combustion engine exploded, spraying oil & coolant all over my (freshly detailed!) Zeekr X. 😒
https://o.mastodon.nz/media_attachments/files/115/697/035/649/014/383/original/d47f7b2df1adeb2f.mp4