The Compact Van Is Dead in America

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by beatr911

3) The whole vanlife thing with remote working has increased demand and "builds" to make them more homey. This is a whole new growing industry now.

That must explain what I observe. In a very wealthy neighborhood (doctors and lawyers), I see 3-4 vans being worked on at one of the houses constantly. At first it started with just 1, and I figured it was for their personal use, but they keep getting different vans, so it appears they made a business out of conversions.

... if I didn't have a family, I for sure would adventure work from my van. Park on some vista and work by day, get in a rock climbing route in the evening before dinner.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by EcoVan

Like mine. About the same mpg as compact vans, but all the space you'll ever need. I run 21 to 22 in the city at 7500 lbs GVW and 30 or more highway at the same weight.
I was driving it recently with a lot less weight and city mileage moved up to 23 to 24mpg. Probably driving it as a passenger vehicle, 25 city is likely and upwards mid 30's highway.

The only downside is finding a parking spot big enough.

I've allways thought the 4 cylinder diesel Expresses (Savanas) were awesome! Too bad they don't make them anymore. In fact, the Chevy Express and GMC Savana are slated to be canceled in the upcomming years.

[kach22i]

GM’s BrightDrop to Revolutionize the Package Delivery Business
From electric pallets to electric delivery vans, GM has big plans for getting stuff to your door.
https://www.autoweek.com/news/green-...very-business/

A change in the right direction, but for all the wrong reasons?

Good looking at least.

[kach22i]

February 28, 2023
Ford wins US Postal Service contract for 9,250 electric vans
https://www.michiganradio.org/econom...-electric-vans


Dec 20, 2022
America’s most important EV is also its goofiest
https://www.vox.com/science-and-heal...sps-ngdv-dejoy

[freebeard]

An 'ecosystem' is the wrong reason?

So GM is building electric vehicles to take part in that emerging market. First will be a self-propelled electric pallet called the EP1. It can be loaded at a warehouse, then drive itself onto a truck, drive itself off, and then follow the delivery guy around the neighborhood as all of its packages are delivered to doorsteps across America. Each pallet holds up to 23 cubic feet of packages or food trays, whatever you’re delivering. Payload is 200 pounds per pallet. Top speed is three mph. The EP1 pallets can be tethered together and can be programmed to reload themselves back onto the truck.

Needs an electric 'delivery guy'. Tesla Boston Dynamics is ahead on that one. They will be parkouring over neighborhood fences with the package in a football carry.

[redpoint5]

Reminds me of this scene from Flight of the Navigator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4v-dMfzp3E

[freebeard]

No range anxiety at all? Why the mail slot?

02-08-2017, 12:09 AM #11 (permalink) Xist

May I present my Windows Paint skills?

Don't know why he got caught up in Camrys.

[redpoint5]

Late 90's / early 2000's Camry's were excellent vehicles for their time. They did nothing the best, but everything extremely well, and had nothing offensive (except maybe timing belts for the older ones).

They are still probably an excellent value for those wanting cheap and reliable transportation. Personally I'd never buy something with a trunk again (frunk is another story).

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Personally I'd never buy something with a trunk again.

So no elephants. Got it!

Originally Posted by redpoint5

(frunk is another story).

Air cooled VW??

One thing to note is that a trunk does keep things safely secured. I knew a lady who was killed by stuff in the back of her station wagon coming up and hitting her in a single car accident.

[freebeard]

What would you say to a chopped sedan delivery with 19" wire wheels? It has a frunk.

I'd want flames on mine.


i.pinimg.com/736x/9e/d0/46/9ed0469e10b24cda4b6e374c27bc7cd9--rat-rods-car-stuff.jpg

[can't remember the name of the painter, was from Portland, I think it got wrecked]