Post B33QhyN9JSRLRT8Vhg by loy@fosstodon.org
 (DIR) More posts by loy@fosstodon.org
 (DIR) Post #B33QMbfmVv3IxYfBI0 by 7666@comp.lain.la
       2026-02-06T19:28:47.630070Z
       
       3 likes, 1 repeats
       
       Here's a great argument against EVs: Ain't none of that software running on them is open source or easily hackable or free. EVs are locked down laptops on wheels. Yes I know there's a billion and one computers on internal combustion vehicles too but outside of some isolated examples I have NEVER had to do anything but pop a bluetooth scan tool in to read out the computer details, and if I wanted to fuck with things like timing advance or fuel trims I could just go get a fancier scan tool. EVs? Good fucking luck. They're bricks if you go outside the dealerships by design. Regular mechanics aren't upskilled enough to work with them and get past the software locks. Ask your local mechanic the last time he hacked a CAN bus or broke out Ida to dump some firmware so he could fix your damn car. Most of the electronics and controls are locked out "for your safety". Even the goddamn chargers are failing to unify on an open standard. Never had a gas station say "sorry bro your filler neck ain't up to code". Utter bullshit.
       
 (DIR) Post #B33QhyN9JSRLRT8Vhg by loy@fosstodon.org
       2026-02-06T19:30:53Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @7666 I wonder if this comes down with even greater adoption. Electric kit cars perhaps, although I should assume those exist.
       
 (DIR) Post #B33QhzwzRghgKuueCu by 7666@comp.lain.la
       2026-02-06T19:32:41.959746Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @loy >electric kit carsugh we don't need to swing that hard i just want some right to repair guarantees and companies to stop deliberately creating walled gardens and "ecosystems"
       
 (DIR) Post #B33RkpUGu6LShyOTYm by yomiel@new.asbestos.cafe
       2026-02-06T19:44:28.428171Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @7666 I mean, most modern petrol/diesel cars are going exactly the same route. Most modern cars regardless of fuel/engine have many proprietary electronics that lock and control functions of the car.
       
 (DIR) Post #B33S6PNodgCI7PfDG4 by Pi_rat@shitposter.world
       2026-02-06T19:48:21.890350Z
       
       1 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @7666 mechanics will be needing masters in ee to fix car, no moar blue collar
       
 (DIR) Post #B33ShdVP5xdkdIxrW4 by k4t3@comp.lain.la
       2026-02-06T19:38:49.808681Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @7666 @loy the closest thing we have to gnu/car are DIY ebikes, it's fairly easy to build one and fix it by yourself if stuff breaks.
       
 (DIR) Post #B33Shedaszmm8znuvA by loy@fosstodon.org
       2026-02-06T19:45:38Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @k4t3 @7666 problem with cars is the regulation I suppose. Getting something self built through inspections on the road legally, with insurance. But realistically, I'd say an electric car is simpler than an internal combustion car, so I guess there will eventually be cheaper, simpler models that are under less tight control by the manufacturer.
       
 (DIR) Post #B33ShfHIVNXq88Nco4 by 7666@comp.lain.la
       2026-02-06T19:55:00.955328Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @loy @k4t3 Counterpoint: There was a time where engines did not need any electronics whatsoever (or minimal). All of it was analog and vacuum controlled. Not saying EFI and VVT and OBD2 and all those tricks are not beneficial, but there is a sliding scale of "how many computers do you want on your car" that EVs cannot attain.