Why I Left California & Never Returning: Gas Prices, EV Failures, and More

California Gas Prices and Refinery Closures

• ⛽ California's gasoline prices could exceed $8 a gallon due to the closure of two major refineries, representing nearly 20% of the state's refining capacity.
• 💰 This price increase is attributed to new environmental regulations making it harder for refineries to operate, leading companies to shut down rather than comply.
• 📈 The state's high fuel taxes and low carbon fuel standards further contribute to the already expensive gas prices.
• 🚗 The rising cost of fuel will also increase transportation costs for goods, further elevating the cost of living in California.

The Return of the Hemi and Decline of EVs

• 🚀 The 2026 Ram 1500 V8 truck with a Hemi engine is back in production, receiving significant pre-orders, indicating a consumer preference for traditional engines.
• ⚡ This trend suggests a decline in the demand for electric pickup trucks, with consumers preferring the range and utility of V8 engines.
• 📉 Electric vehicles, including the Harley-Davidson Livewire motorcycle, are experiencing slashing prices due to low sales, with the Livewire selling only 33 units in Q1 2025.

Vehicle Safety and Tesla's Full Self-Driving

• 🏆 The Mazda CX30 is highlighted as the safest small SUV, consistently receiving five-star ratings and known for its durable construction.
• 💡 The non-turbocharged 2.5L engine in the CX30 is recommended for longevity and better gas mileage over the turbocharged version.
• ⚠️ A survey indicates that Tesla's Full Self-Driving feature deters more consumers than it attracts, with a majority preferring to keep it off or indifferent to its presence.
• 📉 Tesla's sales are reportedly declining globally, with some attributing it to Elon Musk's public political statements impacting customer base.

China's Energy Paradox and Tesla's Layoffs

• 🏭 Despite promoting solar energy, China is burning coal at record high levels, expanding its use more than any time in the past nine years.
• 🔌 This reliance on coal means that even electric vehicles in China are ultimately powered by fossil fuels.
• 📉 Tesla is laying off 82 workers at its Giga Texas factory by ending a contract with an industrial services company, a move criticized as a cost-cutting measure that may compromise quality.
• 🛠️ The practice of frequently replacing engineering firms for cheaper alternatives is questioned, contrasting with companies like Toyota that retain engineers for long-term development.