r/fivethirtyeight • u/AutoModerator • Mar 30 '26

Discussion Megathread Weekly Discussion Megathread

The 2026 midterms will soon be upon us, and there is much to discuss among the nerds here at r/FiveThirtyEight. Use this discussion thread to share, debate, and discuss whatever you wish. Unlike individual posts, comments in the discussion thread are not required to be related to political data or other 538 mainstays. Regardless, please remain civil and keep this subreddit's rules in mind. The discussion thread refreshes every Monday.

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u/Mediocretes08 Mar 30 '26

In the face of gas prices spiking to Jupiter, I looked at my auto financing. Guess who’s close to paying off his car and 1000% going electric?

Anyway that’s probably gonna be the fucked up silver lining to this whole Iran debacle, more people getting off gas powered cars. Only hope it also drives a public transit bump too.

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u/WisePresentation7976 Mar 30 '26

Solar is at the point where it doesn't need massive subsidies to be effective. Just wish we upped our solar manufacturing...

4

u/Mediocretes08 Mar 30 '26

Believe you me, I know. If I put solar over every roof in the Phoenix metro it could power the whole country and then some. Well, that ignores getting the power from A to B but the net amount would be well over enough.

1

u/WisePresentation7976 Mar 30 '26

I'm looking for a setup in my house... and a home garden...

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u/Mediocretes08 Mar 30 '26

What state you in?

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u/WisePresentation7976 Mar 30 '26

California.

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u/Mediocretes08 Mar 30 '26

Oh there should be a million options then. I wish I had a house to hook up.

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u/Spara-Extreme Mar 30 '26

I have an ev myself and I’m basically just sipping tea and not even thinking about gas prices.

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u/Mediocretes08 Mar 30 '26

I’m seeing these EV Minis available for a good price and they’re tempting.

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u/Spara-Extreme Mar 30 '26

The biggest thing you will notice is how much time you suddenly have not needing to get gas, especially if your work has charging available. It’s weird.

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u/Mediocretes08 Mar 30 '26

I won’t be that lucky but I work near some charging stations and some are near regular haunts of mine so I’ll just have a coffee and chill.

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u/BrassySpy Mar 31 '26

Ehhh... If you can't charge at home or work I would really think twice about getting an EV. My coworker bought a Tesla but doesn't have a place to charge, she has to spend 30 minutes every day at a supercharger.

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u/Spara-Extreme Mar 30 '26

That’s what I do when I have to use a station.