fluke

When saw this today I thought the owner was just having a joke with the green EV numberplate tag that immediately caught my eye.

But then I saw the 'Electric' decal on the side I thought it might still be a joke related to that. After all it was quite common for (especially French) cars in the 90s to have quirky trim levels; Wave/Surf/Excite/Elation/etc https://autoshite.com/topic/54842-ridiculous-trim-designations/). Even Fiat had a Fiat 500 'Diesel', which only came in Petrol.

But then on closer look, I couldn't see an exhaust and there was a awkwardly placed flap on the front wing, so I thought it was a passion project type EV conversion. The 106 chassis is really fun little go kart after all. And if someone had the money and the will, why not.

I figured that there might be some information about it online if that was the case. Certainly someone with that dedication would have to have a deep passion, and they might have documented or made a forum post about it.

Nah, it's actually a factory option. PSA apparently decided to offer a battery EV all the way back in 1996. https://www.car.info/en-se/peugeot/106/106-3-door-eletric-11153757/specs

I mean, with 15hp you'll be struggling to even worry the skin on your rice pudding.

Absolutely love seeing things like this.

A little late to posting anything about this, but when reading this article I noticed the quote from Kremlin Press Secretary that just absolutely drips in projection.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Ukraine is launching “terrorist strikes” on Moscow and other civilian targets in Russia out of frustration over its failures on the battlefield. The attempted drone attacks on Moscow are “some sort of acts of desperation against the background of those failures. And, of course, Kiev resorts to such terrorist tactics,” Peskov said.

Someone want to ask him what he considers Russia are since they've been doing the very thing they call terrorism for over a year, and to much greater volume?

But as we all know, the clown quotes aren't meant for us, they're meant to reinforce the narrative for those that are deep in the propaganda sauce.

Russia has officially announced a naval blockade on Ukraine, to start 00.00 20/07/23.

“In connection with the cessation of the functioning of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the сlosing of the maritime humanitarian corridor, from 00.00 Moscow time on 20 July 2023, all vessels sailing in the waters of the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports will be regarded as potential carriers of military cargo,” reads a message the MoD issued on the social messaging platform Telegram. “Accordingly, the countries of such vessels will be considered to be involved in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of the Kyiv regime.”

In my view this is a desperate escalation from Russia and only serves to project their weakness. Despite what the media says, I don't think this is a retaliation to the latest damage to the Kerch Bridge as the strike was conducted between both the VKS and Navy and would have taken more time to plan such an operation. This was pre-planned, they were never going to re-negotiate the BSGI.

Given that Türkiye has supported Black Sea shipping previously by escorting ships through the passage, thisay be the outcome. And against that Russia can do nothing without putting themselves at risk of international intervention, which I'm sure we all agree will not end well for them. But such an act may require UN Charter to ensure actual international support and backing.

The other option would be for Türkiye to simply close the Strait, which they are perfectly well within their rights to do. Effectively blockading the blockade. The only nations that will be significantly affected are those that are Russian or Russian aligned. Everyone else will be able to reroute via land routes (granted at extra expense and time).

What will this mean for the world? Prices increasing yet more for our food items.

Rather short sightedly, China and other BRICS nations are a significant consumer of Ukrainian grain, so I assume that they won't be too pleased at this.

In a completely unrelated note Putin has decided not to show up to the BRICS summit where China and those aforementioned other nations are going to be present.