Holey rusted metal, batman

...is what you find on steel parts of a car which has been used in Scotland during the winter. Because we like to put as much salt on the road as we do on our chips.

Even though you might expect a bit of cathodic protection of the steel, this bit was badly corroded and fit to fall off.

Anyway never mind, we can happily remove all that because it was only holding on some vapour emission control stuff.

A required hole also appeared, as predicted:

There is pleasingly very little in the way and a nice big rectangular battery box will fit snugly here between substantial crossmembers. The car will end up with much more rear load space than it had as a hybrid.

Of course it's important to remember that it's always easier to dismantle than it is to create, and the next step is going to involve some creative aluminium origami, so stay tuned for that riveting fun.