Don't get me wrong, I loved my Jeep - it was the 6th and best one I've owned over my years. But as with all of them, they are a maintenance hog (I did all of my own work). Always something needing to be done 3-4 times per year.
Thoughts on EVs
- Thread starter Kingseve1
- Start date
Good information story on EV battery disposal.
I still have a gas golf cart and for the hilly course I play preferred it. I also didn't want to sink $800 in batteries every 4-5 years.
I drove my co-workers Tesla a few times. This is the best comparison......a golf cart. I didn't like it. I'm sure I'd adjust over time. Sure, the acceleration is cool....on occasion.......but who stomps the pedal off the line every time? And when you're pulling out in traffic or trying to jump ahead of someone from a stop light, you don't need a 3 sec 0-60 times.
Also, I don't like the uber technology and spartan interior of the Tesla's. No door handles, no knobs/buttons/tactile operations for the radio/climate, etc. This isn't just Tesla's though. My wife and I recently looked at a Hyundai/Kia Telluride/Pallisade.....and had the same impression.
My wife and I have talked about it. For sure, an electric car is going to be in our future. But as of right now the negatives (for us) outweigh the positives. The market will get it figured out in time. But for many people it's not as clear cut as you claim it is. "The only negative is if you drive >350 miles/day.)
Agreed. I thought I made a mistake on the initial drive back home from Atlanta. Without knobs and only a big iPad for all controls, I couldn’t figure out squat and it was too damn fast. Within a couple weeks I was hooked.
i flat save time each day, by not having to fill up. getting to your destination is a lot faster, when you reach top speed almost instantly. I live in bham, where traffic and stop lights are abundant, so Quicks are a big advantage over my old gs350 or my wife’s Tahoe.
I could see that, For the individual, on a mtn golf course. But for the CC owner, you are saving big money with electric and maintenance is less.
going up hills in an Ev is better than in a gas car. My EV flys up hill
Not saying this is the case for you but for some I just think it's they just don't like the change. Like when Apple switched iPhones over to all gesture control when they eliminated the home button, I hated it at first. I like having the button and the tactile/haptics of it. I disliked the gestures at first, but after using it for a while, getting used to it and learning how it's much more capable than what one button can do, I grew to like it even more and would not want to go back to having to use a button for some functions.
I don't dislike change by any means, it's just when you get accustomed to something and you like how it works, you don't necessarily want it to change.
Agreed. I don't like the change, but I'll adjust. Like I said, we'll probably end up getting an EV.....but it'll take a while.
I don't like not having tactile buttons/knobs for the radio and AC though. I don't like the idea of taking your eyes off the road when you don't have to. And sure, there's voice controls.....but many of our phones, vehicles, etc all have voice controls but I don't use them.
My car doesn't have much in the way of smart features, I think all voice control can do on my car is call people. My guess is it does not work very well but I've never tried it. Outside of the office, I average less than one call a week so I can wait to make a call when I'm not driving.
Tesla is pretty much the only EV that is getting rid of tactile controls and even instrument cluster. I don't like it either which is one of the reasons I went with my BMW EV over a Tesla. I might consider a Model S or a Model X, but I hated the Model 3 and will never buy one.
A car like the Mach E, ID 4 and the Ioniq 5 are going to feel more like being in a traditional ICE car. Now, unfortunately most manufacturers have been getting rid of some of the nobs and buttons for years, so that is still going to be an issue regardless of how it is powered, but the traditional automakers are still going to offer a more familiar interior design if that is what you are looking for.
A car like the Mach E, ID 4 and the Ioniq 5 are going to feel more like being in a traditional ICE car. Now, unfortunately most manufacturers have been getting rid of some of the nobs and buttons for years, so that is still going to be an issue regardless of how it is powered, but the traditional automakers are still going to offer a more familiar interior design if that is what you are looking for.
Well, sorta. My coworker's Tesla has 2 funny buttons on the wheel.....and you still have to take your eyes off the road to use those buttons to change the radio or climate.
I bought a used 2019 Mercedes a year ago, and most of the controls are on screen, like a cell phone, and I still haven't figured out how to use them all. (Go ahead and say it "OK Boomer")
Not sure I would like the Tesla either, but there will be plenty of choices in just a few years.
Not sure I would like the Tesla either, but there will be plenty of choices in just a few years.
I wouldn"t mind having an EV for trips that I can go on without having to stop and recharge. I'm in EKY, guessing charging stations are few and far between. How much does heat and A/C reduce the range? The heater would have to be a battery killer.
On a Lawn Mower forum I read, they're saying in California (naturally), that gas powered lawn mowers will no longer be sold, don't remember the effective date though.
On a Lawn Mower forum I read, they're saying in California (naturally), that gas powered lawn mowers will no longer be sold, don't remember the effective date though.
TESLA just called and said my order should be filled in 3-4 weeks. It's going to be a pretty steep learning curve with so much gadgetry for an old guy like me.
However, I will still have ICE machines so we will take our time learning how to drive the car and understanding the pros and cons because it's different.
I do my own car maintenance for the most part and I'm looking forward to having a car that I don't have to worry about maintenance in principle.
However, I will still have ICE machines so we will take our time learning how to drive the car and understanding the pros and cons because it's different.
I do my own car maintenance for the most part and I'm looking forward to having a car that I don't have to worry about maintenance in principle.
Man, congratulations! I’m as dumb as they come, and I had it down in a couple days. Most important thing is to have a 220 outlet near the carport or garage
Congrats on the new Tesla. If you have time you might want to take a look at this site and see if there are any incentives that you are eligible for.
I will eventually.
We are in the early planning stages of building a new house. I don't want to go to trouble and expense if I can help it.
We will try "trickle" charging first and see how it goes. We live within a few miles of superchargers if that becomes necessary.
My father in-law has a serious health issue right now, and I took food over for lunch today. When I pulled into the driveway, there was a blue electric Mustang with a new drive out tag on it. It was my in-law's preacher who had stopped by and was driving it. He said his son just bought it and he was driving it for the day to check it out. He said after driving it around town that he was thinking about getting one.
The following article brings to light some things that people looking to buy now need to be aware of:
1. The thought that EV's have less to break down than ICE vehicles is potentially true, but is NOT true yet.
2. Tesla has wonderful marketing and customer service.......but even by Musk's own admission, the reliability is terrible.
3. One thing that always holds true not matter what type of car you buy (whether electric, ICE, no matter the brand, etc) Don't buy the new things. Let the manufacturers work out the bugs over several yrs......then buy.
Annnnnnd, please understand. I'm not being a curmudgeon that's bashing EV's for the sake of bashing. As I said before, things will improve......and in the future, I too will likely own one. But you must be knowledgeable about what you're buying.
1. The thought that EV's have less to break down than ICE vehicles is potentially true, but is NOT true yet.
2. Tesla has wonderful marketing and customer service.......but even by Musk's own admission, the reliability is terrible.
3. One thing that always holds true not matter what type of car you buy (whether electric, ICE, no matter the brand, etc) Don't buy the new things. Let the manufacturers work out the bugs over several yrs......then buy.
Annnnnnd, please understand. I'm not being a curmudgeon that's bashing EV's for the sake of bashing. As I said before, things will improve......and in the future, I too will likely own one. But you must be knowledgeable about what you're buying.
Chevy Silverado Electrics can be ordered. They look better than whatever Tesla was calling a pick up.
I pick mine up Sunday. I'll post updates as to how the TESLA does.
Ok, I've had my TESLA Model 3 Long Range AWD for about a month now. Here are my pros and cons.
Pros:
I haven't bought gas since I received the TESLA. We barely drive the ICE machines now. The only time I have is when my wife has the TESLA and I can hardly keep her out of it.
To my dismay, it is really a solid built car, no squeaks or rattles. The car weighs approximately 4100 lbs and I assume the suspension has to be robust to handle it.
It's the most stable and responsive car I have ever driven. It handles like it's on rails and sticks to the road effortlessly...again I assume that's to do with the heavy battery from wheelbase to wheelbase that is very well balanced.
The regenerative braking system is awesome. When you let off the pedal at a stop light etc., it automatically starts slowing you down. Very seldom do you use the brakes unless you want to stop quickly.
We went to the top of the mountain while in G'burg which is 15 miles up the mountain and I checked my battery mileage before I headed back down and the regenerative system gave me back 18 miles. I didn't check to see how much power is used going up.
Absolutely the fastest car I've ever driven. IIRC, the top end speed is 164 MPH, but the acceleration is mind boggling.
I took it to visit the National Air Force Museum in Dayton and we went to G'burg for a few days last week and it performed very well on the interstates.
Charging really has not been an issue. I've charged three times on the road at Superchargers and the longest I charged took 45 minutes for a full charge. Normally, you can charge to get only enough miles to get you home if you want.
Batteries have an 8 yr warranty.
I had a 240v charger installed in my garage which cost around $1300. Charger was $550 and labor to install the outlet and run 6 AWG wire was close to $800.
Cons:
The suspension is a little stiff on bumps and RR tracks, but I guess it has to be because of the weight of the batteries. However, it rides smooth as silk on regular pavement.
The autopilot doesn't work as well as my BMW X5. It holds your lane very well but when you change lanes it cuts it off and you have to re engage the system. It only takes two quick downward clicks on the steering wheel stem, but I just don't like that it cuts off when you change lanes. My X5 will hold the system as long as you give a signal, but the TESLA doesn't do that.
Also, the auto headlight dimmer isn't as sensitive as my BMW. On a four lane road, it doesn't always sense another car is coming and doesn't dim the lights. It works well on two lane roads.
I don't like that virtually almost everything works off the the screen in the dashboard. It's distracting to search for what you want to do by having to take your eyes off the road. I know it will get better as I get more used to where all the functions are on the screen.
All in all, it's a fabulous car and well built and I have no regrets so far about buying it.
Pros:
I haven't bought gas since I received the TESLA. We barely drive the ICE machines now. The only time I have is when my wife has the TESLA and I can hardly keep her out of it.
To my dismay, it is really a solid built car, no squeaks or rattles. The car weighs approximately 4100 lbs and I assume the suspension has to be robust to handle it.
It's the most stable and responsive car I have ever driven. It handles like it's on rails and sticks to the road effortlessly...again I assume that's to do with the heavy battery from wheelbase to wheelbase that is very well balanced.
The regenerative braking system is awesome. When you let off the pedal at a stop light etc., it automatically starts slowing you down. Very seldom do you use the brakes unless you want to stop quickly.
We went to the top of the mountain while in G'burg which is 15 miles up the mountain and I checked my battery mileage before I headed back down and the regenerative system gave me back 18 miles. I didn't check to see how much power is used going up.
Absolutely the fastest car I've ever driven. IIRC, the top end speed is 164 MPH, but the acceleration is mind boggling.
I took it to visit the National Air Force Museum in Dayton and we went to G'burg for a few days last week and it performed very well on the interstates.
Charging really has not been an issue. I've charged three times on the road at Superchargers and the longest I charged took 45 minutes for a full charge. Normally, you can charge to get only enough miles to get you home if you want.
Batteries have an 8 yr warranty.
I had a 240v charger installed in my garage which cost around $1300. Charger was $550 and labor to install the outlet and run 6 AWG wire was close to $800.
Cons:
The suspension is a little stiff on bumps and RR tracks, but I guess it has to be because of the weight of the batteries. However, it rides smooth as silk on regular pavement.
The autopilot doesn't work as well as my BMW X5. It holds your lane very well but when you change lanes it cuts it off and you have to re engage the system. It only takes two quick downward clicks on the steering wheel stem, but I just don't like that it cuts off when you change lanes. My X5 will hold the system as long as you give a signal, but the TESLA doesn't do that.
Also, the auto headlight dimmer isn't as sensitive as my BMW. On a four lane road, it doesn't always sense another car is coming and doesn't dim the lights. It works well on two lane roads.
I don't like that virtually almost everything works off the the screen in the dashboard. It's distracting to search for what you want to do by having to take your eyes off the road. I know it will get better as I get more used to where all the functions are on the screen.
All in all, it's a fabulous car and well built and I have no regrets so far about buying it.
At this point I think they're a novelty, and are not any less harmful to the envronment (whatever TF that means) than efficient internal combustion cars.
IOW - they're a virtue signaling ribbon.
IOW - they're a virtue signaling ribbon.
EVs have a smaller carbon footprint. As for how much it depends on where you live and what type of energy production is used. This article cites the figures of a 75% less if you get your energy from mostly alt energy sources to 44% if you get most of your energy from coal-fired steam plants.
The article doesn’t take into account mining and disposal of materials. EVs still are likely better in the end but it’s not nearly as much as people make it out to be.
I didn't buy the EV because I am anti fossil fuels. It is just a better driving car the ICE machines with a whole lot less maintenance.
Although it's nice not having to go to a gas station and pay the the high prices for gas.
Charging at home at .12 per kwh in Ky is relatively inexpensive. Superchargers are twice that.
Although it's nice not having to go to a gas station and pay the the high prices for gas.
Charging at home at .12 per kwh in Ky is relatively inexpensive. Superchargers are twice that.
Saw two interesting articles recently. One said NASA and Japan are working on creating a battery that doesn't use rare earth metals and charges in 15 minutes, the other said scientists have discovered a way to store solar energy for 18 years. Seems like both could be fairly substantial developments.
wouldn't you have to also include those things regarding fossil fuel production as well?
Ive had my Tesla model s for 15 months and it’s the best car I’ve ever driven. Absolutely, the fastest. I don’t wanna go any faster than that. Crazy how it throws everyone back in their seats. Not filling up is so great
lol my brother has an electric golf cart and it died when we were driving it back to his house from the course he lives by. Had to get a neighbor with a tow strap
Well certainly.....but most media promoting EVs don’t mention it much.....and they should since it’s a huge part of the equation.
I'll only look into getting one when it makes sense financially, for me.. along with being more convenient than having a gas car. As of now, doesn't seem quite worth it yet.
All the cars I've looked at, the EV version appears to be another 5 to 15k.
All the cars I've looked at, the EV version appears to be another 5 to 15k.
Does Kentucky looking to become the leading EV battery manufacturer in the US change anyones thoughts on EV’s?
Not me I will just gripe when the gas pump kicks off at $100 and I have to restart it to finish filling my truck up.
This may not prove but it does strongly suggest that you may be the Scranton Strangler.