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cyb3rdud3

macrumors 601
Jun 22, 2014
4,081
2,753
UK
I don't see myself buying an electric car anytime soon. I do a regular 300 mile journey at least once a month and do not want to deal with having to find chargers along the way. i changed from a diesel to a petrol car a couple years ago because of all the bad publicity about diesels and frankly regret it now. I was getting 50 miles to a gallon in the diesel and lucky if i get 25 mpg in the petrol car.
It is a simple as pressing a button (or when necessary planning a route it is autosuggested) for the chargers en-route. Really not a case of having to deal with it.
 

JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,068
1,397
I love my Ram 1500 (with Hemi), when I drive it on the weekends, but I very quickly remember how much I love EVs.

These are the things I miss the most when back in my ICE:
Regen Braking
Acceleration (a Ram isn't fast, but it also isn't slow)
Almost immediate heat from the vents
 
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Tagbert

macrumors 603
Jun 22, 2011
6,256
7,281
Seattle
Are there any vehicles in particular that buyers should consider used?
Just watch out for the early Nissan Leaf. The Leaf had no battery temperature management and the chemistry in their early batteries was sensitive to heat, especially when charging. Those battery packs tended to degrade quickly. Eventually they changed to a new chemistry in 2014 that I have heard is less susceptible to heat. I had a 2012 Leaf that showed no degradation but then, I live in the US Pacific Northwest where the climate is fairly mild. (Similar to UK in many ways).
 
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SalisburySam

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2019
925
813
Salisbury, North Carolina
Just watch out for the early Nissan Leaf. The Leaf had no battery temperature management and the chemistry in their early batteries was sensitive to heat, especially when charging. Those battery packs tended to degrade quickly. Eventually they changed to a new chemistry in 2014 that I have heard is less susceptible to heat. I had a 2012 Leaf that showed no degradation but then, I live in the US Pacific Northwest where the climate is fairly mild. (Similar to UK in many ways).
Agree: be careful of 2011-2013 LEAFs. My 2012 SL began life with about 65-75 miles of range, a disappointment for sure after marketing a 100-mile vehicle. Today, that same vehicle does about 35 miles of in-town errands. Unfortunately for me, the range decrease did not meet the requirements of Nissan’s battery warranty, either for the 5-year one or the 8-year one so I’m stuck with what I have. Great for errands, but only a few of them between charging, now always to 100% whatever that means today in this car.
 
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cosmichobo

macrumors 6502a
May 4, 2006
986
604
Just paid AU$449 for my first ever electric lawn mower. Ryobi 18v 40-something centimetre with battery and charger.

Well… it’s a start.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,068
1,397
Just paid AU$449 for my first ever electric lawn mower. Ryobi 18v 40-something centimetre with battery and charger.

Well… it’s a start.

I have a 40V Ryobi electric brushless mower, trimmer, edger, and they all use the same batteries (I have 3 and 2 chargers). This setup is awesome...

I have no idea how long the batteries will last though, as stated, most modern car battery systems are very sophisticated, with cooling systems, these power tools do not have the same.
 

cosmichobo

macrumors 6502a
May 4, 2006
986
604
I have a 40V Ryobi electric brushless mower, trimmer, edger, and they all use the same batteries (I have 3 and 2 chargers). This setup is awesome...

I have no idea how long the batteries will last though, as stated, most modern car battery systems are very sophisticated, with cooling systems, these power tools do not have the same.


Yes, the plan is to have the mower and also a weed wacker, and I'm buying the packs that have a battery with each device, so I'll have 2 batteries and 2 chargers.

The wacker I was going to buy wasn't in stock, and then as I was standing looking at the dozen or so different Ryobi options, I realised some had bump-feed and some didn't... then I saw the one which can take multiple devices instead of just a wacker... And then I bought the mower and came home to do more research. :)

Hopefully the batteries will give me a descent run. Both in terms of getting the lawn mowed, and lifetime.
 

cosmichobo

macrumors 6502a
May 4, 2006
986
604
My state uses coal, so whilst I do want an EV, it would be coal powered. But, we just purchased a house, and as soon as we can afford it, we’ll be getting solar. (Roof needs work first.) Then we’ll also look at a battery.
 

Spaceboi Scaphandre

macrumors 68040
Jun 8, 2022
3,414
8,106
I'll be getting an EV as my first car. Most likely going to be a used Tesla Model 3 since the car has been steadily getting cheaper and cheaper
 

Tagbert

macrumors 603
Jun 22, 2011
6,256
7,281
Seattle
My state uses coal, so whilst I do want an EV, it would be coal powered. But, we just purchased a house, and as soon as we can afford it, we’ll be getting solar. (Roof needs work first.) Then we’ll also look at a battery.
Even if an EV is powered by 100% coal electricity, it still is responsible for less CO2 than an ICEV. I don't think any US state is 100% coal but some have a high percent. Most states have a mix of coal, gas, and renewables and the coal portion is dropping.

Here is a map showing the emissions of EV measured as mpg equivalents: https://blog.ucsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1125x900.png

You can check your area here: https://evtool.ucsusa.org/
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
We have a list of cars we are considering at the moment and there are three of electrics on there.

Jaguar F Pace P400e
Mercedes EQB 350
Audi Q4 e-tron
Volvo XC60 Recharge Ultimate
BMW iX3

The LR Discovery we were looking at last week has a 12 month lead time so we’ve now ruled that out. I really like the Q4 but that’s 9 months which isn’t awful. My personal preference is the Volvo as it’s an amazing drive and feels as nice as the Q4. The interior quality of both of those just feel significantly better than the Mercedes and BMW in my view. I found the Mercedes to be quite plasticky in the cabin and for me the instruments look quite dated compared to others. I do like the wrap around screen behind the steering while though. The Volvo has a 4 month lead time and it’s my favourite so far. Being a Volvo it feels solid and the safety rating is the best of the lot which is important when you’ve got kids in the back. Hopefully a decision will be reached this week. The electric models are tempting due to how cheap they are to run, however I’m pushing towards a hybrid this time around to take advantage of both.
 

Apple fanboy

macrumors Ivy Bridge
Feb 21, 2012
57,002
56,024
Behind the Lens, UK
We have a list of cars we are considering at the moment and there are three of electrics on there.

Jaguar F Pace P400e
Mercedes EQB 350
Audi Q4 e-tron
Volvo XC60 Recharge Ultimate
BMW iX3

The LR Discovery we were looking at last week has a 12 month lead time so we’ve now ruled that out. I really like the Q4 but that’s 9 months which isn’t awful. My personal preference is the Volvo as it’s an amazing drive and feels as nice as the Q4. The interior quality of both of those just feel significantly better than the Mercedes and BMW in my view. I found the Mercedes to be quite plasticky in the cabin and for me the instruments look quite dated compared to others. I do like the wrap around screen behind the steering while though. The Volvo has a 4 month lead time and it’s my favourite so far. Being a Volvo it feels solid and the safety rating is the best of the lot which is important when you’ve got kids in the back. Hopefully a decision will be reached this week. The electric models are tempting due to how cheap they are to run, however I’m pushing towards a hybrid this time around to take advantage of both.
Truth is, none of those are bad choices. I’m sure you’ll enjoy whichever you end up with.
 

mittencuh

macrumors regular
Nov 4, 2012
146
192
Colorado Springs
We have a list of cars we are considering at the moment and there are three of electrics on there.

Jaguar F Pace P400e
Mercedes EQB 350
Audi Q4 e-tron
Volvo XC60 Recharge Ultimate
BMW iX3

The LR Discovery we were looking at last week has a 12 month lead time so we’ve now ruled that out. I really like the Q4 but that’s 9 months which isn’t awful. My personal preference is the Volvo as it’s an amazing drive and feels as nice as the Q4. The interior quality of both of those just feel significantly better than the Mercedes and BMW in my view. I found the Mercedes to be quite plasticky in the cabin and for me the instruments look quite dated compared to others. I do like the wrap around screen behind the steering while though. The Volvo has a 4 month lead time and it’s my favourite so far. Being a Volvo it feels solid and the safety rating is the best of the lot which is important when you’ve got kids in the back. Hopefully a decision will be reached this week. The electric models are tempting due to how cheap they are to run, however I’m pushing towards a hybrid this time around to take advantage of both.
All of those are great choices, I would also probably lean slightly towards the Volvo. Also Volvo’s seats are excellent, especially for taller folk like me (6’4”)
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
All of those are great choices, I would also probably lean slightly towards the Volvo. Also Volvo’s seats are excellent, especially for taller folk like me (6’4”)

The Volvo has a much more premium feel over some of the others when sat in. The infotainment system isn’t the best out the lot but good enough with Apple CarPlay which all the others have too. I prefer the BMW iX3 in this regard but the rest of the cabin doesn’t stand up to the Volvo. It’ll come down to what we can get soonest I think and within a reasonable budget. They are all good cars so we can’t go far wrong.
 

mittencuh

macrumors regular
Nov 4, 2012
146
192
Colorado Springs
The Volvo has a much more premium feel over some of the others when sat in. The infotainment system isn’t the best out the lot but good enough with Apple CarPlay which all the others have too. I prefer the BMW iX3 in this regard but the rest of the cabin doesn’t stand up to the Volvo. It’ll come down to what we can get soonest I think and within a reasonable budget. They are all good cars so we can’t go far wrong.
Let us know which you choose!
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,068
1,397
I have always been more of a fan of Volvo's interiors than their exteriors. I thought they did a fantastic job designing the interiors, but left a lot to be desired for the exteriors. I do think their new line of EV exteriors changed my thoughts.

I've liked their interiors over the big German 3.

I like the direction they are going...
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,314
25,463
Wales, United Kingdom
I have always been more of a fan of Volvo's interiors than their exteriors. I thought they did a fantastic job designing the interiors, but left a lot to be desired for the exteriors. I do think their new line of EV exteriors changed my thoughts.

I've liked their interiors over the big German 3.

I like the direction they are going...

Volvo’s exteriors over the past ten years and especially since 2016 are a far cry from the angled 80’s and 90’s tanks they used to make that’s for sure. Love the front lights with the accent and the design language they’ve kept in their rear lights as a nod to their past history. I know Polestar aren’t affiliated with Volvo now but it is a Volvo concept and perhaps one of the nicest looking saloon/hatch EV’s out there. We’ll see what happens this week with us as I’d love the XC60 but any of the ones we’ve looked at will do us. I drove the BMW iX3 and it’s a nice drive too, the exterior feels very familiar though and it’s probably the least exciting car we’ve looked at however.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,068
1,397
Volvo’s exteriors over the past ten years and especially since 2016 are a far cry from the angled 80’s and 90’s tanks they used to make that’s for sure. Love the front lights with the accent and the design language they’ve kept in their rear lights as a nod to their past history. I know Polestar aren’t affiliated with Volvo now but it is a Volvo concept and perhaps one of the nicest looking saloon/hatch EV’s out there. We’ll see what happens this week with us as I’d love the XC60 but any of the ones we’ve looked at will do us. I drove the BMW iX3 and it’s a nice drive too, the exterior feels very familiar though and it’s probably the least exciting car we’ve looked at however.

I actually like the 80's - 90's even 2000's Volvo exteriors, I think they were with the times, it's the 2010's that I didn't like. The 2020's brought me back. I'm not a Volvo enthusiast, so I am not sure of the exact body change years (it might be the 2016 year you talk about that started the looks I like).

The interiors have always kept me interested through all decades. Just not enough to buy one.
 
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JT2002TJ

macrumors 68020
Nov 7, 2013
2,068
1,397
So, it's been about 4 months since I got my EV (used 2019 Model 3 Long Range with Acceleration Boost and FSD). I have done 99.9% of charging at home. I do not have a heat pump model. I use about 30% of my battery per day and recharge up to 80% when I get home. This is with NYC area winter, and Cabin Protection on set at 100 degrees for hot days.

  • Leave home at 5:20 am with 80%
  • Drive 26 miles to my office, arrive with around 70% (using heat) at 6 am
  • Park, leave car with sentry mode on from 6 - 4 pm
  • Set to scheduled departure at 4:15 (warms the cabin to 70 and warms the battery for regen braking)
  • I get home around about 6 pm (2 hrs traffic to get home) with 50% battery

I have a ICE Ram 1500 with Hemi, that I drive on the weekends, I have been to the gas station 2 times since I got my Tesla, I have no idea of gas prices.

I still have not had any road trips, so I cannot give an assessment of it. It really has reminded me how infrequently I go on road trips. When I do, they usually are <200 miles. I do make the occasional trip with my truck towing stuff, which I 100% agree that EVs currently do not have a good option for that market.

The savings on buying gas, time (going to the pump), and being out in the elements during fueling, has made it a pleasure. Also having Full Self Driving to help with my commute has made the entire experience great. It really has removed a ton of the stress associated with commuting.
 

diamond.g

macrumors G4
Mar 20, 2007
11,438
2,665
OBX
So, it's been about 4 months since I got my EV (used 2019 Model 3 Long Range with Acceleration Boost and FSD). I have done 99.9% of charging at home. I do not have a heat pump model. I use about 30% of my battery per day and recharge up to 80% when I get home. This is with NYC area winter, and Cabin Protection on set at 100 degrees for hot days.

  • Leave home at 5:20 am with 80%
  • Drive 26 miles to my office, arrive with around 70% (using heat) at 6 am
  • Park, leave car with sentry mode on from 6 - 4 pm
  • Set to scheduled departure at 4:15 (warms the cabin to 70 and warms the battery for regen braking)
  • I get home around about 6 pm (2 hrs traffic to get home) with 50% battery

I have a ICE Ram 1500 with Hemi, that I drive on the weekends, I have been to the gas station 2 times since I got my Tesla, I have no idea of gas prices.

I still have not had any road trips, so I cannot give an assessment of it. It really has reminded me how infrequently I go on road trips. When I do, they usually are <200 miles. I do make the occasional trip with my truck towing stuff, which I 100% agree that EVs currently do not have a good option for that market.

The savings on buying gas, time (going to the pump), and being out in the elements during fueling, has made it a pleasure. Also having Full Self Driving to help with my commute has made the entire experience great. It really has removed a ton of the stress associated with commuting.
Out of curiosity, what firmware are you on?
 
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