Who has or is planning to get an electric car / EV Talk

[avro707]

2023 Ford Mach-E Premium RWD.

Nice!

I’ve only seen a few of these. Did see a Nissan Ariya in south of France, that was interesting.

Saw lots of ID4s there but I find those a bit meh in styling. In the other hand the EQS is a spaceship on wheels. Pretty eye catching. I’d love to have one but soooo expensive.

 

[4sallypat]

So I've finally made the switch to an EV.

2023 Ford Mach-E Premium RWD.

I've got an electrician coming tomorrow to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet in the garage. I also have the Emporia charger waiting to get installed.

I tested quite a few cars before going with the Mach-E. Hyundai, Kia, VW, Tesla.

View attachment 2382445

Nice !

You got the newer LFP battery Mach E.

Jealous I am.

I have the older NCM battery Mach E.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Gave the i3 interior a thorough clean today. My leather seat was looking a bit shinny compared to the rest.
Looking good now. The exterior can wait until tomorrow as my neck is pretty sore still.

Over two years since I bought it and I’m still as happy with it as the day I bought it.

 

[I7guy]

Gave the i3 interior a thorough clean today. My leather seat was looking a bit shinny compared to the rest.
Looking good now. The exterior can wait until tomorrow as my neck is pretty sore still.

Over two years since I bought it and I’m still as happy with it as the day I bought it.

Associate bought the i5 m60. It's a lovely car, but if I were spending that money I would get a Plaid. When I brought my TM3 car in for service(rotation and alignment) I had the opportunity to test drive a Plaid. The short summary is the Plaid was fast as get go and rides very nicely. I've become a fan of the Telsa interiors. The BMW interior was to ungapatchka for my taste and it didn't ride any better than the Plaid.

 

[4sallypat]

Just returned from a road trip and a pleasant experience with a Tesla driver.

While waiting at a Tesla Supercharger location with my Ford EV, all 20 stalls being used, a Tesla driver who was charging at a handicap space, saw my handicap placard and he pulled out of the stall and told me to use it as he did not have a placard.

He waited for another tower to open and continued his charge.

I thanked him and said no one ever has ever done that kind gesture!

Guess there are nice people out there!

 

[I7guy]

Just returned from a road trip and found an interesting incident with a Tesla driver.

While waiting at a Tesla Supercharger location with my Ford EV, all 20 stalls being used, a Tesla driver who was charging at a handicap space, saw my handicap placard and he pulled out of the stall and said for me to use it as he did not have a placard.

He waited for another tower to open and continued his charge.

I thanked him and said no one ever has ever done that kind gesture!

View attachment 2384414

View attachment 2384416

When you said "incident" I went to worst scenario. I probably would have used the words "pleasant interaction". 😅

 

[4sallypat]

When you said "incident" I went to worst scenario. I probably would have used the words "pleasant interaction". 😅

Edited - thanks for the suggestion.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Associate bought the i5 m60. It's a lovely car, but if I were spending that money I would get a Plaid. When I brought my TM3 car in for service(rotation and alignment) I had the opportunity to test drive a Plaid. The short summary is the Plaid was fast as get go and rides very nicely. I've become a fan of the Telsa interiors. The BMW interior was to ungapatchka for my taste and it didn't ride any better than the Plaid.

It all comes down to personal taste of course. For me a Tesla interior is not a patch on a BMW. The Tesla comes with some charging advantages, but it’s not a luxury car and lacks that feel for me.

 

[avro707]

I thanked him and said no one ever has ever done that kind gesture!

That's a very nice gesture. Most people aren't that considerate. Good to see some people are.

Having gone through health woes myself a couple of years ago I know how important this is. I didn't bother getting one of those tags but I was seriously impacted in my mobility and struggled to get around using crutches for months. It makes you see the world differently, paths, steps, etc, sloped surfaces.

The Tesla comes with some charging advantages, but it’s not a luxury car and lacks that feel for me.

I agree with the interior observation, to me they really look built to a price inside. I don't really like latest BMWs either for that matter - G30 or G31 would be the newest I'd be happy with.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I agree with the interior observation, to me they really look built to a price inside. I don't really like latest BMWs either for that matter - G30 or G31 would be the newest I'd be happy with.

We have pool cars at work which are mostly 520i and 320i and they are solid cars, very common on the roads, but feel high quality to drive IMO. When we were EV shopping last we looked at a Tesla Model Y and it probably would have been the sensible choice, but my wife didn’t like the quality of the interior and the general look of the car. We ended up with an Audi Q4 which feels a much higher quality car, although Tesla beat it in range and infotainment capability. It’s all down to what is important to the buyer though. EV’s have moved on again since we got ours and no idea what we’ll opt for in 2 years time.

I sat in a Model S Plaid (LHD import) a couple of weeks back at a ‘super car event’ in my town, yeah, not sure it really qualified but the owner seemed to think so lol. Nice car, but it’s not up to German standard IMO.

Some of the new BMW EV’s are not really to my taste either. I like the i4, i5’s, but the SUV’s look awful IMO. The iX with its decal grille makes me cringe every time I see it, no idea why BMW did that.

 

[I7guy]

It all comes down to personal taste of course. For me a Tesla interior is not a patch on a BMW. The Tesla comes with some charging advantages, but it’s not a luxury car and lacks that feel for me.

I agree the Tesla is not pure luxury. But somehow I don’t care. It’s premium enough, has a uniqueness about it.

 

[JT2002TJ]

I agree the Tesla is not pure luxury. But somehow I don’t care. It’s premium enough, has a uniqueness about it.

To me Tesla 3/Y interiors are on par with 3-series, C-class, and A4's. At least the ones I have owned in the past. Where it falls behind is against 5-series, E-class, and A6 and up vehicles. At least here in the US The TM3/Y are priced on par with the 3/C/A4.

If you are used to driving around in a 7-series, S-class, or A8, you will be disappointed by Telsa's entire lineup. Tesla's only originally cost a lot to fund the ability to produce them cheaper. Which is why a TMS Plaid is now $90k (closer to 1/2 the initial cost).

 

[pacmania1982]

Couple more pics of my Avenger taken this weekend.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

To me Tesla 3/Y interiors are on par with 3-series, C-class, and A4's. At least the ones I have owned in the past. Where it falls behind is against 5-series, E-class, and A6 and up vehicles. At least here in the US The TM3/Y are priced on par with the 3/C/A4.

If you are used to driving around in a 7-series, S-class, or A8, you will be disappointed by Telsa's entire lineup. Tesla's only originally cost a lot to fund the ability to produce them cheaper. Which is why a TMS Plaid is now $90k (closer to 1/2 the initial cost).

I don’t agree that the interiors are on par but we all have different perceptions on this and Tesla owners might see things differently maybe. The model 3 and Y have experienced big price drops in the UK so are a bit cheaper on average than the german cars talked about. They also lose a bit more secondhand which makes them an affordable buy on the used market, which I think is great for those getting into EV’s.

The Tesla Model S Plaid is only sold in LHD here so is not a regular sight on our roads. I’ve seen them secondhand on Autotrader for £105k! Mental considering what else is available in the luxury sector for the same price here.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

To me Tesla 3/Y interiors are on par with 3-series, C-class, and A4's. At least the ones I have owned in the past. Where it falls behind is against 5-series, E-class, and A6 and up vehicles. At least here in the US The TM3/Y are priced on par with the 3/C/A4.

I couldn't agree less with this. The new Highland is starting to get there, as is the new Performance. But the choice of materials just isn't in the same league at all.

Here in the EU, the prices are quite a bit less of the TM3/Y, they've entered the lower end of the segment. It can be a great car, and is good value for money, but not even close to the German/Swedish cars in that segment.

If you are used to driving around in a 7-series, S-class, or A8, you will be disappointed by Telsa's entire lineup. Tesla's only originally cost a lot to fund the ability to produce them cheaper. Which is why a TMS Plaid is now $90k (closer to 1/2 the initial cost).

No the S/X are still over 100K here. A plaid with essential options on it is €121K. You are in the territory of way better cars than what you get with a plaid.

 

[JT2002TJ]

I couldn't agree less with this. The new Highland is starting to get there, as is the new Performance. But the choice of materials just isn't in the same league at all.

Here in the EU, the prices are quite a bit less of the TM3/Y, they've entered the lower end of the segment. It can be a great car, and is good value for money, but not even close to the German/Swedish cars in that segment.

No the S/X are still over 100K here. A plaid with essential options on it is €121K. You are in the territory of way better cars than what you get with a plaid.

The 3-series, C-class, and A4 we get here in the US all have plastics for trim pieces, very limited actual leather. I will admit they do a better job with sound deadening. But the top of the line of these are nowhere near the bottom of the line of the next class up (5-series, E-class, and A6). Now, this might be a US thing, as we do not typically get all the available options you get in the UK/Europe/Asia. But for the US market it is 100% true.

I have had nothing but problems that needed to be addressed with this class of German vehicles. The simple list of things that are considered maintenance is crazy. If you don't address them on time, they can be catastrophic. Every generation they say they are better, but these companies have 5+ generations and 30-40 years+ of these vehicles. Tesla has had 1 (2 if you count the S/X/3/Y refreshes) and 12 years, which in this time have created vehicles that require significantly less maintenance (almost none).

As we know, the Plaid is $90k here in the US. This is the cost of the car. If you have to pay more, that is on your import costs/taxes, it still is a $90k car... I could quote Singapore prices for cars, and a Toyota Corolla could be $60k+USD with having to purchase and destroy/export another vehicle + 100% import tax. But that doesn't make it a $60k+ car... So, using today's prices, you cannot compare a $90k car to a $150k car that costs 50% - 60% more. They are now a different class vehicle. But I agree that the internals of a 5-series, E-class, and A6 are better than the S/X.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

The 3-series, C-class, and A4 we get here in the US all have plastics for trim pieces, very limited actual leather. I will admit they do a better job with sound deadening. But the top of the line of these are nowhere near the bottom of the line of the next class up (5-series, E-class, and A6). Now, this might be a US thing, as we do not typically get all the available options you get in the UK/Europe/Asia. But for the US market it is 100% true.

Sure the 3/C/A4 isn't a luxury segement either, but they do set the tone within their own segment, whereas Tesla is more in with the Toyota/Kia/Huyndai's in that same segement.

When you get to the 5/E/A6, and definitely the 7/S/A8 you have a very different experience. It isn't about comparing a TM3 to a 5 or 7...It is that within their own segment it just isn't of that extra standard. Now in the the of TM3/Y is it enough? Is it sufficient? Do they provide a value proposition? Well yes, the TM3/Y are decent enough, and very cheap cars compared to the competition. Although I think for paying more with the Germans/Swedish you get more. Heck even the Chinese brands like those from Zeekr, BYD are costing more than Tesla but also providing a nice environment to be in...I never thought I'd say that.

But granted I think a lot of it has to do with the seemingly low expectations and allowances the US market has for cars. US Market cars have traditionally not done that well in Europe as we seem to have different quality and ride expectations. The TM3/Y redeemed themselves purely due to a value proposition that even undercuts the Korean and Chinese brands.

I have had nothing but problems that needed to be addressed with this class of German vehicles. The simple list of things that are considered maintenance is crazy. If you don't address them on time, they can be catastrophic. Every generation they say they are better, but these companies have 5+ generations and 30-40 years+ of these vehicles. Tesla has had 1 (2 if you count the S/X/3/Y refreshes) and 12 years, which in this time have created vehicles that require significantly less maintenance (almost none).

Nonsense, even EV's need maintenance. They still have hydraulic brakes, steering, cooling systems, doors, hinges, locks, auxillary electrical systems, sensors, cameras, you name it.

As we know, the Plaid is $90k here in the US. This is the cost of the car. If you have to pay more, that is on your import costs/taxes, it still is a $90k car... I could quote Singapore prices for cars, and a Toyota Corolla could be $60k+USD with having to purchase and destroy/export another vehicle + 100% import tax. But that doesn't make it a $60k+ car... So, using today's prices, you cannot compare a $90k car to a $150k car that costs 50% - 60% more. They are now a different class vehicle. But I agree that the internals of a 5-series, E-class, and A6 are better than the S/X.

Yes you can compare it tot a €125K car, as they have the same tax on it Relatively that doesn't change anything. The TM S/X isn't even a $90K car by that reasoning, it is just what they ask and can get away with to keep those models alive.

 

[JT2002TJ]

Sure the 3/C/A4 isn't a luxury segement either, but they do set the tone within their own segment, whereas Tesla is more in with the Toyota/Kia/Huyndai's in that same segement.

When you get to the 5/E/A6, and definitely the 7/S/A8 you have a very different experience. It isn't about comparing a TM3 to a 5 or 7...It is that within their own segment it just isn't of that extra standard. Now in the the of TM3/Y is it enough? Is it sufficient? Do they provide a value proposition? Well yes, the TM3/Y are decent enough, and very cheap cars compared to the competition. Although I think for paying more with the Germans/Swedish you get more. Heck even the Chinese brands like those from Zeekr, BYD are costing more than Tesla but also providing a nice environment to be in...I never thought I'd say that.

But granted I think a lot of it has to do with the seemingly low expectations and allowances the US market has for cars. US Market cars have traditionally not done that well in Europe as we seem to have different quality and ride expectations. The TM3/Y redeemed themselves purely due to a value proposition that even undercuts the Korean and Chinese brands.

There are a lot of options now.

Nonsense, even EV's need maintenance. They still have hydraulic brakes, steering, cooling systems, doors, hinges, locks, auxillary electrical systems, sensors, cameras, you name it.

That is why I said "(almost none)". Maintenace for Tesla's are Brake service every 2 years (if in areas where they use salt on the roads), air filters every 2 years, Hepa filter every 4 years, 12V battery every 3-4 years ($120 installed by Tesla) if you don't have the newer 16V batteries, and lastly washer fluid. I don't know anyone who has had to replace brake shoes with <150k miles

My last 3-series was a long list, my A4, I can't even easily list them there was so much.

Yes you can compare it tot a €125K car, as they have the same tax on it Relatively that doesn't change anything. The TM S/X isn't even a $90K car by that reasoning, it is just what they ask and can get away with to keep those models alive.

A TM S/X Plaid is $90k. A regular S/X starts just under $70k (€54k)... So less than 1/2 of what you are saying.

 

[dmr727]

The plan is to get an EV this summer, and an i4 M50 is on the short list. With the tech changing so rapidly, I'm guessing it makes sense to just lease it? I figure it's also wise to always have a German car under warranty.

Also, what have you guys been paying to have a charger installed in the garage? I'm sure it's pretty variable depending on the complexity of the install, but we don't move into our new house until the end of July so I can't get someone out to get us a real estimate. The house is 200A so I should be okay there, but I'm guessing they'll need to get 240V from the box in the basement up to the garage. A grand? Five grand?

 

[Apple fanboy]

The plan is to get an EV this summer, and an i4 M50 is on the short list. With the tech changing so rapidly, I'm guessing it makes sense to just lease it? I figure it's also wise to always have a German car under warranty.

Also, what have you guys been paying to have a charger installed in the garage? I'm sure it's pretty variable depending on the complexity of the install, but we don't move into our new house until the end of July so I can't get someone out to get us a real estimate. The house is 200A so I should be okay there, but I'm guessing they'll need to get 240V from the box in the basement up to the garage. A grand? Five grand?

I paid less than £1000 for the device. About £300 for the install.

 

[dmr727]

I paid less than £1000 for the device. About £300 for the install.

That's good to hear - appreciate the data point!

 

[cyb3rdud3]

The plan is to get an EV this summer, and an i4 M50 is on the short list. With the tech changing so rapidly, I'm guessing it makes sense to just lease it? I figure it's also wise to always have a German car under warranty.

Very nice, love the i4 M50. Very nice drivers car as well. To me, leasing only makes sense when it is cheaper. I tend to look at the Total Cost of Ownership, I don't like debts other than on appreciating assets like a mortgage for a home or factory.

Also, what have you guys been paying to have a charger installed in the garage? I'm sure it's pretty variable depending on the complexity of the install, but we don't move into our new house until the end of July so I can't get someone out to get us a real estimate. The house is 200A so I should be okay there, but I'm guessing they'll need to get 240V from the box in the basement up to the garage. A grand? Five grand?

We paid GBP1,150 for a tethered smart charger with a 10m cable. Our entry point is on the outside wall, our consumer board is on the other side in the garage. We have a separate RCD for it, and hidden internal and supply cabling as we didn't want to see ugly cabling on our outside wall of the house.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

There are a lot of options now.



That is why I said "(almost none)". Maintenace for Tesla's are Brake service every 2 years (if in areas where they use salt on the roads), air filters every 2 years, Hepa filter every 4 years, 12V battery every 3-4 years ($120 installed by Tesla) if you don't have the newer 16V batteries, and lastly washer fluid. I don't know anyone who has had to replace brake shoes with <150k miles

Funny this condition "if in areas where they use salt on the roads". Isn't Tesla brake hydraulics hygroscopic? That would be awesome, but I doubt it.

Seriously though, I've looked at a number of Tesla second hand cars (and new one). I think they've got the service schedule very wrong as my gosh there are a lot of sheds. Also they eat through bushes, eat tyres with the geometry setup, and driveshaft vibrations are crazy. Every single time I test drove one the vibrations were there.

My last 3-series was a long list, my A4, I can't even easily list them there was so much.



A TM S/X Plaid is $90k. A regular S/X starts just under $70k (€54k)... So less than 1/2 of what you are saying.

Nope, a relative comparison including tax remains a relative comparison including tax. Nothing changes So a Plain at €123k including tax naturally should be compared against other cars that are €123k including tax...Likewise a dual motor €93K including tax can be compared against other €93K cars including tax It would be silly to use the ex tax price point for one car versus including tax for another wouldn't it? Well unless one can register a car in Maryland or Guernsey or somewhere like that. But even then, relatively it remains the same comparison...

 

[Apple fanboy]

That's good to hear - appreciate the data point!

Mine was two years ago and pretty simple. The fuse box had extra capacity so nothing complicated.
I’d strongly recommend getting a tethered charger. A lot less hassle. I use our untethered one at work and it’s a pain (that I’m willing to put up with for free fuel!).
Mine is a Zappi

 

[diamond.g]

Funny this condition "if in areas where they use salt on the roads". Isn't Tesla brake hydraulics hygroscopic? That would be awesome, but I doubt it.

Seriously though, I've looked at a number of Tesla second hand cars (and new one). I think they've got the service schedule very wrong as my gosh there are a lot of sheds. Also they eat through bushes, eat tyres with the geometry setup, and driveshaft vibrations are crazy. Every single time I test drove one the vibrations were there.

Nope, a relative comparison including tax remains a relative comparison including tax. Nothing changes So a Plain at €123k including tax naturally should be compared against other cars that are €123k including tax...Likewise a dual motor €93K including tax can be compared against other €93K cars including tax It would be silly to use the ex tax price point for one car versus including tax for another wouldn't it? Well unless one can register a car in Maryland or Guernsey or somewhere like that. But even then, relatively it remains the same comparison...

The brake lubrication service schedule is different than the brake fluid service schedule.

Fluid is check every 4 years replace as needed.
Caliper Lube is every year if in an area where roads are salted.


Edit: the fluid service interval timelines can be shortened if repeated heavy braking occurs or if you live in a humid environment.