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

[Apple fanboy]

The international marine shipping rules for transporting EVs are a lot more strict than for transporting ICE automobiles. This is not necessary because a vehicle being electric or not, but because of the battery. Even in the Alaska US waters we have had lithium-battery fires in ships transporting batteries. The rules for transporting and shipping batteries are more strict for the same reasons. A simple example as follows: I live in Alaska, and quite a lot of companies in the States South of the Canadian border (we call them "Lower-48 States) do not ship the individual lithium battery packs to consumers in Alaska. I can buy (online) most instruments, laptops, cameras, and so on, however. But the only way I can buy a battery pack is at the local stores where I pay a higher price than in Amazon and other stores. I need to buy two cylindrical-shaped battery packs for a couple of metal detectors I have, but so far none are found at the Alaska stores.

By the way, my comments above have nothing to do with EV versus ICE vehicular fires. Fire departments around the world, insurance companies, the marine, land, and air transport industries...all have the safety instructions relating to the transport of chemicals, flammable materials, EV's, ICE automobiles, and so on. Anybody in this forum can easily search for and read all the safety instructions I have referred to.

We ship lights for photography and there are specific carriers you have to use with lights with larger batteries. Also if the light is new and hasn’t had all its certification done yet, it’s a real pain.

Mind you shipping oil isn’t great either. All those leaks that have happened over the years.

 

[Apple fanboy]

resale value of Teslas is very poor here in Australia.
many owners are trading in for hybrid cars - either plug-in type or recharge as you drive
best of both worlds … and not tied to charging anxiety.
we had a Honda Insight back in the day - awesome little car.
very low fuel consumption and even tho 1-speed CVT, it had paddles either side of steering wheel which gave you 7 gears like a semi-automatic.
the only thing that let it down was the semi-comfortable seats.
a most advanced car for its time …

I’ve always considered hybrids to be the worst of both worlds. You lug a battery around that is heavy when using the ICE. You carry an ICE around when using the battery.
Most plug in hybrids do t get charged so the battery is seldom used. Self charging is better, but more complicated. Lots of systems to go wrong. Plus unlike an EV they require regular servicing. Not for me. But my user case is different to yours. No range anxiety in the UK as we have plenty of chargers for the few times a year I need one.

 

[A.Goldberg]

I’ve always considered hybrids to be the worst of both worlds. You lug a battery around that is heavy when using the ICE. You carry an ICE around when using the battery.
Most plug in hybrids do t get charged so the battery is seldom used. Self charging is better, but more complicated. Lots of systems to go wrong. Plus unlike an EV they require regular servicing. Not for me. But my user case is different to yours. No range anxiety in the UK as we have plenty of chargers for the few times a year I need one.

Generally speaking I think it makes a lot more sense to go with one option or the other. Too much complication in most cases.

I gave some consideration to buying the XC60 T8 Recharge (plug-in hybrid)- these get about 36mi of range in EV mode allegedly. My commute is about 6 miles each way- so I wouldn’t have to pay for gas. A full EV isn’t a practical because I live in Boston and adding 240v charging to my garage would be atrociously expensive and complicated if even really possible. Charging the Volvo on with 120v/20A which I do have readily available would take 8hrs if I recall, which is fine.

Volvo also uses a the engine for the front axle and the motor for the rear axle, so it’s a lot less complicated mechanically than meshing the two power sources- at least in theory. That said, I was still concerned about reliability, especially since the second generation of this hybrid system is relatively new and the old version had a lot of problems.

The other problem is that my area has some of the highest electricity costs in the country. When you do the math, at best it’s at best a wash cost wise. That doesn’t factor in the extra $10k premium to buy the full hybrid over the non-hybrid (technically a mild hybrid)- not eligible for tax incentives (unless you use a lease loophole).

And can we talk about the “mild hybrid” term. I think it’s so gimmicky. I don’t think we should call them “hybrids” when the tech only boosts fuel economy by 1-2mpg.

 

[adrianlondon]

I recently needed a car and so hired one. Turned out to be the new MG3 Hybrid+.

Wow, that car is cheap to buy! Sure, it can feel a bit cheap inside and the auto gearbox is a takes a bit of getting used to as it seems to switch between electric and petrol power at odd times. But compared to any EV it's so much cheaper I doubt you'd ever recoup the savings of not needing petrol.

Would I buy one? If I needed a car now and decided to buy brand new (never done that before) then yes. However, I think hybrids are a stoop-gap solution and I like to think EVs will be the first choice for most people in a few years' time here in Europe. We don't tend to drive huge distances regularly.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Generally speaking I think it makes a lot more sense to go with one option or the other. Too much complication in most cases.

I gave some consideration to buying the XC60 T8 Recharge (plug-in hybrid)- these get about 36mi of range in EV mode allegedly. My commute is about 6 miles each way- so I wouldn’t have to pay for gas. A full EV isn’t a practical because I live in Boston and adding 240v charging to my garage would be atrociously expensive and complicated if even really possible. Charging the Volvo on with 120v/20A which I do have readily available would take 8hrs if I recall, which is fine.

Volvo also uses a the engine for the front axle and the motor for the rear axle, so it’s a lot less complicated mechanically than meshing the two power sources- at least in theory. That said, I was still concerned about reliability, especially since the second generation of this hybrid system is relatively new and the old version had a lot of problems.

The other problem is that my area has some of the highest electricity costs in the country. When you do the math, at best it’s at best a wash cost wise. That doesn’t factor in the extra $10k premium to buy the full hybrid over the non-hybrid (technically a mild hybrid)- not eligible for tax incentives (unless you use a lease loophole).

And can we talk about the “mild hybrid” term. I think it’s so gimmicky. I don’t think we should call them “hybrids” when the tech only boosts fuel economy by 1-2mpg.

Not sure where you are based but many electricity companies offer cheaper electricity at night when demand is low. I don’t bother though as I charge at work 95% of the time. I arrived here this morning with 12 miles of range left. I’ll leave on 100%. Brilliant!

 

[I7guy]

I recently needed a car and so hired one. Turned out to be the new MG3 Hybrid+.

Wow, that car is cheap to buy! Sure, it can feel a bit cheap inside and the auto gearbox is a takes a bit of getting used to as it seems to switch between electric and petrol power at odd times. But compared to any EV it's so much cheaper I doubt you'd ever recoup the savings of not needing petrol.

If the end game is going from point a to point b cheap as possible, buy a 10 year old Hyundai Elantra and be done with it. Will be totally cost effective.

Would I buy one? If I needed a car now and decided to buy brand new (never done that before) then yes. However, I think hybrids are a stoop-gap solution and I like to think EVs will be the first choice for most people in a few years' time here in Europe. We don't tend to drive huge distances regularly.

I bought my Tesla to try something new, glad I did.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

If the end game is going from point a to point b cheap as possible, buy a 10 year old Hyundai Elantra and be done with it. Will be totally cost effective.

I bought my Tesla to try something new, glad I did.

I’ve never heard of a Hyundai Elantra but when I googled it, it looks like it’s badged as an i30 in the UK and Europe. They hold their value surprisingly well compared to Fords and Vauxhalls here but probably because they are generally more reliable. An ex-colleague of mine had a 2014 i30 diesel on 320k miles and although he had a nicer car at home, he was running it to see how many miles he could get out of it.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Last week I was invited by Polestar to join them at Silverstone for the F1 Classics, and also took the opportunity to test drive the new Polestar 4.

I really liked it. Naturally, it is a class (or two) up from our Polestar 2 and this is noticeable when driving it. The increased wheelbase, and width gives for a lovely luxury experience. In many ways it reminds me of my Porsche Panemera with the new seating arrangements and the adjustability in the back.

The updated AAOS system is in landscape, and really well implemented with multi-window processing, and in addition there is still a binnacle and also one of the best huds I've ever used. The position is perfect, the information is details yet clear, and it doesn't disrupt the vision. The adjustable damping is brilliant and just glides over the bad UK roads, yes maintains composure when pushing it. Sadly, they only had a single engine version, I wouldn't recommend that one as it felt slow for the class of car. Definitely go for the dual motor.

The rear view mirror is digital, I'm not convinced about it. Found the refresh rate a bit slow, and can be challenging when wearing varifocal glasses. But not enough of an issue to discount the car.

All in all, a really solid, well-built, luxury scandi chique experience. Highly recommended. My wife absolutely wants one to replace her Polestar 2, but we wait until the chromatic roof becomes available to order in the Netherlands.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Is there no rear window?

 

[hobowankenobi]

Is there no rear window?

Nope. with multi-camera rear views, there is really no need.

 

[I7guy]

Nope. with multi-camera rear views, there is really no need.

Call me old fashioned, but I like a rear window.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Selling my 2018 Model 3 Mid-range with 98K miles on it. Best car I have ever owned, literally barely spent any $ for repairs.

Total maintenance over 6 years:

Tires
Wiper Blades
Cabin Air Filter
12V battery ($112 for parts and labor, installed by Tesla...at my house)


Just ordered a 2024 Model 3 Long Range. Also got a $1000 loyalty discount (same as referral).

---

BTW, if anybody is shopping for a new Tesla, happy to share my referral code for $1000 off. Just be sure to do it before signing, can't add after as I understand it.

 

[I7guy]

I’ve never heard of a Hyundai Elantra but when I googled it, it looks like it’s badged as an i30 in the UK and Europe. They hold their value surprisingly well compared to Fords and Vauxhalls here but probably because they are generally more reliable. An ex-colleague of mine had a 2014 i30 diesel on 320k miles and although he had a nicer car at home, he was running it to see how many miles he could get out of it.

A Hyundai Elantra for the longest time was a tin can car. Within the last many years Hyundai has been attempting to elevate the brand image to be a Honda Civic competitor. Those who are looking to spend the least amount of money on cars can find used vehicles for dirt cheap and when the car disintegrates, throw it away and buy another.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Nope. with multi-camera rear views, there is really no need.

Agree to disagree - I like having normal rear windows and the view it affords

 

[I7guy]

Selling my 2018 Model 3 Mid-range with 98K miles on it. Best car I have ever owned, literally barely spent any $ for repairs.

Total maintenance over 6 years:

Tires
Wiper Blades
Cabin Air Filter
12V battery ($112 for parts and labor, installed by Tesla...at my house)


Just ordered a 2024 Model 3 Long Range. Also got a $1000 loyalty discount (same as referral).

---

BTW, if anybody is shopping for a new Tesla, happy to share my referral code for $1000 off. Just be sure to do it before signing, can't add after as I understand it.

Business associate has been talking about getting a Tesla for the longest time. I kept telling him I would give him my referral code if he didn't have any others to use. He said he didn't.

So one fine day I drive into the work and I see him get out of a new LR 2024 TM3. Car is gorgeous. I asked him if he used a referral code and he said he didn't. I said why didn't you ask me for mine. "I forgot". 😬

 

[hobowankenobi]

Call me old fashioned, but I like a rear window.

Yer old fashioned!

Even in my current 3 with a window, I never use it when parking or maneuvering. Cameras are so much better.

I do use it driving, but I don't have an actual dedicated display for a rear view...or I might not. Would like to test that.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Business associate has been talking about getting a Tesla for the longest time. I kept telling him I would give him my referral code if he didn't have any others to use. He said he didn't.

So one fine day I drive into the work and I see him get out of a new LR 2024 TM3. Car is gorgeous. I asked him if he used a referral code and he said he didn't. I said why didn't you ask me for mine. "I forgot". 😬

Same. Some friends just bought a Y...no code. Forgot about it.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Agree to disagree - I like having normal rear windows and the view it affords

It takes a little bit to adjust. Even my 2018 cameras are better than the mirror, so 2024 cameras should be .

 

[adrianlondon]

Why have windows at all if the cameras are so good?

I guess I'd get used to it, but after so many years of driving it'll take me a while to stop trying to look out the back window.

 

[jz0309]

Agree to disagree - I like having normal rear windows and the view it affords

I actually have the camera rear mirror in my Bolt EUV nd I love it, way easier to keep clean

 

[jz0309]

Call me old fashioned, but I like a rear window.

if you love the Tesla, you'd love a camera rear view mirror I actually prefer it over regular now that I had it for almost 2 years

 

[JT2002TJ]

Why have windows at all if the cameras are so good?

I guess I'd get used to it, but after so many years of driving it'll take me a while to stop trying to look out the back window.

With the chase of better aerodynamics and crash safety the rear windows are getting so sloped that there isn’t much view anyways. My TMY window doesn’t give much view through the glass.

It is only natural to use a camera and increase your actual view.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

We ship lights for photography and there are specific carriers you have to use with lights with larger batteries. Also if the light is new and hasn’t had all its certification done yet, it’s a real pain.

Mind you shipping oil isn’t great either. All those leaks that have happened over the years.

Agree about the products and shipping. Numerous rules apply, specially for shipping hazardous products in liquid and gaseous forms (reactive, flammable, corrosive products, and so on). And leaks or spills do occur now and then.

 

[Harry Haller]

Not sure where you are based but many electricity companies offer cheaper electricity at night when demand is low. I don’t bother though as I charge at work 95% of the time. I arrived here this morning with 12 miles of range left. I’ll leave on 100%. Brilliant!

I wonder what percentage of the workforce has access to charging where they work? Any estimates?

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Call me old fashioned, but I like a rear window.

Rear window for me, too. Cameras are OK too, but sideview and rearview mirrors plus a back window never fail. There are times where the cameras fail to provide a clear view. All depends on the weather (rain, snow, mud, etc.).