Please provide source(s) you can link for ‘industry experts’ indicating the Mach-E is “the worst of current EV cars on the market in the US.” I mean, I’ve heard negative things about the software programming through various comments, but I haven’t heard anything about the worst EV. I also think it’s a bit premature given that the Mach-E has only been available for like six months maybe, and the GT isn’t even available yet. Remember, Tesla was in this exact same predicament when they first launched, with quality control issues with panel gaps, misaligned pillars, uneven Dashboard. And now Tesla has turned things around, when everybody else said they would fail and now their stock is healthy. Like I said, every manufacture has issues with first production model, it’s more of a beta vehicle in some respects, but it’s really all about a maturation process year-after-year.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Who has or is planning to get an electric car / EV Talk
- Thread starter PracticalMac
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
1. Keep in mind the current wait period is not due to a backlog necessarily, but just how Tesla currently works right now with only 2 factories responsible for all of Tesla's Global distribution. Right now Fremont is churning out Model 3's only for export. This ensures enough lead time in shipping to get them to Europe for end of quarter delivery in September. Sometime in August they will change to US spec Model 3's and churn them out like crazy and deliver them in September as well.
2. Another decision point to consider with LR vs Performance. Tesla uses different standards in measuring 0-60 time. Long Range is from a stand still. Performance includes 1 ft. roll out. So the Long Range with acceleration boost if you want to be apples vs apples will be within .4 seconds of the Performance. Now the performance has track mode which will help with keeping the Tesla run cooler, etc on the track. But if you just want the fastest possible, have to consider if it is worth $6000 more for .4 of a second.
First, congrats on your Tesla that I saw in the car thread. Looks really sharp. If I do opt for the LR, I would probably go white or red like Kurts (Austinillini). I really like the Uberturbine wheels on the performance model, those are some of the best 20 inch wheels I think I’ve seen that match perfectly with Model 3 aesthetics.
I didn’t know that about their global shipping, I know they’re on fire right now with the Model 3. If I opt for the LR, I want the accel boost, I did watch a few videos, and some ‘Youtubers’ did mention that you can tell a difference if you’ve been driving the M3 long enough with the acceleration boost, (which I believe replaces ‘standard to sport mode’.) And if you think about it, the amount of time that it actually cuts down with the acceleration boost, $2000 isn’t really a lot of money, when it would cost a lot more for a tune/parts to bring that 0-60 time down.
I believe they’re announcing the entry-level Model 3 soon, suspected to start around $27,000.
Definitely share your impressions on your M3 once you’ve had more time with it, any likes/dislikes, winter driving, ect.
I was in the same boat as you until Tesla started offering the Standard Range Model 3...the cheapest one at $35,900 and it was only available online for a short time until it went "off menu". (you could get one, but you had to call Tesla sales). We loved that SR and paid $4500 to upgrade it to a SR+ (got me 20 more miles, fog lights, and autopilot...the biggest reason for upgrading). Took a trip to Jacksonville FL from Louisville KY and for the VERY first time, we arrived relaxed and ready to do something. Autopilot is a huge game changer when driving distance. Having to stop about 8 times on the way down forced us to get out and venture around, which helped us relax. Even my wife, who hates traveling by car, noted that the trip was the best one ever.
But when I was debating on getting it, I consulted my dad about the payments (my previous expensive vehicle was a Chevy Silverado at $29,000) and he broke it down for me: I was paying a lot for gas and maintenance, whereas the Model 3 had little maintenance (the wearables) and "fuel" is cheap.
We have since sold the Model 3 and upgraded to a 2021 Model Y.
We charge overnight because I thought that there was an "off peak" period, but I have since found out that my local electric coop doesn't have that, it averages it out so that the rate is same 24/7.
I have not seen an increase in my bill. It is very minimal.
Probably because of the VAT? Plus shipping them from CA to England, putting the drivers seat/controls on the wrong side (ok, kidding about the wrong side
) are things that bring up the cost.Once gigafactory Berlin is up and running at the end of the year, expect to see them ship to England and (hopefully) prices to go down.
It won't be a model 3. Rumor is model 2 will be the name, but we don't know. I think next year when Gigafactory Austin is open.
Once the new battery pack (4680) is in production, expect to see some big changes (range).
Not sure if this has been answered or not, but Tesla has service centers in the majority of states, for those that do not, like Kentucky where i live, they use mobile service techs who come to you. Setting up service is a breeze on the app on your phone.
As for test driving, the majority of the states have an owners club and I'm sure that they will get someone to show you and let you test drive their car. I know here in KY I can find an owner of each model and hook you up.
I haven't finished this thread but I have to ask...why would it be the last car? I have 1 brother that won't buy them because of the FUD they read online. Even though I have owned one since 2019 and have had no issues. I think it's more of they can't afford one.
I have a 2021 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor and love it. There were a lot of considerations going in when I bought my first one (2019 Model 3): charging network was #1; Tesla as a company was past the "will it survive??" point and thriving; I wanted an EV, not a hybrid.
Hybrids to me (someone mentioned "the best of both worlds" and said to get a Toyota Rav4. I disagree..I think a hybrid is terrible. You get an underpowered engine with an under developed electric motor. As the saying goes, s**t or get off the pot. Go all EV or stick with ICE.
You being in Texas, there are no direct sales of Tesla in the state of Texas due to the archaic laws (we have them here in KY too). In fact, I believe you go out of state to pick it up, just like we do here in KY. Even when Gigafactory Austin is completed, they won't be able to allow someone to pick up from the factory unless Texas changes their laws.
If you want to talk to a local Tesla owners club, PM me where in Texas you live and I'll give you their contact info. Even if you don't go Tesla, at least talk to them and get a local owner experience, not some internet chatter.
Here's mine:
I own two 2017 Chevy Volts (one is the wife's, one is mine -- but about 6 months ago one of my college-aged kids kind of commandeered mine). We love them.
Our daily commutes are pretty short so we rarely go beyond the ~50 mile battery-only limits (from a full charge), so we almost never burn gas. Once the battery-only mileage is depleted on the Volt, it'll switch to gas-powered extended mode (kind of like a Prius but the gas engine mostly provides power to the electric motors though can directly drive the wheels in certain situations). We have chargers in the garage, so it's easy to keep them charged. And they'll still get over 40 MPG when running on gas only. We've taken them on 500+ mile trips and they do great.
I'd actually really like it if there were more cars with this kind of drivetrain (50-100 mile all-electric range with a gas-powered generator for longer trips), but it's pretty complex and probably more expensive to produce. It certainly would be a good bridge until a more robust nationwide network of EV charging stations is available.
I do plan on buying a Tesla in the next 12-18 months, but would still feel like we'd need a gas-powered car should we need to go on a long car trip. Though we'll see what improvements there are to the charging networks over the next 12-18 months until then.
Our daily commutes are pretty short so we rarely go beyond the ~50 mile battery-only limits (from a full charge), so we almost never burn gas. Once the battery-only mileage is depleted on the Volt, it'll switch to gas-powered extended mode (kind of like a Prius but the gas engine mostly provides power to the electric motors though can directly drive the wheels in certain situations). We have chargers in the garage, so it's easy to keep them charged. And they'll still get over 40 MPG when running on gas only. We've taken them on 500+ mile trips and they do great.
I'd actually really like it if there were more cars with this kind of drivetrain (50-100 mile all-electric range with a gas-powered generator for longer trips), but it's pretty complex and probably more expensive to produce. It certainly would be a good bridge until a more robust nationwide network of EV charging stations is available.
I do plan on buying a Tesla in the next 12-18 months, but would still feel like we'd need a gas-powered car should we need to go on a long car trip. Though we'll see what improvements there are to the charging networks over the next 12-18 months until then.
investing topic! I had an Audi Etron for a while, decent range ~220 miles. Car was. beautiful much nicer looking than a Tesla IMO. HOWEVER! planning for a trip, a nightmare! I call it electric charging anxiety... where I live there are a lot, but not enough, then when you go to use them they are being used! you could barely go on a few hour trip before having to charge, making sure not to haul 4 passinengers or use the heater because that would take even more battery! LOL! why!? The best day was getting rid of this thing and getting an Auid Hybrid, much better! Can go anywhere!!!
For your situation (condo), charging is an issue, no question about it. I have a coworker who has an apartment and a Model Y. They go to the supercharger about once a week. He can also plug into a 110 outlet at work, but that's incredibly slow.
Not all EV's is for everyone, but I do want to point out something: Insurance. To base your estimate on what C&D says is not a good way to evaluate insurance and base yours or anyone's opinion. Car & Driver is a good magazine to read, but I never take anything at face value from them.
The BEST way is to contact some local insurance companies and find out what the costs pertain to you. My insurance went sky high not due to any car, but my 16 year old son. Now that he's 21, it's finally come down. We have 2 cars (21 Tesla Model Y & 2014 Ford F150 4x4 w/full coverage and a 2005 Honda Element with basic coverage) and with State Farm, I'm paying ~$180 per month which equals to roughly $2160/year...a far cry from $4500. But I'm in KY, not CA. And the OP is from Texas, so who knows the rates down there (plus their age, if they have kids, etc).
As for service/support, for your x amount of tesla owners who report bad experience, I can provide 2x the amount of owners who have had good service when needed.
Ever hear of Sandy Munro? https://leandesign.com/
Watch his videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj--iMtToRO_cGG_fpmP5XQ
He gives you an honest opinion of Teslas and will tear them down. (he also tore down a Mach E and will do a Ford Lightning and Tesla Model S Plaid soon as he gets them)
At least watch this one:
You have proven my point-and no it's not an issue of not being able to afford one, and it seems that you are implying that people who choose not to buy one only do so for financial reasons.
I need to not say more to avoid getting myself in trouble on this site, but my serious dislike of Teslas at this point has little to do with the cars themselves.
Check out the supercharger network: https://www.tesla.com/supercharger
We have taken road trips to FL and Texas with no issues at all. There are a ton of videos on Youtube about guys doing cross country trips
Here's one:
How did I prove your point? It was a serious question. It would be like me saying "In no way would I ever buy a MG". Knowing you have a passion for yours, wouldn't it interest you on why I don't? Maybe it's just me.
And no, I was not implying that about financial reasons...you assumed that. I was talking about my brother, not you or anyone else. I was giving a reference.
And so I guess it's because of probably the owners and/or the company that you won't, which is...whatever. Me personally, I wouldn't base my decision on a car based upon that. They say Ferrari owners are jerks...and the only one I know who owns one does fit this mode...but I love Ferrari and would have one if I could afford one. No owner, company, or anyone would deter me. But that's just me.
For me even as a Tesla owner myself now.... Some owners are obnoxious as crap and take being fans of Tesla way too freaking far.
And like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk can be an obnoxious jerk. His only reason why he went on a twitter rant about COVID restrictions and, " MUH FREEDOM" was because it forced Fremont to close and he could not produce cars.
But like you, like the product so.... Obviously doesn't affect me in my buying decision. What will is customer support and quality of the vehicle. So far my Model 3 has some quality issues that I am going to live with..... There is a rattle somewhere in the B pillar area on the passenger side, looks like the workers chipped the paint on the side rocker when they installed the passenger doors( did not notice until my first wash which the chip is under the Xpel), and looks like the service center installed custom paint swirls on the passenger quarter panel( again something I did not notice upon delivery due to lighting, but curious the Xpel/Ceramic coating dealer couldn't paint correct it).... We just figured out why white became the free color.....
I may get the rattle looked at, but I just fear the service people making it worse than it currently is.
If a car doesn't interest you, it really doesn't matter to me why not as I'm probably not going to change your mind.
And yes, my whole point is this seeming thought that there is no other electric car than a Tesla. To be frank there's a lot of baggage that comes with the brand. I don't want ti sidetrack this discussion and would rather just leave it here that a Tesla is not for me. That seems to bother others that I say it, but that's just the way it is...just like a Prius or Ferrari isn't for me.
That makes sense. I don’t think using the Model 3 title for a cheaper variant wouldn’t be a good look, probably better to give a new moniker to a cheaper entry level, that way it’s easy for consumers understand and create that separation (I.E-Model 2 as mentioned). Personally, I keep dabbling with the Cybertruck on Tesla‘s website, and the tri-motor option really interests me. But I really would like to drive one first. So for first impressions with the Cybertruck, there’s a few members on here who have pre-orders in, I suspect if I were to pre-order a CT tomorrow, I probably would be looking late first quarter 2022 before I would even get my hands on one.
i'd love an electric car but can't afford one and there is no way to charge a car at my home. i'm moving soon into a brand new building (still being built atm) so hopefully that has charging in the car park.
i just got a corsa (2016) a few months ago and that cost me £5,300. at a push i could probably have went for something up to £7,000. can't afford a brand new car so need to buy used. my previous car i had between 2009-2021 (it was made 2007) so i hope to have my corsa until 2030. maybe things will change by then and i can get an electric car
and there is no way to charge a car at my home. i'm moving soon into a brand new building (still being built atm) so hopefully that has charging in the car park.i just got a corsa (2016) a few months ago and that cost me £5,300. at a push i could probably have went for something up to £7,000. can't afford a brand new car so need to buy used. my previous car i had between 2009-2021 (it was made 2007) so i hope to have my corsa until 2030. maybe things will change by then and i can get an electric car
Yeah. Going to a supercharger regularly to charge the battery probably isn’t the best plan in terms of long term battery health. Until workplaces put in sufficient charging (which there is little incentive to do) it doesn’t make much sense for someone like me to buy an EV. Installing condo charging would be difficult, but the majority of people around me (Boston) rent apartments which would make installing charging even more difficult. There is a lot of rented parking as overnight street parking is not allowed, so that might be a possibility. The nearest Supercharging stations are in downtown Boston, which would be a pain to get to during high traffic periods and are likely quite busy. All non-Tesla chargers I’m aware of are old and offer little power output/slow charging.
What would be interesting, especially for workplaces or high traffic areas-, would be charging stations where you could either reserve times to change and/or charge until full- then have a certain amount of time before you start getting charged for leaving your fully/sufficiently car charged car in charging space. Being able to move your car on a schedule however can be difficult in my line of work (working in a hospital) where you might be tied up with patients when you need to move your car. Many hospitals also have separated employee and patient/visitor parking, as well as onsite and offsite employee parking, making the cost of installing electric charging that much higher and rotating charging spaces that much more inconvenient.
As for Tesla reliability the stats are pretty clear and the issues with part and service availability are pretty well documented. Obviously individual experiences will vary. People’s tolerance for flaws out of the factory on on $50,000-60,000+ cars are going to vary as well. I for example would not be happy buying a car such as yours at the price you presumably paid with swirls in some of the paintwork. That kind of stuff frankly should easily be caught and corrected at the factory.
Insurance seems to vary widely and naturally there are a lot of variables. I know people with clean driving records with quite high prices. There are many articles looking at the average Tesla insurance costs. While Tesla has some of the most comprehensive autonomous safety systems, they are far from the only cars offering some of these technologies and they are not infallible. And when you pair extremely powerful cars with absurd repair costs, low parts availability, limited certified repair shops, etc, the risks and costs of repairs go way up.
Rich Rebuilds who I’m sure you know just did a video on how a simple broken cooling port for the battery, which is vulnerable to foreign debris damage, is a a $16,000 repair from Tesla as they insist on a total battery replacement. A problem that would total out many cars. And that’s the issue you hear about with a lot of Teslas with minor damage- they get totaled out easily due to Tesla’s parts and repair nonsense. But Tesla unfortunately has the incentive to sell as many new cars as possible as there is so much focus out on their sales and stock value.
I’m not sure the point you’re making with Sandy Monroe. His focus seems to be primarily on how to efficiently build cars, not necessarily their individual component reliability. He’s made some of the same comments about paint and body work. And his insight says nothing about parts or service availability.
I can understand people love their Tesla’s despite the quality, reliability, service, etc issues. They certainly have their merits, especially if you want an EV. High owner satisfaction statistically however does not mean all of the other metrics (reliability, serviceability, repair costs, etc are satisfactory). And what a Tesla or EV enthusiast is willing to put up with is very different than someone just looking looking to buy a car is willing to put up with.
My father for example you could say is a Land Rover enthusiast. He’s owned Land Rovers from the late 70’s (well before Land Rovers were officially sold in the US) to present, currently including a 2020 Range Rover HSE TD6, 2012 Range Rover Sport HSE, and 1973 Series III. Land Rovers are notoriously unreliable and carry one of the highest repair costs of any car, I’m sure insurance is astronomical, but he keeps buying them not because they are “good” cars, but because he enjoys them (Besides, his DD is a 2016 Lexus IS350 AWD which is almost absurdly reliable). There are many Land Rover fan out there who buy one after another, but many more who buy them once and despite liking the car itself, but due to the ownership experience run away saying never again.
If you want an EV, Tesla I think makes the most sense from an availability, technology, and charging infrastructure standpoint. That said, I think they still have a lot of issues to iron out like simple quality issues and general customer service related issues before the mainstream public (ie people buying Toyota’s and Honda’s) will happy with their ownership. Tesla certainly has an edge over the competition, but they need to be careful not to take advantage of it as other brands develop their technologies and are able to offer more competitive or perhaps even better products.
I work at a hospital too and understand about not being able to move etc. We have some chargers at some office buildings and what they do is park and leave it.
Well that's good to know. I'm in Canada, but I see there are some service centers about an hour and half away from me.
Is there really much regular service that needs to be completed on a Tesla?
Interesting question. For me, the ev ecosystem isn’t quite there yet. I’m thinking in about 3 years to give the ecosystem time to shake out. Probably won’t get a Tesla though.