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If you had up to $55k to purchase an electric vehicle (new/used) with a range of a least 250 miles, what would you buy?
I'm in the market for another EV. I have a Leaf currently and love it for in town driving. I want something with more range for longer trips.
I've looked at Hyundai, Tesla, VW, and Ford vehicles. No vehicle is perfect. I like the HUD of the Hyundai and the full self driving of the Tesla. I don't like the look of the Ford Mustang, and the Lightning is comfy but enormous. And since Tesla has been around for a while, there's the option of a used Model S compared to a new Model 3 (for instance).
This doesn't necessarily have to be an advice thread - trying to find the best vehicle for me. I'm more looking for your personal pros/cons of vehicles in the EV market from your perspective.
Like the title asks, what would you buy in today's market?
The Kia EV6 was my choice after doing tons of research, and I'm super happy with that choice.
It's super well built and is a crazy smooth drive. Personally, I hate the trend to throw every vehicke function into a tablet and call it good, so the fact that the EV6 has actual physical buttons was a big plus.
The Kia/Hyundai EVs tend to be the quickest at fast charging if you are interested in driving long distances
My wife and I bought an ev6 almost exactly one year ago.
I actually just scheduled the first regular maintenance service for this weekend. I think it's just inspections.
The cars we looked at were Tesla, VW ID.4 , Toyota BZ4X , Mustang Mach E, Nissan leaf, Chevy bolt. The test drive really sold me on the EV6 . It just felt much better to drive than the others.
We feel really good about it so far. We got a wind(base) model but added dual motor AWD and a tech package, it came out to just under $60k.
Here are the only cons I can think of:
I think the external door handles are dumb and gimmicky, I'm used to them by now and they're fine but they aren't intuitive to use and everyone fumbles with them the first few times they try to get in the car.
The rear corner blind spots are big, which was noticeable right away, but actually hasn't been as big of a concern as I thought because the car has so many cameras and pops up a feed of the blind spot on the dash as soon as you signal. Birds eye view for parking works great too. Not sure if a no frills model would still have enough cameras to make up for the cars poor rear visibility. To be clear the view straight behind you through the center mirror is pretty good, just not the sides.
The interior controls were a big part of the reason I went with the EV6 over a Tesla Y or 3.
I like that most of them are physical and intuitive and it has that cockpit feel as opposed to the minimalist design of the Tesla. I use android auto most of the time and I'm happy with it. But..
The little bar under the screen that has 2 modes is a little dumb in my opinion. It has the volume control knob, but if you switch modes it becomes the temp control knob and it feels like its never the one I want it to be. My work around is just always leave it on climate mode and use the steering wheel control for volume and stereo stuff. Not a big deal just kinda annoying.
Otherwise I love the car! It's so smooth and fun to drive. Always feels planted and in control, great acceleration. I still find excuses to go run errands in it.
I mostly drive in Ipedal max, which is like one pedal mode, it makes it feel like an ICE car would in low gear, high rpm in terms of engine braking, but it remains constant and predictable no matter what speed you're going. It also means just letting off the accelerator pedal will eventually result in a perfectly smooth stop. If I'm not using ipedal max then I'm probably in cruise control which is also excellent. It follows the car ahead and also stops and starts very smooth. Lane keeping only works 80-90% of the time so you can't really trust it. But it still helps provide a good back up if you get momentarily distracted or are checking a blind spot.
No mechanical issues so far.
I've done a fast charge once at an electrify america station just to try and it did about 60% in 15 minutes. Most of the time we just charge in the garage which is really convenient. I had to buy a box with a cord and charge plug for about $400 that plugs into a 220 receptacle. The car didn't come with a charger of any kind.
My wife loves it as well. Overall we're really happy and hope it lasts and is our car for the next decade or so.
The Kona is one of the exceptions to the fast charging (along with the Nero EV), as it isn't part of the newer E-GMP platform.
The rest of the EVs; The Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6, EV9, and Genesis EVs are all part of the E-GMP platform
Yeah, the E-GMP cars have 800V battery architecture, so if the charger can keep up, they will charge really fast up to 80% capacity. But since you wind up relying on stuff like ElectrifyAmerica, whether the charger can keep up or not is a total crap shoot.
Tesla Model Y LR is $48990 before incentives and is what I would get. I got one earlier this year and love it. It's quiet, spacious, comfortable, fits a mattress in the back to go camping with (and I love the camping mode), has very good audio quality, and 330 mi of range. I'm also a sucker for the minimalist interior but I know that's not for everyone. The vast, fast charging network is also a huge plus for me.
Yeah Tesla is the best option specially in that price range.
Too bad I wouldn’t give money to that racist asshole.
Yeah I totally get it honestly lol
Also, Musk being an asshole isn't the only point against Tesla. The degree of reliance you have on their software, given its history, is a big risk IMO. The same is true to varying degrees with most EVs but the way Musk runs companies, and his unpredicability, makes their software platform a bigger risk than others.
Their charging network is a huge selling point of course, but what happens when new customer acquisition starts to plateau and they start looking for other ways to drive profits? The charging network will be a tempting place to squeeze more cash out of users.
Another tempting profit center is user data, gathered through their software, again a risk with any EV MFR, but I'd rather roll the dice with a non Musk company.
We have a 2021 Tesla Model Y and one time (literally only once in nearly 3 years), we could not get into our car because of the hyper-reliance on software. The car went into "deep sleep" mode overnight and the next day we couldn't get it to "wake up".
There is no physical way to get into the car (no intended method for regular use anyway), so if your car won't wake up when you want to get into it, you can't get into it. Even if we did jimmy the door open, there would be no way to turn the car on without calling for assistance. It's a double edged feature though, because they were able to resolve the issue remotely over the phone with us.
Another thing to consider is that Tesla uses very "unique" parts. We live in a place with a lot of road debris and we had to get our tires replaced on 3 separate occasions. One time, Tesla sent someone out the next day to our house to change it. The other two times there was a shortage of the specific size of tire that fit in our car and so we had to call a bunch of places to try and find someone that would work and it was a nightmare. Each time we had to find a different place to get new tires.
It's a great ride, very smooth, very quiet, but when shit happens it's very hit or miss with the resolution. Honestly, I'd rather buy into a brand that has better overall repairability.
Wait, are you saying that Teslas use proprietary tires?!
If so, that just put them entirely out of consideration for any car I might buy in the future.
I mean, it's a giant, heavy, high performance SUV. It doesn't have proprietary tires but you can't just pick them up at Walmart with no notice. I think they're 255/45/19s if I recall correctly. Of course, if you're not near a Tesla heavy area, those are likely a special order.
Edit: Nevermind, turns out they're available for pickup at a Walmart near me!
Tesla basically won the charging plug wars in the US, almost every major car company and charging network is adopting NACS as the standard plug. This means both that Tesla’s charging network exclusivity advantage is going to lessen and that Tesla owners will have more options for charging without adapters and associated headaches, so it’s a bit of a mixed bag when considering the charging advantages.
I don’t really understand why all the electric vehicles are computerized to this extent, why can’t they just sell a regular accord or Camry with electric motors and a battery? I’m sure that would probably go much farther towards making electric cars more appealing to the average joe.
They (Marketers) don't want you to think about it like a car. People bought the Prius to have a Prius. An electric car says "I'm ahead of the curve. I'm the future. I do things differently." You have to deal with the hassle of the build out of electric infrastructure so it better be worth it. How is it worth it if it's just a Camry? When the tech is cheaper, then we can shove it in a boring car - but boring doesn't get you to pay an upcharge.
Just look at how Cadillac advertises the Lyriq. When have you looked at a Caddy since... 2004 and thought of Opera and interpretive dance? GM wants to remind you that you're unique and ahead of the curve for your purchasing decisions... Now that'll be $60k please.
Fuck the average Joe. That's what the Leaf is for.
Nissan seems to want the Leaf to be more upmarket; every year it just gets slightly more complicated, more milage, and more expensive. They were going to discontinue it at one point in favor of more expensive models, yet they still have a 2024 model being made.
I don't think that it's entirely true that there's no market for inexpensive basic electric cars. There are some great examples like the Citroen Ami, for instance. But they all seem to have the same things in common; they're tiny, slow city cars that are not for sale in the US.
That thought process seems to be from a decade ago when companies were trying to make electric vehicles seem cool. The goal now seems to be to force everybody to switch over to electric vehicles, and I don’t see how that can happen when the only cars on the market are either 70 thousand dollar Rivians/polestars only the ultra wealthy can afford or ugly as sin Nissan leafs and whatever the Kia one is called.
Agreed on Tesla. Since the primary motivation here is for longer trips, there really isn't any competition here. The only reliable charging network in North America belongs to Tesla.
In a couple years, when the other manufacturers have integrated the NACS into their vehicles, there might be other choices, but until then, it's really only a choice between the Model 3 and the Model Y.
I agree on the reliability of Tesla charging networks vs every other one. Even by me, EVGo has had permanently broken charges for at least the last 5 months, and Electrify America takes a lot of finagling to works sometimes.
A small counterpoint though for longer trips, I really feel like 250 miles is definitely enough especially considering needing to stop to rest/bathroom breaks too. Unless you're constantly changing drivers I feel like you'll need to stop anyways. I personally drive from NJ to Boston multiple times a year, and always stop exactly once, it adds maybe 30 minutes to my drive. Unless you're driving down to Florida from NJ every couple of weeks I feel like it doesn't add too too much.
Again though, undermining my whole point, public chargers are usually finicky and sometimes full. YMMV
Wait. Your Y is quiet? Our 2018 Model 3, on the highway, is fairly damn loud! I'd have to check but I'm pretty sure it's something in the high 60s/low 70s dB.
Wouldn't be surprised to find the noise dampening improved significantly over the years.
When I first drove mine, it was unsettlingly quiet. Like putting on noise cancelling headphones with no audio. It's either gotten significantly louder or I'm just used to it, but it doesn't feel as quiet.
from when I did my research I remember reading the sound dampening on 2023 onwards was much improved
My biggest problem with newer Teslas is the lack of gear paddles. I hate reaching for a touch screen to do everything, and I really don't want to fiddle with a thumb scroll or touch screen to do a 3 point turn or use a turn signal.
Wait, they've moved the turn signals into the touch screen as well? JFC.
No, they haven't.
Turn signals are on the thumb scroll in newer Teslas. I've tried them and hate them because they're a massive pain with roundabouts.
This is only on the Model S with the stupid yoke, no? I got a Model 3 in 2022 and it has all of those options in physical stalks.
Yoke is separate from the lack of stalks/paddles. All models of new Teslas now lack stalks/paddles.
I personally am leasing a Polestar 2, it's a really nice vehicle as a vehicle (compared to the Tesla's I've sat in). The software leaves a bit to be desired though tbh. Otherwise though it drives really well, is pretty safe considering Volvo's track record, and I've had many people come up to me to ask what it was.
As of right now, I'll probably renew my lease once it's over. The only other option for me is the Hyundai Ioniq 5/6 or the Kia EV6 (essentially the same car) but I have a hard time trusting Hyundai with their track record recently.
Feel free to ask any details for the Polestar though, I really like it!
I first heard about polestar during a marketing campaign at a local shopping center. The ads didn't make it clear they're an EV company so I had no idea what they were promoting. For me the name, without context, conjures up images of exotic dancers, not cars lol
I totally feel that LOL they really need to work on their marketing. I don't follow F1 or Motorsports as much but as I understand it Polestar used to be Volvo's racing brand before they spun off?
It's kinda cool though if you get the interior package or wherever you get to see the little north star in their glass ceiling. Totally unnecessary but whatever, it's kinda cool haha
https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkaq9z/us-cities-have-a-staggering-problem-of-kia-and-hyundai-thefts-this-data-shows-it
Thanks for the introduction to the Polestar (hadn't heard of it) and the offer to ask more questions!
I would say if you have a Polestar thing near you, I'd try to get a test drive if you can. The people by me at least were super friendly and aren't like traditional car salesmen at least, since all their ordering stuff is online. In contrast I had the worst time with Hyundai people and partially makes me never wanna buy their cars.
In case you care, they are made in China.
Glad you had a positive experience. My partner & I recently rented a Polestar for the weekend and found a lot of things not to our liking. The clearance at top of door openings seemed too low - we both hit our heads at least once getting in and out. The visors were too short especially when turned to the side, the roof post was too wide inhibiting rear visibility, the arm wrests were at completely different levels, the AirPlay mapping system didn't work properly - kept showing we were still at a location we'd already left, etc. We felt the Tesla Y we rented earlier in the year was better overall. Actually, we're now looking forward to test driving a new Kia Sorrento - especially attracted by the 3rd row of seating.
Interesting about the top of the door thing, I'm 6 foot and I dont think I've ever hit my head on it, I'll keep that in mind next time I go for a drive. Yeah definitely though the Maps implementation is really not great.
TBH another big part of my decision for Polestar is that I can buy it online, don't have to go through dealers. (and I didn't wanna give money to Elon) I had so many issues with other dealers that maybe I'm super biased for that.
I would say Hyundai or Kia but I don't believe they've fully rolled out software fixes for their brake light issues: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/brake-lights-can-fail-to-provide-fair-warning-on-some-evs-a9533519285/
Would never buy a Tesla due to poor QC, vendor lock-in for maintenance, their SaaS model, and obviously the management
They've put out technical service bulletins for that for both the Ioniq 5 and EV6 at least. Had mine taken care of by the dealer a few months ago. It was absolutely dumb to ship the cars with the software behaving the way it did, though.
Agreed, thought it should be noted that this problem only applies if the driver is using i-pedal mode (which is easily avoided by not being one of those weirdos 😉).
The Kia EV6 is my favorite car I’ve ever been in. It’s has a surprisingly large amount of capacity, good range, and is just really well designed. No giant touch screens to fiddle with to turn up the ac or volume. Has driver profiles that remember seat positions, radio settings, mirror location. Only downside is it turns like a boat. But a fantastic car.
EV6 owner here. Very happy with my car. I just wish they hadn't made the rear hatch so sloped; it really eats into the cargo space back there! I'm guessing it makes it more aerodynamically efficient or something, though.
We just bought the Chevy Bolt EUV 2023 model, actually! We love it so much. It's a fun drive, charges in a timely manner, has tons of perks, and we were able to drive the exact model I wanted off the lot for 30K all in.
I also just got a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV! I am loving it as my commute car for work. I mainly drive on the highway so the range feels lack luster, but I knew what I was getting when I bought it. I feel like my only issue is that it’s not great for long road trips, since it does charge slower.
We never planned on using it for long road trips, because I hate driving distances anyway, but for the distances we do drive, it's perfectly fine! I do love this car and wish we had somewhere to charge it at home rather than having to go out to charge it, but thankfully we have a second car that we can take to drop the car off!
I own a Tesla and the main reason for selecting that was the charging network. Since it is my only car and I take frequent road trips I felt this was the best choice. This was 2 years ago, so I am sure that things have changed. So far, no regrets with this decision.
I recently sat in a EV Kia and would look more into that if looking again. Tesla interior is quite plain and I did like the look of the Kia.
Gotta know what market you're in first, as the US has just adopted Tesla's charging standard new EVs will have the now standardized plug meaning I'd lean more that way if you can...
Not to Tesla, just to a newer EV that isn't going to need adapters and such.
This is a big one. I am fairly happy with my Bolt but this means I wouldn’t recommend buying a current model and the nixing of CarPlay/Android Auto for the newer models means I wouldn’t recommend them either.
Darn, I was hoping to be in the market for 2024 on a new FEV. But it sounds like there's yet another metric to take into account. May have to push that to 2025 in that case, or at least wait until other cars refresh for the standard.
Just hope my current car can last that long.
Just so you know, NACS is backwards-compatible with CCS. It’s just going to be an annoyance because you will have to have an adapter for it. The existing CCS chargers will probably stick around for a while at least, though who knows how long.
Are any EVs actually available yet with a NACS port that aren't a Tesla? The soonest I've seen was that Kia and Hyundai would start selling cars with a NACS port in Q4 2024, and most other manufacturers are some time in 2025. Unless you want to wait a year, you might have to live with needing an adapter.
I believe I saw Subaru plans to adapt the Solterra for NACS as of next model year but I haven't followed everything too closely.
Fair enough. The US, sorry! Good point on the adapters. Thanks!
I'm really interested in the Hyundai Ioniq 6. I haven't done too much research on it but I like what Hyundai is doing lately.
I drove the 5. I liked it enough. I was looking at the AWD Limited version. I liked the center console design with the legroom, but it meant lots of buttons on the steering wheel. I'm sure I'd get used to it.
The full size screen behind the steering wheel kept making me think I was missing something on the display, too. But I wasn't.
I was planning on buying a Hyundai Ioniq 5 this year, but the interest rates are just too high right now. The SE AWD model has 260 miles of range, and 303 miles on RWD.
Make sure you are looking at the financing offers from the dealers themselves, as they are often much lower rates than what the banks and credit unions are offering. Hyundai Motor Finance was offering 0% earlier this year (when banks were doing 4-5%), and when I got in they were doing 3% (when banks were 5-6%).
Financing had offers, but I was looking to do a lease due to the tax incentives; money factor was simply too high.
You have 55K cash ???!!!
Personally, I wouldn't buy a Telsa. "Elon Musk" - all else is commentary.
There is a Japanese company testing a superior battery that will have a long range and that will charge fast. The company admitted it might be 5 years to market and the battery will be expensive when first released. Still, it seems like a good reason to hang onto to what you have for the time being. Get on a train for long trips or rent a planet killer for the weekend.
Saving up to buy things in cash rather than using debt to buy big items isn't terribly uncommon.
In fact, it used to be a legitimate strategy to buy houses. In today's market, not so much.
I don't have an EV and have no intent to buy one in the near future (I drive long distances). However, the majority of my friends own one. As someone called out before, Tesla has the BEST charging network, which will allow you to zip in and out of charging stations quickly during longer trips, saving a significant amount of total trip time and frustration that comes along with it.
Most of the charging stations (other than Tesla) are not yet up to the task. Many of them are nonfunctional, and/or the wait time (+charge time) at them is far higher. This should improve with all other manufacturers adopting Tesla standards for all future vehicles.
We are looking at purchasing a used HI5 (2022 or 2023 model). We can't justify the "just drove off the lot and now it's depreciated" factor of a 2024 model purchase. Doing a test drive in the SEL was amazing and we're looking at the Limited.
Originally we were considering Tesla and Kia; however the QC issues as well as Musk's shenanigans (to put it mildly) have turned me completely off from ever owning anything he touches.