Oso planning to go pro
Just a few days ago I bought a hybrid because it met my needs better than currently available EVs. I’m hoping that when it’s time to replace my wife’s car in 3-4 years, there will be better selection, availability and price.
Are you able to use your EV for long trips? I can see having one as a second car in the family, one for tooling around town, but I am trying to picture driving 300 miles to Milwaukee in an EV. Or 900 miles to see my daughter in Baltimore. Whereas I got 420 miles on each of the tanks of gas involved in my trip last week, it took me 10 minutes to refuel and go to the bathroom. I can't help but think I would have added an hour each way if I had an EV.
I too am looking at a hybrid for my next car. The price delta between hybrids and ICE autos has shrunk considerably, so economically it makes a ton of sense.
Since the investing thread has gone big on EV discussion, I thought I would create a thread to specifically discuss EV's. I do not have one, I am contemplating one with my next purchase, but I have concerns. I hope some current (hah) owners can help me out by sharing their experiences. For those of you living in northern climes, how big of a range hit do you see in the winter? I keep seeing articles indicating you may only have 1/3 of your normal range when it is frigid out. Do your experiences reflect this?-For my Kia EV6, warm weather in-city: 300mi; warm weather highway: 250mi; cold weather city: 250mi; cold weather highway: 200mi-Range gets MURDERED when EVs under 3 conditions: cold temperature, towing, high speed. It's a DRAMATIC difference between 60mph and 70mph in terms of range loss. 70mph vs 80mph is even worse.Are you able to use your EV for long trips? I can see having one as a second car in the family, one for tooling around town, but I am trying to picture driving 300 miles to Milwaukee in an EV. Or 900 miles to see my daughter in Baltimore. Whereas I got 420 miles on each of the tanks of gas involved in my trip last week, it took me 10 minutes to refuel and go to the bathroom. I can't help but think I would have added an hour each way if I had an EV.-See my listed trips above. Most of my roadtrips have been summer and fall. A couple winter. Generally speaking, I don't have any issues with roadtripping the car, but it will (as of today's tech) always taking longer than an ICE vehicle. For me to get to Milwaukee, for example, would take 4.5 hours in an ICE. For my EV, i have to stop twice (I could potentially drive slower and stop once). It takes my vehicle 15-20 minutes to charge 10-80% (longer above 80%). So, it's closer to 5+ hours in my EV.That said, I have found roadtripping in an EV MUCH more relaxing. Why? In my ICE, I would drive straight through 4.5 hours. In my EV, I'm forced to stop every 1.5-2 hours. I get outta the car, use the restroom, get something to eat/drink. It's way less stress/strain.The big variables on charging are which car you own. A Bolt vs Rivian vs Tesla vs Kia/Hyundai vs Ford, etc. They don't all have the same tech/components so charging time/speed can vary significantly, which in turn would effect your road trip time/experience.I also read about non-functioning charging stations and lines to use one that is functioning. Have you had that experience?-Most non-Tesla charging stations have 4-8 chargers. If they're all used when you get there, you're gonna be waiting. It's not great. Charging infrastructure across the country (especially midwest) is in its infancy. Need to accept that or figure out another way to get around on roadtrips.How are they as cars? Fun to drive? Handle the same? -This is very dependent on your price range. Luxury cars are going to handle like their ICE counterparts. Generally, all EV are "fun" in a straight line as there's nothing quite like the instant torque/power of an electric motor. They aren't all super thrilling in cornering, etc. Handling is going to be dependent, like I said, on how much you're willing to spend. I remember a few years ago, one of the early adopters was sure that EV's would be taking over the market by now. For all the hype, they haven't. Yet. Do you think the infrastructure will be developed in time to meet the 2035 goals of the states and the companies?-IMO, no
I just heard a story on the radio yesterday of a couple who drove from Michigan to Florida for a vacation in their EV. It took them 4 days, one way. They had to make 12 stops to re-charge, each stop ranging from 20 to 55 minutes. Sorry I have no link to verify.Not my idea of an efficient way to travel long distances.
That said, I have found roadtripping in an EV MUCH more relaxing. Why? In my ICE, I would drive straight through 4.5 hours. In my EV, I'm forced to stop every 1.5-2 hours. I get outta the car, use the restroom, get something to eat/drink. It's way less stress/strain.
This is funny in a different strokes for different folks way. As I mentioned in my post, I got tired of longer road trips a decade ago. But when I did, I had NO interest in stopping. I used to drive 5.5 hours to school in Ohio and I was able to do so on a full tank so it became speed runs for me. Same as when used to drive MKE to Traverse City for an internship (partially due to the nothingness between Grand Rapids and Cadillac. Relaxing for me on a road trip was when it was over. Maybe why I don't do them anymore.I once drove back from school for a break with a friend from Lincolnshire. We stopped 3 times from SW Ohio to the Half Day Road exit. It was hell
Same as when used to drive MKE to Traverse City for an internship (partially due to the nothingness between Grand Rapids and Cadillac.
For sure. If I still had an ICE, I'd still try to do all my roadtrips in 0 stops. However, because I'm forced to stop, I have found it's so much less stressful. Never expected that.
*What is the cost per charging unit to install?*Do you pay for the charge? Or does the owner of the charging station*What is the environmental impact from using more electricity from coal and NG power plants? From mining the rare metals used in battery production?(Sorry for co-oping the role of question boy.)These are real questions, no snark.
However, because I'm forced to stop, I have found it's so much less stressful. Never expected that.
Now wait just a doggone minute. There are a lot of.... uhhhh, some.... errrrr, a couple ..... damn. There is Tullymore if you go 10 miles off the highway. And don't forget Big Rapids. Nevermind. You aren't wrong.