[wmcgowan]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

From the information we have on this new way of transportation, I'm asking:

Would you consider a EV or Hybrid vehicle in your future.

I know their coming and but it's the battery's that concerns me and every year
they seem to improve in mileage.

Your Thoughts Please.

Wife has a Kia Niro EV (3 yr lease) - has a range of about 240 miles which is pretty good - she is a minimal driver - so it depends on how much you drive. Comes with a trickle charger - plug it in anywhere (regular 110v outlet) but takes awhile to recharge. We installed a 2nd level charger in the garage (240V electrician installed ) and with that it charges in about 5 hours (overnight basically) from 20% to 80%. Its fun to drive - very peppy and easier for me to get into than her hybrid civic (oh my aching knees) She loves the car for zipping around town as well as visiting her parents (about 2 hours away). We have not taken any longer trips which would take some planning for the recharge stations - no big deal as they are all over the place now - the last Marriott I stayed at had a free EV charger station for guests - I would seriously consider it based on your driving style and needs. Since the technology is changing you might want to consider leasing like we did - good luck and good hunting

[fcgiii]

Originally Posted by DlWFLX

Would you consider a EV or Hybrid vehicle in your future.

Purchased a RAV4 Prime, which gets 40-50 miles on electric and then switches to hybrid. For day to day local travel the EV is all I need. Only 1 tank of gas in the past 3 months, with overall mph of 70.
Love the car!!

Technology moves on, much faster when there is economic and / or performance advantage. We have a 2016 RAV4 hybrid and love it. Now I read about the RAV4 Prime and it is a leap forward. Every major car company is making electric vehicles now. There is even an electric Ferrari.

The advantages of electric cars are overwhelming. Electric motors are incredibly reliable. Ceiling fans run 24/7 and will out live you. Electric motors also have highest torque at start while gas motors have zero torque at start and highest torque at higher RPM. So don't try to beat a Tesla in a drag race. Most of the maintenance issues with a gas engine do not apply to an electric motor. The main maintenance issue is the battery.

I expect continued leaps forward in electric car technology. But the great leap will not happen until we solve the recharge problems of refuel time, refuel stations, and major increase in availability and lower cost of electricity.

Refuel time keeps dropping with technology but a quantum leap is needed. Availability of charging stations will come when there is economic pressure. Cost and availability of green energy is the easiest to solve: nuclear power. And don't pop off about nuclear waste disposal or nuclear explosions unless you know what you are talking about.

Until the convergence occurs, vehicles like the RAV4 Prime will show the way.

[Footer]

I've been driving a Tesla since 2014. My current Tesla is 2016. Even in 2014 I could make trips from Wisconsin to the east coast with no problems charging. The Navigation screen is huge and the GPS tells you where the superchargers are and which ones you should use on the route. It even tells you if they're full. The rest of the time I plug the car into a 240V outlet in my garage overnight, typically once a week. Charging it overnight puts no strain on the infrastructure because there is excess power at night.

This summer we bought a second car, an Acura RDX, because we want to keep one car in Wisconsin and one in Florida and being a last minute decision we couldn't get a Tesla. I'm okay with it but my wife is very unhappy with the Acura. It jerks (that's the downshift when you accelerate) and is noisy, although cruising at speed is quiet. We're going to get another Tesla and sell the Acura.

People with an agenda put out false information about Teslas and EVs. There's a lot of people who don't want the EV industry to succeed (Russians and Arabs among them). It's pretty easy to tell who. Don't believe everything you read.

Take a look at China. I go there often and see how dictatorial the government is first hand. However, it also can be really smart. They built their high speed rail from nothing to the best in the world in 10 years. They foresaw the increase in long distance travel and that airplanes were not the answer. Their trains are electric powered.

They have been making electric vehicles for a long time because pollution in their cities is terrible but have recently started to build some good stuff. I don't know if electric cars are inevitable but if they are then you can thank Tesla that we're not all driving Chinese cars in 10 years because playing catch-up is not easy.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

From the information we have on this new way of transportation, I'm asking:

Would you consider a EV or Hybrid vehicle in your future.

I know their coming and but it's the battery's that concerns me and every year
they seem to improve in mileage.

Your Thoughts Please.

Like most things people have their bias. The automobile, there was resistance, there are some advantages to a horse. The same is true for an all electric or a hybrid car.
Right now we have choices, gasoline, diesel, electric or hybrid. I think I left out fuel cell.
It is at best confusing. It is an expensive and unless you chose to lease a car, it is a long term choice.

State of change. Gasoline engines and cars have gotten better. Diesels have gotten better. The cost of fuel has gone up roughly 1/3 this year. We do not all drive the same.
I used to drive far more when I was working. Gone are the days of the shade tree mechanic. I used to service my own car. Now, are the wires connected, the hoses, is there gas in the tank? Find a dealer who has the tools and computer expertise to keep it running. Or, too often the parts to keep trying till it works.

Electric is simple. Hybrids you deal with the problems of a gasoline engine, an electric motor, a computer controlling both. Batteries only last a limited time and they are very expensive to replace. Warranties are prorated. The warranty is often not what it seems to be. A bit of slight of hand. Based on list price. You do not pay list price. Thus a seven year warranty may only have value for four or five years.

I do not shop cars till I need one. If, I needed a car, with limited availability, outrageous pricing, fuel way up, I AM GLAD I DO NOT NEED A CAR AND MINE IS FINE.

[OhioBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

From the information we have on this new way of transportation, I'm asking:

Would you consider a EV or Hybrid vehicle in your future.

I know their coming and but it's the battery's that concerns me and every year
they seem to improve in mileage.

Your Thoughts Please.

Only if there weren’t any more gas operated cars anymore. They make better batteries all the time so they can go further. But then the better they get the price goes up. Right now to replace all the batteries it’ll cost you 6 to $8,000. Nobody would like to fork out that kind of money for a car that’s 5 to 10 yrs. old. Plus these electric cars do catch fire now & then. Me personally I’m not sold on them, only because of the initial cost & the cost of the high maintenance. So if you want one, get one, it’ll help keep my pension checks coming in! I’m retired from an American auto maker after 38 yrs. Good Luck!

[Albany]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

The PHEV that piques my interest is the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Just finding one is almost impossible and if you do, I’d hate to know how much over the MSRP the dealer is looking to get.

Made in Japan.
$7,500.00 federal tax credit.
40 mile range on batteries.
540 mile range on gasoline.
You can choose when to use batteries.
302 hp.
0-60 mph in about 6 seconds.
All-wheel-drive.
12 hour charge on 110 volt outlet with standard, onboard charger.
4.5 hour charge on 240 volt outlet with standard, onboard charger.
Larger (quicker), onboard charger available.
All the modern safety stuff is standard.

The Toyota "Prime" vehicles are all plug-in hybrids. I drove a Prius Prime for years, and the Rav 4 Prime is every bit as reliable. You don't actually choose when to use battery power, it's a hybrid, so it switches seamlessly between electric and gas. When you plug it in you are charging the traction battery, which will get you around 40 miles, depending on speed, before it uses the hybrid technology, which is now nailed down technologically. Basically plug-in hybrids have 3 power systems, gasoline engine, electric motor, traction battery. And it is staggering how much misinformation is out there regarding electric vehicles. I have driven hybrids for well over a decade. And there is not MORE maintenance, there is much LESS. By the way it is really hard to find a Rav 4 Prime in Florida, they are all over the place further north, and maybe it is because the RAV 4 has all-wheel drive. I ended up with a BMW X3e, plug-in hybrid SUV and I am thrilled with it. I bought it in Ocala and was not gouged in any way, in fact it was very reasonable.

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

From the information we have on this new way of transportation, I'm asking:

Would you consider a EV or Hybrid vehicle in your future.

I know their coming and but it's the battery's that concerns me and every year
they seem to improve in mileage.

Your Thoughts Please.

I have a 2004 Prius with 630,392 (no thats not a misprint) miles...Orginal battery....56mpg. I did have to replace the little 12v accessory battery though.....and 7 sets of tires!!! I use it in Northern Minnesota at our lake home....it starts just fine at -40 (no that's not a misprint either). My Ford V10 plow truck has to be plugged in and the battery heater plugged in to start at those temps

I also have a EV, and like the ones who have them post, 99% of the time the driving you do will allow you to re-charge in your garage at night.

From your garage door opener to your washer and dryer to your electric toothbrush, just think of how many electric motors you have in your house that you use every day and depend on. Electric motors are bulletproof, and the new batteries are there too, and getting better.
Gas is $7.00/gal. Don't use it....don't care!!!!

[villageuser]

Originally Posted by pauld315

So, the next time you are 5 miles from home and stopping to fill up your car at 3.50 to 4 dollars a gallon, think of me who drove my car around town all day , came home and plugged my car in inside my garage and went to bed and I am paying about a dollar per gallon equivalent in electricity costs.

Have you read where it is recommended by all the EV manufacturers as far as I’ve read, that you do NOT charge your EV in your garage overnight? They should be done in open air, be supervised, and disconnected when the upper limit is reached.

[biker1]

All the EV manufacturers ? Chevy has made that recommendation for the Bolt because the batteries have issues and have been recalled. I don't believe any other manufacturer has made such a recommendation. Reference please.

Originally Posted by villageuser

Have you read where it is recommended by all the EV manufacturers as far as I’ve read, that you do NOT charge your EV in your garage overnight? They should be done in open air, be supervised, and disconnected when the upper limit is reached.

[1couple]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

From the information we have on this new way of transportation, I'm asking:

Would you consider a EV or Hybrid vehicle in your future.

I know their coming and but it's the battery's that concerns me and every year
they seem to improve in mileage.

Your Thoughts Please.

see if you have a breaker in your fuse box big enough to handle the charger. I have heard you need 70 amp to charge them you can’t just plug them in anywhere

[mcwood4d]

Personally (snowbirds) we don't like the idea of having to charge multiple times on a trip to or from Florida. Hybrids solve that problem but add layers of complexity. The EV removes 90% of the components in a typical internal combustion engine. I think for us we might want to see if EV manufacturers ever go to (user) removable battery packs so you could pull in, swap for full charge (like the propane tank for your grill) and be on your way... My 2 cents...

[biker1]

There has been some attempts at this approach. I doubt it will get traction since charging times are coming down and robotic replacement of battery packs requires a lot of equipment. Stay tuned ...

Originally Posted by mcwood4d

Personally (snowbirds) we don't like the idea of having to charge multiple times on a trip to or from Florida. Hybrids solve that problem but add layers of complexity. The EV removes 90% of the components in a typical internal combustion engine. I think for us we might want to see if EV manufacturers ever go to (user) removable battery packs so you could pull in, swap for full charge (like the propane tank for your grill) and be on your way... My 2 cents...

[Nellmack]

Originally Posted by butlerism

No way......... never.

Batteries are very expensive.
Try to grasp that warranty plan to change out batteries under warranty. Most likely you will be getting a new "refurbished battery".

Add up all the costs to make a plastic electric car ( fossil fuels required) .
Where are all the cost benefit analysis's data to show the viability?
That is what engineers do.
We do not run a round selling a 1 degree change in world temperature justifies changing out an entire industry.
When China, Russia, all these other countries fully change over, then lets talk again.

These ideas are being pushed by non scientific people.
The world is laughing.
Where are all the electrics in Mexico, England, France and Canada.
Canada gets very very cold. Batteries do not like deep cold.
Recall that spec on a battery called "Cold Cranking Amps". Why is that?
So in Canada to buy an EV also means you need a heated garage. Total joke!
Lets talk power to weight ratio. Once again being sold a bucket of lies. The elctric motors have an output "no load" spec. I am sure they are using that number to sell the product. Batteries are heavy, what is the real ratio?

Now for safety issues. On average most electric cars involved in a decent accident, the batteries go on fire. Let alone the spontaneous eruption into flames while not driving.

My favorite is the images showing an EV in the surf at the beach. Guess what some numb nut will try to do that. Warranty voided.
Also when salt water comes into contact with batteries. A very nasty gas called Chlorine is disassociated when the two mix.
My other favorite is lets go to the mountain trails, off road. Now, while we are 30 miles into the deep woods, battery failure. Then what? That is one hefty bill for a tow or a repair.


All Pigs in Lipstick..... still a Pig at the end of the day.

Wow, so many inaccuracies I don't know where to begin.
Here's a list of countries with the highest share of electric vehicles (it's pretty easy to Google)
Norway (74.8%)
Iceland (45%)
Sweden (32.2%)
Netherlands (24.9%)
Finland (18.1%)
Denmark (16.4%)
Switzerland (14.3%)
Portugal (13.5%)
The top four are pretty cold. (They are also basically north of Canada)
I guess the reference to "plastic electric car" means you think they are cheap. The electric car I drive is not cheap and it has the highest safety rating of any car. Period.

Car fires. Google it. It's clear that ICE vehicles catch fire more than electric vehicles. If an EV does catch fire the fire is intense and many fire departments don't know how to put them out. I wouldn't expect them to know how because they are new. In time I would expect that problem to be resolved.
Weight Ratio. My car weighs almost 5000 pounds and goes zero to 60 in about 2.4 seconds. You really need to get your facts straight before you make false statements.
I've never taken my car to the beach for a swim, electric or ICE.
Again, I don't take my car off roading but what's the difference if your ICE engine stalls when you're 30 miles in? Same problem right? I've had my EV for 7 years, never had it towed in that time. There is a new EV company (Rivian) that literally markets off road EV's. Like, that their business plan. It's beautiful. Check it out at Rivian.com
Finally, 7 years 130,000 miles- no oil changes, no transmission issues, no tune ups and I have the same brakes. #cheaptooperate
I hope my response to your comments help others that are considering an EV. #goodfortheenvironment
Best of luck everyone!!!

[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by 1couple

see if you have a breaker in your fuse box big enough to handle the charger. I have heard you need 70 amp to charge them you can’t just plug them in anywhere

Almost all electric vehicles come with a charger that is plugged into a regular 120 volt, 15 amp socket. It won't charge very quickly but for a lot of people it will be fast enough. If your battery is flat it would take this kind of charger a couple of days to get it back up to 100% but you don't have to have a 100% charge to drive your car.

If you want faster charging you get a charger that can be plugged into a 220 volt 50 amp socket and charge faster. This kind of charger will charge a flat battery to full overnight.

That are chargers that will fully charge a flat battery in an hour or so but because of cost you probably would not put one in your home. These are the kinds of public chargers you would find if you went on a road trip. The Comfort Inn near the Turnpike entrance
has some of these.

I don't think there are any chargers for home use that will use 70 amps.

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

The PHEV that piques my interest is the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
...
You can choose when to use batteries.
...

Originally Posted by Albany

The Toyota "Prime" vehicles are all plug-in hybrids. I drove a Prius Prime for years, and the Rav 4 Prime is every bit as reliable. You don't actually choose when to use battery power, it's a hybrid, so it switches seamlessly between electric and gas. ...

From Toyota.com (emphasis mine)... "Drive mode dial with SPORT, ECO and NORMAL modes, TRAIL mode, Auto EV/HV mode, and HV/EV Charge Hold"

As I understand it, the Auto EV/HV mode automatically switches between hybrid and electric depending on your driving. The HV/EV Charge Hold mode allows you to choose between the two. You can decide to save your battery power for the city driving that you anticipate and the end of your road trip.