What I would consider for my next vehicle.

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Oct 17, 2014
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SW Ontario Canada
Still early days here with EV technology and adaptation of the market, but for me I ~ and I expect I won't do anything for another 5 years ~ my choice would be a gasoline electric hybrid. We go up North to a remote area frequently, so pure EV is not yet practical. The ability to tow 5000 pounds is desired, the range anxiety is real, the distrust of new technology is also a factor.

As said, I don't plan any new purchase for at least 5 years. Just my position now and I expect their are many like me out there.
 
I am looking at a new Honda CRV Hybrid and just do not feel comfortable yet to a full EV. The CRV Hybrid would replace the gas sucking Jeep GC Limited which has been an awesome vehicle. The ride will not be nearly as nice however the smile on our faces at the gas pumps should make up for it. I will get one loaded up to the max and plan on keeping it. I wasn't expecting to trade this quickly however the Jeep has 81,000 miles on it and we are thinking of getting a Honda hybrid.
 
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If I had a garage I would get compact electric something. NOT a hybrid.
I do have 200 amp service with a 40A 2p circuit with big and long 6ga 3 going to my hottub that hasn't been used in 10 years. I could re-direct that out of doors to some home-spun wooden "charging hut" of my own device.

But right this second, I am thinking the "amplified" road noise and whine might drive me nutty.

Next, I assume in the winter season, the heater can be programmed to come on whilst tethered in anticipation of, and advance of me driving off at some point. That would be comfortable.

Now which one? Not a Tesla. I think they are dang yoogly.
 
Don't waste your time on what vehicle you might buy 5 years from now. Not related, but someone in early 1970, before I was conceived, would have been the worlds biggest idiot saying I want a new fast V8, but won't buy one until 1975.
I was only indicating the direction of what interests me, not a specific brand or model. Based on what is out NOW the reality is that real life range in cold climates is not a solved problem for EV's. The personal mobility market is full of people that won't put money down on something that doesn't have a solid and proven track record, so watching the non dedicated ICE market evolve is educational for prospective buyers
 
We do not know if a new technology will come out to replace lithium in five years so think its a bit premature.
But with current technology you do not mention if price is a factor as right now there isnt an EV that can tow 5000 lbs for a reasonable purchase price and if range is a concern, again, with current lithium better forget the idea all together.
Looks like a Hybrid is your future.

I tow a boat, my Traverse V6 with factory tow package nicely tows 5000 lbs. I doubt I will ever have something other than gas for that vehicle. One must keep in mind the Carolinas gas prices are very reasonable too. Then again, so are electric. Its a win, win but you wont be going all electric no matter what.
 
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If I were towing regularly, of any distance, I would not be considering an EV.
If I towed, say once a year, perhaps renting an appropriate vehicle makes sense.
But if regular such use was the requirement, the extra cost of EV drivetrain and need to stop and charge frequently seems to not make sense.
 
Keep in mind that your needs can change over time, so if you are in a place to do so, having some options in your fleet can allow for some comfortable redundancy.

Prior to March 2020, an EV may not have always worked for us due to the long trips we took. But since then:

- We started a family = so we no longer take long trips "for fun."
- Work has become mostly remote = so fewer commutes to the office.
- More online shopping = less need to go out.

I think the longest one-way trip I have taken in the last 24 months was 70 miles. Most trips average under 10 miles.

From a range standpoint, ANY of the current EV's on the market today would more than serve our needs.
 
I probably have enough miles left in the three cars we currently own to last the rest of my life. There are no new cars, SUVs, or whatever that are in my price range (RAV4, Accord, etc.) that excite me enough to spend the money. Maybe a Grabber Blue 2.3 eco-boost Mustang with a manual trans? Hmm..
 
Toyota Crown plug in hybrid is coming out in a year or two. I've got my eyes on that. That and the Mazda CX70. We'll see if either one speaks to me.
 
I won't be buying a new car until my oil stash is exhausted. Even then probably not either. With the situation so in flux here and the economy (for me at least) I think it unwise to be accruing more debt.

Time to stand pat.



blackjack.webp
courtesy of wikipedia
 
Keep in mind that your needs can change over time, so if you are in a place to do so, having some options in your fleet can allow for some comfortable redundancy.

Prior to March 2020, an EV may not have always worked for us due to the long trips we took. But since then:

- We started a family = so we no longer take long trips "for fun."
- Work has become mostly remote = so fewer commutes to the office.
- More online shopping = less need to go out.

I think the longest one-way trip I have taken in the last 24 months was 70 miles. Most trips average under 10 miles.

From a range standpoint, ANY of the current EV's on the market today would more than serve our needs.
For your use case EV actually does NOT make sense, you are just depreciating your battery for nothing. Personally I would just drive a gas guzzler if I work from home and has a family doing mostly short trip. To avoid depreciation risk and future uncertainty, I would buy something that's cheaper and low in depreciation, like a Corolla (used).

However, let's say instead of a family car I need something to impress woman, I might buy something sexy and fun (sport car).
 
For your use case EV actually does NOT make sense, you are just depreciating your battery for nothing. Personally I would just drive a gas guzzler if I work from home and has a family doing mostly short trip. To avoid depreciation risk and future uncertainty, I would buy something that's cheaper and low in depreciation, like a Corolla (used).

However, let's say instead of a family car I need something to impress woman, I might buy something sexy and fun (sport car).
You’re assuming that cost is my primary (and only) concern. If that was the case, participating in this thread would be pointless - there are far cheaper ways to get around than any EV.
 
100% Hybrid going forward with me, we love the Prius. No way full EV, im not sitting to charge on a trip.
Curious... How often do you drive more than, say, 150 miles in a day?
How many trips of over 300 miles in a day have you taken in the past couple of years?

Personally, I prefer to fly any real distance. But that's just me.
Thanks in advance!
 
1, once week prob.
2 3or 4? But didnt drive Prius on those.
The Prius has 70 K klms on it now, and will 1 yr old, june 1st We live rural, and both work in opposite directions.
The big issue up here, is , Unless in one of the real big cites, Fast reliable chargers(other than Tesla) are hard to find. There has been alot of talk of people stuck for hrs, waiting for slow charging.
 
I don't see the cost benefit to go EV for me..100 amp service in my house. Wife works from home.My job commute is 3 miles round trip. Price of gas doesn't really affect us much.
Have you considered riding an eBike? The only reason for the existence of EVs is to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
 
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