Electric Vehicles [BEVs] [FinallyADedicatedThread]

[stessier]

I was in "D" during my drive. I don't think I realized L existed. Whatever that is.

I don't know what it stands for, but it's how you get full one-pedal driving. On the selector dial, there is a button right in the middle that you have to press. The amount of regen you experienced was not significant (imo).

We were in unbridled, although the dealer didn't mention it nor discuss what it was. I could guess though. Also Whisper mode. The one in the middle didn't make intuitive naming sense though. I assume it was somewhere in between the two settings.

"Engage" mode didn't stick with you? I think all the names are silly, but I'm glad you got to try at least one other one for comparison.

[Carpet_pissr]

I mean, the obvious third choice would be the Model Y, but I think you mentioned you've ruled out Tesla. There's a reason it's the world's best-selling car, though.

I would say the van's side view mirrors are about twice the area of the Mach-E's. I need to mention that I have not driven a modern car, like, ever. So I'm driving something that is well into it's second decade of existence. It's possible all side view mirrors are this size. I found them small. It felt like my view was restricted for no good reason. *shrug*.

Given that description, I would guess that you'll find all 'modern' cars' side mirrors uncomfortably small. Shrinking side mirrors and their associated terrible, horrible, very not-good aerodynamic impact is one way that manufacturers have raised efficiency on newer vehicles.

Agreed, but at least with my '22 Santa Fe Hybrid, my visibility is FAR better than any previous car I've owned due to cameras, 360º coverage, etc. After years of driving and learning to turn my head, it took me about 6 months of driving this car to break myself completely of that habit. Blind spots are no longer a concern...as soon as I turn on my turn signal, a blind spot video screen shows up in my dash with MUCH more visibility than I would ever get physically looking around. As many reviewers of this tech have said, every car should have this feature (and I agree).

[TheMix]

Ours has that same feature. I think it's awesome. gilraen has been doing all the driving so far, so I don't know how much she is using it yet. Our car will also flash a red light in the mirror itself if there is a car too close. And it might make a noise as well. So there are lots of things designed to make it so you don't hit someone by changing lanes.

Edit: Duh! Of course ours looks the same. We have a Hyundai Tucson.

[GreenGoo]

Without going to back to re-read if you have an issue with Tesla, the Model Y is basically the Mach-E in size. The Chevy Equinox should also be of similar size, although not sure if they are available up in your neck of the woods yet (my caution on this one is that it doesn't have Android Auto or Apple Car Play, but it also sounds like that might not matter to you given where you are coming from).

I have an issue with Tesla.

I'll look into the Equinox.

[Zaxxon]

I would second the mention of the EV9. May be too big, but it's nice, very good value for the money in its class (waaaayyy cheaper than the X or R1S), and would obviate any concerns over storage with the EV6/Mach-e. I am seeing a lot more of them here in CO in the last couple of months, so they're doing something right.

[GreenGoo]

I love the EV9, and even have a quote for one, but I realize my kids are only a year or 2 from leaving the nest and then I'll be left with a big(ger) vehicle and larger bill that I'll still be paying off.

I just this morning told my wife if we had the means we have now, but were pregnant with our third kid now instead of 17 years ago, we'd be buying the EV9 instead of the Odyssey we bought.

It's quite a bit more expensive than the Mach-E though. And to be clear, the size of the Mach-E is fine, despite feeling much smaller than the van (it felt smaller than I expected. It felt bigger to my wife than she expected). It's the visibility that I take exception to. And it's not a deal breaker, just something I noted during the test drive.

[Carpet_pissr]

I love the EV9, and even have a quote for one, but I realize my kids are only a year or 2 from leaving the nest and then I'll be left with a big(ger) vehicle and larger bill that I'll still be paying off.

I just this morning told my wife if we had the means we have now, but were pregnant with our third kid now instead of 17 years ago, we'd be buying the EV9 instead of the Odyssey we bought.

It's quite a bit more expensive than the Mach-E though. And to be clear, the size of the Mach-E is fine, despite feeling much smaller than the van (it felt smaller than I expected. It felt bigger to my wife than she expected). It's the visibility that I take exception to. And it's not a deal breaker, just something I noted during the test drive.

Yeah, if I didn't need/want the extra space, I would definitely get the Mach-E (and would have one already for my personal vehicle if they didn't have a year waitlist when I was ready to buy a couple of years ago).

[GreenGoo]

Any opinions on the Volvo C40 "Recharge", I guess it's called.

It's tough to compare all these EVs as they all have very similar features and the C40 is in the same price range, although maybe a little on the high side. Guess I'll have to find some comparative reviews, but if you have an opinion, let me hear it, if you please.

[Zaxxon]

I've never owned a Volvo BEV, though I did have the XC90 PHEV for awhile. I think they've ironed out the kinks with their electrical gizmos at this point, and Volvo interiors are fantastic.

[ImLawBoy]

I've got the S60 Recharge, which is PHEV. Has a luxury interior feel to it and drives great. I had an issue with the heat not working in pure electric mode (separate heat for electric vs. ICE since traditional heat is pulled from the combustion engine) and it took a few months to get that ironed out as it was an issue for them on a larger scale and I had to wait for a part. It was still drive-able, but I had to run it in hybrid mode to get heat.

Overall I'm happy with it, even with that issue.

[GreenGoo]

What year was yours, ILB?

[ImLawBoy]

2022. It was shortly before they increased the battery life on the PHEVs, so I get about 23 miles per charge, while the larger version gets 46 (last time I checked, anyway).

[Zaxxon]

I have absolutely no need for this, but I kinda want one. It's so cute.

[Pyperkub]

Some updates from techcrunch:

A little bird reached out to us after Volkswagen Group and Rivian announced their blockbuster $5 billion deal. If you recall, the two companies shared plans to form a joint venture that will tap Rivian’s expertise on software development and electrical architecture and VW’s deep pockets and manufacturing prowess.

But it turns out, VW Group has been tapping into Rivian’s software talent for months now.

Lucid Motors delivered 2,394 EVs in the second quarter of 2024, a new record for the company and a positive sign amid its struggle to carve out a share of the EV market.

Tesla made it onto the Chinese government’s purchase list. This means Chinese government workers will be able to purchase Tesla’s Model Y for official use.

Other tidbits at the link.

[Zaxxon]

Speaking as someone who owned the original LR RWD, this is a ridonkulous deal.

[Kurth]

Today’s the day: Heading to pick up our Model Y this afternoon. Any tips/tricks a first time Tesla owner should know? I heard when you pick up a Tesla, they pretty much throw the keys (card) at you and tell you to get out. Not a lot of hand holding from what I hear . . .

[em2nought]

Today’s the day: Heading to pick up our Model Y this afternoon. Any tips/tricks a first time Tesla owner should know? I heard when you pick up a Tesla, they pretty much throw the keys (card) at you and tell you to get out. Not a lot of hand holding from what I hear . . .

I think I just saw something about not letting your Tesla do a software update while you're locked inside it on a hot sunny day.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/202 ... 559812007/

[Zaxxon]

Today’s the day: Heading to pick up our Model Y this afternoon. Any tips/tricks a first time Tesla owner should know? I heard when you pick up a Tesla, they pretty much throw the keys (card) at you and tell you to get out. Not a lot of hand holding from what I hear . . .

That’s the word, yes, depending on location. Make sure you get your J1772 adapter which is usually in the trunk.

[The Meal]

Today’s the day: Heading to pick up our Model Y this afternoon. Any tips/tricks a first time Tesla owner should know? I heard when you pick up a Tesla, they pretty much throw the keys (card) at you and tell you to get out. Not a lot of hand holding from what I hear . . .

Hopefully they show you how to sync your phone to the car. (If they don't offer, ask.)

Only other advice is to drive really slowly as you approach that first acceleration lane to merge on the freeway. I had my pedal about 2/3rds down before I realized I was going 94 mph. And then the smile.

[Kurth]

Today’s the day: Heading to pick up our Model Y this afternoon. Any tips/tricks a first time Tesla owner should know? I heard when you pick up a Tesla, they pretty much throw the keys (card) at you and tell you to get out. Not a lot of hand holding from what I hear . . .

Hopefully they show you how to sync your phone to the car. (If they don't offer, ask.)

Only other advice is to drive really slowly as you approach that first acceleration lane to merge on the freeway. I had my pedal about 2/3rds down before I realized I was going 94 mph. And then the smile.

So far, so good. Car is in great shape for 25K miles. A few very minor (almost beyond notice) cosmetic blemishes, but no real issues. Was a little worried about buying a used car without seeing it first, but it feels like it's worked out fine.

The Model Y drives great, and after an hour in the driveway futzing with it, I think I've gotten all the (or most of) the controls down.

Still hard for me to come to grips with owning an Elon Musk product - and his juvenile fingerprints are all over it. Like, it makes my skin crawl to be driving around in a vehicle that has a charging port that opens with the command, "Open the Butt-hole."

But I'll compartmentalize my distaste for Musk and enjoy the car, cause it is pretty cool, overall!

[Zaxxon]

But I'll compartmentalize my distaste for Musk and enjoy the car, cause it is pretty cool, overall!

Lot of us in this boat these days…

[GreenGoo]

Exciting! Good luck Kurth.

My house is falling apart and it is threatening my down payment on an EV. Stressing.

Still haven't gotten wife in the EV6. Frustrating.

[Kurth]

Exciting! Good luck Kurth.

My house is falling apart and it is threatening my down payment on an EV. Stressing.

Still haven't gotten wife in the EV6. Frustrating.

GG, you think about the used EV option? We paid just under $34K all-in on a 2021 used Tesla Model Y with 24K miles on it. Saved us about $20K from what a new one would have run. Not sure what the non-Tesla used EV market looks like, but maybe worth consideration.

[GreenGoo]

There just isn't a used EV market up here yet. Especially since I'm being very particular in which EV I choose. For no good reason, really. Other than I'm excited and want what I want. Does it make sense? Only in terms of choosing between brand new EVs, I guess. Does buying new ever make sense? Not unless you're made of money, and I definitely am not.

My point is that luckily (imo because I want to buy new, so I'm lucky there aren't any used ones) there aren't many used EV's to choose from up here, which forces me to buy new (which I want to do anyway).

[em2nought]

As I sit here ordering "another" coil pack for my ICE vehicle it occurs to me that three times out of four it's the electrical components that I have to repair or replace on my gas powered vehicle. Not sure I want the entire thing to be electrical.

I did think about getting a Prius at one time.

[GreenGoo]

OK, I'm trying to figure out charging connectors. Here's what I think I know.

Just doing North America.

Tesla connector. Tesla level 2 and 3 (same connector, looks like. AC or DC)
J1772. Everyone else level 2 (AC).
CCS1. Everyone else level 3 (DC. Does this use the J1772 connector for DC as well? Or is it some weird combination of AC and DC? I know both ports are used at the same time, just not what power is being supplied))

Tesla has only made their supercharger network available to two auto manufacturers so far. Ford and Rivian.

Tesla has 3 types of superchargers.
1. Tesla only.
2. "Magic dock" chargers. Wtf? No idea. Tesla proprietary adapter? Not sure.
3. NACS (Ford and Rivian. Cars can be equipped with NACS ports or come with adapters). NACS is not the same as Tesla proprietary. They are not equivalent for charging, although they are close.

Did I miss anything? There are *very* few fast chargers in Ottawa at the moment, most of which are Tesla, so most of them are unavailable to anyone who isn't a Tesla, Ford or Rivian owner. I don't know what the "magic dock" charger is, or where I might find one.

Which means that if you need to charge in Ottawa, you're charging at level 2 (except for a tiny handful of places, most of which, if not all, are dealerships).

Once you have a level 2 charger installed at home, there is little reason to charge anywhere else. Even if you are low, you are going to be charging at level 2, so might as well do that at home during non-peak hours.

Feel free to chime in with any details I missed or got wrong.

[Zaxxon]

I think you've about got it. A couple things to make this easier for you to think about:

Tesla has 3 types of superchargers.
1. Tesla only.
2. "Magic dock" chargers. Wtf? No idea. Tesla proprietary adapter? Not sure.
3. NACS (Ford and Rivian. Cars can be equipped with NACS ports or come with adapters). NACS is not the same as Tesla proprietary. They are not equivalent for charging, although they are close.

First, Magic Docks are essentially what Tesla's plan was before everyone snowballed onto NACS. They are V3 Tesla Superchargers with an integrated CCS adapter that locks to the post or the charging cable, so that CCS and Tesla vehicles can both just automatically get the plug they need. It's a neat solution, but it's kludgy and I don't think we'll see many new ones going forward now that CCS (the plug, not the protocol) is a dying beast.

Second, you can effectively consider your #1/#3 items as v2 and v3 (and eventually v4) Superchargers. If you're at a v2 station, it's not going to 'speak' NACS (which is Tesla's implementation of the CCS protocol through the Tesla plug), and therefore only Teslas can use it. If it's v3/v4, it will speak NACS and in almost every case will be open to CCS vehicles. (I say almost because the scuttlebutt is that Tesla may hold back very busy sites to only Teslas even if they could support CCS from a tech standpoint.)

Once you have a level 2 charger installed at home, there is little reason to charge anywhere else. Even if you are low, you are going to be charging at level 2, so might as well do that at home during non-peak hours.

Absolutely this. I do (relative to most folks) a ton of road tripping, and my app tells me that in the last 12 months (which included 8k miles of road trips) my cars were charged 73% at home (the road trip car) and 97% at home (the other).

[GreenGoo]

Well the electrician I mentioned earlier in the thread has ghosted me. I assume I offended him somehow, when I stopped agreeing to every additional option and add-on he suggested.

Need to find someone else. That shouldn't be too hard. Need to pick an outdoor level 2 charger. That might be more difficult.

[Unagi]

Will EVs ever charge inductively?

[stessier]

Will EVs ever charge inductively?

I remember someone has a pad that can do it today. It's just really, really slow. And given how hot my phone gets when charging that way, I don't think it would be good for the car battery.

[Zaxxon]

Will EVs ever charge inductively?

I remember someone has a pad that can do it today. It's just really, really slow. And given how hot my phone gets when charging that way, I don't think it would be good for the car battery.

They've not (yet) been very efficient, either. Which isn't a huge deal when you're putting a fraction of a penny's worth of energy into your phone. When you're dropping 100 kWh into a battery, though, every % matters. (Even wired 240V charging is only like 90% efficient.)

[em2nought]

Will EVs ever charge inductively?

Aren't they building roads in some other country that are supposed to charge your vehicle as you travel? Or is that Detroit? https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4598 ... ica-debut/

[GreenGoo]

Ta da!

[Isgrimnur]

Very nice. How’s the fit and finish?

[Zaxxon]

Awesome. Fingers crossed that you get your electrician situation resolved soonish.

Looking forward to your AARs.

[GreenGoo]

Doesn't appear to have been made on a Friday afternoon. I haven't noticed anything out of place, but it's only a couple of hours off the lot. Lot of gizmos, some undocumented, so it's going to be awhile to figure it all out. Hatch opens (if set to smart hatch) when you approach with a fob, but only if you approach from behind the car, and only if the car is locked. And vice versa. The doors will not automatically unlock if the hatch is open.

Weird and wonky coding rules. I don't understand why they have these limitations, but they probably thought it was a good idea at the time.

Some of it seems a bit cheap, some of it looks above its price point. EV's are in a weird point in their life where everything is evolving each new model year. Like watching gaming UI's change during the 90's and 00's. Nothing is set in stone, and some things are going to be obsolete (or just changed) in a couple of years.

The general consensus is the EV6 has a lot of bang for the buck. I don't have any specific comments yet.

Looking forward to playing with the HUD/augmented reality.

[stessier]

Congrats! I, too, will await the AAR.

[GreenGoo]

They didn't have this trim in silver or grey, which is too bad. The GT has an optional beautiful light grey finish that I am in love with. However, it was a price too far.

I'm actually surprised to find out that the base model has more colour options that ours did. Again, weird decisions.

[Isgrimnur]

What trim level?

[GreenGoo]

What trim level?

Not sure what it is in the States. Might be something different.

In Canada it's called "Land AWD GT Line Package 2"

Yeah, not great naming convention. Was different in 2023 and again in 2022. This name is particularly annoying as the top of the line version is "GT AWD".