Lol, I’m sure they are out to get me.
Thanks for the heads-up!
Description:
The subject vehicles are equipped with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that, among other things, control the windshield defroster function. Due to the programming of the HVAC control ECU software, under certain conditions, such as a specific failure mode of the electric compressor, the HVAC system will enter a failsafe mode that suspends the heater operation of the system and affects defroster function.
Safety Risks:
In some cases, when the vehicle is operated in certain low temperatures, the defrosting performance reduces and may not remove frost, ice and/or fog from the windshield glass. This can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash in certain driving conditions.
Remedy:
Subaru retailers will update the HVAC control ECU software at no cost to the customer. For customer satisfaction, dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the electrical compressor free of charge.
This just showed up on Slashdot, a table of how much range different EV models lose over the winter: Best EV for Winter & Cold Weather Range » 18,000 Car Study
Though I suspect puzzlegal has other, bigger concerns right now…
As the current owner of a 2022 Polestar 2 I can’t recommend the vehicle, or any vehicle from this brand, unless you like features that don’t work. They use Android Automotive, and they suck at it. While there are people who claim to have problem-free vehicles, there have been 2 recalls for reverse cameras and it still doesn’t consistently work.
The polestar 3 is worse,which is a shame because their driving dynamics are very nice.
GM is on a BMW-esque crusade to piss off its ev customers. First, they removed the ability to use carplay or android auto from newer models, then they locked the android automotive features like navigation behind a subscription pay wall at around 30 bucks a month. Current models (2026) get the subscription free for 8 years I think, but my friend has a 2024 Lyric that is crippled due to this. Thankfully the 24 models still allowed carplay.
I have a 2024 Chevy Equinox and get 8 years of Google
Yeah, they are all over the place. Cadillac is a little different with their offerings vs Chevy. Just try to know ahead of time what you’re getting, and what the timeline on it will be. Having no carplay/Android Auto support and having your subscription run out would clobber the resale value for me if it meant I had to pay $30/month (more than my smartphone plan!) just to be able to pull up navigation or even say “Hey Google!”
For what I paid for my Polestar (20k) it’s a fabulous car despite the quirks of the laggy infotainment, weird bugs now and then, and the unreliable camera. For someone buying new? Fuck that.
I have no suggestions for a car, but just wanted to mention that your husband’s illness might qualify you for a handicapped sticker. Depends on how limited his activities are of course. But this would help with downtown parking.
I decided that a new car was not my priority right now. 
He encouraged me to shop, but i spent that time visiting him and reading about myeloma.
If the Leaf was in your running they may actually be producing some more by the time you’re ready: production halved secondary to a battery shortage.
Is Nissan even going to make it as a company? I haven’t seen one of their cars or dealers in quite a while, and that linked article makes them seem like they’re in a death spiral, constantly getting bailed out and then failing again… Can Nissan survive the next 5 years? Why experts say the answer is yes It does a lot of grandstanding and having silly execs posing, but does little to inspire any actual confidence…
The older Leafs were also some of the worst cars I’d ever been in. Are the recent ones any better?
Sorry for the skepticism… just seems like a risky bet when there are so many other good EVs and more stable car makers out there.
At least ours, 2019 year, excellent. The plus with then 210 miles range and maintained so far.
I’ve had my Niro PHEV for a little under a year now and love it. It’s the perfect car for our needs which is not too big (I get nervous with bigger vehicles), the electric range is sufficient for my daily driving (down to the last km midwinter, but still, rarely running the gas engine even then), lots of space for people (family of three but adults have been in the back and comfortable) and a good sized trunk. We’ve gotten a couple full sized suitcases and additional bags in there, no problem. Family are further away, and we like the hybrid for that because most EVs winter range would be difficult for the amount and frequency of distance driving we do (at least, last we looked at the numbers; we’re in Canada for context). Handles very well in the snow.
Android auto only works if connected with a USB which is a bit silly, but I haven’t needed it (my old car never had it so I’m used to not using it). The onboard NAV is pretty godawful but functional enough for a general sense of direction. The music/radio player on Bluetooth works fine and intuitively. I like that I can have my music off my phone over Bluetooth, but connect my work phone for calls during business hours. It’s easy to switch between phones, too.
The car has a name, gets frequently told he’s a good boy, and we joke he’s my second son.
Good to know, thanks! When my current gas car dies, I’ll be looking for another EV too… hopefully the Leaf will still be around then, since a budget driver is likely all I’ll need.
So, I’m back to shopping for an electric vehicle. My husband is doing much better, our daughter moved out with one of the cars, and there are a lot of times when we both need a car. Honestly, Lyft is cheaper. But owning a second car would be nice, and we can afford it.
Looking for smaller cars that are easier to park in the city. Cars keep getting larger and larger, and some very ordinary cars, like the Ioniq, are harder to park than my Forester. (At least, they are longer, wider, and have a larger turning radius.)
The Leaf is promising. The Mini, Kona, and Niro play in that space, along with the Volvo EX30, and maybe a car i can’t find called the Kia EV3
Off lease Kia Niro would be my pick. I’d also try the latest edition Leaf. Much improved and competitive.
I’m going cheap when we get back to Hawaii. Wife has the Ionic 6, I’ll be looking for a used Chevy Bolt; they’re under $15k. We charge at home with solar so fast charging isn’t a need.
I feel like EVs have been improving so fast that it makes sense to get a new one.
I’m looking at exactly this segment, though probably not buying for a year or so. The options are at the moment are Kona/Niro, Leaf, EX30, and very shortly the new Bolt. The EV3 isn’t available in North America yet, though it is said to be coming.
The Mini exists in the US. I found 6 within 50 mile of me. Yeah, that’s just barely existing, but it is possible to get one.
If the EX30 had normal controls, it would be appealing. I don’t think any of them have great controls. Are touch screens really that much cheaper than buttons?
Toyota/Subaru/Lexus are coming out with a few new EVs in early 2026. I’m personally pretty excited about the Subaru Uncharted with 285 mi of range AWD or 300+ FWD. It’s basically a slightly smaller Solterra. Toyota and Lexus should have their own versions of it too.
I think we discussed a Kia Nero in another thread too? It’s a lot of fun to drive, compact but spacious inside, and at least the model year I drove still had some physical buttons. Sadly, it only comes in FWD (if that matters).
I think Trump is also trying to legalize import of the “cute little Japanese cars” (I forget what they’re called, kawaii or something cars maybe)… if those come, the US might finally see some smaller cars for a change, and maybe some of them will be EVs? (But not sure if that will ever happen: Trump Wants Kei Cars in America, but Don't Hold Your Breath)
Mini Cooper also makes a small EV: Small Electric Cars & SUVs by MINI | Range, Charging, Savings & Benefits
The inside dashboard is pretty futuristic though, so not sure if you’ll like that:
