# What are your electric vehicle plans? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 22, 2020, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614 "2020-10-22T18:45:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2021, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/281 "2021-03-23T22:32:08Z")
BMW i3’s are that price ($15-17k) with low mileage used (30-40k miles). With the range extender model (small gas engine), range anxiety is a non-issue. US versions have the amount you can use from the very small gas tank artificially constrained and have the ability to charge the battery from the gas engine disabled. Both are included in the vehicle software and are easy to implement gaining both gas and electric range. You should try one when the pandemic cools off if you’re comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/282 "2021-03-24T01:46:32Z")
My wife drives the 2020 Leaf Plus. Charges it every four or so days of her regular driving. She loves it. I’m driving my 2013 Ford CMax Energi plug in hybrid with about 86K on it. I drive cars til they drop so I’ve likely got 10 to 15 years to go on it. Unless at some point my wife wants a new car, then I’d get rid of mine and take hers. My CMax gives me maybe two thirds of my driving as electric currently. It’s also done road trips round trip Chicago to New Jersey to Maine and back. Be hard to that in the Leaf. But once with Vermont in the Maine spot (different kids college) I rented a van anyway … just to have room for stuff. Whenever I get the next car it will be an EV. I referenced clustering up thread. Currently we live in a condo building with 28 units. If I count right 5 EVs and two PHEVs. Our Leaf Plus and CMax Energi. Another family with Bolt and a Volt. An Audi eTron. And two Teslas. When we moved in the only cars plugged in were my CMax and the Volt. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/283 "2021-03-24T02:06:57Z")
> [@DrCube](#): > > I’ve never bought a car that cost more than fifteen thousand dollars. As soon as they come out with a decent electric car that costs $15k, maybe even $20k if you account for the gas (and maintenance?) savings, I’ll buy one. Brand new Chevy Bolts are in the low to very low twenties now. And those are genuinely good cars with 250+ mile range. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/284 "2021-03-24T20:31:40Z")
6 posts were split to a new topic: [Thread on viability of Electric Cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thread-on-viability-of-electric-cars/938612) ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/290 "2021-03-24T20:27:22Z")
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**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/291 "2021-03-24T20:30:02Z")
**Modnote** : Last note, after this I have to give out warnings. I really don’t want to, so please stop. If it isn’t about your plans to purchase, don’t post it. This hijack started too far back to spin off but it needs to end. Sam, you seem to be the main person keep the side conversation going. So I am singling you out this time. Start a new thread if you want. Probably a good idea. Everyone else, no more. > [@What are your electric vehicle plans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/275): > > Modnote: This thread should stick to posters’ plans for plug-in vehicle (PEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV). No more debate about the the grid, the practicality and whatever else is off sure. The Op requested this and he is correct. The off-topic belongs elsewhere. Start a thread if you like, but no more here. I might spin this hijack off to its own thread. I’m going to check with the other mods first. **Modnote** : 27 posts moved to > [@Thread on viability of Electric Cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thread-on-viability-of-electric-cars/938612): > > There is no doubt in my mind that, aside from range everything else about an electric car is a better engineering solution than gas. Just the fact that a gas engine needs to be oversized and hooked to a complex transmission just to overcome its limitations at slow speed makes electric motors a better choice. Being able to locate motors and batteries low in the chassis makes for potentially better handling vehicles. Replacing moving parts with electronics is a great idea. Eliminating the oi… I probably missed some and I might have scooped up a post that should have stayed. Let me know, I can still move posts back and forth as needed. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2021, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/292 "2021-03-25T12:13:51Z")
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**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2021, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/293 "2021-03-25T14:42:58Z")
I’m thinking of what car will replace my 2016 LEAF. I have never bought a new car, and this will likely be my last car purchase, so i want to make the right choice. There are a lot of EV’s coming on the market, so the choices are getting confusing. I was on the list for a Tesla Model 3, but turned in my reservation when I got the LEAF. At the moment I’m looking at: Tesla Model Y - I have always found hatchbacks useful Nissan Ariya - supposed to be coming out next year Hyundai Kona Chevy Bolt The e-Mustang would be interesting, mainly because I learned to drive on a 1965 Mustang Fastback, and in fact still own it. I wonder if Ford would do a straight trade, just for the publicity value. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2021, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/294 "2021-03-25T20:14:35Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > I wonder if Ford would do a straight trade, just for the publicity value. THAT would make a great commercial. Great PR for Ford, and for the local dealership. Worth trying…email their marketing department, or have the dealership do it. … eta: No, no, no! You should keep your '65! Ford people stop by, open up your 2-car garage… surprise! Matching Mustangs! Then the e-'Stang beats your old one in the quarter-mile. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2021, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/295 "2021-03-25T20:33:24Z")
A 2021 Nissan Murano ICE family wagon will smoke a '65 “muscle” car. While carrying 6 kids, 2 dogs, 3 video screens, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and 23 cup holders. The '65 Mustang was state of the art for its era, but that was 55 years ago. By modern standards they can barely get out of their own way. And whatever you do, don’t ask one to turn or stop. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/296 "2021-03-26T14:56:45Z")
Ha, this is all true. My 65 mustang feels like it wallows down the road, the acceleration is not much to write home about. I can say that when I’m driving it, i really feel like I’m DRIVING it. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/297 "2021-03-26T16:39:21Z")
I’m torn between an electric car, a hybrid, or a 3- or 4-cylinder gas-sipping car. But the catch is I’m a fun guy, but a miserly one. So far, electric vehicles have been too expensive and/or too ordinary. I’ve been reading [Jalopnik.com](http://Jalopnik.com), which is full of sports car types, but also quirky electric car aficionados (want to know everything about the [Changli](https://jalopnik.com/heres-what-the-worlds-cheapest-electric-car-is-like-to-1843904305), [“the cheapest electric car in the world”](https://jalopnik.com/heres-how-the-cheapest-electric-car-in-the-world-holds-1844778975)? Well, one of the editors went through the hassle of importing one, and even got car design and racing legends to weigh in, and even take it to a track). They have a regular feature “What Should I Buy?” and last week’s was [“I Need A Fun Electric Car, But It’s Gotta Be Cheap! What Should I Buy?”](https://jalopnik.com/i-need-a-fun-electric-car-but-its-gotta-be-cheap-what-1846500592) The recommendations (and the very knowledgeable comments) are great, from a BMW i3 to a 2013 Volt to a Smart Electric Drive convertible to cars I didn’t know existed, like the Fiat 500e… and a VW bug from the 60s with an electric motor dropped in. What I learned from that “thread” (the comments could have been a Doper gabfest) is that if I want a cheap, used electric vehicle… I should wait a few years. So I’ll limp along and try to use my old tiny car as little as possible (hey, the gas mileage when I’m doing errands on my bike is better than any e-car), and keep watching prices, ranges, and that “fun” quotient. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/298 "2021-03-26T23:01:02Z")
Did the article mention used LEAF’s, particularly lease returns in California, where they had some good rebates? This is how I got my used LEAF, and it was a pretty good price for a 3 year old car with 14,000 miles on it. ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2021, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/299 "2021-03-26T23:20:25Z")
Went and drove the Audi Q5e for an hour yesterday. Nice car, but not that compelling. I mean, for $50-60k it ought to be pretty damn exciting. We’ll look at the ID4 AWD when it happens. Need high clearance (Montana) and decent range, so it may be a while. Trying to nurse my Dodge 1500 (175k miles) along until one of the e-trucks is available. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2021, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/300 "2021-03-27T01:05:24Z")
Have a look at the Mustang-E. It’s more exciting and is getting good reviews. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2021, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/301 "2021-03-27T03:15:52Z")
I know nothing of the e-Mustang. But I rented a 2020 ICE Mustang a few months ago. The overall fit and finish was that of a cheap econo car. I’m talking about things that would be the same in the luxo version; I expect the cloth seats of a rental to be shite. Handling and braking was poor even with the wimpy rental car fleet engine. And would only get worse with a bigger engine. The ICE car properly loaded up sells for $50K. I was not impressed with the value for dollar at all. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2021, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/302 "2021-03-27T13:40:44Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I know nothing of the e-Mustang. But I rented a 2020 ICE Mustang a few months ago. Yeah, I would’ve been bummed to rent an icon like a Mustang and have it just another crappy modern car. But that shouldn’t affect the e-'Stang. Since they really look nothing like each other, I’d assume they’re built completely differently. They (disappointingly) didn’t keep the '67 Mustang aesthetic, and they certainly wouldn’t have kept the handling or the braking, or the seats. You mentioned the wimpy engine; that’s probably different too … :~} ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2021, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/303 "2021-03-27T22:24:00Z")
Well, we took our new EV for its first “extended” (out of the city) drive today and it was absolutely splendid. A little highway driving, a little back roads driving, all handled with aplomb. We’re still getting used to the regenerative braking - we’re not quite “one pedal” drivers yet, but it’s a totally great driving experience. And a bonus: the MA Audubon site we went to had a charger in the parking lot! We didn’t need it, but charged up while we were there from their solar array just to test it out. ---
**Author:** ![Lurking\_Quahog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lurking_quahog/32/21274_2.png) [@Lurking\_Quahog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lurking_Quahog)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2021, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/304 "2021-03-27T22:37:16Z")
> [@ShadowFacts](#): > > And a bonus: the MA Audubon site we went to had a charger in the parking lot! We didn’t need it, but charged up while we were there from their solar array just to test it out. Hey, cool! I oversaw the installation of the EV Charging stations at all the MA Audubon sites that have them. I’m the EV Project Manager for my company. Which preserve did you visit? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2021, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614/305 "2021-03-28T00:35:00Z")
> [@digs](#): > > But that shouldn’t affect the e-'Stang. Since they really look nothing like each other, I knew nothing of the e-Mustang until it was mentioned in this thread. I just visited [Ford.com](http://Ford.com) and was totally WTFed?? by what I saw. It looks just like a generic hatchback mini-family wagon. It resembles a Mustang about as much as I do. Color me baffled why they’d sully the name with a product like that, or equally why they’d take what’s probably a perfectly serviceable “SUV/hatchback crossover” -type vehicle and saddle it with a misleading unexpected name. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-electric-vehicle-plans/923614.md?page=15)