Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
So my thoughts on an EV as a daily commuter (I recently bought one, overpriced as they may be compared to hybrids and plugin hybrids and ICE). My thoughts (I know a lot of this thread is very macro-outlook, mine is not so far-reaching)
Pros:
- it is very nice to be able to have climate control on my phone heat the interior up to a nice toasty 21.5 degrees while the car sits inside the garage. An ICE car would require you open the garage door to do the same thing.
- I've charged it at home every time. Haven't even looked for an EV charging station.
- I haven't checked gas prices once since I bought it. I couldn't tell you if they're down to 90c a litre or up to 2 dollars a litre. I don't care!!
- A typical Calgary daily commute will drain maybe 5-10% of the battery. Level 1 charging is fast enough
- the torqueyness is fun to drive. I don't miss my ICE car which was 5 cylinders and turbocharged one bit.
- I do have some inconvenience playing around between different levels of regenerative braking. Level 1 never feels like enough on most roads, level 2 feels too aggressive. If there were a level 1.5, it'd be just right. So maybe factor in a test drive and try regenerative braking on different EV options.
- fewer moving parts that could go bad. How many times have you had to replace a worn gasket leaking motor oil, or oil filters etc?
cons
- the biggest issue is just finding the car you want. You mentioned wanting a model Y, so factor in how long it'll take for one to actually arrive at your proberbial doorstep. Supply is frustrating right now.
- it's a $55k car that feels more like a $40k car in terms of fit and finish. You are paying an EV premium even with the $5k government rebate. Personally I think the predictable upfront cost is worth not having to deal with fluctuating gas prices, but I don't know if there is any long term saving so to speak.
- Electric bill will go up a bit, but I think overall it's been nothing significant. Electricity is cheap right now IMO.
- if you don't preheat it, it takes a while to warm up on a cold day. ICE cars and hybrids probably heat up faster.
Sorry if I didn't directly answer your question or provide anything you didn't already know
Level 2 charger would only be a necessity if you're driving a taxi or something.
But a 50A circuit to your girage would probably increase home value so it's not the worst investment.
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Thanks for the detailed list.
I'm in Vancouver, so the pre heating isn't a big factor for me personally.
My V6 twin turbo eats up premium gas right now and that's getting stupidly expensive; that's the biggest consideration for me to go electric or at least hybrid.
Gas prices are just too insane here and there's also not many gas stations left.