Quote:
Originally Posted by Cappy
My condo building recently had the option to install EV chargers using the government subsidy. Just completed and all in I paid about $3,200.00 for it. I was actually surprised that only about 1/3 of the units elected to have one installed.
Looking at EVs now to take the plunge.
Anyone have thoughts on Polestar 2? I've always loved the Volvo brand, wondering if it is as similar?
Other options i like are the Ionic 5 and the Genysis EV
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Polestar 2 looks like a great car with good range, decent acceleration and quality build/modern interior. I like it and expect build quality is very good but I would wait for improvements on their charging capability as currently they max out at 150kw and it drops off quick below 100kw after hitting 50% of total charge. Polestar claims they can charge from 0-80% in 40 min.
In comparison, Tesla Model 3 (400V system) starts charging up to 250kw and then drops to 150kw around 40% with 10-80% about 30min. Ioniq 5/EV6 (800V systems) have flatter charging curves maxing out around 230kw and can charge 10-80% in about 18min. Mach E and ID4 are both slower (400V architecture) than Model 3 but have had updates that have helped. Genesis will have 800V system similar to Ioniq5 and similar fast charging times (22 min reported for 10-80%). I didn't realize Genesis was Hyundai though so not surprising they are comparable.
Most charging is done at home/work (AC slow charging) but its still an important thing to consider especially if you like to road trip. I assume as the standard and infrastructure gets better for fast charging resale value will hold up much better for EVs that are comparable to Tesla's standard or better. I wouldn't even consider Toyota's or Subaru's new EVs with rumored fast charging below 100kw. Its embarrassing how far behind they appear to be.
Canadians in particular really should do their research on how well the EV does in cold temperatures. Tesla has a good battery system that preconditions for charging and helps range in sub 0C but still loses a lot of its range at very cold temperatures. Ioniq 5 and EV6 both have battery warmers and heat pumps in Canadian models so design is good but they do not work great at this time. Based on European updates they should have improvements with preconditioning even with the current 2022 vehicles by next winter. This isn't a problem in moderate climates like Vancouver Island but its definitely something I would research in most of Canada for each EV as some brands really suffer. AC slow charging isn't affected as bad and having your EV in a garage is going to help range a lot starting with a warm battery so might be less of a concern. Do your research though carefully. With a garage with level 2 charging paid for I would absolutely recommend an EV to most but not so much for people stuck with their EV outside during cold winters where range can be decreased by ~50% in sub -20C weather.
If you have any specific questions about Ioniq 5 let me know. I have lots of good things to say and a few bad things too after owning for 4 months. For the price I do think its by far the best value for the battery system, design and tech you can get at least for 2022. Although given wait times for all EVs start considering what 2023 has to offer and think about getting a deposit down.