Electric/hybrid cars question

[pixy0stix]

This is timely since I just read this today - www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/09/11/volkswagen-mercedes-benz-electric-cars/653903001/

More manufacturers are starting to add electric to their line.

[isabel]

Nope, I think you're spot on. I would have purchased an electric/hybrid if there had been one close to my price range that wasn't hideous. I wanted an SUV. There really aren't a lot of options for that.

As it is, I think I will put an emphasis on purchasing an electric car the next time I buy a car, but it's going to be a long time before that happens. Maybe options will be better by then.

[picksthemusic]

mominatrix

[pink]

Totally agree on the looks factor.

However I think a bigger issue is range, fear about range, and misinformation about charging. We've talked to a ton of people who are surprised that you don't need a special outlet and that we just plug into our regular outlet. The chevy bolt and Tesla Model 3 are addressing the range issue at a lower price point, but I also think many people who would be fine with an 80 mile range don't realize it.

We also need more fast charging stations. Until we get our model 3, we have to take my gas car on any long trips.

Side note, I hate that certain cars are only available in certain states. I really want a fiat 500e but you can't get them in Washington (and they won't service them here either).

[sonrisa]

Priuses shape came from function: designed to have low drag (so less need for gas) while still accommodating 4 people.

To a certain degree I think there is an "eye of the beholder" aspect to it. Personally, I hate the look of SUVs and don't see why most people find them more aesthetically appealing than school vans or minivans. They are large, lumpy blights on the highway. The larger, more expensive ones are the ugliest.

[suburbanzookeeper]

My husband drives 70ish miles round trip for work. We're on the fence for electric, we already have solar and generate more than we use so for us this is a slam dunk. If this was going for our area we'd be all over it:

"https://slickdeals.net/f/10541248-extra-10k-off-2017-nissan-leaf-for-conedison-sdge-pseg-aep-comed-duke-green-mountain-power-srp-peco-rocky-mountain-power-bge-gp-and-ameren-customers?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1

This trend may be going nationwide! San Diego added the BMW i3.

Now parts of NY, CA, MO, OH, GA, IN, KY, FL, NC, SC, PA, MD, UT, AZ, VT, IL, and NJ!

Extra $10k off 2017 Nissan LEAF for ConEdison customers and others, the list keeps growing!"

[pink]

Sept 11, 2017 16:48:06 GMT -5 suburbanzookeeper said:

My husband drives 70ish miles round trip for work. We're on the fence for electric, we already have solar and generate more than we use so for us this is a slam dunk. If this was going for our area we'd be all over it:

"https://slickdeals.net/f/10541248-extra-10k-off-2017-nissan-leaf-for-conedison-sdge-pseg-aep-comed-duke-green-mountain-power-srp-peco-rocky-mountain-power-bge-gp-and-ameren-customers?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1

This trend may be going nationwide! San Diego added the BMW i3.

Now parts of NY, CA, MO, OH, GA, IN, KY, FL, NC, SC, PA, MD, UT, AZ, VT, IL, and NJ!

Extra $10k off 2017 Nissan LEAF for ConEdison customers and others, the list keeps growing!"

Have you looked at the Bolt? Everyone I've talked to who has one loves it.

[sonrisa]

Yes, Teslas are much more stylish than Pruises. I agree. They are quickly becoming a favorite around here.

However, many Tesla drivers around here had Pruises before hand. Often one Mercedes, one Prius, one SUV for carting the kids. They've upgraded the Prius to a Tesla because it was a nicer option and ditched the Mercedes.

[bugandbibs]

I agree style and availability are key. When we had to unexpectedly/quickly replace MH's car we ended up with a chevy spark. We wanted a chevy bolt but there weren't any available. The spark was our next best option that we could afford.

I really wanted to get on the list for the Tesla 3, but it wasn't in our budget to replace another car too.

[insominac]

An uber driver last month picked me up in a Tesla SUV. That car was really nice. lol And I'm not a car person.

[badgergrl]

A little off topic my my state legislature just passed an additional tax in all hybrid and electric cars. Super excited to pay an extra tax for being somewhat environmentally conscious.

[msmerymac]

I'm waiting for Volvo and Lexus to release full electric cars, for sure.

[msmerymac]

Sept 11, 2017 18:01:21 GMT -5 insominac said:

An uber driver last month picked me up in a Tesla SUV. That car was really nice. lol And I'm not a car person.

I've heard of people doing Uber just to pay for the car!

[lovelovelove]

Related question - why is so much effort going into self driving vehicles instead of more electric/hybrid options? I don't know enough on the subjects to find reliable information.

[insominac]

Sept 11, 2017 18:31:25 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

Sept 11, 2017 18:01:21 GMT -5 insominac said:

An uber driver last month picked me up in a Tesla SUV. That car was really nice. lol And I'm not a car person.

I've heard of people doing Uber just to pay for the car!

This guy would rent it out to people to use.  He also lived on a farm somewhere way outside of LA. He was... interesting.

[tiramisu]

Another issue is where to charge them for those of us who don't have garages or the ability to easily run an extension cord out to wherever our car is parked. I'd love to consider going electric, but I live in a city, no assigned parking, no nearby charging stations. There are none near my work, either.

[Jalapeñomel]

I think many people don't buy Tesla's because they are concerned about having an electric car for environmental purposes.

[pixy0stix]

Sept 11, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

A little off topic my my state legislature just passed an additional tax in all hybrid and electric cars. Super excited to pay an extra tax for being somewhat environmentally conscious.

They have to make up what you're not paying in gas tax to keep your roads nice. Unless you like potholes?

[badgergrl]

Sept 11, 2017 19:21:45 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Sept 11, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

A little off topic my my state legislature just passed an additional tax in all hybrid and electric cars. Super excited to pay an extra tax for being somewhat environmentally conscious.

They have to make up what you're not paying in gas tax to keep your roads nice. Unless you like potholes?

In the same bill they lessened the restriction on the weight of trucks- the vehicles that actually cause potholes. My state currently has a 2billion dollar shortfall in the transportation budget and the hybrid tax will raise 8 million. So, we have a shit in of potholes but the GOP only taxes hybrids?

[scout8]

Sept 11, 2017 19:21:45 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Sept 11, 2017 18:28:46 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

A little off topic my my state legislature just passed an additional tax in all hybrid and electric cars. Super excited to pay an extra tax for being somewhat environmentally conscious.

They have to make up what you're not paying in gas tax to keep your roads nice. Unless you like potholes?

I understand the rationale, but feel we should be doing things to encourage people to be more environmental. 

[pixy0stix]

Sept 11, 2017 19:39:16 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

Sept 11, 2017 19:21:45 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

They have to make up what you're not paying in gas tax to keep your roads nice. Unless you like potholes?

In the same bill they lessened the restriction on the weight of trucks- the vehicles that actually cause potholes. My state currently has a 2billion dollar shortfall in the transportation budget and the hybrid tax will raise 8 million. So, we have a shit in of potholes but the GOP only taxes hybrids?

All vehicles cause potholes and wear and tear on the roads. Yes, heavy trucks cause more damage but your electric car is still going to cause degradation. Not to mention that you still cause traffic congestion which I would guess the tax is always going to. Transportation budgets are shit almost everywhere, not just red states.

[curbsideprophet]

Raise the cost of gas and more people will become interested in more efficient cars.

[Velar Fricative]

Sept 11, 2017 18:01:21 GMT -5 insominac said:

An uber driver last month picked me up in a Tesla SUV. That car was really nice. lol And I'm not a car person.

I'm not either but Teslas are the only cars I see on the road that make me go "oooooooooooh." 

[kadams767]

Sept 11, 2017 19:39:16 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

Sept 11, 2017 19:21:45 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

They have to make up what you're not paying in gas tax to keep your roads nice. Unless you like potholes?

In the same bill they lessened the restriction on the weight of trucks- the vehicles that actually cause potholes. My state currently has a 2billion dollar shortfall in the transportation budget and the hybrid tax will raise 8 million. So, we have a shit in of potholes but the GOP only taxes hybrids?

Most states probably also sorely need to raise the gas tax.  All cars are much more efficient than in times past, not just hybrids and electrics, but the gas tax has not kept up pace.  Shockingly, I know, this is never a popular proposition for people.  It's nuts.  No one wants higher gas tax, tolls or consumption tax.  I don't really understand what the other options are.  

[rbp]

Sept 11, 2017 17:02:03 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Yes, Teslas are much more stylish than Pruises. I agree. They are quickly becoming a favorite around here.

However, many Tesla drivers around here had Pruises before hand. Often one Mercedes, one Prius, one SUV for carting the kids. They've upgraded the Prius to a Tesla because it was a nicer option and ditched the Mercedes.

We have a Prius and a Mercedes and are lusting for a Tesla. 😉

I'm the practical driver. I don't give a shit about looks or performance, just fuel efficiency and reliability. So I live my Prius. But I understand what Fif is saying--my husband is more of a car person and will never be interested in driving a Prius. I hope with a bunch of new makers building electric cars over the next few years, there will be much better options soon!

[suburbanzookeeper]

Sept 11, 2017 19:55:27 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

Sept 11, 2017 19:39:16 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

In the same bill they lessened the restriction on the weight of trucks- the vehicles that actually cause potholes. My state currently has a 2billion dollar shortfall in the transportation budget and the hybrid tax will raise 8 million. So, we have a shit in of potholes but the GOP only taxes hybrids?

Most states probably also sorely need to raise the gas tax.  All cars are much more efficient than in times past, not just hybrids and electrics, but the gas tax has not kept up pace.  Shockingly, I know, this is never a popular proposition for people.  It's nuts.  No one wants higher gas tax, tolls or consumption tax.  I don't really understand what the other options are.  

California's bump to the gas tax has gone over swimmingly well, including the 2020 $100 annual electric vehicle fee. 

[goldengirlz]

Sept 11, 2017 19:55:27 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

Sept 11, 2017 19:39:16 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

In the same bill they lessened the restriction on the weight of trucks- the vehicles that actually cause potholes. My state currently has a 2billion dollar shortfall in the transportation budget and the hybrid tax will raise 8 million. So, we have a shit in of potholes but the GOP only taxes hybrids?

Most states probably also sorely need to raise the gas tax.  All cars are much more efficient than in times past, not just hybrids and electrics, but the gas tax has not kept up pace.  Shockingly, I know, this is never a popular proposition for people.  It's nuts.  No one wants higher gas tax, tolls or consumption tax.  I don't really understand what the other options are.  

I don't like those taxes either because they're regressive. The other options are taxing the wealthy on income and capital gains. Or tax businesses that move into exurban office parks that don't support smart urban planning and transit options.

[Poppy]

Sept 11, 2017 16:48:06 GMT -5 suburbanzookeeper said:

My husband drives 70ish miles round trip for work. We're on the fence for electric, we already have solar and generate more than we use so for us this is a slam dunk. If this was going for our area we'd be all over it:

"https://slickdeals.net/f/10541248-extra-10k-off-2017-nissan-leaf-for-conedison-sdge-pseg-aep-comed-duke-green-mountain-power-srp-peco-rocky-mountain-power-bge-gp-and-ameren-customers?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1

This trend may be going nationwide! San Diego added the BMW i3.

Now parts of NY, CA, MO, OH, GA, IN, KY, FL, NC, SC, PA, MD, UT, AZ, VT, IL, and NJ!

Extra $10k off 2017 Nissan LEAF for ConEdison customers and others, the list keeps growing!"

Our utility had a similar deal and we test drove the Leaf but a few things held us back. 1) It just felt cheap, and small. 2) Concern over longevity (Nissan hasn't been in the market that long, range was fine now but they don't have much data on how it holds up over time). 3) Their value retention is HORRIBLE.

And we were a two Prius family. Willing to take some risk for new tech, "function over form" people, etc. The Leaf (and Bolt) just weren't compelling compared to buying another used later model Prius. The Prius isn't a sexy car but it's actually pretty technology-forward even in the cheaper models. Like we couldn't believe that with other makes it was so hard to find a car with a high enough trim package to have keyless access, Bluetooth, etc.

[badgergrl]

Sept 11, 2017 19:50:28 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Sept 11, 2017 19:39:16 GMT -5 badgergrl said:

In the same bill they lessened the restriction on the weight of trucks- the vehicles that actually cause potholes. My state currently has a 2billion dollar shortfall in the transportation budget and the hybrid tax will raise 8 million. So, we have a shit in of potholes but the GOP only taxes hybrids?

All vehicles cause potholes and wear and tear on the roads. Yes, heavy trucks cause more damage but your electric car is still going to cause degradation. Not to mention that you still cause traffic congestion which I would guess the tax is always going to. Transportation budgets are shit almost everywhere, not just red states.

I guess I would ask you to do some research into wisconsins current situation-- I sort of feel like you are arguing with me about something i know a ton about and you know nothing about. . Wisconsins last few budget have specifically included huge fuck yous to traditionally democratic voters-- and that's what THIS hybrid fee is- it has nothing to do with fixing the budget and everything to do with the fact that hybrids are generally owned by people who vote blue.

If the hybrid tax was part of a larger comprehensive reform to fix our transportation issues I could get on board with it being a necessary part of funding our roads. In Wisconsin case that is not what is happening.

[downtoearth]

Sept 11, 2017 23:03:31 GMT -5 1234FIF! said:

Came back to say that I didnt get a Tesla because it is costly and I thought about it long enough to realize I couldn't afford it.

Is the BMW i8 more affordable? That's the one my DH likes and he's more into car design then me.

ETA - I was so off... DH just informed me a Tesla is like $105k and the BMW i8 is $140k.