Electric vehicles

[KARNUT]

I want one someday. I’ve been pretty lucky I’ve gotten to drive or operate all that I’ve desired. It’s the new shiny thing. Mainly it’s the speed. I like the ones that simulate engine sounds. I can imagine the handling must be amazing. Maybe a short term lease. Or maybe a weekend rental. As of now they won’t make my brother in law’s house on a charge. My wife wouldn’t give up her Genesis. It be perfect for her. So it would have to be me and trip vehicle. There’s a Buckeyes that has a charging station on the way. I’ll have to check. Then there’s the price. I’m in a self imposed box. I could spring for the wife. Me I just can’t. So maybe before I get too old it will happen. When it comes to vehicles. If I get the itch, it usually happens. Okay I’ll start checking out rental. 

[RyanbabZ71]

We pickup our first EV Monday afternoon.  My son is 6 months from getting his license and we decided to let him drive my wife's VW Atlas (will still have it to haul everyone if needed) back and forth to school and baseball practice.  It is nearing 100K (2021 model) and the thought is save some miles and we know what he is getting.  Ive done most of the maintenance and it has been solid so far.  Facebook ad sucked her in lol.  Getting a 2023 Tesla Model 3.  12K miles at a great price.  Ive been watching the new manufacturer slate.  Going to build a truck/suv in Indiana.  They are about 2 years out though so hopefully this works out.  She is super excited and already looking at some cosmetic mods.  She said now I know how you feel having the Camaro.  

[newdude]

My mom's 2009 Mercury Mariner has had NY winters get the best of it cosmetically.  About 1/4 of the liftgate has turned to dust, the latch failed and won't open, rear quarters by the doors are smoked, transmission has somehow had enough magic inside to keep going but its showing signs of not-so-goodness.  Thinking she goes EV here.  My lease is up September and was thinking of splitting the cost of an EV lease and put her in it.  15 miles round trip, doctors here and there, the most she drives is maybe 60mi round in her car now?  Pretty sure an Equinox EV would fit the bill.  

 

I've driven most of the Chevy EVs at work so far.  Bolt and Volt in the past, more recently the Blazer (LT/RS), Equinox and Silverado (LT extended range and an RST).  The trucks are an absolute ripper for an 8500lbs tank and I would totally get one.  But the price.  Ugh.  The Equinox is more my liking than the Blazer.  Looks better, better range, no power charge door to break, and its cheaper.  Also, it appears with the "bill" passing the EV tax credit goes away at the end of September, so the timing on this for me couldn't work any better hopefully.  

 

[Atlas]

Our other driver is a BMW iX, which is a large electric SUV-thing. The other half wanted an EV. We take it all over, long distances, it's a great car. It's leased - the only car we've ever leased - because of our uncertainty around residual value and if we'd want to keep one long term, and to hedge against any big advances in tech. As it stands, its charging plug has already been eclipsed by NACS.

 

It's big, it's comfortable, and we don't have charging anxiety. It mostly gets charged at home, and for long trips, charging along the way hasn't been a problem. We pop inside to eat somewhere while snagging some electrons...no big deal. At that point in the trip, we usually need a break anyway (320+ mile range)

 

For a 5,500lb+ vehicle it handles amazing. It will knock the groceries in the rear cargo area over while tearing the doors off of most any vehicle you'd want to, with a 0-60 of 4.5 seconds... Most people just have no idea.

 

Most of the EV naysayers tell me (at least online) we're not saving the earth or any money, and EV's are dumb. Sorry pumpkin...those weren't our goals in the first place. The car is amazing.

Edited July 6, 2025 by Atlas

[RyanbabZ71]

The model 3 is nice.  Simple on the inside (minus the giant screen).  It is quick on the start but I will still take my ZL1 with the raw power/sound any day of the week.  Its currently being polished and prepped for ceramic coating.  It was in decent shape for 12K miles.  Of the 4 "blemishes" that were noted in the listing I easily removed 3 by hand polishing prior to rotary polishing.  

[Black02Silverado]

Susan picked up a used 2023 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe.  She always wanted a Jeep. Saw it on the lot and the price was right. Picked it up with only 4k miles on it.  It's been a great vehicle. Perfect for her and all the around town driving.  She can go 8 weeks without having to fill it up.  I use Fuelly and it's funny because every time I go to log her fill up, it asks if I forgot a fill up. LOL Best mpg on Fuelly is 99.0.  It's a quick thing too, put it in 4hi and hit it and your gone. Perfect because not only does she only use electric for the most part, but easy to get in and out of parking around here. 

 

Our power company paid to have our level 2 charger installed. So from a dead battery to 100% takes 2.3hrs. If we used the 110 cord charger then it would take 13hrs.  So she can go out and run a few errands and then come back plug it in and in an hour or so it's back to full charge.

[customboss]

Anyone check out SLATE EV trucks SUV’s. 
 

customizable. 
 

https://www.slate.auto/en

 

Edited July 9, 2025 by customboss

[newdude]

53 minutes ago, customboss said:

Anyone check out SLATE EV trucks SUV’s. 
 

customizable. 
 

https://www.slate.auto/en

 

 

 

 

 

Yes to the point where I almost put down a deposit.  Its still an interesting proposition even with the $7500 EV credit phasing out since it will still start under $30,000.  Which I don't think any offering on the market is right now without having to have the tax credit to get there.  

 

I like the customizability of it, the blank "slate" idea is great too giving the end user the control over its color and appearance.  If there's anything I'd want, its a variant with a higher towing capacity.  1400lbs payload is fine but 1000lbs towing?  I'd like to see a variant with 3000-5000lbs, right in that crossover/Maverick/Santa Cruz territory.  

 

Oh.  And an AWD option would be nice too since its RWD only at the moment.  

Edited July 10, 2025 by newdude

[RyanbabZ71]

Been following slate since they introduced them.  I really like the concept but they wont be available for a few years.  Going to be built in Warsaw Indiana.  I too almost put $50 down but again being 2 years out I didnt want to wait.  I have inquired about a ride and drive and they said more to come.  I think it would be a great around town vehicle.  

[Atlas]

I'm excited for the Scout...it looks like a nice rig.

[Black02Silverado]

34 minutes ago, Atlas said:

I'm excited for the Scout...it looks like a nice rig.

Yes, but unfortunately out of most of our price range I would imagine.

[Atlas]

33 minutes ago, Black02Silverado said:

Yes, but unfortunately out of most of our price range I would imagine.

 

Starting around $60k without incentives so probably 80 with a few options. Have you seen what new fullsize GM pickups cost these days? lol

 

 

[customboss]

2025 was a roller coaster year for EVs 

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/29/nx-s1-5638592/electric-vehicles-2025
 

[newdude]

I took advantage of that roller coaster in August.  

 

 

[Atlas]

32 minutes ago, newdude said:

I took advantage of that roller coaster in August.  

 

 

 

How's it been? Still like it?