NonDawg Any here make the jump to an EV?

[Herrisman35]

I wish they had an extended battery option that would get 400+ like the others. I just need something that will get me to the beach without a charge haha. That 300 mile range scares me a bit

As uga9kelsy said, imas long as you plan it out the charging stop isn’t awful. Everyone I know always get hung up on the range and I get it coming from ice but you have to think about it like this. Do you wanna pay the extra $$ for a higher battery and added weight for an outlier? You may go to the beach a ton so ignore me if so but if it’s just the trip here and there then you’re gonna be spending a lot more $$ on something then saves only a little more time.

Transparently we have an ICE for longer trips if we wanted and we don’t really make a ton of trips with two young kids. But I just feel that ppl will spend more $ on bigger battery when in reality they’ll only use it a few tines a year.

 

[Herrisman35]

And this propaganda about needing a new battery after 8-10 years when most people get new cars around that time period anyway. The battery degradation has been way over estimated for the most part too.

Agreed. My FIL had a deposit on an R1S with us but he convinced himself he’d have to replace a battery. Close to 2 years 24k miles in and we’ve seen no degradation. And the warranties are generally pretty robust. I think a lot of folks just get super uncomfortable with something new. I think the real reason my in laws bailed on the car was because the tech was intimidating and I can understand that.

 

[MUSMDawgs]

It's not a big deal to stop along the way & get a charge. Takes about 20-30 minutes for a full charge at a fast charging station. How often do you drive straight to the beach without stopping typically? You can scout your location ahead of time to charge ahead of time, but the best case scenario for us has been stopping at a Bucees, letting it charge while getting a bite to eat, and by the time we're done there it's got a full charge.

Fair point. More often than not though the only time we stop is for gas, usually eat something as we go.

As uga9kelsy said, imas long as you plan it out the charging stop isn’t awful. Everyone I know always get hung up on the range and I get it coming from ice but you have to think about it like this. Do you wanna pay the extra $$ for a higher battery and added weight for an outlier? You may go to the beach a ton so ignore me if so but if it’s just the trip here and there then you’re gonna be spending a lot more $$ on something then saves only a little more time.

Transparently we have an ICE for longer trips if we wanted and we don’t really make a ton of trips with two young kids. But I just feel that ppl will spend more $ on bigger battery when in reality they’ll only use it a few tines a year.

Good point, and as he mentioned as well we always stop once (though only for gas ha). We usually go like 3-4 times a year so it’s not like we are going every week

 

[uga9kelsy]

Fair point. More often than not though the only time we stop is for gas, usually eat something as we go.


Good point, and as he mentioned as well we always stop once (though only for gas ha). We usually go like 3-4 times a year so it’s not like we are going every week

How far are you driving on your beach trips one way? Lots of hotels and places have free level 2 charging so once you get somewhere you can “fill up” for free.

 

[Herrisman35]

How far are you driving on your beach trips one way? Lots of hotels and places have free level 2 charging so once you get somewhere you can “fill up” for free.

This is the big thing. It’s not the trip out it’s making sure that you can top off when you get there.

 

[ParkDawg]

Honest range degradation numbers on 2022 Tesla 3LR ...

Started with 330 mile range. Max range is now 300 ... about 10% loss in 3+ yrs.

We keep it in the 80%-20% except for long trips, and then we max to 100% charge.

And in case it matters, we drive our Tesla like a race car. Some EV owners I know keep it 60-65 to preserve range. We don't conserve on speed, AC use, device chargers, etc as it relates to range. Meaning, others can prob do better w/ their range if that is their focus.

 

[bakermb]

Fair point. More often than not though the only time we stop is for gas, usually eat something as we go.


Good point, and as he mentioned as well we always stop once (though only for gas ha). We usually go like 3-4 times a year so it’s not like we are going every week

If you’re stopping for gas anyway, stopping for a charge isn’t much different. By the time you unload everybody to go to the bathroom & everything, you’re probably spending 20 minutes while stopping anyway.

Definitely understand the anxiety, I had it too for the first couple of road trips. For us, with 2 kids it makes more sense to take my wife’s car anyway when we go to the beach because more room to put suitcases & such. But when it’s just me, definitely not an issue. At the end of the day, though, I’ve only used fast chargers a handful of times as 95% of my charging is done at home.

 

[perrygreene11]

The only problem I have seen is traveling during holidays. Coming back from Florida on Thanksgiving was a pain. You are basically in a caravan coming up 75 and all stop at the same places because of superchargers location on 75.

Buccees is great because a lot of chargers and always entertaining people watching. Last trip saw a guy go into bathroom with a backpack on with a bubble and a cat inside.

 

[jbh3rd]

Hybrid is the way to go imo. I've loved my Ford F150 Powerboost! 24 mpg for a truck has been a game changer for my commute. Drove from Anderson, SC to Indy for Natty on one tank. Filled up just outside of Indy.

 

[MUSMDawgs]

How far are you driving on your beach trips one way? Lots of hotels and places have free level 2 charging so once you get somewhere you can “fill up” for free.

Farthest is 280 from house. And we typically stay at house we rent not hotels

 

[uga9kelsy]

280 is stopping maybe once depending on what car you get. If you charge close to where you stay you can charge once on way home probably halfway. Should not be an issue

 

[MUSMDawgs]

280 is stopping maybe once depending on what car you get. If you charge close to where you stay you can charge once on way home probably halfway. Should not be an issue

For the lightning owners, wasn’t there supposed to be a revamp this year with 2026 models?

Different design, more power, etc

 

[ugahairydawgs]

For the lightning owners, wasn’t there supposed to be a revamp this year with 2026 models?

Different design, more power, etc

Looks like that is all up in the air. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/com...omakers-shift-plans-away-from-evs/ar-AA1zP3yv

Honestly this thread and all of the comments has gotten me looking at a F150 Lightning. They are running some pretty significant promos on those right now.

 

[BeachDawg]

Looks like that is all up in the air. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/com...omakers-shift-plans-away-from-evs/ar-AA1zP3yv

Honestly this thread and all of the comments has gotten me looking at a F150 Lightning. They are running some pretty significant promos on those right now.

I'm shopping for one right now as well. I was waiting for the RAM version to come out to check it out as well but they keep pushing the release of it back and the F-150 Lightning is impressive so I've just decided to go ahead and try to find one of those with the current deals they have going.

 

[MUSMDawgs]

Looks like that is all up in the air. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/com...omakers-shift-plans-away-from-evs/ar-AA1zP3yv

Honestly this thread and all of the comments has gotten me looking at a F150 Lightning. They are running some pretty significant promos on those right now.

Honestly and I know this sounds dumb- I actually want a newer design of the truck. It looks TOO much like a standard F150 to me. I’m not wanting a Tesla truck looking monstrosity but…. Something different

 

[Herrisman35]

Honestly and I know this sounds dumb- I actually want a newer design of the truck. It looks TOO much like a standard F150 to me. I’m not wanting a Tesla truck looking monstrosity but…. Something different

You check out the GM variants? I’m not a GM fan but they definitely have the looks you’re mentioning.

 

[JTRDAWG]

Going on 4 years with audi e tron. WILL NEVER go back. looks and drives like an audi but faster..inside car is 10 times better than a tesla. This is my 2nd etron (now sq8) and about to order the new A6 etron because is looks like old a7. Great cars.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

Honestly and I know this sounds dumb- I actually want a newer design of the truck. It looks TOO much like a standard F150 to me. I’m not wanting a Tesla truck looking monstrosity but…. Something different

Yeah. I get it. I like the Cybertruck on the inside, just can’t get past the pyramid DeLorean on the outside.

 

[MUSMDawgs]

You check out the GM variants? I’m not a GM fan but they definitely have the looks you’re mentioning.

Yea I saw that. Had the look I’m going for but it’s gen 1 this year. May still end up going with it.

 

[LawDawg86]

Hybrid is the way to go imo. I've loved my Ford F150 Powerboost! 24 mpg for a truck has been a game changer for my commute. Drove from Anderson, SC to Indy for Natty on one tank. Filled up just outside of Indy.

Great post for me to reply to:

- We bought the boys a plug-in Hybrid when they were in HS. Awesome choice. They only went 20 -30 miles a day to school, practice, YMCA, etc. They put gas in it maybe 10 times over 6 years. When they got older, went to college (Cali and AL), it was more difficult - hard to find chargers in apartments, even in Cali, driving long distances was still cheaper, but now you have to plan more.

- I drove to Indy with my traveling group and one of our guys had a new EV Mustang. You will remember it was cold as hell. He had to stop 3 times at Walmarts. We abandoned him after the second stop and said we would see him at the hotel bar in Indy.

- I wouldn't hesitate to get an EV as a second or third car, or my main car if I was in a smaller town and rarely drove distances.

 

[MillDawg]

Holding value part is not super important to me as I tend to keep vehicles for a while. At 44 I've only ever had 2 vehicles, both new with the first one lasting 12 years and the second one now going 15 years.

I do the same, buy and hold (maintenance of course)

 

[MillDawg]

They don't emit "radiation". At least not in the way that most people interpret the term "radiation". When someone says something emits radiation or is radioactive people typically think medical level radiation (x-rays, cancer treatment), Nuclear power plants, etc... But those are stronger forms of radiation known as ionizing radiation.

I mean, honestly, they do emit "some" high level ionizing radiation... but you know what else does at similar levels?... Humans.... bananas... ham sandwiches.... rubber... the sun (massively)... literally everything to some degree...

You'll be exposed to more high level radiation flying from here to Dallas, TX than you will in an electric car... because A) You're closer to the sun, and B) More significantly, you have about 5-6 miles of less atmosphere protecting you than you do on the ground... But the same people who won't hesitate to fly to Dallas to see the Dawgs play in the Cotton Bowl are scared to drive there in an Electric Car.

But like every other electric device we use in our lives electric cars do emit low level electromagnetic radiation (EMR) or non-ionizing radiation. Yes, electric cars emit more of this than your typical cell phone but like you pointed out, there is shielding that alleviates this but the shielding really isn't even designed to degrade EMR, but rather its there due to the heat the batteries put off much like the heat an ICE puts off.

But if anyone is concerned about EMR they should watch Better Call Saul and see how Chuck McGill protects himself because we are literally bombarded all day, every day by EMR... non-stop, every second... at levels that far exceed anything we will ever get from driving an electric car... and knowing this and thinking about this is what drove Chuck McGill crazy.

So you are correct in your research that "radiation" levels from an electric car are safe, and the OP was way off base... For the record, people do get sick in electric vehicles, but its motion sickness that happens at higher rates than normal ICE vehicles because of the lack of engine noise and instant acceleration.

Source: I'm a Nuclear Physicist who currently works as a Medical Radiation Physicist.

(discretely throws away ham sandwich)

 

[CowetaDawg]

Here's another fact about EV's. We rented a Tesla in Calgary last year while in town for a business trip. Took a day trip up to Banff National Park. While there, we hooked up to a Tesla charging station and let the car charge for almost 4 hours while we had lunch etc. The car only gained 20% in 4 hours. There wasn't a "fast charging" option. And fast charging options are not nearly readily available in general.

The technology is great, I get that. But society in general is not ready. Not nearly enough charging stations and then there's the whole creating and disposing of the toxic lithium batteries (that no one wants to discuss).

 

[SnellvilleDawg]

Looking at a Tesla Model Y for the family. Seems like a good deal currently as they are unloading the existing stock ahead of the new release + EV tax credit. Hardly any maintenance cost, low charging cost if you charge at home, not having to hit a gas station again. Seems like a good choice for driving around town or short trips. Honestly just a hesitation at this point because of the different-ness of leaving an ICE vehicle.

Anyone here have one? How has it been?

Having had an EV, I say stay the heck away.

 

[GaDawg_1]

They don't emit "radiation". At least not in the way that most people interpret the term "radiation". When someone says something emits radiation or is radioactive people typically think medical level radiation (x-rays, cancer treatment), Nuclear power plants, etc... But those are stronger forms of radiation known as ionizing radiation.

I mean, honestly, they do emit "some" high level ionizing radiation... but you know what else does at similar levels?... Humans.... bananas... ham sandwiches.... rubber... the sun (massively)... literally everything to some degree...

You'll be exposed to more high level radiation flying from here to Dallas, TX than you will in an electric car... because A) You're closer to the sun, and B) More significantly, you have about 5-6 miles of less atmosphere protecting you than you do on the ground... But the same people who won't hesitate to fly to Dallas to see the Dawgs play in the Cotton Bowl are scared to drive there in an Electric Car.

But like every other electric device we use in our lives electric cars do emit low level electromagnetic radiation (EMR) or non-ionizing radiation. Yes, electric cars emit more of this than your typical cell phone but like you pointed out, there is shielding that alleviates this but the shielding really isn't even designed to degrade EMR, but rather its there due to the heat the batteries put off much like the heat an ICE puts off.

But if anyone is concerned about EMR they should watch Better Call Saul and see how Chuck McGill protects himself because we are literally bombarded all day, every day by EMR... non-stop, every second... at levels that far exceed anything we will ever get from driving an electric car... and knowing this and thinking about this is what drove Chuck McGill crazy.

So you are correct in your research that "radiation" levels from an electric car are safe, and the OP was way off base... For the record, people do get sick in electric vehicles, but its motion sickness that happens at higher rates than normal ICE vehicles because of the lack of engine noise and instant acceleration.

Source: I'm a Nuclear Physicist who currently works as a Medical Radiation Physicist.

You are too smart for the Vent

 

[bakermb]

And fast charging options are not nearly readily available in general.

I certainly can't speak to Calgary, and I can't speak for everywhere in the country but the above is simply untrue here in Georgia. There are plenty of fast charging stations all over Georgia. Electrify America has a ton of locations in the metro Atlanta area at a lot of Wal-Marts and they always have 4 or 5 fast chargers at every station. Fewer in the southern part of the state, but they have a couple up & down 75 & I-16. Chargepoint is another competitor & they have quite a few as well, even where my family is from down in Americus.

Tesla charging stations are all over the place. Can't speak for other EV's, but the Ford Lightning gives a free adapter to use at Tesla stations.

There are multiple other competitors for charging stations, but those are the three biggest ones.

 

[bakermb]

I'm shopping for one right now as well. I was waiting for the RAM version to come out to check it out as well but they keep pushing the release of it back and the F-150 Lightning is impressive so I've just decided to go ahead and try to find one of those with the current deals they have going.

Honestly don't think you'll regret it. When I bought mine back in October 2023 it was running around the same price as the ICE version of the F-150. Truly did it more for economics than anything & I've been tracking what we used to spend on gas vs. what we spend now. The net is about $800 a year in savings from my old 2006 Dodge Ram- that's taking into account EV charging, increase to electricity bill for the Level 2 charger I have installed here at the house, & the EV surcharge that Georgia charges to try to make up for lost fuel revenue. That isn't taking into account oil changes, brakes, & other maintenance so actually the savings are even higher than that so far. I didn't want to go down that rabbit hole yet until I get an apples-to-apples comparison of replacing the brakes & tires on the Lightning, as I'm expecting those will be more expensive.

 

[GrantParkDawg]

I can be an impatient drive and I use the FSD all the time now. Takes all the stress off and I can relax. Can’t wait till it’s unsupervised. It’s life changing to me.

Folks don’t understand what autonomous and full self driving is going to do to change the world.

 

[GrantParkDawg]

No way I'm supporting Elon but strongly considering a Rivian R1T.

Love the Rivians. Great looking vehicles, have been to the showroom down at Ponce Market.

 

[GrantParkDawg]

They don't emit "radiation". At least not in the way that most people interpret the term "radiation". When someone says something emits radiation or is radioactive people typically think medical level radiation (x-rays, cancer treatment), Nuclear power plants, etc... But those are stronger forms of radiation known as ionizing radiation.

I mean, honestly, they do emit "some" high level ionizing radiation... but you know what else does at similar levels?... Humans.... bananas... ham sandwiches.... rubber... the sun (massively)... literally everything to some degree...

You'll be exposed to more high level radiation flying from here to Dallas, TX than you will in an electric car... because A) You're closer to the sun, and B) More significantly, you have about 5-6 miles of less atmosphere protecting you than you do on the ground... But the same people who won't hesitate to fly to Dallas to see the Dawgs play in the Cotton Bowl are scared to drive there in an Electric Car.

But like every other electric device we use in our lives electric cars do emit low level electromagnetic radiation (EMR) or non-ionizing radiation. Yes, electric cars emit more of this than your typical cell phone but like you pointed out, there is shielding that alleviates this but the shielding really isn't even designed to degrade EMR, but rather its there due to the heat the batteries put off much like the heat an ICE puts off.

But if anyone is concerned about EMR they should watch Better Call Saul and see how Chuck McGill protects himself because we are literally bombarded all day, every day by EMR... non-stop, every second... at levels that far exceed anything we will ever get from driving an electric car... and knowing this and thinking about this is what drove Chuck McGill crazy.

So you are correct in your research that "radiation" levels from an electric car are safe, and the OP was way off base... For the record, people do get sick in electric vehicles, but its motion sickness that happens at higher rates than normal ICE vehicles because of the lack of engine noise and instant acceleration.

Source: I'm a Nuclear Physicist who currently works as a Medical Radiation Physicist.

Doing great work here sir thank you

 

[muddawg67]

Looking at a Tesla Model Y for the family. Seems like a good deal currently as they are unloading the existing stock ahead of the new release + EV tax credit. Hardly any maintenance cost, low charging cost if you charge at home, not having to hit a gas station again. Seems like a good choice for driving around town or short trips. Honestly just a hesitation at this point because of the different-ness of leaving an ICE vehicle.

Anyone here have one? How has it been?

Nevah, nevah, nevah! My next-door neighbor bought one, and on his first trip down to Disneyland, he had to stop in South Georgia to recharge his car for 3-4 hours before he could proceed on to his destination. Plus, the average battery life is 8-10 years and costs $4,500-$5,000 to replace. No, that's not for this guy.

 

[MUSMDawgs]

I’m glad I still have the option of having a gas vehicle and nothing ever going wrong with it. Ever

 

[bakermb]

Nevah, nevah, nevah! My next-door neighbor bought one, and on his first trip down to Disneyland, he had to stop in South Georgia to recharge his car for 3-4 hours before he could proceed on to his destination. Plus, the average battery life is 8-10 years and costs $4,500-$5,000 to replace. No, that's not for this guy.

Your neighbor didn’t properly plan ahead with it being his first trip & went to a level 2 charger rather than a fast charger which is only meant for topping off or charging overnight, not intended to charge on the go. A rapid charger can charge from 15% to 80% or so in less than 30 minutes.

How much do you spend on maintenance of an ICE vehicle in 8-10 years? There are no oil changes, spark plug, transmission flushes, etc. on an electric vehicle so that has to go in the cost-benefit analysis in order to get an apples-to-apples comparison.

 

[uga9kelsy]

Nevah, nevah, nevah! My next-door neighbor bought one, and on his first trip down to Disneyland, he had to stop in South Georgia to recharge his car for 3-4 hours before he could proceed on to his destination. Plus, the average battery life is 8-10 years and costs $4,500-$5,000 to replace. No, that's not for this guy.

Your neighbor is a moron.

Also Disneyland is in California.

Most people don’t own cars more than 10 years and that battery replacement crap is propaganda from the oil industry. Batteries degrade but maybe 20% after 10 years. 300 mile range car is still getting 240 miles. It’s not just dead.

As another poster said, you’ll pay thousands in maintenance on your ICE car but even if you did need a battery replacement, it’s still cheaper just looking at maintenance. The amount in fuel costs is astronomically cheaper on top of that.

 

[Herrisman35]

Love the Rivians. Great looking vehicles, have been to the showroom down at Ponce Market.

Can’t recommend the Rivian enough. 24k miles and going. My only “rub” is their service infrastructure still catching up and can be a PIA. I say that but I’ve had them come out heard Athens for mobile which was awesome.

 

[Herrisman35]

Your neighbor is a moron.

Also Disneyland is in California.

Most people don’t own cars more than 10 years and that battery replacement crap is propaganda from the oil industry. Batteries degrade but maybe 20% after 10 years. 300 mile range car is still getting 240 miles. It’s not just dead.

As another poster said, you’ll pay thousands in maintenance on your ICE car but even if you did need a battery replacement, it’s still cheaper just looking at maintenance. The amount in fuel costs is astronomically cheaper on top of that.

Not to mention a lot of these companies have robust battery warranties. Think ours is 170k miles or 10 years

 

[Herrisman35]

Yea I saw that. Had the look I’m going for but it’s gen 1 this year. May still end up going with it.

I mean I’d recommend just trying out a R1T. They have stupid lease deals going right now and sometimes you can even find their demo cars on the Rivian site. They’ve worked a lot of the kinks out too.

It’s not as big as an F150 but it’s not small and it’s unique. The max pack battery may even give you the range you want

 

[MUSMDawgs]

I mean I’d recommend just trying out a R1T. They have stupid lease deals going right now and sometimes you can even find their demo cars on the Rivian site. They’ve worked a lot of the kinks out too.

It’s not as big as an F150 but it’s not small and it’s unique. The max pack battery may even give you the range you want

I’ve looked at the dimensions and the back seat and such. I really like the room of the backseat in the f150s and full sized trucks. I may try one out though just to see

 

[grungydog]

Looking at a Tesla Model Y for the family. Seems like a good deal currently as they are unloading the existing stock ahead of the new release + EV tax credit. Hardly any maintenance cost, low charging cost if you charge at home, not having to hit a gas station again. Seems like a good choice for driving around town or short trips. Honestly just a hesitation at this point because of the different-ness of leaving an ICE vehicle.

Anyone here have one? How has it been?

Best car I have ever owned. I have the S and have put 120k miles on it in 5 years and the battery is still great. Zero maintenance and fun to drive. Battery does lose distance when it’s cold. The S I probably get 300 miles on a charge in warm weather

 

[grungydog]

theu go through tires super fast and yes they are going to be more expensive in insurance if not already very soon, some people get sick from being in them because you are sitting on a massive battery putting out a shit ton of radiation, nothing depreciated worse than an EV and this is across all brands, just a horrible idea and they are horrible for the environment contrary to what people tell u. Others have mentioned the battery replacement issue with cost, range goes in half in very cold weather and ac struggles in extreme heat, and not enough charging stations

Please . Everything you just said is garbage except cold weather on range.