I drove my first EV

[Hack]

I have no problem with EVs in theory, but after many years of driving I realize that my ideal car has a manual transmission, weighs closer to 3,000 pounds than 4,000, and it NEVER, EVER spies on me. I won't say a V8 is a requirement, but it's a point in favor if available. Absolute performance is less important to me than the joy of driving.

Weight is the toughest one to meet with safety still being a concern (albeit somewhat secondary) and I'm ok with our S550s being heavy. They are still fun to drive.

However, my other two wants are complete non-starters. I think I'm getting too old and curmudgeonly, because the convenience of a new car is not enough to make me compromise. I have to admit that the high cost of new cars is a factor. My next new to me car is probably going to have to be something I build myself. I understand the spy stuff can be removed, but how can I be 100% sure it's gone?

I would probably only own a car with an automatic transmission if it was self-driving and I used it for commuting to work while I read, sleep or do something else. It would also have to be really inexpensive and very safe for me to buy something like that. I don't see myself working long enough for something like this to become available while I still have to commute.

None of the current EVs satisfy my wants for a car and I don't see them as superior to what I already own.

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[Bulldog9]

I have no problem with EVs in theory, but after many years of driving I realize that my ideal car has a manual transmission, weighs closer to 3,000 pounds than 4,000, and it NEVER, EVER spies on me. I won't say a V8 is a requirement, but it's a point in favor if available. Absolute performance is less important to me than the joy of driving.

Weight is the toughest one to meet with safety still being a concern (albeit somewhat secondary) and I'm ok with our S550s being heavy. They are still fun to drive.

However, my other two wants are complete non-starters. I think I'm getting too old and curmudgeonly, because the convenience of a new car is not enough to make me compromise. I have to admit that the high cost of new cars is a factor. My next new to me car is probably going to have to be something I build myself. I understand the spy stuff can be removed, but how can I be 100% sure it's gone?

I would probably only own a car with an automatic transmission if it was self-driving and I used it for commuting to work while I read, sleep or do something else. It would also have to be really inexpensive and very safe for me to buy something like that. I don't see myself working long enough for something like this to become available while I still have to commute.

None of the current EVs satisfy my wants for a car and I don't see them as superior to what I already own.

My newest car is a 2020, and 2017. The others are 1976, and 1989...... I want to sell the Mustang and replace it with a 993 or 964 911 Vert for the reason of getting it off the grid. My 2017 Tundra is marginally there with its GPS and Broadband capabilities, but it is a far cry from these EV data collectors filled with cameras and microphones......

EV's are great for those who want them, they shouldn't be FORCED on the masses. ICE is still the most cost efficient, and is cleaner than ever. I'll stick with ICE. I'd love for my grandson to carry on the tradition of Sports Cars, but I only need to make it 15-20 more years till it doesn't matter...

I love manual transmissions, and the sound/feel of an ICE motor. I have 3 manual cars. The 2020 Bullitt, the 1989 944S2, and a 912E.......... The MOST SATISFYING is the oldest and lowest power. God, the car feels alive in my hands and feet. A BEV is just an appliance, I don't care how fast it is off the line. Has no appeal other than my around town grocery getter/COSTCO run.....

 

[dpAtlanta]

My thoughts on EV's are not conducive to an EV enthusiast.
I have drove a Lightning and a Tesla Model S.... the Lightning was boring after 30 mph (I may not have been aware of a sport mode), and the Model S was amazing quick.
But after 3 or 4 hard accelerations, it felt like a video game.............. it had no soul without the exhaust noise. The complete lack of input minus the Electric accelerator and steering made the drive very boring within minutes.
My Cayman has a PDK and stock exhaust....... it gets boring after a half hour or so, the Tesla became boring within minutes.

Fast is fun, but getting there needs to stimulate the senses beyond simply G-Forces.

 

[sk47]

EV's are great for those who want them, they shouldn't be FORCED on the masses.

the Tesla became boring within minutes.

Hello; Useful to learn the EV experience became boring so quickly.

Hello; The being forced onto us is the real issue. I do not care if someone wants or has an EV outside of as a taxpayer having to foot part of the bill.

 

[Bulldog9]

Hello; Useful to learn the EV experience became boring so quickly.

Hello; The being forced onto us is the real issue. I do not care if someone wants or has an EV outside of as a taxpayer having to foot part of the bill.

Hello, you don't need to start every post with "Hello" ;-)

 

[dpAtlanta]

Hello, you don't need to start every post with "Hello" ;-)

I think he does............... he has been doing it for years.
It's his M.O. and it has worked for him since inception.

 

[mAkI]

Before telling this story in full, I give the following wrapup:
EVs are the future to eventually surpass ICE vehicles in terms of lower maintenance and economy. Downsides to be addressed include readily available fast chargers with a standard connector, lower prices, readily available and modular parts (for repairs in minor collisions), and most important shielding batteries from fires. Also see the important caution about quietness in report below.

Today's answer is the compromise of Hybrids over ICE vehicles.

THE STORY:
My fun car is a 2020 Bullitt. For long hauls and multiple passengers a satisfying compromise is my 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. When the lease was up on my 2020 Lexus RX searched unsuccessfully for a RX Hybrid. Simple reason, the MPG on the Lexus was similar to the Bullitt. Decided to test drive the Highlander as it was a comparable to the Lexus RX and I figured we get a feel for the RX.

At the Toyota dealer I requested their most experienced salesman. On introducing ourselves told the salesman I've bought dozens of cars over the years and do not expect to be handed a line or I'll walk.

As my wife and I took the car for a test ride we were looking at specific things. First of all did it ride and handle well and did it have good acceleration. It rated high in all respects. The window sticker said MPG was 35.

I was ready to walk away from the test drive without purchasing hoping to wait for a Lexus to become available. The salesman asked to look at my Lexus which was 2 months prior to lease end. He said it was perfect and offered to buy it out for a price equal to what I'd just seen in Kelley Blue Book. After some haggling where we got to a lease price I was comfortable, I said what I learned many years ago, "The deal sounds reasonable but whenever I make a big purchase I always go home and think about for a day. I stood pat that no deal was to be made that day. Next morning, salesman called early to ask if we'd decided. I told him I was checking out other factors. Cut off his conversation politely but firmly. 4 PM, his salesmanager called and said they were able to lower the monthly lease if only I came in that evening. End of sales story after more haggling, lease came down $100/month and mileage allowed per year increased from 10k to 12k.

After 1 1/2 years and 20k miles it is easy to say this is one of the best large cars I've had. The worst thing, the window sticker 35MPG is a lie, we only average winter/summer 33MPG. WooHoo!!!

THE CAUTION: the hybrid starts and runs up to about 25MPH on the electric motor* which is very quiet. This means people not facing the car do not hear you. From this I've learned patience to wait until safe. Maybe once or twice had to tap horn.

* This Hybrid is not a plugin. It recharges when coasting downhill and when braking. Battery is warranted for 10 years. Have not heard of a battery fire on a hybrid.

Here's the Shocker:
Love my Bullitt. However, when and if a GT Hybrid comes to market, I'm in. Ford has considerable experience with Hybrid Transits so will likely do this right.

I got the same combo! Bullitt for me HiHy for the family. Although for a while I was actually getting 35+ mpg until it slowly dropped from 11k miles to 14k miles and am down to 31 now.

 

[sk47]

Hello; An interesting turn of events. The same folks who have been trying to force all of us into EV's apparently are now shooting into and fire-bombing Tesla's. Hear today they have set March 29 a the day to go after Tesla vehicles.
On top of that there apparently is a website online on which the owners and their locations of Teslas can be found. I do not know about this myself but saw such on the news.

Interesting how "save the planet" went to the back burner. In fact I suppose burning a half ton Li-ion battery is among the more environmentally damaging things to do. Go figure?

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