Electric and Hybrid Car Thread

[AstulzerRZD]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

I highly advise you to rent one and try it out first. I have driven the pre refresh Model 3 a bit and I have to say I hate the seats on road trips. The suspension is also not good as said by Astulzer.

I hate the model 3.
Rides like it’s on Truhart BS coil over from eBay.
Noisier than a gutted ITR on the highway.
Autopilot is incredibly annoying.

Can’t turn off 1 pedal and coast/drive it like a normal car.
Charges 30% as fast as the competition

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by radeonboy

In the price range of the Model 3 and Y, I think these two are probably the best and safest ways to get into EVs both in terms of what you get with the car and the after-sales support. Tesla is pretty generous trying to fix quality problems compared to dealerships from personal experience (I had a 2019 Model 3 and drive a pre-Juniper Model Y).

I’ve tried both the facelifted 3 and Y and they’re definitely a big step up from the pre-facelift models.

This is purely anecdotal but a classmate of mine mentioned to me that there could be a backlog in terms of warranty repairs for Tesla. I don't remember which model they have but there was at least a two to three week wait for a warranty repair. We didn't get into specifics, so I'm unsure if it was electrical/software related, or cosmetic. Any idea what general wait times for repairs are?

Side note, and I should probably save this for the other thread, but which winter tires are popular in Vancouver/GVRD for Teslas? I hope they don't use some weirdo-specific brand/size/type for them, like Porsche.

[radeonboy]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

This is purely anecdotal but a classmate of mine mentioned to me that there could be a backlog in terms of warranty repairs for Tesla. I don't remember which model they have but there was at least a two to three week wait for a warranty repair. We didn't get into specifics, so I'm unsure if it was electrical/software related, or cosmetic. Any idea what general wait times for repairs are?

Side note, and I should probably save this for the other thread, but which winter tires are popular in Vancouver/GVRD for Teslas? I hope they don't use some weirdo-specific brand/size/type for them, like Porsche.

I didn't have to bring mine in for warranty work so I don't have any reference points, but maybe others here can chime in. EDIT: Forgot to add: my personal experience came from helping my parents with submitting a warranty repair request and they were happy with the process. IIRC they were taken in within the week but that was a while ago.

I think choosing a winter tire for Teslas isn't any different than an ICE car - I ran X-Ice on mine and they were more than fine. There are so many Teslas on the road that their sizes are readily available.

For me, the biggest adjustment coming from an ICE car was learning how to drive smoothly in the snow with regen turned on.

[AstulzerRZD]

Most other EV let you turn off regen.
Tesla used to as well, in like 2017.

lucid and GM one pedal on the other hand are so well tuned that I leave it on.

[bcrdukes]

Thanks, folks. Tesla for the win. Everything else is trash. Just like Toyota.

[Badhobz]

its all trash, everything is trash. But at least with a tesla its mass adoption trash and you'll have the best charging network, easiest way to get spare parts, and pretty damn reliable since there isnt that much shit to break on it.

Yeah squeaks and rattles, and water intrusion into the hatch were the biggest issues. Along with pathetic paint etc etc, but at the low low price of only 20-30k for a 1-2 year old used one, its excellent value.

PLUS! if you ever wanted to murder someone and get away with it, just buy a white model 3, run it into them and then flee the scene of the crime. Nobody will ever find you.

[AstulzerRZD]

So here's my take for friendly first EV

the basics
1 supercharger access
2 i can turn off 1-pedal/strong regen
3 the motors and key electronics don't fail
4 there's no bullshit like failing paint, suspension etc

the hard stuff
5 no crazy software bugs and the app is good
6 my mom can road trip without installing any apps - the trip planner and plug & charge just work
7 self drive just works, I can set any speed, and it must work on offramps
8 dealership service is fast and knows how to fix this stuff

Really only the Mach E and Lightning are "hassle free" from the legacies.
It's a good thing the Mach E GT and Rally drive incredibly well... awesome steering and magride.
They also required a ton of dealership investment, training, and chargers to sell this stuff.

Hyundai/Kia fail #3 and 4.
GM fails #7 - great android auto but no supercruise lanekeep on offramp/city road.
Tesla fails #2, 7 and 8 - autopilot was really annoying and limited to +10kmh on suburban roads.
MB and Audi fail #3 and 5 - the ZF motors break and the app can't do remote climate
Toyota/Lexus/Stellantis fail #5 and 6 - no trip planner/shit app.

[Badhobz]

The proper answer is an E bike/ E scooter (im taking E VESPA, not those fucking skateboard with a stick on it)

perfect lawl machine for the city. just prepare to die in the winter time...

[whitev70r]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

So here's my take for friendly first EV

Really only the Mach E and Lightning are "hassle free" from the legacies.
It's a good thing the Mach E GT and Rally drive incredibly well... awesome steering and magride.
They also required a ton of dealership investment, training, and chargers to sell this stuff.

Interesting, neighbour has one, must ask him about his experience. Just that never thought Ford would rise to the top in terms of EV tech and reliability. Seeing some 2021's for <$30K listed, not bad.

[AstulzerRZD]

I think the CEO driving China EV and struggling to road trip a lightning helped a lot.

Ford were the first among legacies to have

1) plug and charge
2) supercharger access w/ free NACS adapters
3) android auto/carplay integrated w/ charge level for trip planning
4) a really fucking good app that feels like a tech company made it (everyone else's is slow and doesn't work)
5) hands free self drive that doesn't bug out and cancel itself randomly (looking at u supercruise)

I think early Mach-E GT's had failing high voltage junction boxes (wiring was too thin or smth).

But they knew this because they derated the GT to not give full power at launch.
GM has the same problem - Blazer SS and ZDX Type S only give full power above 65mph.

[headhunt3r]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

I can explain why I am suggesting against others, lmk what your considering. Have driven everything on sale in US except Lotus Eletre, Maserati Folgore, Polestar 3.

Latest ID4 please. Seems like a good family hauler.

[AstulzerRZD]

Originally Posted by headhunt3r

Latest ID4 please. Seems like a good family hauler.

Big misses:

• App is unusable: No battery level, lock/unlock, or remote pre-heat/cool. No fix in sight.
• Trip planning pain: No battery % in CarPlay/Android Auto—must use onboard nav or a Bluetooth OBDII + ABRP workaround.
• Charging network gap: No Supercharger access until ~late 2025/26; interior trips rely on sparse BC Hydro sites (2–4 stalls vs ~16+ at Tesla sites).

Annoyances:
Infotainment has been glitchy (reportedly improved).
Heat pump isn’t standard.

If you want a deal
Mach-E avoids those issues and is commonly $15k–$20k off.
Typical street pricing: 72 kWh RWD ≈ $40k new, AWD ≈ $45k - ≥$10k less than a comparable ID.4.

[JDMDreams]

Yea but you tell people you drive a Ford, what are you a peasant?

[AstulzerRZD]

And you tell people you drive a Tesla?
Only penny pitching, right leaning, South Bay and NJ motel owning uncles with no taste drive them
Even the besties who know nothing about cars avoid them for ubers and rag on them on tiktok for giving them carsickness.

Only in Canada is Tesla still fashionable with Millenials/Gen X. Image and sales in the EU are trash as well.

[roastpuff]

Teslas can use any winter tires, my friends with Teslas either put CC2 on them (and eat the range hit) or use something like X-Ice Snows or Viking Contact 7 and swap back to all seasons in summer for better range.

[Badhobz]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

Only in Canada is Tesla still fashionable. Image and sales in the EU are trash as well.

I dont think in canada its fashionable. My gym is basically full of these gen z or gen alpha kids and some of them were talking about getting their first car, they all hate tesla and wouldnt entertain the idea of getting one.

In fact, one parent drove a cybertruck to drop off his kid, and all these teenage boys called it a cybertrash and bullied the kid.

meh... pretty sure the image around here is either nobody cares, or general dislike, to borderline Nissan Altima level of hatred.

[AstulzerRZD]

The Gen Zers really love their NA miatas right now. Their life largely exists online and so if they get a car, it generally needs to be of good taste.

I wonder how their preference will change as they have to start choosing between moving out or buying a car.
Most millennials I know bought a Model 3, a GLC, or an ND/S2000.

[bcedhk]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

So here's my take for friendly first EV

the basics
1 supercharger access
2 i can turn off 1-pedal/strong regen
3 the motors and key electronics don't fail
4 there's no bullshit like failing paint, suspension etc

the hard stuff
5 no crazy software bugs and the app is good
6 my mom can road trip without installing any apps - the trip planner and plug & charge just work
7 self drive just works, I can set any speed, and it must work on offramps
8 dealership service is fast and knows how to fix this stuff

Really only the Mach E and Lightning are "hassle free" from the legacies.
It's a good thing the Mach E GT and Rally drive incredibly well... awesome steering and magride.
They also required a ton of dealership investment, training, and chargers to sell this stuff.

Hyundai/Kia fail #3 and 4.
GM fails #7 - great android auto but no supercruise lanekeep on offramp/city road.
Tesla fails #2, 7 and 8 - autopilot was really annoying and limited to +10kmh on suburban roads.
MB and Audi fail #3 and 5 - the ZF motors break and the app can't do remote climate
Toyota/Lexus/Stellantis fail #5 and 6 - no trip planner/shit app.

What? Tesla literally drives their techs to your house to fix the issue. So clutch I don't have to drive to a dealership, drop the car off and sip on shitty coffee and listen to the shitty news channel or radio they have on loop.

I really doubt most owners actually use autopilot besides a cool party trick to show your passengers for a few minutes.

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by bcedhk

What? Tesla literally drives their techs to your house to fix the issue. So clutch I don't have to drive to a dealership, drop the car off and sip on shitty coffee and listen to the shitty news channel or radio they have on loop.

I really doubt most owners actually use autopilot besides a cool party trick to show your passengers for a few minutes.

Wow, really? Does Tesla do this for all their cars, including those that are out of warranty? Do they charge for this service?

If I were a Tesla owner, do I have the option of dropping the car off at one of their service centres?

[AstulzerRZD]

What is your experience with service center wait time?]
A bestie was tryna get some stuff fixed on her Model 3, was complaining about 2-4 week in Surrey, 1 week + in Vancouver.

I use autopilot the least in Vancouver, only for bridge lineups.
Anywhere else - Toronto, NYC, Seattle, LA, SF, etc? Daily usage.

[bcedhk]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Wow, really? Does Tesla do this for all their cars, including those that are out of warranty? Do they charge for this service?

If I were a Tesla owner, do I have the option of dropping the car off at one of their service centres?

Not sure about out of warranty as both of my tesla's were still under warranty... I was offered mobile service for a headlight replacement, hood latch adjustment and a diagnostic on the speaker system. I did have the option to drop the car off at the service centre, to which they would offer a $100 Uber credit so I don't have to stay around. I have been told they no longer provide this uber credit, I might be wrong.

I have always been able to get a service within 1-3 weeks, which I think is reasonable given how many Tesla there are vs the number of service centre. I'm going to guess wait times will improve with the new centre that opened in Poco.

[AstulzerRZD]

Yeah, Tesla has mobile service but the real issue with a used one is all the dumb little failures on things that should just work. It’s clear they cut corners on basic car stuff like windows, AC, and trim (friends of mine in engineering there there confirm this).

Example: they literally used Home Depot floorboard trim on early Model Y to mount the heat pump. You feel the bad design when fast charging even in a MY2024, it vibrates through the floorboards. I’ve never had that happen in any other EV.



By contrast, my Lightning hasn’t needed service at all.

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by bcedhk

Not sure about out of warranty as both of my tesla's were still under warranty... I was offered mobile service for a headlight replacement, hood latch adjustment and a diagnostic on the speaker system. I did have the option to drop the car off at the service centre, to which they would offer a $100 Uber credit so I don't have to stay around. I have been told they no longer provide this uber credit, I might be wrong.

I have always been able to get a service within 1-3 weeks, which I think is reasonable given how many Tesla there are vs the number of service centre. I'm going to guess wait times will improve with the new centre that opened in Poco.

Is the headlight and hood latch adjustment known pain points? Did these issues prevent you from driving the car? Or could you simply drive around until an appointment was available for service?

This is a very interesting discussion and informative for me. Appreciate you sharing this!

[Hehe]

Originally Posted by AstulzerRZD

Yeah, Tesla has mobile service but the real issue with a used one is all the dumb little failures on things that should just work. It’s clear they cut corners on basic car stuff like windows, AC, and trim (friends of mine in engineering there there confirm this).

Example: they literally used Home Depot floorboard trim on early Model Y to mount the heat pump. You feel the bad design when fast charging even in a MY2024, it vibrates through the floorboards. I’ve never had that happen in any other EV.



By contrast, my Lightning hasn’t needed service at all.

Honestly, I appreciate your insight from an engineering perspective, but sometimes your information is stuck in the past few years.

Take Autopilot as an example, sure I have only been using FSD instead of AP, but FSD is lightyear ahead of anything else. BlueDrive or whatever Ford has is shit in comparison. I have barely driven lately. It's always point on the GPS, activate FSD and just space out.

From what I'm hearing, AP and FSD have merged into a single stack. So, AP is merely a more restricted FSD on things that it's capable of doing. It might not do what FSD can do, but to say that other manufacturers have a lead over Tesla on ADAS is just crap. As a matter of fact, I don't think any of the ADAS available in Canadian market is remotely close to what Tesla can do today and as we continue to progress into V14, the difference will just become bigger and bigger.

As far as service goes, newer Tesla need very little service. So much so that it's no longer a thing among owner clubs. My first Tesla went back for some small issues here and there, but my Plaid and CT have been pretty much perfect. And as someone already mentioned, even when my cars needed any service, most of them are done with mobile. I just leave the car somewhere, they arrive to where the car is, do the work and away they go.

The last few times I have been back to service center were all buying parts like filter and wiper blades, but other than that, visit to Tesla service centers is rare now.

EVs today, it's Tesla vs. others. Some might one up Tesla in some aspect like charging speed, mileage, build quality or whatever, but taking everything as a whole, I don't think there's another EV that offers that same EV owner experience as Tesla. With other options, it's sacrificing the overall experience for whatever that "one up" might be.

[JDMDreams]

Please go buy vf8 or vf9 they have like 0% financing and 200,000 km warranty du ma