I never considered buying an EV....Until now

[JBoffgrid2022]

I know a lot of you will say I'm ridiculous for saying I would never consider buying an EV. My thought all along has been, I like the "idea" of an electric powered vehicle when you can provide your own solar or wind to fill the battery. But without getting into any politics, I don't like the idea of being forced to change my fuel source to electricity without the proper infrastructure to support this massive change. I also have literally hated the look of almost every EV I have seen so far (I'm sorry if I have offended any EV owners here!) I just want to see vehicle manufactures build an aesthetically pleasing car. Volvo's Polestar and Tesla's Model S have come close, but the majority of them are just plain ugly lol.

That being said.... I think I may consider buying Rivan's R3X whenever it becomes available. It's sporty, has an "old-school VW golf look and feel to it", and appears to be reasonable in costs, $40,000.

I want to know though what you guys think!! Am I way off here or am I spot on?

2027 Rivian R3X Is an Adventurous EV Hot Hatch Worth Waiting For

The R3X will feature a high-powered tri-motor setup, serving as a performance variant of Rivian's upcoming affordable R3 subcompact SUV.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[42OhmsPA]

I didn't read the article yet. At first glance that looks awesome. I can see the MKII / MKIII looks. I'd drive it if it comes with 16" or 17" wheels.

 

[rhino]

It's unfortunate they didn't carry that "old school" look into the interior as well and have physical buttons for at least the items you typically use on a daily basis.

 

[Q-Dog]

I would.

 

[OffGridForGood]

if it fits your typical use - why not?
We got our first EV a couple years ago, and it saves us a ton of money in "Not Gas" driving.
That said, we also have an ICE car for occations where that format makes better sense for us. We are super happy to have both options. The ICE didn't see a lot of use since the EV arrived, but does get used enough that I am glad we have both, and the daily use of the EV saves enough to pay for the ICE and then some.

 

[Crowz]

I like the looks and specs if the new silverado ev.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Review, Pricing, and Specs

With mega range from its largest battery, the available cargo-flexible midgate, and super-quick DC charging, the Silverado EV combines daily usability with real-truck attributes, bringing new tech to the pickup-buying masses.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[timselectric]

I just need a full size pickup, with 400 miles of range, in winter.
The market hasn't cooperated, yet.
If it's still not offered, by the time I will be ready for it. I'll probably have to build my own.
And I completely agree, that an EV wouldn't make sense for me, without a solar system.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I like the looks and specs if the new silverado ev.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Review, Pricing, and Specs

With mega range from its largest battery, the available cargo-flexible midgate, and super-quick DC charging, the Silverado EV combines daily usability with real-truck attributes, bringing new tech to the pickup-buying masses.

www.caranddriver.com

View attachment 275073

View attachment 275074

View attachment 275075

View attachment 275076

Yeah but 60k owwwww

 

[timselectric]

I like the looks and specs if the new silverado ev.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Review, Pricing, and Specs

With mega range from its largest battery, the available cargo-flexible midgate, and super-quick DC charging, the Silverado EV combines daily usability with real-truck attributes, bringing new tech to the pickup-buying masses.

www.caranddriver.com

View attachment 275073

View attachment 275074

View attachment 275075

View attachment 275076

Are they introducing a new pickup model?
I've only seen the Avalanche one.

 

[skyking1]

Our new place is suited for one. I could get a completely clapped out Nissan Leaf with about 80 miles of range left on the pack and do just fine.
This one with 86 miles is just fine, for $4000
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2016-nissan-leaf/7822679073.html
That would get us all over the upper peninsula and back home. We could go visit family in Seattle and plug in for a sniff of 120V while we play cards, and get back home OK.
I tow trailers and do stuff with my 3500 diesel truck, so we are never going to be without a long range comfortable ride.
Most of our town driving will be 2 miles out, 2 back. Perfect EV trips.

 

[agtcovert]

Here's what would put me over the edge right now: https://www.scoutmotors.com/

Bringing back the Scout. Best thing about this, with the limited details, it's going to have a small engine that acts as a generator. These things look great. It's refundable, but I keep debating putting myself on their wait list, it $100.

 

[ksmithaz1]

It's a good move for Rivian. I like the Rivian trucks, but frankly I'd probably go with a Kia/Hyundai cross-over. The Chevy truck does look very interesting.

 

[ksmithaz1]

Oh, the Maverick truck also looks extremely interesting. I miss my Ranger.

 

[ohmboy]

I want to know though what you guys think!!

We went electric when gas prices started to spike. Sounds like it will go up again. But now that many are going electric, the demand for electricity has gone up and hoping that the electricity prices don't go up with it.
However, what I like is not having to have an oil change every 3,000 miles and no smog check just to name couple.

 

[hidiyguy]

I felt the same way until a few years ago. I bought a Tesla model 3, which combined with a gas SUV meet our families needs perfectly. A few thoughts:

-I love the feel of my Tesla and one pedal driving with regen is awesome
- you can save a lot of money IF you can charge at home. Using superchargers is 3x the cost of home charging for me and negates most if not all fuel savings.
- Don't expect to get rated miles per full charge. I get close to it in- town, but speed, a/c or heat use, severe cold can greatly reduce range.
- Depending on your driving, an EV may not be able to fully replace your gas car without tradeoffs. If you drive 200+ miles between gas stops on road trips, you may have to stop more frequently based on charger locations. If you go to National Parks way off the highway system, you may be stuck using slow level 2 chargers. No car meets every need, so my gas suv fills this gap for road trips w/ 5 passengers and luggage.

If you understand Pros and cons upfront, an EV can fit nicely into a family's vehicle fleet.

P.s. I can't speak to the Rivian so my comments are about EV'S in general.

 

[Hedges]

I would like a hybrid. One vehicle, can charge with my own PV (depending on net metering; for one home I would either need to leave EV during the day or have ESS to charge from.) Without using charging stations, can fill with gas.

I would prefer fuel other than gasoline, due to its shelf life. Not likely to find in the US.

For now, my ICE still works and it is "Cheaper to Keep Her".
The increase in insurance and registration costs if I replaced Civic with Solterra ($25k) would be at least $12k more over the next decade, negates fuel savings. It would cost a fraction as much to do K20 swap in my Civic. I don't mind paying to buy something, I mind giving others my money too on account of my purchase.

When I find a deal used, then I'll get an EV or hybrid. Low purchase price means low sales tax and registration.

 

[455dan]

I know a lot of you will say I'm ridiculous for saying I would never consider buying an EV. My thought all along has been, I like the "idea" of an electric powered vehicle when you can provide your own solar or wind to fill the battery. But without getting into any politics, I don't like the idea of being forced to change my fuel source to electricity without the proper infrastructure to support this massive change. I also have literally hated the look of almost every EV I have seen so far (I'm sorry if I have offended any EV owners here!) I just want to see vehicle manufactures build an aesthetically pleasing car. Volvo's Polestar and Tesla's Model S have come close, but the majority of them are just plain ugly lol.

That being said.... I think I may consider buying Rivan's R3X whenever it becomes available. It's sporty, has an "old-school VW golf look and feel to it", and appears to be reasonable in costs, $40,000.

I want to know though what you guys think!! Am I way off here or am I spot on?

2027 Rivian R3X Is an Adventurous EV Hot Hatch Worth Waiting For

The R3X will feature a high-powered tri-motor setup, serving as a performance variant of Rivian's upcoming affordable R3 subcompact SUV.

www.caranddriver.com

Volvo XC 40 is somewhat close in looks, No where near the HP or Torque of the new Rivian though, I might have bought an XC 40 ,but the closest dealer was over 400 miles away. Good to see some more "Normal" looking body designs coming out recently for EV's.

I still think GM would have done well to have immediately upsized the Volt extended range drivetrain in 2016 and put it in trucks and AWD SUV's, but Mary Barra-ed it.

 

[455dan]

I just need a full size pickup, with 400 miles of range, in winter.
The market hasn't cooperated, yet.
If it's still not offered, by the time I will be ready for it. I'll probably have to build my own.
And I completely agree, that an EV wouldn't make sense for me, without a solar system.

The Ramcharger may be it as a hybrid when released and actually tested.?.??

The world needs the next gen EV battery, with no burn worries, much, much lighter and also higher energy density, Oh and that can charge even faster than the "current" crop. I am sure they are working on it for electric VTOL's

 

[Detritalgeo]

At this time, EV's for non-technical drivers really need a sort of 'flight school' type boot camp.

There are some fundamentals of charging, route planning, adapterism and endless apps that can make operating the EV needlessly frustrating.

We got the Ioniq5 2 years ago but still have a wrangler for some tasks... it sits most of the time though. There is power everywhere so it's almost impossible to be stranded.. I always carry a few 50A adapters for RV-campground or Welder plug.. If in a pinch.

 

[wildbillpdx]

Our new place is suited for one. I could get a completely clapped out Nissan Leaf with about 80 miles of range left on the pack and do just fine.
This one with 86 miles is just fine, for $4000
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/bellevue-2016-nissan-leaf/7822679073.html
That would get us all over the upper peninsula and back home. We could go visit family in Seattle and plug in for a sniff of 120V while we play cards, and get back home OK.
I tow trailers and do stuff with my 3500 diesel truck, so we are never going to be without a long range comfortable ride.
Most of our town driving will be 2 miles out, 2 back. Perfect EV trips.

We just bought a 2017 Chevy Bolt for $7,600. Because of the battery recall it has a new 200 mile battery with an 8yr/100k warranty. We drive about 30 miles a day, when we go out. This was perfect for our needs and the price was right.

 

[skyking1]

We just bought a 2017 Chevy Bolt for $7,600. Because of the battery recall it has a new 200 mile battery with an 8yr/100k warranty. We drive about 30 miles a day, when we go out. This was perfect for our needs and the price was right.

exactly!
Our one criteria is comfort in and out. I am tall, wife is tall. Many cars attempt to remove my noggin on the way in, and I am too old to do a fancy sports car gymnastic manuever. it is why we love the truck so much.

 

[timselectric]

The Ramcharger may be it as a hybrid when released and actually tested.?.??

Is it going to be a full size pickup?
Everything else is going for the small beds.

 

[time2roll]

Technology is still moving fast. Consider leasing to give yourself a few years to decide if this is the right vehicle.
Value depreciation is very steep the first four years. Lease allows an easy exit if needed.

 

[455dan]

Is it going to be a full size pickup?
Everything else is going for the small beds.

Yes full size: 1500 series No HD though. 2600lb payload, targeted 14K towing

https://www.ramtrucks.com/electric/ram-1500-ramcharger.html

Not sure what is going on with this model not many updates lately, Maybe to do with Stellantis CEO being booted some changes being made in the production model truck.

 

[fuzzmunky415]

Considering the Ramcharger when it hits. Always an early adopter, grabbed the 2021Wrangler Sahara 4xE for cheap lease during the COVID 'car market crash', ( bought out lease and already have over 100K miles) and truly enjoy the torque and quiet of e-motoring. Even on 120V outlet, can meet my needs for local runs just fine, so I've learned how a full EV needs to be managed, but the Ramcharger seems like my next best step.