this post was submitted on 28 Nov 2023
183 points (88.0% liked)

Technology

62028 readers
5 users here now

This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.


Our Rules


  1. Follow the lemmy.world rules.
  2. Only tech related content.
  3. Be excellent to each other!
  4. Mod approved content bots can post up to 10 articles per day.
  5. Threads asking for personal tech support may be deleted.
  6. Politics threads may be removed.
  7. No memes allowed as posts, OK to post as comments.
  8. Only approved bots from the list below, to ask if your bot can be added please contact us.
  9. Check for duplicates before posting, duplicates may be removed
  10. Accounts 7 days and younger will have their posts automatically removed.

Approved Bots


founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Toyota boasts new battery technology with 745-mile range and 10-minute charging time — here’s how it may impact mass EV adoption::The potential to significantly reduce pollution could be huge.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] ebc@lemmy.ca 23 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (5 children)

I bought a car last summer, and I had my wallet out ready to buy an EV. I had only 2 criteria:

  • Must seat at least 6 (I have 4 kids)
  • Must be under 100k CAD (a bit beyond my budget, but I'm willing to stretch to avoid gas)

Guess how many models were available? 1 - the Tesla Model Y, 7-seater option. And I did order one, but they cancelled my order because they stopped selling that variant in Canada.

So that's why I didn't buy an EV. Manufacturers can't be arsed to build a car that meets my very simple criteria; they prefer making another boring 5-seater crossover or yet another humongous "luxury" SUV. I want a minivan, dammit.

[–] Pirky@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Alternatively, you could go the hybrid route as those are arguably better for most people. Plus their batteries are often large enough you can get 20-40 miles of all electric driving. That alone covers over 95% of all people's trips.
There are a few options in that category. I believe Toyota's Highlander is a 3 row hybrid. I think Hyundai's new Santa Fe also has a hybrid power train with 3 rows. The Mazda CX-90 is another viable hybrid. Though Idk if that officially released yet.

But yeah, in terms of pure 3 row EV's, we're lacking.

[–] Joelk111@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Plugin hybrids are killer. EV around town and good MPG on road trips.

[–] ebc@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

My previous vehicle was a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (which I sold in 2022 when I left for a long trip), and I actually bought another one after Tesla cancelled my order. It is a good option, but my main gripe with it is that it doesn't have enough electric range and it only charges on AC. I was ready to go full electric, but apparently the market isn't.

[–] Pofski@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Honest question, what about the buzz-e?

[–] ebc@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You mean the VW ID.Buzz? It's not out yet, and I needed a car in June.

[–] toofpic@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Are you talking about the US? They are here, in Copenhagen, and they look awesome!

[–] ebc@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 year ago

I'm in Canada, we're supposed to get the US model which is longer and not out yet. The European model is only a 5-seater so it's not for me.

[–] AlternateRoute@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 year ago

Wait list for the EV9 is already over a year and it just became “available” in Canada.

[–] SirEDCaLot@lemmy.today 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You're not wrong. A model X would also fit your bill, but last summer they were stupid expensive. Prices have come down a bit. I would suggest buying any car consider the total cost of ownership, not just 'stretch a bit to avoid gas'. Gas cars need oil changes, tune-ups, belt replacements, and various other maintenance. EVs require very little. Also, if you need more than 5 seats, don't shun the 'humongous' SUV. You're literally in that market.

But for someone in the market last year, you were pretty fucked even I will admit.

I do wish somebody was making an electric minivan. Closest I'm aware of is Chrysler has a Pacifica plug in hybrid. And now there's the ID.Buzz coming out soon.

[–] ebc@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The Pacifica is actually what I ended up buying.

EDIT: And yeah, looks like Model X has come down in price, but it's still 110k$ CAD (was 140+). Somebody else mentioned the Kia EV9 which actually has a price now, and it's very interesting. I've talked to my local dealer and they'll call me back when they have one available for test drives.

Also, if you need more than 5 seats, don’t shun the ‘humongous’ SUV. You’re literally in that market.

Humongous, perhaps. Luxury, not really. I'm just not the type of guy who needs a special type of car to feel manly; minivans actually feel more useful to me.

[–] SirEDCaLot@lemmy.today 1 points 1 year ago

Oh yeah I hear ya. You'd like a big SUV like a Tahoe or Suburban, you don't need fancy leather seats and big touchscreen and a little motor that massages your butt while you drive (and you don't want to pay for that stuff).

Not much in that regard available these days...