Just a thought: I understand that these companies want to optimize the usage of the equipment. And therefore install Tesla connectors. However it produces a problem for non Tesla drivers because those chargers will be more crowded. So, why isn't Tesla doing the same thing? They would have people use (and pay!) for electricity. I guess I understand because on Teslas side: - it's still an investment that needs to be payed for. Their chargers are incompatible with any other EV (no identifying of the account possible) - it's a selling point to buy a Tesla BUT their mission statement is to accelerate the switch to a sustainable transportation, which quite frankly they are doing the exact opposite here! They are deliberately slowing down the adoption of other manufacturers EVs.
There may be some areas where this is an issue, but I see this as a convenience where a Tesla SuperCharger is an incovenient distance away. Secondly, in areas where there exists some growing pain, the incentive to add more charging stations seems likely. I think you are overselling it. If anything, Telsa is showing what is possible and has folks thinking about an electric vehicle. It's government regulation and a small tax on electric vehicles to supply money for workplace charging grants that will power the EV adoption.
It does because it breaks the anti-Tesla, CCS-1 monopoly. The CCS-1 advocates set a standard only to discover no one cares. With 80% of the EV sales being Tesla, the CCS-1 chargers really need to become Tesla friendly. Otherwise, Tesla will make more CHAdeMO adapters and someone 'invent' a CCS-1-to-Tesla adapter. Bob Wilson
As I prepare for my forthcoming EV I had electricians over to the house to quote upgrading our service and installing a charging station. Interestingly one of the contractors told me he installs Tesla charge stations 10:1 over all others. It may be a bit of an exaggeration as he didn’t have hard data but it’s still a fascinating insight.
Depending on source, Tesla has about 80% of the EV market. Just my first was a BMW i3-REx and I went with a Juicebox 40 Pro. Bob Wilson
Maybe I should elaborate a bit on the test drive. What stood out was the handling, specifically the steering. It's so tight and responsive and the car is planted on the road, I went though some nice twisty roads and at speed through turns entering the interstate and the car was unflappable. I had no issue getting used to the center console and had just a few issues tagging the screen buttons while moving. I only had the car for thirty minutes and that wasn't enough to tell much about battery usage. One of the strange surprises was the steering wheel, it looks oddly small and while I like the minimalist interior it lacks a certain polish for a luxury car. When people say that Tesla is far ahead of everyone else in the EV game they aren't kidding. I would jump on this car in a second if it were smaller and preferably in a hatchback format. Would love to see what Tesla could do with their design team working with the footprint of a Chevy Bolt.
Tesla's cheapest hatch which was the specific reason I chose Kona EV as the M3 would not suit my needs. Given the choice today Y would probably be the preferred one.
Doesn't matter if it's too big for him. Although the average American drives too big of a car anyways, so I guess it would be consistent ...
It’s true, the Model Y while an appealing package is just getting to be too big for my wants/needs. I have upcoming appointments with Hyundai and Chevy and based upon memory from years ago neither will be superior to the Tesla. The Kona could win out because of its size and the Bolt could win out because of its cost. One irksome experience at the Tesla showroom, while discussing the car with a rep before the test drive, I inquired about the factory roof rack. I was met with a blank stare and surprising response of, “check out the forums”. I stewed on this response the entire test drive, this isn’t some obscure third party modification, this is a FACTORY part. They should know or have access to information regarding products they are selling.
Rather a roof rack, consider getting a 3d party, receiver hitch. Any extra load will be easier to access and on the road, you'll keep 95-98% of your range on the highway: Bob Wilson
Yep, ericy is correct, I need to haul kayaks. Two of them in fact. I don't need to go far in most cases as I live near the coast and there are a few open fresh water ways nearby. For the last three years my kayaks have sat in my garage due to the Smart car not really capable of doing that job. Funny enough, I never noticed any real decrease in my mpg for my old Mazda 3 or MX6 when hauling my kayaks. I know EV's are more susceptible to aerodynamics.
My son has a roof rack on his M3. Very expensive, and very delicate to install with the glass roof. If you screw up, you will also have a very expensive glass roof replacement. But it works. It's not flat, though, longitudinally, and stuff mounted on top, like a thule box looks odd, when pointed upwards at the front.
I found this on YouTube, very helpful... moreso than the Tesla rep. Found out that the Tesla rack is actually made by Yakima, which means Yakima carriers will work with the crossbars.
Perhaps take your kayaks to the Tesla store and see if they will fit with the trunk open and seats folded down? Bob Wilson
So I just came back from the Hyundai and Chevrolet dealers and tried a 2019 Kona Ultimate (and viewed a 2020) as well as took a test ride in a 2020 Chevy Bolt as well as another test in a used 2017 Bolt. My first reactions, the Tesla is at another level. It's an enthusiasts car. The Kona was very nice and the Bolt while nice enough felt a little sluggish and the steering was heavy. If I were to characterize the cars the Bolt reminds me of a little kid that tries really hard but just can't quite keep up. The Kona is the nerd that has an answer for everything. The Model 3 is that effortlessly cool kid that doesn't draw attention to itself but everybody wants to be like him/her. What does that mean to me. I've practically ruled the Bolt out because with incentives, tax credits and rebates they are essentially the same price. Not only that, the used 2017 that I tested with 19,000 miles was a just a little bit creaky, wouldn't want to own a Bolt long term if they wear out in that fashion. The only way I would still get a Bolt is through a lease program which is very attractive and then I can see what's available in three more years as EV tech changes so much. So the problem with Kona, I'm just not excited by it. It's such a nice car but it's missing that special something that induces me to buy it. Having said that, it's still on the list because of all the great features and value. Just with it had the equivalent of the Tesla Supercharger network. I'm still waiting on the numbers from the salesmen but if memory serves the 2019 Kona Ultimate would be right around $34k and the 2020 $36k... very preliminary but all other costs from the sale would be the same for either. The Model 3 AWD LR is $44.5k with state rebate. I'm not really considering the SR+ model but it would be around the price of the 2020 Kona Ultimate.
