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Tested: InsideEVs Reveals Real World Range Of Today's Electric Cars ... InsideEVs tests EVs to find out how far they'll go in the real world at a steady 70 mph.
https://insideevs.com ^ | Updated: Nov 02, 2021 at 9:51am ET | By: Tom Moloughney

Posted on 12/27/2021 12:31:40 PM PST by Red Badger

How far an electric vehicle goes on a single charge depends on a lot of factors, including speed, temperature, topography, and other traffic conditions. This is why government-backed range ratings like the EPA and WLTP use are really just an estimate of what an EV owner can expect in a combination of city and highway driving in mostly favorable, albeit not ideal, ambient temperatures.

The real world is entirely different, though, which is why InsideEVs conducts its own EV range tests at a constant speed of 70 miles per hour.

About EV Range Tests Conducted By InsideEVs

We want to make it clear our range tests aren't perfect. There are variables simply out of our control like wind, traffic, and weather. However, we do our best to control what we can. We always set the tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, we crosscheck the speedometer with a GPS for accuracy, we charge up to 100 percent and enter the highway either immediately or within a couple of miles. Then we drive at a constant 70 mph and in long loops so we end up basically where we started.

Whenever possible, we repeat the test with a second member of the team on a different course. When we do that, we average the results of the two tests. We also report the temperature and whether we used the heating or cooling during the test, and offer our opinions on how using the climate control system use may have impacted the results.

We realize that a change in temperature as little as 10° F (5.5° C) can have a meaningful effect on an electric car's range. However, these 70-mph range tests are useful because they provide another data point for potential customers who are looking for as much information on driving range as they can get.

CHART AT LINK......................

Individual Model Test Results

2021 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, Long Range

Real-world Highway Range: 310 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 353 miles Difference: -12.2%

After a brief stint where the Porsche Taycan RWD claimed the InsideEVs range crown, Telsa is back on top with the 2021 Model 3 covering 310 miles in our 70-mph range test. The 2021 Model 3 was able to drive 20 more miles than our 2019 vehicle of the same spec did last year.

We finished up with the exact same driving efficiency (4.25 mi/kWh) as we did in our range test with the 2019 Model 3. The additional 20 miles may be attributed to the fact that this vehicle had only about 5,000 miles on it and the vehicle we used last year had about 15,000 miles so it had lost more capacity. Tesla may have also added a little more capacity to the 2021 Model 3s, although this vehicle didn't have the 82 kWh battery pack that is shipping with the newer 2021 vehicles.

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (21" wheels)

Real-world Highway Range: 300 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 348 miles

Difference: -12%

The Tesla Model S Plaid is the quickest production car ever made and can rocket from 0 to 60-mph in under 2 seconds in the right conditions. It's also EPA range rated at 348 miles per charge when it's fitted with the 21" Arachnid wheels.

In our Model S Plaid 70-mph range test, we were able to drive the Model S Plaid with the 21" wheel option 300 miles in nearly perfect driving conditions. That's 12% less than its EPA range rating, but we've cone to expect that from Tesla vehicles. While vehicles from other manufacturers typically come close to or even outperform the EPA-range rating, Tesla vehicles usually finish our range tests with 10% to 13% less than their official range ratings.

2021 Porsche Taycan RWD

Real-world Highway Range: 293 miles (Kyle) 297 miles (Tom)

EPA-estimated Range: 225 miles

Difference: +30% (Kyle) 32% (Tom)

Porsche introduced a new base version of the Taycan in 2021 that is only offered in rear-wheel drive. Kyle was one of the first members of the media to get hold of one and performed the 70 mph range test. This new version comes standard with Porsche's Performance battery with a gross capacity of 79.2 kWh. However, the car Kyle used had the 93.4 kWh Performance Plus battery option which costs $5,780.

The RWD base Taycan covered an amazing 293 miles (471 km) before the battery was completely exhausted. That's a whopping 30% better than its EPA-range rating of only 225 miles (362 km) per charge.

Tom then repeated the test a few months later with another Taycan RWD and he fared slightly better. He drove his Taycan 297 miles and finished with a consumption rating of 3.5 mi/kWh.

2019 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, Long Range

Real-world Highway Range: 290 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 322 miles

Difference: -10.0%

The Tesla Model 3 dual motor, long-range is EPA-rated at 322 miles per charge and is one of the most efficient EVs available today. In our 70 mph highway range test, we were able to drive a total of 290 miles (467 km) with an average consumption rating of 4.25 mi/kWh (14.59 kWh/100 km). It finished up achieving 10% less range than its EPA-range rating.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 Edition

Real-world Highway Range: 287 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 305 miles

Difference: -6%

Kyle had the opportunity to get a loan of a 2021 Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 Edition and conduct the 70-mph range test in rural Colorado. The California Route 1 Edition is the longest-range version of the Mustang Mach-E available. It's rear-wheel-drive and equipped with range-friendly 18" wheels with aero covers. It has the 98.8 kWh extended-range battery pack and can go 0-60 in the mid-6 second range.

The combined EPA range rating for the California route 1 Edition is 305 miles per charge, and its highway EPA range rating is 281.8 miles. Kyle just squeaked by the highway range rating by a little more than 5 miles but fell 18 miles short of the combined range rating, finishing up with an impressive 287 miles.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD Extended Range First Edition

Real-world Highway Range: 285 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 270 miles

Difference: +5.5%

The Mustang Mach-E is offered in a variety of configurations, many with different EPA range ratings. For our range test, we were able to secure a Launch Edition Mach-E, which comes in all-wheel drive and includes the 98.8 kWh extended range battery pack. The Standard Range battery pack is considerably smaller and has a total capacity of 75.7 kWh.

The combined EPA range rating for the version we tested is 270 miles per charge, and its highway range rating is 249.2 miles. We drove past the highway range rating, then past the combined range rating, and finished up with an impressive 285 miles and a 3.3 mi/kWh efficiency rating (18.78 kWh/100 km).

2020 Porsche Taycan 4S

Real-world Highway Range: 277.9 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 203 miles

Difference: +36.9%

The Porsche Taycan 4S is the entry-level model in the Taycan family. It comes standard with a 79.2 kWh battery, which is smaller than the 93.4 kWh battery in the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S. However, buyers can order the larger battery called "Performance Battery Plus" for an additional $5,570.00. The car we tested had the larger battery option, so we were hoping for a good result.

In our range test, the Taycan crushed its EPA range rating of 203 miles (327 km) per charge; Kyle was able to squeeze out 277.9 miles (448 km) before the vehicle shut down. That's an amazing 37 percent increase over its EPA-rated range. We're still a little puzzled at how the Taycan continues to consistently beat its EPA range rating whenever an InsideEVs staff member gets behind the wheel of one.

It's important to note that only two cars in our 70-mph range tests have ever matched their EPA range rating before this, those being the BMW i3 REx and the Hyundai Ioniq. But those cars just matched their ratings while the Taycan drove 75 miles further than its rating.

2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range, Dual Motor

Real-world Highway Range: 276 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 316 miles

Difference: -12.7%

We were able to secure an early Tesla Model Y delivered to New Jersey and take it out on our highway range test course on the New Jersey Turnpike. We weren't able to go quite as far as we did with the Model 3, but that was expected. The Model Y is EPA range-rated at 316 miles per charge. In our highway range test, we were able to squeeze out 276 miles (444 km) with an average consumption rate of 3.85 mi/kWh (16.2 kWh/100 km).

2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo

Real-world Highway Range: 252 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 215 miles

Difference: +17.2%

A few months ago we were able to conduct our 70-mph range test with a 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo and it finished up with 246 miles driven.

However, this time Kyle got a hold of a Taycan 4 Cross Turismo which should be the most efficient version of the vehicle. As expected, it did a little better than our Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo did (6 more miles to be exact) and finished up with 252 miles at a constant 70-mph.

The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo has an EPA range rating of 215 miles per charge, and our 70-mph rang test bested that by a whopping 17.2%

2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

Real-world Highway Range: 246 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 204 miles

Difference: +20.6%

We got hold of one of the very few Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo in the US and put it to our 70-mph highway range test. It wasn't even EPA range rated at the time so we couldn't compare it to the EPA range when we first posted this. However, we have now updated the post to include the EPA range of 204 miles per charge.

The Taycan Cross Turismo clocked in at 246 miles, which is not bad at all, especially considering it had the optional 21" sport wheels that aren't the best choice for maximizing range. The Cross Turismo averaged 2.92 mi/kWh which is not nearly as good as the 3.32 mi/kWh we saw when we did the Taycan 4S highway range test.

However, the Cross Turismo is basically a station wagon version of the Taycan, so it isn't expected to be nearly as efficient. Still, in our opinion, 246 miles is more than an acceptable accomplishment for this vehicle.

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

Real-world Highway Range: 238 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 258 miles

Difference: -7.8%

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric continues to be one of the longest-range EVs available today. With a 258-mile EPA range rating, the Kona Electric is a compelling offering at a reasonable starting price of $37,190 before federal and state incentives. Its EPA range rating is 258 miles per charge, and the little crossover comes with a 64 kWh (usable) battery pack. We were able to conduct two 70-mph range tests for the Kona Electric. Once in North Carolina, and then again a month later in New Jersey. The average of the two tests resulted in a 238-mile range (383 km) with a consumption rating of 3.9 mi/kWh (15.9 kWh/100 km).

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1St Edition

Real-world Highway Range: 234 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 250 miles

Difference: -6.4%

We tested a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 First Edition with the 82 kWh battery (77 kWh usable) in New Jersey in March so the temperatures weren't perfect for range. It was between 40° F and 48° F (4.5° C to 8.9° C). However, we did drive it for a while, and then DC fast charge it back up to 100% before starting out. So we believe that warmed up the battery a bit and contributed to the excellent results that we observed.

The ID.4 was able to cover 230 miles (370 km) when we ended the range test at 2% state of charge and the vehicle was showing an estimate of 4 miles of range remaining. We averaged 3 mi/kWh which lines up nicely with the ID.4's 77 kWh of usable energy. The ID.4 has an EPA-rated range of 250 miles (402 km), and we only came up 6.4% short of that at a constant 70 mph.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD

Real-world Highway Range: 226 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 211 miles

Difference: +7.1%

We tested a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E in standard range AWD trim and finished up with 226 miles. The standard range Mach-E has a 75.7 kWh battery, of which, 68 kWh is usable. During the range test, the vehicle had an average driving efficiency of 3.3 mi/kWh (18.8 kWh/100km).

We drove the Mach-E from 100% down to 0% state of charge, pulling into the Electrify America charging station parking lot about half of a mile after the SOC reached zero. The range estimator was still displaying 1 mile of remaining range when we ended the test.

It was in the high 80's Fahrenheit when we did the test so we needed to have the air conditioning on the entire time of the range test. The Mach-E's infotainment display showed that the use of the climate control used 3% of the battery during our test, so we probably could have gone another 6-7 miles further if we didn't need to use the A/C.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Real-world Highway Range: 226 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 259 miles

Difference: -12.7%

Chevrolet increased the Bolt EV's battery pack in 2020 from the previous year's 60 kWh to 66 kWh. This gave the Bolt the longest EPA-rated range of any EV without a Tesla nameplate, edging out the Hyundai Kona Electric by a single mile – 259 miles for the Volt and 258 for the Kona Electric. But our range test shows that the Hyundai has the edge in the real world.

We were able to conduct two 70-mph range tests for the Bolt EV. In the first test, we drove the Bolt 228.7 miles until it wouldn't go any further. On the second test, we drove it 218.1 miles but had to pull off the highway at 1% state of charge and plug in. After adding the miles we could have driven if we drove it down to zero, and averaging the results of the two tests, we came up with a range of 226 miles (364 km) and an average consumption rate of 3.4 mi/kWh (18.24 kWh/100 km).

2021 Polestar 2

Real-world Highway Range: 290 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 233 miles

Difference: -10.0%

The Polestar 2 came very close to matching its EPA range rating of 233 miles and finished up our 70-mph range test with 226 miles. We actually drove the vehicle exactly 233 miles in this test. However, the final 7 miles were at very low speeds, as the Polestar 2 was struggling to maintain 70-mph after 226 miles, so we exited the highway and drove to the charging station on back roads.

The Polestar 2 has a 78-kWh battery pack, of which 75 kWh are usable. Our average consumption rating was 3.21 mi/kWh which isn't particularly good when compared to the other vehicles in our highway range tests.

2020 Nissan Leaf SL Plus

Real-world Highway Range: 190 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 215 miles

Difference: -11.6%

The 2020 Nissan Leaf SL Plus has a 62 kWh battery and is EPA range-rated at 215 miles per charge. It's notable to point out that our test vehicle is not the longest-range Leaf that Nissan offers. That honor goes to the LEAF S Plus, which is EPA range-rated at 226 miles per charge. The LEAF S is a lower-trim than the LEAF SL and SV Plus. It has smaller wheels and weighs less than its higher trim siblings, which is why the range is slightly better.

Once again, we were able to conduct our highway range tests twice; once in New Jersey, and then again a few months later in North Carolina. The average of our two tests gave the LEAF SL Plus a 190-mile (306 km) range at a constant 70 mph, with a consumption rating of 3.4 mi/kWh (18.24 kWh/100 km).

2019 Audi e-tron

Real-world Highway Range: 188.4 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 204 miles

Difference: -7.9%

The 2019 Audi e-tron is EPA range-rated at 204 miles (328 km) per charge and has a 95 kWh battery. Of that, only 83.6 kWh is accessible for use. For 2021, Audi is increasing the usable capacity of the e-tron's battery to 86.5. That, plus some advances made in efficiency, will increase the e-tron's EPA rated range up to 222 (357 km) miles.

However, for our 70 mph highway range test, we used a 2019 e-tron, with 83.6 kWh usable capacity. We were able to squeeze out 188.4 miles (303 km) and averaged a consumption rating of 2.3 miles per kWh, (26.96 kWh/100 km) which is by far the least efficient EV we've tested on our highway range test.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Real-world Highway Range: 171 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 170 miles

Difference: +0.6%

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric comes with a 38.3 kWh battery, a full 10 kWh more than the battery in the Ioniq Electric of previous years. The new larger battery combined with the Ioniq's extreme efficiency gives the 2020 Ioniq a 170-mile EPA range rating, 36 more miles than before.

The Ioniq Electric is one of only three EVs we've tested to drive as far or further than its EPA range rating during our 70 mph range test. It passed its rating by one mile and delivered a 171 mile (275 km) highway range. The Ioniq Electric was the most efficient EV we've tested to date in our 70 mph highway range test and averaged 4.5 mi/kWh (13.78 kWh/100 km).

2019 BMW i3s BEV

Real-world Highway Range: 141 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 153 miles

Difference: -7.8%

In 2019, the BMW i3 received a battery upgrade from 33.2 kWh in previous years to 44.2 kWh. That increase was good enough to give the 2019 i3 BEV a 153-mi EPA range rating. During our 70 mph highway range test, the baby Bimmer was able to go 141 miles (227 km) and delivered a consumption rating of 3.6 mi/kWh (17.22 kW/100km).

2020 BMW i3s with Range Extender

Real-world Highway Range: 126 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 126 miles

Difference: 0.0%

The 2020 BMW i3 REx has the same size 42.4 kWh battery as the all-electric BEV version, but the range-extending engine turns on when the battery drops below a 6.5-percent state of charge. Therefore, only about 93% of the battery capacity is accessible before gasoline starts burning. Additionally, since the range extender adds about 265 pounds (120 kg) to the weight of the vehicle, there's some range penalty there also.

In our 2020 BMW i3 REx 70 mph range test, we were able to drive the vehicle 126 miles (203 km) – exactly matching its EPA range rating – and it delivered an average consumption rating of 3.5 miles per kWh (17.7 kWh/100km).

2020 MINI Cooper SE

Real-world Highway Range: 108 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 110 miles

Difference: -1.8%

The 2020 MINI Cooper SE has a 32.6 kWh battery, of which 28.9 kWh is usable. That's good enough to give the car an EPA range rating of 110 miles per charge. In our MINI Cooper SE 70-mph highway range test, we came close to matching the EPA range rating and finished up with 108 miles (174 km) driven and a consumption rating of 3.7 mi/kWh (16.76 kWh/100 km).

2015 Chevrolet Spark EV

Real-world Highway Range: 63 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 82 miles

Difference: -23.2%

The 2015 Chevrolet Spark has a 19 kWh battery and an EPA range rating of 82 miles per charge. We fully charged the 2015 Spark EV owned by InsideEVs' own Domenick Yoney and set out on the Florida highways to see how far it would go at a constant 70 mph. The vehicle was able to muster 63 miles (101 km) on a charge in the 97-degree (36°C) Florida heat. We're estimating the consumption rating at 3.5 mi/kWh, based on the battery size.

2018 smart Electric Drive Cabriolet

Real-world Highway Range: 51 miles

EPA-estimated Range: 57 miles

Difference: -10.5%

The 2018 smart Electric Drive has a 17.6 kWh battery, of which only 16.7 kWh is usable. It's a great little run-around car, but it's not really meant for long-distance highway travel. So it was no surprise when the little guy only managed to 51 miles (82 km) at a constant 70 mph.

It averaged 3.4 mi/kWh (18.28 kWh/ 100 km) and only delivered six fewer miles while driving at 70 mph than its 57-mile EPA range rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which electric car has the longest range?

The current range champion among electric cars you buy is the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus that has an official EPA-rated range of 402 miles. We've reported, however, that its range is likely to increase soon to 409 miles. There's also a challenger on the horizon - the Lucid Air. Lucid's EV will be EPA-rated to go up to 517 miles on a charge when it goes on sale and begins deliveries in the second quarter of 2021. Tesla, though, already has an answer in the form of the Model S Plaid. The automaker says the Plaid will go 520+ miles per charge, but that number hasn't been submitted to the EPA for official approval yet.

Do electric cars lose range over time?

Yes, but the amount is minimal over the lifespan of the car and varies depending on the car itself, type of battery, how the battery was charged during its lifetime, and other factors. You can expect a decrease in range, on average, of about 2.3% per year, though most of that occurs after the first 100,000 miles. Also, automakers are required by law to warranty the battery packs in their electric vehicles for a minimum of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

What does MPGe mean?

Miles Per Gallon Equivalent. It's a funny calculation the EPA came up with to help consumers compare the efficiency of electrified cars (both Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids) to gasoline-powered cars. We don't like it much as a metric by which to judge electric vehicles, preferring instead range and efficiency in terms of kilowatts used per mile.

How does EPA test EV range?

Check out what we've written regarding range and how the EPA calculates it.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Outdoors; Society; Travel
KEYWORDS: elonmusk; tesla
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To: Pelham
Teslas have replaced the venerable Mercedes as the car of choice in Orange County CA

I've heard the Teslas called "California Camrys"

41 posted on 12/27/2021 1:20:20 PM PST by Tellurian (Your phone is your cattle tag. 2/4/2004: DARPA Lifelog terminated, Facebook initiated. )
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To: Red Badger

I’m buying! Just as soon as I find a spare $40,000 in the couch cushions.


42 posted on 12/27/2021 1:20:28 PM PST by DaxtonBrown
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To: SunkenCiv

Mercedes would be an anchor on Tesla. I can’t imagine why they would buy it.


43 posted on 12/27/2021 1:21:19 PM PST by Pelham (Q is short for quack )
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To: Red Badger

What does MPGe mean?

________

Miles Per Gallon Equivalent. Equivalent electrical energy usage which give you the heat equivalent to burning a gallon of gasoline. Compares electrical energy to the thermal properties of Gasoline. Since it takes a lot more heat to generate electrical energy and then to turn it back to heat, than just to burn gasoline, this was surely created by somebody who loves EV to the degree that wants to show it in best light, even if it is misleading! (lying). It shows EV’s as being a lot more efficient as they really are.
If you really want fair comparison, to get equivalent MPG, you should divide MPGe by about 2.5 or 3x.


44 posted on 12/27/2021 1:21:33 PM PST by AZJeep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0AHQkryIIs)
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To: BusterDog

Tesla claims 15 minutes at a supercharger adds 200 miles of range. My Tesla driving friends say that’s about right.

https://www.tesla.com/supercharger


45 posted on 12/27/2021 1:26:13 PM PST by Pelham (Q is short for quack )
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To: central_va

“EV’s are boutique vehicles.”

You’re not exactly current if you think that.


46 posted on 12/27/2021 1:28:10 PM PST by Pelham (Q is short for quack )
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To: artichokegrower
So I could buy a $150,000 Tesla and it won’t make from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Sure it will. There are lots of Tesla Supercharging stations between LA and San Francisco, and with the right supercharger, you can add 200 mi range in 15 minutes.

47 posted on 12/27/2021 1:30:14 PM PST by Yo-Yo (is the /sarc tag really necessary?)
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To: Tellurian

“I’ve heard the Teslas called “California Camrys”

Not yet, but probably soon. Elon is aiming to bring out a Model that will compete directly with Toyota’s best selling car. I think the price point is around $25,000.

I have all of these friends who own them, I haven’t even ridden in one yet.


48 posted on 12/27/2021 1:33:36 PM PST by Pelham (Q is short for quack )
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To: doorgunner69

As a matter of fact A/c reduces the distance by like 27%.
But, that’s nothing compared to winter! In gasoline car heating is practically free, as it just re-routs the cooling heat to inside of the vehicle. No additional energy is needed, except for the fan.
On the other hand, EV has to burn all that electricity to generate heat. So during cold weather, EV makes only like half of the distance! Just terrible. Do not buy Tesla if you live in Canada!
To give EV credit when credit is due, EV recycles breaking energy and does not need to idle, so it is actually doing great in stop and go!
Stop and go in spring weather (no H or AC) is when EV compares well to gasoline.


49 posted on 12/27/2021 1:35:38 PM PST by AZJeep (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0AHQkryIIs)
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To: Political Junkie Too

Yeah, apparently driving style is a big factor. If you tend to brake hard using the conventional brakes, you won’t get much benefit from the regenerative braking. But if you learn to do “one pedal driving” where you use the motor braking that happens when you let off the gas pedal, you can conserve dramatically more energy.


50 posted on 12/27/2021 1:40:05 PM PST by Yardstick
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To: Pelham

Same here.


51 posted on 12/27/2021 1:40:14 PM PST by SunkenCiv (Imagine an imaginary menagerie manager imagining managing an imaginary menagerie.)
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To: EEGator
I'm 100% with you on there not being nearly enough electrical grid infrastructure to handle the Dims' pipe dream of everyone driving an EV.

That being said, I think I'd like to replace one of my two gas cars with an EV and use the EV for most of our normal commuting (on days we use only 1 car) and use the gas car on trips or on days my wife and I have to run different errands in two different cars.

But then, I have a 10kW solar system on my house and it produces over half of the power I consume. There are about 55% days that I bring in more power than I consume or store in my battery storage -- it'd be nice if I could put that power to use on those days for things like charging an EV. And my solar inverter has a feature that I'm not using that'll power a circuit (or circuit panel) only when I have excess power (i.e. if the home solar batteries are full or at whatever setting I configure it to, say 90% full). So I could plug an EV into a special outlet that's powered intermittently and probably charge my EV for "free" for at least half of the 200-ish miles per week I drive my car -- with every now and then having to charge it with constant power (read: power I sometimes pull from the grid) if I go a few days in a row without sun.

But that works only for me and the few of us who have a large solar system on our houses. If most people get an EV without solar it would be yuge demand on the grid.

52 posted on 12/27/2021 1:42:55 PM PST by Tell It Right (1st Thessalonians 5:21 -- Put everything to the test, hold fast to that which is true.)
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To: Yardstick
Yeah, I do more than that. I use adaptive cruise control everywhere. I hardly use the accelerator except to get started.

I figure that the computer does a better job of using the exact amount of energy to keep the car moving at my desired speed, and instantly compensates for changes in the grade of the road and the speed of traffic better than I can.

-PJ

53 posted on 12/27/2021 1:46:44 PM PST by Political Junkie Too ( * LAAP = Left-wing Activist Agitprop Press (formerly known as the MSM))
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To: BusterDog
You’ll have to map out the charging stations

My son with a Tesla 3 trekked from LA to Colorado, 1100 mi, a couple of weeks ago. The on-board computer mapped out all the stops, all at "super-chargers". The mapping, and the charge required at the stops, accounts for terrain, and probably temperature, so he didn't have any surprises going over 10,000' plus passes at 10 degrees F.

He sets it to charge only up to 90%, and discharge only down to 20%, to maximize his long-term battery life, so he did make several stops to get the 70% charge (he has the standard range); around 30 minutes each stop at "super-chargers".

54 posted on 12/27/2021 1:48:18 PM PST by Tellurian (Your phone is your cattle tag. 2/4/2004: DARPA Lifelog terminated, Facebook initiated. )
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To: Pelham
Teslas have replaced the venerable Mercedes as the car of choice in Orange County CA.

You can hear tens of thousands of illegals in the Santa Ana area laughing at that comment.

55 posted on 12/27/2021 1:50:40 PM PST by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: dragnet2

“You can hear tens of thousands of illegals in the Santa Ana area laughing at that comment.”

You can’t kid me. Illegals weren’t driving Mercedes anyway.

Lowrider Chebbies are still the ride of choice on 4th Street, vato.


56 posted on 12/27/2021 2:02:39 PM PST by Pelham (Q is short for quack )
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To: Pelham

Old Chrysler minivans are the ride of choice for the Latino crew here in middle America.
They strip those things clean at PickAPart too.


57 posted on 12/27/2021 2:05:53 PM PST by nascarnation (Let's Go Brandon!)
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To: Tell It Right

You’re reasonable and logical...refreshing. Most aren’t.

Here in SE PA, our infrastructure is old. We have so much work to do.
The only worse waste I’ve seen in work is in my USAF career.
Budget starts OCT 1. We bought over 100K in tv’s SEP 30.
The reason was for tours. I was in a SCIF...

In utilities, one job, one day we paid me 6 HR’s OT, and a 100% T&M to appease a university President. Completely for looks, 40K for crew and my design.


58 posted on 12/27/2021 2:09:54 PM PST by EEGator
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To: nascarnation; dragnet2

Those are work trucks. The car of their dreams is a lowered 55 Chevy with dice hanging off of the mirror. Lights in the wheel wells. Spinner hubcaps. Dragnet knows, I can tell that he is a local who once cruised Whittier Blvd back in the day.


59 posted on 12/27/2021 2:10:11 PM PST by Pelham (Q is short for quack )
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To: Pelham

Que pasa ese?


60 posted on 12/27/2021 2:14:47 PM PST by EEGator
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