Electric Vehicles - Models Discussion

swakyaby said:
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is their new 3rd generation car, and it is a completely different car inside and out. The battery management is quite good, and the range is very good as well. The Platinum+ trim is very nice and comfortable inside—I prefer it over the more spartan interior of the Tesla. ...
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I drove a Nissan Leaf at last November's Los Angeles Auto Show. The interior appointments etc. are fine, but it's sluggish, handles poorly, and the acceleration is by EV standards downright embarrassing. I told the sales person that for their product to become appealing, they need to double or maybe triple the horsepower. But, one supposes that different folks have different tastes.
 
swakyaby said:
Will you miss the absence of an infotainment system on the Slate?
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I usually listen to XM which I can do with a smartphone and speaker. Question is do I want to burn megabytes.

I'm going to have to sit in one of these before I seriously consider it. I fear bad seats.
 
I enjoyed the truck discussion as I have a new gen Ranger, but I'll swing us back to EV discussion. We just picked up a low mileage '24 Tesla Model 3 (Highlander) Base. Drove a '19 Chevy Volt for many years and sold it as I wanted to finally go full EV. I searched for used, under 30k mi and clean title southern car as they seems to hit a sweet spot on depreciation. I researched and test drove several brands & models before choosing the Tesla.

For those on the fence about EV's I would say now is the time to go shop as the depreciation is significant for 2-3 year old cars. There are a wide variety of EV's coming off lease and are in abundance with significant depreciation. I drove several brands and would have gone with an Acura ZDX / Honda Prologue Touring if they had stayed in the game.

I'm indifferent toward any specific EV manufacturers. My main criteria was manufacturer stability and value. I found Tesla has the strongest support for actively managing their software, good warranties, and doesn't charge (like Chevy/Honda) for basic maps, etc. after 8 years. And, they seem to be one of the few committed to long term EV business for now.
 
Diogenes said:
I drove a Nissan Leaf at last November's Los Angeles Auto Show. The interior appointments etc. are fine, but it's sluggish, handles poorly, and the acceleration is by EV standards downright embarrassing. I told the sales person that for their product to become appealing, they need to double or maybe triple the horsepower. But, one supposes that different folks have different tastes.
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When I described the 2026 Leaf to my friends, I praised everything but described the ride itself as . . . rather sedate. My last 3 cars were all performance cars (former Vette owner!) so the difference was notable. But “embarrassing”? No. It never pretended to be a performance car. I just wanted an EV for hopping around town, and this car more than complies. I chose the higher trim level and am loving the car so far.
 
Diogenes said:
I drove a Nissan Leaf at last November's Los Angeles Auto Show. The interior appointments etc. are fine, but it's sluggish, handles poorly, and the acceleration is by EV standards downright embarrassing. I told the sales person that for their product to become appealing, they need to double or maybe triple the horsepower. But, one supposes that different folks have different tastes.
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My EV goes 0-60 in 3.1 seconds, but is that kind of acceleration necessary? Especially for us early retirement folks like us?

I've test driven 3 Leafs, but haven't purchased. Maybe when I'm in the market I'll give another try.
 
Mr. Tightwad said:
My EV goes 0-60 in 3.1 seconds, but is that kind of acceleration necessary? Especially for us early retirement folks like us?

I've test driven 3 Leafs, but haven't purchased. Maybe when I'm in the market I'll give another try.
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What do you have that goes that fast? My Tesla Model Y does 4.6 seconds and that pegs me back into the seat. But with me using FSD 99% of the time it never accelerates that rapidly.
 
I think the Equinox AWD goes 60 in 5.8 or 5.9 seconds, which works for me. I've only stepped on it once at the I80/580 interchange and it was plenty responsive. But y'all live your lives at the Racetrack.
Even the Bolt seemed pretty peppy.
 
When I'm driving it's usually in chill mode at > 7.5 seconds vs sub 5 in standard. It's fast enough for me.

For charging on the road in addition to Tesla I have the charge point app. I think I had to give it a cc number but I've only ever used it for free level 2. Walmart charging is inside their main app but there isn't any place to use it in my area. It would be nice if the networks allowed tap to pay.
 
swakyaby said:
When I described the 2026 Leaf to my friends, I praised everything but described the ride itself as . . . rather sedate. My last 3 cars were all performance cars (former Vette owner!) so the difference was notable. But “embarrassing”? No. It never pretended to be a performance car. I just wanted an EV for hopping around town, and this car more than complies. I chose the higher trim level and am loving the car so far.
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Yeah, I have no issues with my 2022 LEAF's acceleration. On my mine, it's clear Nissan is doing some sort of torque limiting until you get to about 10 mph. I couldn't care less about 0-60 and it's way zippy 20-50, where I need it most.

I do think it's under sprung for its weight. Of course the 2026 is a totally difference car than mine, so I can't comment on that version.
 
We traded two older vehicles for one 2026 Subaru Solterra two months ago. The Solterra is the twin of the Toyota bz and is actually made by Toyota in Japan.

We like the car a lot, it rides and handles well, has a nice interior, and the XT version we have does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. We had overhead in the breaker box to install a 60A breaker, but we run the charger at 36v normally.

We didn’t consider the Leaf or the Bolt because they are not AWD. Tesla was a no, because reasons, and Hyundai/Kia have the ICCU issues that they refuse to fix. The local Ford and Chevy dealers REFUSE to sell an EV unless you absolutely insist.
 
flyoverstate said:
We traded two older vehicles for one 2026 Subaru Solterra two months ago. The Solterra is the twin of the Toyota bz and is actually made by Toyota in Japan.

We like the car a lot, it rides and handles well, has a nice interior, and the XT version we have does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. We had overhead in the breaker box to install a 60A breaker, but we run the charger at 36v normally.

We didn’t consider the Leaf or the Bolt because they are not AWD. Tesla was a no, because reasons, and Hyundai/Kia have the ICCU issues that they refuse to fix. The local Ford and Chevy dealers REFUSE to sell an EV unless you absolutely insist.
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What is the range on the Solterra? We are huge Subaru fans, have owned 4 before no longer owning a Subaru after we went to a Cadillac Lyriq EV.
 
flyoverstate said:
We traded two older vehicles for one 2026 Subaru Solterra two months ago. The Solterra is the twin of the Toyota bz and is actually made by Toyota in Japan.

We like the car a lot, it rides and handles well, has a nice interior, and the XT version we have does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. We had overhead in the breaker box to install a 60A breaker, but we run the charger at 36v normally.

We didn’t consider the Leaf or the Bolt because they are not AWD. Tesla was a no, because reasons, and Hyundai/Kia have the ICCU issues that they refuse to fix. The local Ford and Chevy dealers REFUSE to sell an EV unless you absolutely insist.
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Drove a Solterra but it was no comparison to the Model S so no go for me. Enjoy EV life!

Flieger
 
RetiredHappy said:
What is the range on the Solterra? We are huge Subaru fans, have owned 4 before no longer owning a Subaru after we went to a Cadillac Lyriq EV.
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The AWD XT (bigger front motor) version rating is 278 miles, but we actually see about 285 on the guess-o-meter. We are often getting 3.9 mi/kWh, a little better than advertised.

There is also a FWD model (yes, a FWD Subaru), that gets over 300 miles of range.

Keep in mind that the Solterra, the Uncharted, and the Trailseeker are all joint ventures with Toyota and are probably more Toyota leaning than Subaru leaning. The AWD versions do have X-Mode though, even the Toyotas. The trim levels between Toyota and Subaru are the main difference, if you look at both, be prepared to be confused that the mid-level trim on one has different options than the other. Also, I believe all of the AWD Toyotas put out 338HP like the XT version of the Solterra, but Subaru has a less powerful AWD model.

It is all very confusing. There are six very similar EVs being sold, three under Toyota and three under Subaru. The Subaru Trailseeker and bz Woodland are made in Subaru factories, the other four are made in Toyota factories, but all six use the same Toyota platform and share many components.

This of it as Baby Bear (Uncharted/C-HR), Mama Bear (Solterra and bz), and Papa Bear (Trailseeker/bz Woodland).

We considered waiting for a Trailseeker or bz Woodland, which are larger and even more powerful, but we have decided that the Solterra was actually the right choice for us.

All six models are in high demand right now. I read that Solterras are pretty much sold out for the rest of the model year, and Trailseekers are a several month wait.
 
Flieger said:
Drove a Solterra but it was no comparison to the Model S so no go for me. Enjoy EV life!

Flieger
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I'm guessing a comparison between most $30k-$40K cars against a $100k+ car would lean toward the much more expensive car.
 
flyoverstate said:
I'm guessing a comparison between most $30k-$40K cars against a $100k+ car would lean toward the much more expensive car.
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Yes, although I let someone take the hit and got it closer to $50k.

Flieger
 
flyoverstate said:
The AWD XT (bigger front motor) version rating is 278 miles, but we actually see about 285 on the guess-o-meter. We are often getting 3.9 mi/kWh, a little better than advertised.

There is also a FWD model (yes, a FWD Subaru), that gets over 300 miles of range.

Keep in mind that the Solterra, the Uncharted, and the Trailseeker are all joint ventures with Toyota and are probably more Toyota leaning than Subaru leaning. The AWD versions do have X-Mode though, even the Toyotas. The trim levels between Toyota and Subaru are the main difference, if you look at both, be prepared to be confused that the mid-level trim on one has different options than the other. Also, I believe all of the AWD Toyotas put out 338HP like the XT version of the Solterra, but Subaru has a less powerful AWD model.

It is all very confusing. There are six very similar EVs being sold, three under Toyota and three under Subaru. The Subaru Trailseeker and bz Woodland are made in Subaru factories, the other four are made in Toyota factories, but all six use the same Toyota platform and share many components.

This of it as Baby Bear (Uncharted/C-HR), Mama Bear (Solterra and bz), and Papa Bear (Trailseeker/bz Woodland).

We considered waiting for a Trailseeker or bz Woodland, which are larger and even more powerful, but we have decided that the Solterra was actually the right choice for us.

All six models are in high demand right now. I read that Solterras are pretty much sold out for the rest of the model year, and Trailseekers are a several month wait.
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Do they have any kind of self-driving? They were the leaders with Eye-sight (adaptive cruise control), which we loved.
 
RetiredHappy said:
Do they have any kind of self-driving? They were the leaders with Eye-sight (adaptive cruise control), which we loved.
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Yes, they have adaptive cruise and all of the nannies. They do active lane-keeping, but on the two lane roads around where I live I prefer to drive myself. Lane keeping is fine on the interstate. The Eye-sight thing is very aggressive, as in it will beep at you if you even glance to the side, and you can't drive with your hand on top of the steering wheel at all. It is pretty annoying, frankly, but we have learned to deal with it. Many owners complain about it, it isn't just us.

It also apparently has a self-driving "Traffic jam assist" mode, but we have no traffic jams. I don't know how it works.
 
flyoverstate said:
Yes, they have adaptive cruise and all of the nannies. They do active lane-keeping, but on the two lane roads around where I live I prefer to drive myself. Lane keeping is fine on the interstate. The Eye-sight thing is very aggressive, as in it will beep at you if you even glance to the side, and you can't drive with your hand on top of the steering wheel at all. It is pretty annoying, frankly, but we have learned to deal with it. Many owners complain about it, it isn't just us.

It also apparently has a self-driving "Traffic jam assist" mode, but we have no traffic jams. I don't know how it works.
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I am very familiar with Eyesight, but we are looking for full self-driving technology like Tesla's.
 
Just an FYI, there are also Lexus versions of the 'Toyota' EVs.. so more than 6...

As for the traffic jam assist, we have it in our RX and it works great... we did a long trip and hit two LONG traffic jams on the interstate with accidents backing it up 45 minutes for one... I just sat in the drivers seat doing nothing... It moved forward, kept in the lane and stopped all by itself... I did not have to touch the steering wheel at anytime like you have to with lane centering assist... it does not work everywhere as far as I can tell.. we were in a short jam in a parking lot and it did not seem to turn on.. it is rarely used as I try to not get out when a jam might be there...
 
Texas Proud said:
Just an FYI, there are also Lexus versions of the 'Toyota' EVs.. so more than 6...

As for the traffic jam assist, we have it in our RX and it works great... we did a long trip and hit two LONG traffic jams on the interstate with accidents backing it up 45 minutes for one... I just sat in the drivers seat doing nothing... It moved forward, kept in the lane and stopped all by itself... I did not have to touch the steering wheel at anytime like you have to with lane centering assist... it does not work everywhere as far as I can tell.. we were in a short jam in a parking lot and it did not seem to turn on.. it is rarely used as I try to not get out when a jam might be there...
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You are right, I forgot about the Lexus RZ, it is also on the same platform as the Toyotaburus. The closest Lexus dealer to us is over five hours away, so that was not an option. They had some fantastic deals on the RZ in February when we started looking, at one point, a Lexus RZ would have been cheaper than a Subaru or Toyota. Lexus also has the RZ 550E model with over 400 horsepower and adaptive suspension, although they are quite rare.
 
flyoverstate said:
It is all very confusing. There are six very similar EVs being sold, three under Toyota and three under Subaru. The Subaru Trailseeker and bz Woodland are made in Subaru factories, the other four are made in Toyota factories, but all six use the same Toyota platform and share many components.
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Subaru and Toyota have an interesting relationship. Toyota doesn't own Subaru, but since it has a 20% stake, it can help direct a few things there. For a while about 15 years ago, Subaru's plant in Indiana actually made Camry cars.

This really doesn't add a lot to the discussion. Car companies have been rebadging and swapping parts for a while. Perhaps the "add" is that I suspect EV models will be seeing swapping and usage of parts from possible rivals as time goes on.
 
JoeWras said:
Subaru and Toyota have an interesting relationship. Toyota doesn't own Subaru, but since it has a 20% stake, it can help direct a few things there. For a while about 15 years ago, Subaru's plant in Indiana actually made Camry cars.

This really doesn't add a lot to the discussion. Car companies have been rebadging and swapping parts for a while. Perhaps the "add" is that I suspect EV models will be seeing swapping and usage of parts from possible rivals as time goes on.
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I don't know how the fact that Toyota and Subaru are selling nearly the exact same cars "doesn't add a lot to the discussion"? If you can get a bz for $3k less than the equivalent Solterra, or a Trailseeker for $5k less than the equivalent bz Woodland, it helps to know that they are essentially the exact same cars. One of the people BUYING a Solterra at the same time we were, didn't know the car was actually a Toyota and that the bz was the twin of the Solterra. They had no clue.

Many of the parts between the cars are THE same, and they have both Subaru and Toyota part numbers stamped on them. The prices are often different. For example, the roof rack cross bars for the bz and the Solterra come in the SAME BOX, stamped with both manufacturers, but Subaru charges $490, Toyota charges $385.
 
RobLJ said:
But y'all live your lives at the Racetrack. ...
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I do, actually. In my former locale, I'd take my Camry (yes, Camry) to the local drag strip. I very much enjoy organized drag racing (not street racing) and if/when I fully retire - none of this Barista FIRE [expletive]! - I would like to campaign and drive a fairly serious (albeit still amateur) drag car.

That of course is on the track. On the street, I don't like to collect speeding tickets, but the beauty of EV acceleration is brief, intense, on-demand bursts... like accelerating from 20 mph to 35 mph is a few hundred milliseconds. I intensely crave that, and would take nothing less than a later-model Tesla M3P... might even get a Plaid, if depreciation is sufficiently aggressive, though I don't care for the Plaid's higher weight.

Dream car is the McMurtry Speirling, but that goes for a million British Pounds. Not happening.

Basically I find "driver aides" to be annoying and unnecessary, interior comforts/features to be unimportant, and fit/finish (like body panel alignment) to be forgettable too. But acceleration is unforgettable. It never gets old! If I could encapsulate one thing that truly animates me, that truly motives getting out of bed every morning, that truly makes life worth living... it would be - no, not money per se; it would be... automotive acceleration.
 
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