Not enough progress
I wonder about the slow evolution of electric vehicles. It has been more than a decade since Tesla produced a vehicle with 500 km of autonomy. Ten years later, models that exceed this autonomy are rare. Manufacturers voluntarily block the development of vehicles. For my part, I expect a range of 800 km before being a buyer. When it comes to car prices, manufacturers are abusing the situation, but balance will eventually return.
Yvan B.
It is false to believe that manufacturers are blocking the development of electric vehicles. The automobile industry works in the field of solid-state batteries or lithium-sulfur or lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry. A range of 800 km is possible, but imagine the size and weight of this battery, without forgetting what its production will cost.
The moment to take the leap
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
I had an accident last week, but I wasn’t injured. On the other hand, my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a total loss. Fortunately, I had subscribed to FPQ5, so I will be able to have a new vehicle. We are hesitating between buying a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a completely electric Tesla. Maybe you could suggest another solution?
Steve C.
Glad to read that you escaped without any scratches. Two very opposite choices. An electric sedan and a plug-in hybrid SUV. Let’s start from the beginning. Today’s Outlander PHEV offers significantly more electric range than the model you owned. It is, in addition, much more attractive (quality of finish, comfort, habitability). The Tesla Model 3, for its part, is getting an upgrade this year. It is just as efficient, but its quality is more careful. It’s a great choice, but are you willing to sacrifice the versatility of an SUV for that of a sedan? No ? Then maybe you should take a look at Tesla’s Model Y. This one is more functional. Another question: do you have a charging station at your residence? Otherwise, you need to include it in your decision-making process. As mentioned in this special section, the plug-in hybrid engine makes it possible to support motorists in their transition to all-electric. You’re probably now ready to make the jump after six years behind the wheel of a PHEV.
Miles to go
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
2018 Toyota Prius
I have a 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e that has reached 102,000 km and the lease ends in October 2024, with a residual value of $12,500 (plus taxes and fees). I’m considering buying it. In your opinion, how many more kilometers can I drive it without incurring major expenses? I will retire in a year or two.
Daniel R.
The Prius is a car known to be reliable and represents a sensible purchase here. As long as you maintain it correctly, you can easily cross the 200,000 km mark. Considering that you travel on average 20,000 km per year (probably less by the time you retire), you probably still have five good years ahead of you.
A hefty bill
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NISSAN
2019 Nissan Leaf
I’m glad you took the time to think about the issue of electric vehicle repairs. I own two Nissan Leafs (2018 and 2019). We drive a lot on the farm and both cars have over 180,000 km on the clock. Last summer, both of my electric cars needed new batteries. Cost of changes: $27,000 plus taxes for both cars, after a rebate (between 15% and 25%) from Nissan. They tell me that the batteries were damaged by our excessive use of fast charging stations. Two weeks ago, the electronic management module on my 2019 Leaf failed. Cost of repair: $6,000 taxes included and Nissan will give me 25% off this bill. I might as well tell you that all my gas savings went towards repairing these vehicles. […] Good luck to the industry if it thinks it can only offer electric power in 2035 and good luck to the next governments if they think they will be able to convince the middle class to dive into this all-electric vision. Two bills later, I’m starting to seriously doubt it.
Nasser B.
Horror stories aren’t limited to electric vehicles, you know. It is true, however, that this technology has not yet reached its full maturity (will it one day?) nor is it fully mastered by all manufacturers. Users of electric vehicles also have a lot to learn about their operation, their use, but also their usage costs. The “excessive” use of fast charging stations is an example. The Leaf, one of the pioneers of the energy transition, is not the most avant-garde and accomplished electric vehicle available. Nor the most reliable. But just like a vehicle with a thermal engine (petrol or diesel), it requires certain precautions, as you have been able to see.
To answer the second part of your question, the automobile is on the way to (re)becoming a luxury product. It is up to the automotive industry to reverse this trend. To do this, it must offer more economical vehicles. The consumer also has a long way to go and must review their real needs in terms of individual transport.