this post was submitted on 23 Apr 2024
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A recent survey shows not all Canadians are ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle as they have concerns about charging stations, cold weather and battery life.

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[–] FunderPants@lemmy.ca 14 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

I've had one for five years, and 176000km, and it is one of the best decisions I've ever made, especially for a large purchase. I'll honestly never go back to gas as long as electric cars are available to buy.

[–] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 0 points 7 months ago (2 children)

Would you be able to justify it if you only drove <4000km a year? An old beater gas guzzler might cost a few grand, and be perfectly fine for the occasional driver. What does the least expensive used EV going for?

The problem with EVs (among other things), is that they are inaccessible to a large number of people due to their cost, while regular cars might not be.

[–] FunderPants@lemmy.ca 13 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

If I drive less than 4000km a year I would question if I needed a car at all, that's a 7km one way commute. When my commute was that small, I rode a bike. Not for everyone of course, but that's how I handled it.

Honestly, I understand EVs are a tough sell to a section of the population hopping from 4k beater to 4k beater, but the average new vehicle sale was $68,000 or so last year. That tells me the average new vehicle buyer can afford an EV.

[–] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

If I drive less than 4000km a year I would question if I needed a car at all, that’s a 7km one way commute. When my commute was that small, I rode a bike. Not for everyone of course, but that’s how I handled it.

This is my situation. I currently don't need to drive, but my wife does, so a car is always going to be in our driveway. I ride my bike everywhere, and would easily replace my car with an e-bike if it weren't for my wife.

The problem with society, is that people are REALLY hesitant to not drive. They see no way of replacing their car, or the desire to do so is extremely low. Until that changes, people will still want to own a car, no matter the situation.

This may be a uniquely North American problem, though. I don't think most Europeans feel that they need a car.

Honestly, I understand EVs are a tough sell to a section of the population hopping from 4k beater to 4k beater, but the average new vehicle sale was $68,000 or so last year. That tells me the average new vehicle buyer can afford an EV.

That's a sad statistic. With something like half of Canadians living paycheck to paycheck, I can't even imagine how they could spend $68,000 on a goddamn car.

Even if money was no object, and I could buy a regular car or an EV, I still would hesitate to buy an EV. They are spy boxes, and I will absolutely not pay money for a car that spies on me.

Until that changes, I won't consider an EV. Obviously, not everyone knows or care about privacy, so EV sales will continue.

[–] GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca 5 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Even if money was no object, and I could buy a regular car or an EV, I still would hesitate to buy an EV. They are spy boxes, and I will absolutely not pay money for aΒ car that spies on me.

You do realize that link says it's a problem with all cars, right? If you're buying new (or recently used), this isn't a valid excuse to avoid EVs. It is certainly a good reason to be pissed off at auto manufacturers.

[–] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 0 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

It's in 100% of EVs and only a problem in the most modern cars. I wouldn't get either, TBH.

It's even the charging stations that you'd have to worry about...

[–] Killer57@lemmy.ca 5 points 7 months ago (2 children)

Probably not the first choice of manufacture, but credit where it's due and BYD is making waves with The Seagull

[–] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I know nothing of this brand or about the safety in Chinese EVs, and to what level their built-in spying extends to, but the car is still US$12,899.00 + whatever costs are involved to get it to you. Assuming you can get service for these Chinese EVs in North America.

For sure, it's better than a $40,000 price tag if you don't drive much, but still too expensive, IMO. My current car's days are numbered, and I don't think I would get an EV, even at $13,000.

[–] originalucifer@moist.catsweat.com 7 points 7 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

you might as well have said "I'll never buy a new car of any kind"

ev has nothing to do with your decision if youre that cost-concerned

[–] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Why not? You can purchase a used non-electric car for almost nothing. If someone needs a car and don't have tens of thousands to spend on it, an EV isn't even in the equation.