Do you still get worried about things like your car breaking down or that dreaded check engine light after switching to electric?
Not really anxiety, but it’s definitely nice not having to idle anymore.
Maria said:
Not really anxiety, but it’s definitely nice not having to idle anymore.
Totally agree, especially since the AC barely uses any power. I don’t feel bad at all sitting in my car while it’s cool and waiting for something like my kid’s soccer practice to end. In my old ICE car, I would never waste gas like that just idling for 20 minutes.
@sorphia
To be fair, idling doesn’t burn that much gas. A modern car with the AC running only uses about 1 liter per hour while idling. Of course, idling still has other downsides like creating emissions, harming the engine, and being socially unacceptable or even illegal in some places.
@Christopher
That might be true for smaller engines, but I don’t think a V8 or even a V6 would burn only 1 liter per hour. It’s pretty common to see rows of big SUVs idling when parents pick up their kids from school.
@kwame
I get what you’re saying, and yeah, it’s pretty common. In some places, they even try to crack down on that behavior. It’s not just about fuel, but the emissions are a huge problem.
@Christopher
Are you sure? I saw a video last year that showed how some cars use more fuel while idling than we think. It was comparing the auto-engine-off features.
Ronald said:
@Christopher
Are you sure? I saw a video last year that showed how some cars use more fuel while idling than we think. It was comparing the auto-engine-off features.
That’s interesting! I didn’t think it would make that big of a difference. I’ll have to check it out.
@Christopher
This comment is empty, admin should fix
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
The best part is warming up the car from bed with an app or setting it up to defrost at a certain time. It doesn’t matter how cold it is, the car is going to be ready and warm when I get there—unless there’s a snowstorm trapping me inside!
@zendaya
Definitely one of the best perks. Being able to heat it up without worrying about emissions in the garage.
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
Fun fact: -40°C is the same as -40°F.
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
Fun fact: -40°C is the same as -40°F.
Hahaha, yep, I remember learning that too!
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
This will be my first winter with an EV. I never had issues starting my gas cars below -30°C, but not having to warm up the engine is something I’m really looking forward to.
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
Exactly! Even though it’s usually only around -5°C where I live, I still hated having the car idling right next to the house, watching the fumes rise behind it.
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
My Honda Clarity’s manual says it might not start if it’s below -20°F. I live in South Texas, so I’m not worried, but it’s odd seeing that warning.
abidemi said:
I can start my car in the winter without any hassle. Last year we hit -40°C and a bunch of people couldn’t drive for days.
I feel you on that one. EVs are just better at handling the cold from what I’ve seen.
“Wait, did you feel that? Was that the transmission?”
Howard said:
“Wait, did you feel that? Was that the transmission?”
I came from an older Audi and switched to a Rivian. The constant “Is that another problem?” feeling is almost gone. Some of it might be the new car, but the simplicity of EV drivetrains definitely helps.