Should I drop the Extended Range Battery in Order to Qualify for the Tax Credit?

[Rutherfordb]

By dropping the extended range battery from my MME order, the MSRP would fall below $55,000, which I understand is a qualifier for the tax credit.

The vehicle build has not yet started.

I make four trips each year from New Jersey to western Pennsylvania of approximately 360 miles one-way. One or two of those trips are in the winter.

I also have a New Jersey to South Carolina trip scheduled for this summer, approximate 555 miles one-way.

Would anyone care to share their MME trip experiences or to weigh in on the tax advantage versus the range disadvantage?

Thanks!

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[Chicago-E]

Should go with a long range in that climate taking those longer trips. cold weather reduces range 25-40%

 

[generaltso]

I guess you need to decide how much it's worth to you. Keep in mind, that by the time your car arrives, the tax credit may only be $3750.

 

[DaveP]

and the resale value will be a pretty big difference between regular and long range

 

[HGxxx]

Standard range awd in winter will give you 160- may be 170 miles per charge and extended range will give you about 220. So you have to decide and also see how the charging network is in your route.

 

[generaltso]

and the resale value will be a pretty big difference between regular and long range

I'd be willing to bet the difference in resale value won't be more than the cost difference when the tax credit is taken into account.

 

[4sallypat]

I'd be willing to bet the difference in resale value won't be more than the cost difference when the tax credit is taken into account.

Very good point!

My Premium RWD standard batteryMME order is still in Mexico or MO - can't tell...

If it does not get here by March when the IRS rules on the battery - I may walk.....

Shame on Ford because it would mean a $7500 tax credit lost because they can't get a December built vehicle from Mexico to California.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Remember that you're most often going to see the first leg of a trip using about 80% of the battery capacity. Then you'll charge up to 80-85%, so the subsequent legs will use 60-65% of capacity (85-20).
Compare 312 mile estimated range for the maximum range model and 247 mile minimum estimated range. If you have the minimum range option, you'll see a range of around 150 miles on your second and subsequent legs. If you have the longer range option, you will see about 190 miles of usable range. That can mean an extra stop for every approximately 300 miles of driving on a road trip.

I don't know your DCFC density. Nor your willingness to add time to your trips when you do take long trips.

With our LR battery, we use the extra capacity a couple of times a month. But DCFCs are quite spread out on our routes.

 

[Hammered]

By dropping the extended range battery from my MME order, the MSRP would fall below $55,000, which I understand is a qualifier for the tax credit.

The vehicle build has not yet started.

I make four trips each year from New Jersey to western Pennsylvania of approximately 360 miles one-way. One or two of those trips are in the winter.

I also have a New Jersey to South Carolina trip scheduled for this summer, approximate 555 miles one-way.

Would anyone care to share their MME trip experiences or to weigh in on the tax advantage versus the range disadvantage?

Thanks!

Given the potential ruling for the battery / IRS debacle, go find your car on a lot now.

 

[Hammered]

Honestly though, given what we just saw someone get a PE for -- I'd find a used and avoid the tax credit issues all together. Especially if you find a gold cert'd used that come with extended warranties and rental car. Someone just landed a used PE w/ 8k miles for $20k less than ford is charging post price drop.

 

[Rutherfordb]

Remember that you're most often going to see the first leg of a trip using about 80% of the battery capacity. Then you'll charge up to 80-85%, so the subsequent legs will use 60-65% of capacity (85-20).
Compare 312 mile estimated range for the maximum range model and 247 mile minimum estimated range. If you have the minimum range option, you'll see a range of around 150 miles on your second and subsequent legs. If you have the longer range option, you will see about 190 miles of usable range. That can mean an extra stop for every approximately 300 miles of driving on a road trip.

I don't know your DCFC density. Nor your willingness to add time to your trips when you do take long trips.

With our LR battery, we use the extra capacity a couple of times a month. But DCFCs are quite spread out on our routes.

This is a particularly helpful analysis and thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[RickMachE]

Extra stop is every 600 miles, no?

 

[Old Guy]

What about renting ice cars cars your trips?

 

[Rutherfordb]

What about renting ice cars cars your trips?

Yes, this is a reasonable possibility. An Avis and an Enterprise are within walking distance of my home.

 

[flapjake314]

my standard range gets 220 in the summer, 180-200 in the winter.

someone else started pointing this out but even if you leave your house at 100%, your DCFC stop will only get you to 80% (and you will not arrive at the stop with 0%) so in reality you'll drive something like 150mi, charge to 80% which gives you 150mi range, but then need to charge again in around 100mi so i get 250mi 1-way in the winter with 1 stop. you'll therefore need 2 stops, maybe more to do your 360mi one way. each stop will be 45-60 minutes. i'd personally consider that too annoying for 4 times a year.

however, i also purchased the standard range because rental cars are $50/day. and if you have a second car that is ICE you obviously just drive that. no reason to tote around a battery worth extra $14000 (price+lost tax credit) 365 days a year for those 4 trips...

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