Is AWD worth if you need range?

[SpaceEVDriver]

We have a CR-1 with AWD and have had zero problems with range. We can go for several weeks of around-town driving without charging and easily blow past the estimated maximum range. With higher-speed driving, we are right at or slightly above the estimated range. Our lifetime efficiency is 4.1 miles/kWh, which translates to an average of ~375 miles/full charge. This includes about 40-50% long-distance freeway-speed driving. We don't get extreme cold. We do often drive where it gets very hot (>110 F). We get a lot of snow and ice. AWD has been quite valuable to us.

Sponsored

 

[superdave80]

Let's keep in mind that Switzerland, like the rest of Europe, has all their receptacles at 220(+) Volts instead of 120 Volts. Meaning, every car-accessible receptacle in Switzerland is potentially an L2 charging point.

That depends on what the outlet amperage is rated at. From my 30 seconds of in depth Google research, Switzerland has type C (2.5 amps) and type J (10 amps/2kw). So the J is still twice as fast as our L1 (120V/1kw), but still well short of what we would consider L2 (6kw).

 

[BMT1071]

Of course having a home charger is ideal, but there are lots of other potential options. Understanding your daily usage is hugely important if you rely on public charging. Many have already mentioned charging while at work. Think also about the gym, grocery store, favorite coffee shop, church, etc. Any place where you already spend some time on a regular basis is worth checking to see if there is a convenient charger.

 

[RedStallion]

I wouldn't recommend EV if you can't charge it overnight. It's too much hassle DC charging all the time. Also DC charging causing battery degradation much faster. I would also recommend AWD if you need to drive on slippery surfaces (rain, snow), because the torque is pretty high and the RWD car may start wiggle and feel unstable.

 

[thekat03]

I wouldn't recommend EV if you can't charge it overnight. It's too much hassle DC charging all the time. Also DC charging causing battery degradation much faster. I would also recommend AWD if you need to drive on slippery surfaces (rain, snow), because the torque is pretty high and the RWD car may start wiggle and feel unstable.

Since the original poster is in Switzerland, they may have better access to public charging options than here in the US. If they cam level 2 charge at work, or at a place they go regularly, it may be more feasible.

 

[MellowJohnny]

Mountain roads, occasional snow, and rain and all good reasons to go AWD. It's no coincidence that all WRC Rally cars are AWD (technically 4WD) - control.

To me that's a good trade-off for a bit less range, all tings being equal.

And yes, I drive a Premium AWD SR, but that's mostly due to winter conditions. BTW, the Mach-E with winter tires is a beast in the snow.

 

[Atxsw]

I have a SR RWD, I am fine with the speed but I think AWD would be nice sometimes for better handling in weather conditions.

As far as the range, for the SR models its less about the range and more about the lower fast charge speed. I dont take many long road trips (maybe 3 a year or so over 300 miles) but when I have I would have liked the extended range battery. I think it comes down to how far your normal drive is, the SR rwd is good for about an 80-100 mile round trip at highway speeds without charging depending on the temp.

 

[steve.panse]

I live in Florida and previously thought I didn’t need AWD. But I will never buy another car as FWD or RWD only if AWD is offered. AWD improves the handling and balance of the car and makes traction control intervention less likely. You may think you don’t care about performance until it becomes a safety function when able to avoid an accident because you have better control over the vehicle. Go with AWD over the range.

 

[axelheimer24]

I never considered RWD, but was pretty hung up on the SR/ER decision. I live in Buffalo, which is known for snow and I wanted the performance, so AWD was 100% the right option for me. I actually ordered a SR, but ended up with an ER when I came across a cancelled order in dealer stock. The ER is nice, and I don’t regret the decision, but I absolutely don’t need it. For my next EV, I won’t be as worried about the range. Especially as public charging improves.

 

[BigMach-E]

I wouldn’t consider the RWD, if it was creature comforts or AWD, AWD would win.

 

[AliRafiee]

I live in Seattle. The AWD is well worth the 30 mile range difference?

I only do long trips 1-2 a month in the summer. Having to stop a little earlier for a quick charge doesn’t really matter. Other than that I drive 30 miles a day, and charge 1-1.5 times a week.

 

[Mach1E]

I have two MME to choose. Both have extended range. One with RWD with a range of 379 miles and one with AWD that has more horse power but less range (335 miles). Both have exact the same price.

I dont really care about the performance and since I dont have a home charger, range is more important for me. The only reason why I would choose the AWD version is because the seller is more trustworthy (big garage chain) and also offers better guarantees and the other one is a small one. And the AWD has ambient light but thats just a small cool feature that is not really necessary.

Does the difference in range really make a big difference in reality? What would you sugest?

When you say you “don’t have a home charger,” does that mean it’s going to be impossible to charge at home (like you live in a condo or apartment)?

If that’s the case, that‘s two strikes against owning an electric car at all.

Strike 1 is living in a place it gets really cold.

Winter range can be cut in half. And if you can’t charge at home……. Get a hybrid.

 

[Guss-E 2021]

As you can tell by the responses: everyone has different needs and expectations, specific to their own circumstances. No one's suggestion is right or wrong as a result.

It is too bad you can't rent a Mach-E for a week before buying. No better way I can think of to determine if the vehicle is the right fit for your needs.

 

[ChasingCoral]

You are in Switzerland. Unless you plan to keep it in the garage in the winter, I'd definitely go with AWD. AWD is also better in mountains, curvy roads, and wet pavement. You also have lots of DC Fast Charging stations in Switzerland.

I definitely recommend the AWD.

 

[kltye]

I don't have home charging, and driving in to work to charge doesn't always make sense since I have to pay for parking and I don't go into the office a lot, so I rely 100% on public charging. It's never been a real problem for me, but that's because I knew what I was going into, having driven a PHEV for a couple years before the MME. I, too, went for RWD vs AWD because of range - but mostly because I drive to West Virginia relatively often, and wanted as much range as possible since WV has basically no public charging infrastructure.

Having said all of that, I regret my RWD purchase. I've often wanted much more power than 6.1 seconds for 0-100 km/h, since lots of cars around here easily have more than 300hp. From what I've seen, RWD vs AWD doesn't really make much difference at all in terms of range - certainly not enough to worry about. I can't say too much about winter driving since it's not very cold or snowy in Chicago (plus it's very flat), so that didn't really factor into my decision. I swapped out the crappy thin tires for 235/60/R18s ones and I've been happy with them (Vredestein Quatrac Pro).

AWD does not affect handling of the car - it just makes taking off much easier on slippery surfaces. It does nothing to help steering or stopping.

Sponsored