mark360
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Mark
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2020
- Threads
- 14
- Messages
- 303
- Reaction score
- 348
- Location
- North Carolina
- Vehicles
- Tesla Model 3 AWD(OLD), Ford Raptor
- Occupation
- Manufacturing
- Thread starter
- #1
I want to first preface this by explaining my ownership experience with my Model 3, my first EV, and share some of my thoughts since having the car for a year and a half. I think everyone on the forums can share in my opinion on the car and overall outlook. I absolutely love my model 3, and it has been one of the best cars I've ever owned and driven. However, there are several variables about owning a model 3 that have started to change my opinion about Tesla and the future outlook. Tesla is not really known for the car quality they build, but moreover a technology company and I'm seeing that part of the company become less valuable the longer I own the car. Let me explain:
1) Autopilot is awesome, but I find myself only using it roughly 10% of the time I drive. The nag every 10-15 seconds, and the fact that on non highway roads you're limited to the speed limit or less - have me just driving the car - and it is a blast to drive. On long road trips, using autopilot causes me to feel tired and I find myself driving for majority of the trip. Overall, the value of autopilot to me isn't really that great. The model 3 is a long ways from autonomy, at least 5 years away in my opinion from FSD.
2) The interior is holding up well over the past year, but there are constantly squeaks and rattles that annoy me and something I'm not use to from legacy automakers. The car build quality is not to par to other manufactures, but that is OK. I knew that going into it. Tesla is more of a technology company than a car company.
3) Having drive two hours away to the nearest service center for warranty work has been a pain over the last year, but I knew that going into ownership. It is annoying when it is over minor squeaks and rattles, but having a service center close by would be nice. Tesla service is not that great either, and the service center is always bumping full. They don't even do state inspections.
4) The SC network is very nice, but it has become less and less important to me now that I have driven an EV for a year. With most destinations I go to not having a SC, I find myself having to find wall outlets and third party charging networks to make traveling in the model 3 viable. In addition to having a home charger and a work charger, the SC network just doesn't add any value to me anymore. I had supercharging fever with my first EV, but since I own one now the value of that has dropped dramatically.
So where does the Mustang Mach E come into all of this? Well since the release of the Mach E three months ago, Ford has really garnered my attention with their EV offering. I was always under the impression that Tesla is 7-10 year ahead of all legacy automakers in the EV space, but wow was I wrong. Ford's first attempt at an EV is not only amazing, but it is downright genius and is a serious contender to those looking at purchasing a model Y. I have never owned a Ford in my life - but the Mustang Mach E checks all the boxes (range, performance, tech, design, service, etc.) and it has me seriously considering Ford's Mustang Mach E in a few years when it is time for an upgrade.
The Mustang Mach E with 300 miles will cost $45,000 MSRP after the tax credit. A model y similarly equipped will cost $53,000. The technology and design of the Mach E is almost to par with a Model Y, so I have to give credit where credit is due. Props Ford for an outstanding first full EV!
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E First Look | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.slashgear.com/ford-sync-4-first-look-mustang-mach-e-high-tec...
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2019/03/20/ford-...
Mach-E's Future
The engineer says that the maximum fast-charging rate for the Mach-E will eventually be 350 kW, though he provides no timeline for this.
Additionally, the Mach-E will be able to receive over-the-air updates, which will include some self-driving features. No timeline was provided.
Over 1,000 engineers are working on the powertrain of the Mach-E alone. This could mean we'll see an even better Mach-E in production form.
The Electrify America Charging network also is starting to impress me. While it isn't as widespread as Tesla (750 locations, Electrify America has 400) the coverage is still really good and cross country travel should be a non issue in the Mach E. Electrify America is getting support from 5 huge automakers as well, such as ford, VW, Audi, etc. The electrify america network works similar to Tesla's own Autopilot network, with Fords navigation planning your route and even letting you know how many cars are at the stall. Majority of them are 350KW along the interstate.
The biggest downside is EA is having to charge a premium in order to fund the development and execution of their plan to deploy DCFC across america in a timely manner. The EA charging network cost similar to gas, but as supply and competition increases price will likely start to fall.
A lot of great things are happening in the EV world!
1) Autopilot is awesome, but I find myself only using it roughly 10% of the time I drive. The nag every 10-15 seconds, and the fact that on non highway roads you're limited to the speed limit or less - have me just driving the car - and it is a blast to drive. On long road trips, using autopilot causes me to feel tired and I find myself driving for majority of the trip. Overall, the value of autopilot to me isn't really that great. The model 3 is a long ways from autonomy, at least 5 years away in my opinion from FSD.
2) The interior is holding up well over the past year, but there are constantly squeaks and rattles that annoy me and something I'm not use to from legacy automakers. The car build quality is not to par to other manufactures, but that is OK. I knew that going into it. Tesla is more of a technology company than a car company.
3) Having drive two hours away to the nearest service center for warranty work has been a pain over the last year, but I knew that going into ownership. It is annoying when it is over minor squeaks and rattles, but having a service center close by would be nice. Tesla service is not that great either, and the service center is always bumping full. They don't even do state inspections.
4) The SC network is very nice, but it has become less and less important to me now that I have driven an EV for a year. With most destinations I go to not having a SC, I find myself having to find wall outlets and third party charging networks to make traveling in the model 3 viable. In addition to having a home charger and a work charger, the SC network just doesn't add any value to me anymore. I had supercharging fever with my first EV, but since I own one now the value of that has dropped dramatically.
So where does the Mustang Mach E come into all of this? Well since the release of the Mach E three months ago, Ford has really garnered my attention with their EV offering. I was always under the impression that Tesla is 7-10 year ahead of all legacy automakers in the EV space, but wow was I wrong. Ford's first attempt at an EV is not only amazing, but it is downright genius and is a serious contender to those looking at purchasing a model Y. I have never owned a Ford in my life - but the Mustang Mach E checks all the boxes (range, performance, tech, design, service, etc.) and it has me seriously considering Ford's Mustang Mach E in a few years when it is time for an upgrade.
The Mustang Mach E with 300 miles will cost $45,000 MSRP after the tax credit. A model y similarly equipped will cost $53,000. The technology and design of the Mach E is almost to par with a Model Y, so I have to give credit where credit is due. Props Ford for an outstanding first full EV!
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E First Look | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.slashgear.com/ford-sync-4-first-look-mustang-mach-e-high-tec...
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2019/03/20/ford-...
Mach-E's Future
The engineer says that the maximum fast-charging rate for the Mach-E will eventually be 350 kW, though he provides no timeline for this.
Additionally, the Mach-E will be able to receive over-the-air updates, which will include some self-driving features. No timeline was provided.
Over 1,000 engineers are working on the powertrain of the Mach-E alone. This could mean we'll see an even better Mach-E in production form.
The Electrify America Charging network also is starting to impress me. While it isn't as widespread as Tesla (750 locations, Electrify America has 400) the coverage is still really good and cross country travel should be a non issue in the Mach E. Electrify America is getting support from 5 huge automakers as well, such as ford, VW, Audi, etc. The electrify america network works similar to Tesla's own Autopilot network, with Fords navigation planning your route and even letting you know how many cars are at the stall. Majority of them are 350KW along the interstate.
The biggest downside is EA is having to charge a premium in order to fund the development and execution of their plan to deploy DCFC across america in a timely manner. The EA charging network cost similar to gas, but as supply and competition increases price will likely start to fall.
A lot of great things are happening in the EV world!
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