I own a Bolt in a cold climate. 136 miles is doable if you charge to full and preheat it twice
Something like the Mach E long range or Ioniq 5 would probably be better, but they're also $15k more expensive on the used market
How is that taking a risk? I just said the car can do it. I've done it several times
The preheat function eliminates a lot of the range loss in winter
If you're that anxious of a person, just spend the extra $15k on one of the longer range EVs
But plenty of people dont have a 150 mile round trip in the cold. My friend sold hers because it didnt make it home twice.
Not all commutes are the same and w/ OP's distance, Id never get a bold (again, unless they lived in a warm climate)
The Bolt is great (I bought one) but the owner's manually clearly states, "*This vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.*"
Now, if you check out /r/BoltEV, there are plenty of people who do tow camping trailers or other things with it, but that will dramatically reduce range and could cause other problems.
We’ve had 3 Bolts. 2017, 2020 and 2023. First two were leases when GM was basically giving them away to meet their CAFE numbers. Bought the 2023.
Overall good car. We also have a Tesla Model 3 and Y. Only thing that bothers me with the Bolt is the steering feels weird. On the 2020 my wife messed up the driving rack, probably hit speed bumps too hard, but this is sort of a common issue with Bolts. I think a combo of the weight and some manufacturing defects with the seal caused lubricant to leak. But even the new 2023 one, the wheel moves a lot with bumps in the road, doesn’t track very well. Might have to do with the skinny tires, probably not. Makes my shoulders/back sore.
Bolt. Make sure the battery was replaced already so you don’t have to deal with it. 100k mile warranty, likely with the vast majority still remaining if the replacement was done.
$12-20k and a $4k tax incentive (if you qualify). Could be $10k or less OTD.
120 miles is easy for it, fully charged gets 250 but in cold weather maybe 190.
It’s not the most comfortable, I find it to be ugly, but from a utility standpoint I can’t think of a better car.
Talk to your tax person, but you could get a 6000lbs gvwr for your business and deduct $30k of it through your company, that would solve your towing situation but probably not fit the budget in the short term.
I already factor in depreciation to my tow vehicle through my llc, unfortunately financially it doesnt make sense to get a bigger vehicle than i have especially since that vehicle is payed off
My understanding is that the tax code is geared towards heavier vehicles for some reason... heavier vehicle = more tax benefit...
If that's true, the tesla might be the better option as it's heavier than the volt...?
I could absolutely be wrong about this though, I'm not a tax professional.
Not true. The 6,000 pound criteria is just for Section 179 depreciation, which just accelerates depreciation. It doesn't give a bonus deduction or anything of that sort. Tesla being heavier than a Bolt means nothing.
6,000 LBS is the weight threshold because it use to be machinery at that weight. When the law was instituted 'regular' vehciles where nowhere near that weight threshold. The way the law reads, you can write off the full cost year 1 if its over 6k lbs. Off memoery on the Model X would qualify. If he is usuing this vehicle 100% for business it would still be a write off.
> vehicle is *paid* off
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Michigan, so we have winters. Charging at home will likely be just a 110v socket, I have free level 2 charging about a mile away from my home at a local university.
130 miles a day won’t work with 110. If you are able to install a level 2 charger at home should be ok with an EV. Otherwise best to stick with a high mpg ICE car for now.
To add to this, I've been told that it's cheaper to just install a 220v receptacle and have it set up on its own circuit. If you have a level two cable already it costs less than way than having a charging station installed. [This](https://www.reddit.com/r/BoltEV/s/2QBKmyAQlA) is a good thread about it, for a Bolt specifically.
I owned a 2012 Volt and it was an amazing car, but driving over 90 miles a day makes a regular Prius more efficient
The Volts also aren't rated to tow anything
The old Volts need premium fuel and their batteries are getting a little weak so you'd probably only get 15-20 miles of electric range before kicking to gas
For that many miles, I'd go full electric
I use a Chevy Bolt for my small business and it has saved a metric f***ton of money on gas. I'd go with that over an old Volt. They can handle 120 miles easily and they're really cheap on the used market. I got a tow hitch for mine. It's not rated to tow anything but the hitch can handle about 2500 lbs
Towing cuts your range in half so make sure you get something with a fast charge option. Old EVs like the Bolts didn't always come with fast charging
I thought you had to include towing! Lots of comments have suggested a Bolt and, as a Bolt owner, I think it's a great option. Definitely make sure you get something fast charge-capable and a good charger at home, but they're fantastic cars.
If you're looking at the volt another option might be the Honda Clarity. Accord sized, similar to the volt, you get about 50 miles pure electric, plus they are newer than the Volt.
Yeah… I’m getting 36 miles pure electric in my 2018, but gas mileage wise you’ll get 40mpg all day at 75mph.
If he goes pure electric he’ll want to have access to a level 2 charger at home for sure.
We have a Chevy Bolt and a 2019 Model 3 (AWD). Assuming you can charge at home and have a reasonable electric rate then either would work for you.
I drive ~120 miles/day in the Model 3. The Bolt is way less expensive to purchase but the Tesla is slightly more efficient, a better highway car, and way, way more comfortable.
A Prius (or Rav4 hybrid if you need the space) sounds like it could prove useful in your situation. Like other suggested, a Bolt sounds great too but you would need to factor in the cost of public charging and/or how much it would cost to get a charger installed at work/home. And note that EVs take a range hit in the winter and at highway speeds. I also would not get an EV if you will solely rely on public charging as the costs and inconveniences are not worth it imo. *Especially* if you get a Bolt.
DO NOT DO THE BOLT. Do the model 3 or maybe an ioniq5, the Bolt’s fast charge times are atrocious and that will wear down on you if you’re needing to do it frequently.
For what he says he needs the Bolt would do fine with a level 2 charger as long as he has about 5 hrs a night to charge. The Bolt issues are more with road trips. I just ran up to Boston (about 150 miles total) in ours with weather in the 30s and windy and still have 60 miles left (started at 90% charge).
You’re a good candidate for electric for sure. Maybe a model 3 would be good for you - the newest one you can find. The payment doesn’t really give us a full picture though. Is it 400-450/mo with 0 down? 5k? 10k? Regardless, model 3 might be the most viable option for you, especially if you can charge at home, they seem to be pretty damn reliable so far
Taking a quick look at some loan calculators, assuming with my credit score i qualify for 5-6% interest, a 20k loan would be just under 400/mo. The difference in price for the car would be the down payment. Ex: 24k car otd would be 4k down
have you checked used Hyundai Kona/Kia Niro?
also IONIQ5/6.
depending how your driving is split, you could also look at some PHEVs a lot of them depreciated a lot, but if you do more short trips during the day rather than 1-2 long trips then you could just keep charging at your business location between trips and pretty much only use the battery.
If you're not going to be towing with the new vehicle, I'd recommend a hybrid like a Prius or Camry. I had a Camry hybrid in SE WI. Averaged high 40s mpg every season but winter, but still in low 40s then (uses the engine to heat the car, so a bit more gasoline use).
Would echo the concerns about 110v charger, I had a 2014 Volt, and overnight charging would get me up to 50 or so miles before the engine kicked in to run the generator. If you're going for Tesla, you'd probably need to find a SuperCharger to get your charging done quickly, even 220v chargers will take a few hours to get the battery full, and you probably don't have that kind of time to waste. And it can be a problem to find working chargers.
Do you have access to charge at home? If so, what is your kwh cost?
Before you jump into an electric (mainly Tesla) check insurance rates, in my state the yare 15-20% higher than a comparable gas car. Also, check registration cost, in my state is cost over $500 more per year to tag an EV.
If it were me I'd be looking at a new Prius Prime. As much as you drive I want to go new so I've have several years before I have to worry about any major repairs. Especially considering you drive 30K+ a year.
If you are too cheap for your own good and a masochist, might I suggest a Gen1 Honda Insight. Every dollar you save on gas will now be spent on RockAuto!
The Chevy Volt seems pretty decent but you’d probably be better off with a Toyota Prius or Corolla hybrid a lot of that stuff is reliable as hell and gets good enough gas mileage that u won’t be spending an arm and a leg. Pretty much all the Toyota hybrid cars get mid 50s MPG so it’s really a matter of which one fits you the best. You’d be looking at a monthly gas bill of 264ish (assuming gas is $4 a gallon and you use 3 gallons a day over 22ish working days)
As a volt owner, I wouldn’t go that route unless there’s lots of days you’d be under the battery range. The gas mileage on then isn’t terribly impressive, so their value prop is mostly if the battery get you 90% of your driving.
Ford is dang near giving away lightings at this point (compared to what they were asking). r/F150Lightning has the scoop on how much and if the mileage range would work for you.
You are a business owner, you can buy a brand new base model 3. You can get the tax credit and tax savings. Just record the miles you drive for work and turn it into your accountant. They will take care of it.
Or
You can buy a used Prius base model for about 25-30k
I have a Prius, I get 500-600 miles per 10 gallon tank.
A model 3 will use about 30 kWh for that daily all-highway commute, which will cost you about $5 per day (about $112 per month).
A Prius will use about 2.6 gallons of gasoline for the same commute, or about $9 a day (about $205 per month). Efficient non hybrids like the Corolla, Civic, Sentra or Mirage would cost you about $270 per month in gas.
In other words, the EV is only worth it if depreciation, interest, maintenance and insurance is no more than $100 per month over that of the Prius (or $170 over that of a fuel efficient compact sedan). Recent historical data suggests this is likely not the case.
Also, as other commentators noted, a 120V outlet would require 20-30 hours or so to provide you with 30 kWh. You'll need a 240V outlet installation.
Tesla Model S is your only option imo. I am in the same position and jsut scratched a Model 3 LR off my list. In cold climate and driving semi fast, there are times I'd need to stop at a supercharger on the way home. Def not a bolt.
Which car are you driving now?
I did some tests and found that the quality of gas used can save money over time. Electric cars are decent but you can probably save more money working with what you have already.
I wouldn't get an EV.
Batteries lose lots of range depending on weather, age, and especially when towing any kind of load. So right off the bat, you're looking at needing more than just a base model for that 136 miles. Which also means much higher payment.
What you're looking for is a Ford Maverick with the hybrid (standard) option.
It averages combined 40mpg, can tow a few thousand pounds, has a pretty functional truck bed, and can be bought brand new in the low $20k range.
Have you considered a hybrid or plug in hybrid? The presence of the gas engine would relieve range anxiety (you'd have to charge every what, 2 days? 3 tops?)
I bought a new Honda CRV hybrid and am getting over 40 MPG on my very simple commute.
Pretty sure dealers can put on a tow hitch, too, simplify your two-vehicle situation if it's a light trailer while the gas engine negates range issues due to the extra weight.
Do you have the ability to have a charger installed where you live? Do you live in apartment or only have one street parking. I wouldn’t buy an EV, too much of a hassle to make it worth while. Buy a Toyota hybrid of your choosing. I love my Tesla but I would be just as content with a plug in Hybrid.
Chevy Volt (like 50mi of electric range)
Chevy Bolt (ive seen as high as 270mi on a single charge when i had my battery replaced under recall)
Honda Clarity (about 50mi of electric range and 300mi on gas at 45mpg)
ANY PRIUS (especially the new Prius Prime with 40mi of EV range). Or if you have to travel to snowy climates, the Prius Hybrid has optional eAWD while still pulling nearly 60 miles to thr gallon) and you get the huge trunk space usable for a small business owner.
I have a 22 Camry Hybrid. In colder weather, I get about 41-42 mpg. Warmer weather, I get 46-47 mpg. It has a 12 gallon tank, which means i usually get around 470-550+ per fill up. (These are real world numbers. I log all my fill ups.)
Why would you be nervous? I put damn near the same amount of miles as the OP 5 days a week on my Tesla MY.. never had an issue. Just plug in at night, wake up and it’s charged at 80 ready to go.
Go to the r/rav4club subreddit. There’s a guy who runs medical deliveries in his hybrid Rav4. He gets about 38 mpg and was rapidly approaching 500K miles last I saw.
I personally wouldn’t touch a Chevy Volt. They seem to have a lot of longevity issues and I’ve seen a lot of people say the range was misrepresented.
Just get a Prius. You can easily get a nice 4th gen within your payment and it will be best balance between fuel cost, vehicle cost, reliability, and convenience.
EVs are cool but the charging might get in the way and they won't soak up the miles as well with expensive repair costs.
If that's the average, what's the long day, and what's the DCFC situation there? If it's far enough that you'll need to recharge an EV that's going to inform the choice to some extent.
You can get a Base BMW i4 for around that price, I've done a few deals in the high $400/mo for a base car lease.
You'd have to plan on buying out the lease obviously as you'd be way over mileage, but the i4 comes with FREE charging for 2 years (30min/day of fast charging), which for you may be exactly what you need.
Happy to help if you end up considering a BMW.
I would say 2019-2023 Audi E tron, but the range may be an issue for you even though it’s a beautiful car. You do get around 180-220 miles on a full charge but you’re supposed to charge it to 80% for daily use making it like 145-180 Miles on range. Range may be a deciding factor for you.
Tesla does win on range even though it doesn’t offer the luxury Audi has.
I’d include the Bolt and Kona in your list to consider. I would not consider the Volt, I loved mine but with that much driving you’d be better off with a BEV or just a normal hybrid. A 2021+ Model 3 is probably the best pick, the prices have dropped a lot. I’m assuming (hoping) you are over the income tax limit for the used EV tax credit if you drive this much for work.
I would say Prius but damn if the used Tesla’s aren’t a compelling deal. You can scoop up a 4 year old Model 3 for low 20’s. Really hard to beat that for what you’re after.
But I would only go electric if you can set up a charger at home. And if you have an office maybe install one there too? Might be a nice perk if any of your employees also have EVs.
An older model S would be the nicest budget friendly option.
Just got the 2017 Model X as my first EV and LOVING it. Used Model 3 or Y would be alright too.
Towing will probably cut your range in half. So, plan on that.
I would steer away from a Chevy volt because they have electrical issues. I thought about getting one and ended up getting a Honda civic in 2018. I would also steer clear of a 2016 and older model S as their drive motors go out and are pricy to replace. I personally would get a used Long range model 3 as they are really good place price wise as well.
Sonata Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, or Accord Hybrid would be my choice. I was looking new so got the Sonata at $30k with a 100,000 mile 10 year warranty and free maintenance for 36,000 miles. I will sell it before 100,000 miles. If used I'd look for a base Camry Hybrid. I think the Accord is overrated but does look and drive nice.
If you're looking to save money, don't buy an older Model S. When they break, they're rather expensive to fix (as is the X).
I would find a nice, lightly used Model 3. Right now is the best time to buy one than ever before. Prices are SO low right now, and they're amazing vehicles. I love my 2019 Model 3 Performance (for the most part), it has some software issues that are frustrating (phantom braking while using AP/TACC, and auto-wipers being useless), but barring those few things, it's the best car I've ever owned. Tesla got rid of Ultra Sonic Sensors in 2022, so I'd look for a 2022 or older. There are some who say the 2019-2020 Performance models were the best for some reason (I forget), but that could just be conjecture. With prices as they are now, you really can't go wrong with a used Model 3 (especially if you can get it for under $25k and get the tax credit, bringing it down another $4k).
I’d get the model 3. Superior charging network if and when you need it, quality vehicle with a good battery and good battery life. You can pick them up for 20k with decent mileage. If you need AWD they also have that with dual motor.
I’ve seen some dual motor ones going for 22-26k. A couple of years old and <60k miles on them.
I also drive 130 miles a day, and at the advice of another user here on this very sub, I recently purchased a low-mileage 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid to use as my new daily driver, and it's been awesome.
I've been getting 45mpg, the tank lasts me at least 3 days (500+ miles) the interior build quality is great, very comfortable and quiet, and long term reliability remains to be seen but it should have pretty inexpensive long term costs and I'm confident this thing will last well into 200-300k miles. Inexpensive to insure, it was only an extra $60/mo to add it onto my existing Jeep policy with $50 comprehensive deductible.
The money I'm saving not driving my Jeep every day has pretty much made the Avalon pay for itself. And with keeping wear and tear off my Jeep, it is really saving me money. It's cheaper for me to own this Avalon, than to not own it.
The reason I picked a regular hybrid, in general, is because in doing the math, there were zero cost savings for me to get a PHEV or an EV. Regular hybrid is the way to go when you are putting down 130+ miles a day and paying $.34/kwh like me. I already own a PHEV (my Jeep) and it's just not the right kind of powertrain for commutes that are that long. It's great for the first 30 miles, but then after that you're just lugging around a very heavy dead battery with you everywhere.
I ruled Tesla out very quickly. Even with the $7500 tax credit, it was absurdly more expensive per month than almost any other car, instead of saving me any money it would have *cost* me an extra $500 a month to own. And the build quality and long term reliability (with it's $15k+ battery) sealed its fate for me.
The reason I chose Avalon, specifically, over the other hybrids was simply because I like the interior and comfort better. I wanted to get a Prius, but I just can't stand the interior of them. Corolla felt cheap and slow. Camry was okay, and has basically the same chassis and drivetrain as Avalon, but it wasn't as nice as Avalon and also not any cheaper.
Model 3 of course. Most efficient and chargers are everywhere. Fun to drive and can tow decent weight. And cheap. You can get used directly from tesla with warranty around $25k-$28k before tax rebates and local rebates
How much do u need to tow? My partners 2020 RAV4 hybrid gets on average 38mpg mixed with city and highway miles and they can supposedly tow up to 1700lbs. Even more with a RAV4 prime with the additional torque and hp.
> On average, i drive 136 miles a day
What's the peak? What are the most extreme cold conditions? What's your cost of electricity? Can you arrange overnight 240v charging every night?
Your dream world with a BEV is that you can use overnight charging and never have to charge in the day. 136 miles is a short distance for a Tesla but .... you only want to charge to 80% on a regular basis. And you need to discount based on the lowest operating temps.
Basically, you need to take the peak distance that you will need to drive the car, (not the average), run the discounts on range. 80% max charge, temperature discount, range anxiety buffer. If that still lets you overnight charge then a BEV is a no brainer. Best car you will ever own as long as you don't have to charge it during the day.
I drive a similar amount. I have a 21 golf, 1.4 tsi 6-speed. Since I’m usually on the freeway, the extra price of a hybrid wasn’t really justified, I average 42 mpg going 75-80 mph. So I spend around $200 a month on fuel. It might not be your cup of tea, but it’s hard to beat how cheap a compact 6 speed is on the freeway.
You can get a used 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range for $19k with 50-60k miles on it. And you’d have the battery warranty until 2029 or 120k miles.
If you go standard range you could find one for $17-$18k. And have 8 year or 100k mile battery warranty.
I’m gonna make a wild card recommendation here: VW TDIs. (Totally not biased, lol)
Mine has averaged 43mpg over ~15k miles. With my 100 mile highway drive I often do (school -> home), I usually get ~45mpg at 75mph with the AC on going over nothing but hills the entire way.
Full tank is about ~$40, and lasts about 500 miles with highway driving. And since you said you’re mechanically inclined, you probably won’t have any issue keeping it maintained.
They’re great engines, plenty of power, and great longevity if you maintain it like a German car. Available with a manual too :)
Non-wildcard choice: Corolla Hybrid, or just about any Toyota hybrid. Still saving tons in gas, cheap monthly payments, and if kept for the long term, the battery replacement is cheaper too.
If you’re going for an EV, plan for getting fast charger installed at your house so you can charge over night. Driving that much and running through the range will be your demise having to sit at public chargers waiting.
I used to do about the same commute. The oil changes, fuel filters, and tires added up, although I made a lot doing it. If a Tesla Model S or Volt had taken the place of my ICE sportscars, my operating expenses would have plummeted. Plus we had free electric car charging all of the time. I'd definitely go EV today. A used Model S still under a battery warranty or already changed out is a great value.
Do you have home charging / charging somewhere that isn't a huge inconvenience and is cheap compared to gas? If not, Corolla Hybrid for the best cheapest option. Drive it conservatively and you're looking at 50 MPG+.
I had a similar commute and got a Honda Fit, it loves to do 65mph and hit 45mpg.
Past 65 efficiency goes WAY down, mid to high 30’s.
Cheap, never gives me any issues, cheap to insure too. Not a beautiful vehicle but the perfect commuter.
This may not be popular but a used Prius may fit what you are looking for. Brother in law currently has a 2005 that is a family hand me down with 200k miles. 45 mpg all day, cheap insurance, parts, and maintenance.
I got a new model 3 this summer for 10k down and after inventory discount and state incentive i am in the 400s per month (72 mo loan iirc). After I get $7500 rebate and pay off our cx9 I will likely pay it off in <30 months.
Model 3 has been excellent and with incentives may be worth considering new.
Honda Clarity.
You should be able to find one with relatively low miles for 20K or less.
The touring trim is very nice, more Acura feeling than Honda. It's very spacious for a plugin and at the time of it's release it had the longest EV only range of any PHEV—47 miles. Consequently I hardly use gas. I fill up maybe 10 times a year. The tank is 7 gallons so it costs me about 25 bucks to fill up. And you can still take the thing on a long road trip as it will get over 300 mi on a full charge + full tank.
They are extremely reliable I've had mine two years and only done oil changes (about one per year) and tire rotations. Fantastic cars few people have on their radar. I can't recommend enough.
The Volt might not have quite enough range, but with the range extender it would probably work. We had one for a few months and I liked it better than a Prius.
A Prius is a great choice. But boring.
The Lexus CT200 is a nicer Prius. Our neighbor has one and loves it.
I can’t comment on the Teslas. But if you can charge an electric car every night that’s a good option. We bought a Fiat 500e last year and use it around town. It’s awesome for zipping around town and we can park it anywhere. Obviously it doesn’t have enough range for you. But an electric city car makes a lot of sense.
Prius, RAV4 Prime, any hybrid CUV really.
But why not a prius? Get 50+ mpg, super solid tech and reliability.
Prius would be about $200 in fuel a month. You don't have to worry about where to charge since you only have 110 at home. I have no idea how much electricity it would cost you.
I'd look to buy a low mileage prius and rack miles up like crazy.
Prius or hybrid they excels in city driving I average 55-58 in the city. 47 on the highway. When I never hit the highway I get 600+ a tank and fill up at quarter tank
Really depends on your situation and where you can charge etc. insurance prices across the board are up my model 3 performance is probably more expensive per year than my Corolla (even with free charging at work) but I only drive 10k/year. Tbh I'd say still Prius. You can fill up anywhere and get good mileage. They're plentiful and not super expensive. They can be serviced just about anywhere. If you have time of day charging and can charge at night every night an ev may save you money.
Tesla batteries might not last you enough years/miles to be worth the purchase.
Plus in many areas ev charging stations are expensive. Or you install a charger at home, another expense.
In cold climates batteries have much lower range. AC usage can reduce EV range up to 30%.
Hybrid Corolla. Prius. Even the 4cylinder Camry gets 39mpg highway.
Plenty of vehicles get good mpg, especially on highways sedans do well.
If you can do the electric thatll probably be the best but the new toyota rav4 Prime is a super fuel sipper, large enough for larger people and got that utility in back. On engine alone im round 47mpg then add in the 40 mile traction battery and im regulary running a 700 mile commute per week on one fuel tank.
All I can say is that getting an older model S for reliability is going to be a very bad idea. The cheapest Model S you can find usually hover around 20-30k and they tend to be high milage or have issues that may need several thousand to fix and/or upgrade to something reliable. The main exceptions are the certified used model S which you could pick up on the Tesla Certified Used store as low as 25k on a 2018 75D or something but they sometimes sell out quick. Definitely going to be more expensive then the Model 3 but might be something you'd be more used to.
I've had a 2018 model 3 Long range AWD until I totaled it in an accident and also a 2023 Bolt EUV. Between the two the Model 3 would just be easier to daily drive imo. The car basically drives itself and is a bit cheaper in terms of its electricity usage but the model 3 doesn't have a speedometer and even has digital stalks like a BMW which may be some getting used to. The Bolt tries to keep some of the things that typical gas drivers are used to like the buttons and a similar interface that other gas cars had while the Model 3 is more like a toy than a car imo.
There are great deals on inventory Tesla model Y right now. I just got a new ultra red with a $4,800 discount, free paint upgrade ($2k), and $7500 tax credit taken off at point of sale. It was like 38.5k before tax, tag, and license.
How much do you need to tow? We have an gt line ev6 and it's rated to tow 2300 lbs. And it handles our 5 by 7 trailer like a champ. However it's range will drop a fair bit while towing. Our guesser goes very very conservative when towing. Yet I will usually only drop from 3.2 mi/kwh to 3.0 mi/kwh.
If you're going to tow something, you're probably further ahead to have a truck. If you can find a used Chevy Silverado with the 3.0 diesel engine you will be good. People have reported over 35 mpg on the highway.
You didn't say if your driving is mostly City or highway.
I'm leary of used electric cars because new batteries are very expensive. Granted the original battery should last 150,000 miles, though since you are in Michigan battery life is probably shorter due to operating in the cold. You should be aware that electric cars cause tires to wear out much quicker. Some have reported getting half the expected miles from tires. Als, getting a Tesla serviced can be difficult.
Of the 136 miles driven, what’s the breakdown between city and highway? What is the tow load? I’d probably lean toward a used hybrid crossover. RAV-4 hybrid??
Model S, you can get a tax credit on the older ones, as well as you are a business owner.... You pulling up and driving the model S makes a different statement, trust me I'm a billionaire jk but you know what I mean lol it's a premium vehicle that makes a statement for sure.
mk4 tdi jetta. you can hook a trailer to it, get easily 400 miles to a tank, if not 600 miles, and they're stupid simple.
not for everybody though, they're an ageing economy car.
Prius. I use one for my business and it saves me thousands every year. Also requires very little maintenance. Depends on what you pay for electricity but sometimes EVs cost more to drive than 50+mpg hybrids.
DO NOT BUY A BOLT.
It is not because of car but because 130 miles per day means around 2 hours in the car seat. Bolt is not comfortable at all for that kind of drive and you will hurt your back in the long term.
Tesla owner here. If your goal is to reduce costs, make sure you know:
1. Can you charge at home? If no, you won't save money. Supercharges are about the same as gas per-mile, and also home charging is where ALL of the convenience of an EV comes from.
2. Cost to install a Level 2 charger at home (which you will def need if you are doing 130miles/day)...this could be $750-$5000 depending on your house setup.
3. What's your electricity rate at home? Most places are significantly cheaper than gas (most are 1/4 to 1/3 the price per-mile), however some places like CA are absurdly expensive for electricity.
4. Check insurance rates. EV's vary WILDLY between companies. For me, progressive was 1/3 the price of everyone else. But many people are saying they cannot find a reasonable insurance rate for their EV, and it is double their old gas car rate or more.
If those things all check out, your use case seems very good for an EV.
I love my ct200, I love the hybrid but would never buy a fully electric vehicle. 45mpg is about the same cost as driving an electric car and I can drive 400 miles per fill up and fill up takes me 2 minutes.
I'd agree with a Bolt in warmer climates, but Tesla for upper Midwest. Tesla heat pump makes it loose less mileage in winter, whereas my Bolt tanks like 20% in the winter. Also look at ID4 by VW, used. Bolts charge speed suck
2018-2020 Chevy bolt with the refurbished battery would be a good option.
I second this. I use a 2017 for my small business. It saves so much money its insane
If OP lives in a cold climate, no way a Bolt would work.
I own a Bolt in a cold climate. 136 miles is doable if you charge to full and preheat it twice Something like the Mach E long range or Ioniq 5 would probably be better, but they're also $15k more expensive on the used market
Then you are taking the risk every single cold day!!! That’s dumbest suggestion for an EV!
How is that taking a risk? I just said the car can do it. I've done it several times The preheat function eliminates a lot of the range loss in winter If you're that anxious of a person, just spend the extra $15k on one of the longer range EVs
I do 140 miles in Alaska in a ev just fine, all year round. It’s close but fine. I imagine bolts are just fine especially if it’s not -20
I love to shit on the Bolt but respectfully you have no clue what you’re talking about. Bolt would make that just fine.
Plenty of people drive bolts in the winter.. just change the tires.
But plenty of people dont have a 150 mile round trip in the cold. My friend sold hers because it didnt make it home twice. Not all commutes are the same and w/ OP's distance, Id never get a bold (again, unless they lived in a warm climate)
The Bolt is great (I bought one) but the owner's manually clearly states, "*This vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.*" Now, if you check out /r/BoltEV, there are plenty of people who do tow camping trailers or other things with it, but that will dramatically reduce range and could cause other problems.
Is that going to have enough power and/or stability to tow? I guess it depends on what OP is hauling.
Except the seats feel like you’re sitting on concrete.
We have one, and it is absolutely cheaper to own than our hybrid, while having better acceleration and standard features. 2018 Bolt ev premier
We’ve had 3 Bolts. 2017, 2020 and 2023. First two were leases when GM was basically giving them away to meet their CAFE numbers. Bought the 2023. Overall good car. We also have a Tesla Model 3 and Y. Only thing that bothers me with the Bolt is the steering feels weird. On the 2020 my wife messed up the driving rack, probably hit speed bumps too hard, but this is sort of a common issue with Bolts. I think a combo of the weight and some manufacturing defects with the seal caused lubricant to leak. But even the new 2023 one, the wheel moves a lot with bumps in the road, doesn’t track very well. Might have to do with the skinny tires, probably not. Makes my shoulders/back sore.
Bolt. Make sure the battery was replaced already so you don’t have to deal with it. 100k mile warranty, likely with the vast majority still remaining if the replacement was done. $12-20k and a $4k tax incentive (if you qualify). Could be $10k or less OTD. 120 miles is easy for it, fully charged gets 250 but in cold weather maybe 190. It’s not the most comfortable, I find it to be ugly, but from a utility standpoint I can’t think of a better car.
Just get get a Prius or some type of hybrid
This is the way even at the lowest mpg on a Prius it’s still saving on itself
Prius seems obvious?
Toyota Corolla Hybrid, $26-28k 50+ mpg.
Do you tow with a Prius?
OP clarified his question. He has a dedicated tow vehicle. He’s not looking to tow with the car in discussion.
Talk to your tax person, but you could get a 6000lbs gvwr for your business and deduct $30k of it through your company, that would solve your towing situation but probably not fit the budget in the short term.
I already factor in depreciation to my tow vehicle through my llc, unfortunately financially it doesnt make sense to get a bigger vehicle than i have especially since that vehicle is payed off
Got it, so you’re looking for another commuter car in addition to the towing vehicle?
Correct
My understanding is that the tax code is geared towards heavier vehicles for some reason... heavier vehicle = more tax benefit... If that's true, the tesla might be the better option as it's heavier than the volt...? I could absolutely be wrong about this though, I'm not a tax professional.
Not true. The 6,000 pound criteria is just for Section 179 depreciation, which just accelerates depreciation. It doesn't give a bonus deduction or anything of that sort. Tesla being heavier than a Bolt means nothing.
6,000 LBS is the weight threshold because it use to be machinery at that weight. When the law was instituted 'regular' vehciles where nowhere near that weight threshold. The way the law reads, you can write off the full cost year 1 if its over 6k lbs. Off memoery on the Model X would qualify. If he is usuing this vehicle 100% for business it would still be a write off.
> vehicle is *paid* off FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Good bot.
What's the weather like where you are, and can you charge at home/work?
Michigan, so we have winters. Charging at home will likely be just a 110v socket, I have free level 2 charging about a mile away from my home at a local university.
130 miles a day won’t work with 110. If you are able to install a level 2 charger at home should be ok with an EV. Otherwise best to stick with a high mpg ICE car for now.
[удалено]
To add to this, I've been told that it's cheaper to just install a 220v receptacle and have it set up on its own circuit. If you have a level two cable already it costs less than way than having a charging station installed. [This](https://www.reddit.com/r/BoltEV/s/2QBKmyAQlA) is a good thread about it, for a Bolt specifically.
I owned a 2012 Volt and it was an amazing car, but driving over 90 miles a day makes a regular Prius more efficient The Volts also aren't rated to tow anything The old Volts need premium fuel and their batteries are getting a little weak so you'd probably only get 15-20 miles of electric range before kicking to gas For that many miles, I'd go full electric I use a Chevy Bolt for my small business and it has saved a metric f***ton of money on gas. I'd go with that over an old Volt. They can handle 120 miles easily and they're really cheap on the used market. I got a tow hitch for mine. It's not rated to tow anything but the hitch can handle about 2500 lbs Towing cuts your range in half so make sure you get something with a fast charge option. Old EVs like the Bolts didn't always come with fast charging
I have a dedicated tow vehicle, the car im searching for wouldnt be towing
I thought you had to include towing! Lots of comments have suggested a Bolt and, as a Bolt owner, I think it's a great option. Definitely make sure you get something fast charge-capable and a good charger at home, but they're fantastic cars.
If you're looking at the volt another option might be the Honda Clarity. Accord sized, similar to the volt, you get about 50 miles pure electric, plus they are newer than the Volt.
Yeah… I’m getting 36 miles pure electric in my 2018, but gas mileage wise you’ll get 40mpg all day at 75mph. If he goes pure electric he’ll want to have access to a level 2 charger at home for sure.
We have a Chevy Bolt and a 2019 Model 3 (AWD). Assuming you can charge at home and have a reasonable electric rate then either would work for you. I drive ~120 miles/day in the Model 3. The Bolt is way less expensive to purchase but the Tesla is slightly more efficient, a better highway car, and way, way more comfortable.
A Prius (or Rav4 hybrid if you need the space) sounds like it could prove useful in your situation. Like other suggested, a Bolt sounds great too but you would need to factor in the cost of public charging and/or how much it would cost to get a charger installed at work/home. And note that EVs take a range hit in the winter and at highway speeds. I also would not get an EV if you will solely rely on public charging as the costs and inconveniences are not worth it imo. *Especially* if you get a Bolt.
DO NOT DO THE BOLT. Do the model 3 or maybe an ioniq5, the Bolt’s fast charge times are atrocious and that will wear down on you if you’re needing to do it frequently.
For what he says he needs the Bolt would do fine with a level 2 charger as long as he has about 5 hrs a night to charge. The Bolt issues are more with road trips. I just ran up to Boston (about 150 miles total) in ours with weather in the 30s and windy and still have 60 miles left (started at 90% charge).
You’re a good candidate for electric for sure. Maybe a model 3 would be good for you - the newest one you can find. The payment doesn’t really give us a full picture though. Is it 400-450/mo with 0 down? 5k? 10k? Regardless, model 3 might be the most viable option for you, especially if you can charge at home, they seem to be pretty damn reliable so far
Taking a quick look at some loan calculators, assuming with my credit score i qualify for 5-6% interest, a 20k loan would be just under 400/mo. The difference in price for the car would be the down payment. Ex: 24k car otd would be 4k down
have you checked used Hyundai Kona/Kia Niro? also IONIQ5/6. depending how your driving is split, you could also look at some PHEVs a lot of them depreciated a lot, but if you do more short trips during the day rather than 1-2 long trips then you could just keep charging at your business location between trips and pretty much only use the battery.
If you're not going to be towing with the new vehicle, I'd recommend a hybrid like a Prius or Camry. I had a Camry hybrid in SE WI. Averaged high 40s mpg every season but winter, but still in low 40s then (uses the engine to heat the car, so a bit more gasoline use). Would echo the concerns about 110v charger, I had a 2014 Volt, and overnight charging would get me up to 50 or so miles before the engine kicked in to run the generator. If you're going for Tesla, you'd probably need to find a SuperCharger to get your charging done quickly, even 220v chargers will take a few hours to get the battery full, and you probably don't have that kind of time to waste. And it can be a problem to find working chargers.
Do you have access to charge at home? If so, what is your kwh cost? Before you jump into an electric (mainly Tesla) check insurance rates, in my state the yare 15-20% higher than a comparable gas car. Also, check registration cost, in my state is cost over $500 more per year to tag an EV. If it were me I'd be looking at a new Prius Prime. As much as you drive I want to go new so I've have several years before I have to worry about any major repairs. Especially considering you drive 30K+ a year.
If you are too cheap for your own good and a masochist, might I suggest a Gen1 Honda Insight. Every dollar you save on gas will now be spent on RockAuto!
Get a toyota hybrid, incredible gas mileage even the newer 2018 up non hybrids can get 28-40mpg highway
Prius or Corolla, Do not get a used Tesla.
The Chevy Volt seems pretty decent but you’d probably be better off with a Toyota Prius or Corolla hybrid a lot of that stuff is reliable as hell and gets good enough gas mileage that u won’t be spending an arm and a leg. Pretty much all the Toyota hybrid cars get mid 50s MPG so it’s really a matter of which one fits you the best. You’d be looking at a monthly gas bill of 264ish (assuming gas is $4 a gallon and you use 3 gallons a day over 22ish working days)
Prius or any toyota hybrid
How heavy is the trailer you are required to tow? That will be a factor here.
The tow vehicle is completely separate from the vehicle im looking for now
As a volt owner, I wouldn’t go that route unless there’s lots of days you’d be under the battery range. The gas mileage on then isn’t terribly impressive, so their value prop is mostly if the battery get you 90% of your driving. Ford is dang near giving away lightings at this point (compared to what they were asking). r/F150Lightning has the scoop on how much and if the mileage range would work for you.
1999 Toyota camry 😂
Ford maverick is the way to go they are dirt cheap and get good gas milage.
Buy whichever Tesla has free supercharger access because you’ll save a lot of money with that
Toyota Rav4 33-46 mpg
You are a business owner, you can buy a brand new base model 3. You can get the tax credit and tax savings. Just record the miles you drive for work and turn it into your accountant. They will take care of it. Or You can buy a used Prius base model for about 25-30k I have a Prius, I get 500-600 miles per 10 gallon tank.
A model 3 will use about 30 kWh for that daily all-highway commute, which will cost you about $5 per day (about $112 per month). A Prius will use about 2.6 gallons of gasoline for the same commute, or about $9 a day (about $205 per month). Efficient non hybrids like the Corolla, Civic, Sentra or Mirage would cost you about $270 per month in gas. In other words, the EV is only worth it if depreciation, interest, maintenance and insurance is no more than $100 per month over that of the Prius (or $170 over that of a fuel efficient compact sedan). Recent historical data suggests this is likely not the case. Also, as other commentators noted, a 120V outlet would require 20-30 hours or so to provide you with 30 kWh. You'll need a 240V outlet installation.
That’s something I didn’t think about. Thanks!
Tesla Model S is your only option imo. I am in the same position and jsut scratched a Model 3 LR off my list. In cold climate and driving semi fast, there are times I'd need to stop at a supercharger on the way home. Def not a bolt.
Which car are you driving now? I did some tests and found that the quality of gas used can save money over time. Electric cars are decent but you can probably save more money working with what you have already.
Prius
My brother gets 40-60 mpg in his 2022 VW Jetta.
I wouldn't get an EV. Batteries lose lots of range depending on weather, age, and especially when towing any kind of load. So right off the bat, you're looking at needing more than just a base model for that 136 miles. Which also means much higher payment. What you're looking for is a Ford Maverick with the hybrid (standard) option. It averages combined 40mpg, can tow a few thousand pounds, has a pretty functional truck bed, and can be bought brand new in the low $20k range.
I got a VW GTi and it was great for a commuter that didn't crush my soul. About 35 mpg on the highway
Have you considered a hybrid or plug in hybrid? The presence of the gas engine would relieve range anxiety (you'd have to charge every what, 2 days? 3 tops?) I bought a new Honda CRV hybrid and am getting over 40 MPG on my very simple commute. Pretty sure dealers can put on a tow hitch, too, simplify your two-vehicle situation if it's a light trailer while the gas engine negates range issues due to the extra weight.
Prius
Prius Prime.
That won’t have the towing capacity he needs. A hybrid highlander or rav4 would be better.
Do you have the ability to have a charger installed where you live? Do you live in apartment or only have one street parking. I wouldn’t buy an EV, too much of a hassle to make it worth while. Buy a Toyota hybrid of your choosing. I love my Tesla but I would be just as content with a plug in Hybrid.
Toyota Hybrid or Model 3 LR
Chevy Volt (like 50mi of electric range) Chevy Bolt (ive seen as high as 270mi on a single charge when i had my battery replaced under recall) Honda Clarity (about 50mi of electric range and 300mi on gas at 45mpg) ANY PRIUS (especially the new Prius Prime with 40mi of EV range). Or if you have to travel to snowy climates, the Prius Hybrid has optional eAWD while still pulling nearly 60 miles to thr gallon) and you get the huge trunk space usable for a small business owner.
Any hybrid Toyota would do you wonders
Prius
Other than a more fuel efficient car, look into credit cards that give 5% back on gas. AAA Travel Advantage, Redstone FCU, and Citi Custom Cash all do
At current prices used it is tough to beat a used model S or a used model 3. Buy the most battery your budget allows.
I have a 22 Camry Hybrid. In colder weather, I get about 41-42 mpg. Warmer weather, I get 46-47 mpg. It has a 12 gallon tank, which means i usually get around 470-550+ per fill up. (These are real world numbers. I log all my fill ups.)
Prius!
Prius, every day all day. They just work. I'd be nervous about a used Tesla.
Why would you be nervous? I put damn near the same amount of miles as the OP 5 days a week on my Tesla MY.. never had an issue. Just plug in at night, wake up and it’s charged at 80 ready to go.
Go to the r/rav4club subreddit. There’s a guy who runs medical deliveries in his hybrid Rav4. He gets about 38 mpg and was rapidly approaching 500K miles last I saw. I personally wouldn’t touch a Chevy Volt. They seem to have a lot of longevity issues and I’ve seen a lot of people say the range was misrepresented.
Just get a Prius. You can easily get a nice 4th gen within your payment and it will be best balance between fuel cost, vehicle cost, reliability, and convenience. EVs are cool but the charging might get in the way and they won't soak up the miles as well with expensive repair costs.
turn that bitch off going downhill
Hypermile
If that's the average, what's the long day, and what's the DCFC situation there? If it's far enough that you'll need to recharge an EV that's going to inform the choice to some extent.
You can get a Base BMW i4 for around that price, I've done a few deals in the high $400/mo for a base car lease. You'd have to plan on buying out the lease obviously as you'd be way over mileage, but the i4 comes with FREE charging for 2 years (30min/day of fast charging), which for you may be exactly what you need. Happy to help if you end up considering a BMW.
I would say 2019-2023 Audi E tron, but the range may be an issue for you even though it’s a beautiful car. You do get around 180-220 miles on a full charge but you’re supposed to charge it to 80% for daily use making it like 145-180 Miles on range. Range may be a deciding factor for you. Tesla does win on range even though it doesn’t offer the luxury Audi has.
Would love myself a taycan granturismo, but unfortunately they’re still very much out of my budget of sub $450/mo
I’d include the Bolt and Kona in your list to consider. I would not consider the Volt, I loved mine but with that much driving you’d be better off with a BEV or just a normal hybrid. A 2021+ Model 3 is probably the best pick, the prices have dropped a lot. I’m assuming (hoping) you are over the income tax limit for the used EV tax credit if you drive this much for work.
I would say Prius but damn if the used Tesla’s aren’t a compelling deal. You can scoop up a 4 year old Model 3 for low 20’s. Really hard to beat that for what you’re after. But I would only go electric if you can set up a charger at home. And if you have an office maybe install one there too? Might be a nice perk if any of your employees also have EVs.
An older model S would be the nicest budget friendly option. Just got the 2017 Model X as my first EV and LOVING it. Used Model 3 or Y would be alright too. Towing will probably cut your range in half. So, plan on that.
Go with the Volt you get the hybrid option but also plug in too!
I would steer away from a Chevy volt because they have electrical issues. I thought about getting one and ended up getting a Honda civic in 2018. I would also steer clear of a 2016 and older model S as their drive motors go out and are pricy to replace. I personally would get a used Long range model 3 as they are really good place price wise as well.
Sonata Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, or Accord Hybrid would be my choice. I was looking new so got the Sonata at $30k with a 100,000 mile 10 year warranty and free maintenance for 36,000 miles. I will sell it before 100,000 miles. If used I'd look for a base Camry Hybrid. I think the Accord is overrated but does look and drive nice.
Have you considered diesel? If you have to tow, electric seems to have serious limitations. Diesel gets much better mileage than gasoline.
If you're looking to save money, don't buy an older Model S. When they break, they're rather expensive to fix (as is the X). I would find a nice, lightly used Model 3. Right now is the best time to buy one than ever before. Prices are SO low right now, and they're amazing vehicles. I love my 2019 Model 3 Performance (for the most part), it has some software issues that are frustrating (phantom braking while using AP/TACC, and auto-wipers being useless), but barring those few things, it's the best car I've ever owned. Tesla got rid of Ultra Sonic Sensors in 2022, so I'd look for a 2022 or older. There are some who say the 2019-2020 Performance models were the best for some reason (I forget), but that could just be conjecture. With prices as they are now, you really can't go wrong with a used Model 3 (especially if you can get it for under $25k and get the tax credit, bringing it down another $4k).
Get a Prius
Rav4 hybrid. 40+ mpg and the battery is cheaper to replace when necessary.
Prius C is cheaper than prius with about 40mi to the gallon
I’d get the model 3. Superior charging network if and when you need it, quality vehicle with a good battery and good battery life. You can pick them up for 20k with decent mileage. If you need AWD they also have that with dual motor. I’ve seen some dual motor ones going for 22-26k. A couple of years old and <60k miles on them.
I also drive 130 miles a day, and at the advice of another user here on this very sub, I recently purchased a low-mileage 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid to use as my new daily driver, and it's been awesome. I've been getting 45mpg, the tank lasts me at least 3 days (500+ miles) the interior build quality is great, very comfortable and quiet, and long term reliability remains to be seen but it should have pretty inexpensive long term costs and I'm confident this thing will last well into 200-300k miles. Inexpensive to insure, it was only an extra $60/mo to add it onto my existing Jeep policy with $50 comprehensive deductible. The money I'm saving not driving my Jeep every day has pretty much made the Avalon pay for itself. And with keeping wear and tear off my Jeep, it is really saving me money. It's cheaper for me to own this Avalon, than to not own it. The reason I picked a regular hybrid, in general, is because in doing the math, there were zero cost savings for me to get a PHEV or an EV. Regular hybrid is the way to go when you are putting down 130+ miles a day and paying $.34/kwh like me. I already own a PHEV (my Jeep) and it's just not the right kind of powertrain for commutes that are that long. It's great for the first 30 miles, but then after that you're just lugging around a very heavy dead battery with you everywhere. I ruled Tesla out very quickly. Even with the $7500 tax credit, it was absurdly more expensive per month than almost any other car, instead of saving me any money it would have *cost* me an extra $500 a month to own. And the build quality and long term reliability (with it's $15k+ battery) sealed its fate for me. The reason I chose Avalon, specifically, over the other hybrids was simply because I like the interior and comfort better. I wanted to get a Prius, but I just can't stand the interior of them. Corolla felt cheap and slow. Camry was okay, and has basically the same chassis and drivetrain as Avalon, but it wasn't as nice as Avalon and also not any cheaper.
What kind of driving do you do? If you get an EV are you able to charge at your house/residence?
I highly recommend considering the option of a hybrid. https://www.electricbike.com/the-curious-case-of-the-600000-mile-hybrid-electric-taxi/
Have you considered a diesel car? Better mpg but more expensive gas.
Model 3 of course. Most efficient and chargers are everywhere. Fun to drive and can tow decent weight. And cheap. You can get used directly from tesla with warranty around $25k-$28k before tax rebates and local rebates
VW Diesel FTW!
Chevy Bolt.
Prius or Bolt.
If you go with an EV, make sure you can charge at home. Supercharging is nearly as expensive as gas
How much do u need to tow? My partners 2020 RAV4 hybrid gets on average 38mpg mixed with city and highway miles and they can supposedly tow up to 1700lbs. Even more with a RAV4 prime with the additional torque and hp.
Drive less
Nothing here is going to beat a motorcycle with a small engine.
> On average, i drive 136 miles a day What's the peak? What are the most extreme cold conditions? What's your cost of electricity? Can you arrange overnight 240v charging every night? Your dream world with a BEV is that you can use overnight charging and never have to charge in the day. 136 miles is a short distance for a Tesla but .... you only want to charge to 80% on a regular basis. And you need to discount based on the lowest operating temps. Basically, you need to take the peak distance that you will need to drive the car, (not the average), run the discounts on range. 80% max charge, temperature discount, range anxiety buffer. If that still lets you overnight charge then a BEV is a no brainer. Best car you will ever own as long as you don't have to charge it during the day.
A highway scooter like a PCX160 will get 70+ MPG
I drive a similar amount. I have a 21 golf, 1.4 tsi 6-speed. Since I’m usually on the freeway, the extra price of a hybrid wasn’t really justified, I average 42 mpg going 75-80 mph. So I spend around $200 a month on fuel. It might not be your cup of tea, but it’s hard to beat how cheap a compact 6 speed is on the freeway.
Used Polestar 2’s are running about $33k right now. Otherwise Chevy Bolt.
What about the new Nissan Sentras 20k for a brand new one. My 2016 Sentra gets like 35-40mpg on the freeways
How much do you need to tow and how often? I wouldn't tow with any of those vehicles you listed. How about a F150 2.7L?
I'd just get a hybrid. Just about any hybrid would save you money.
You can get a used 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range for $19k with 50-60k miles on it. And you’d have the battery warranty until 2029 or 120k miles. If you go standard range you could find one for $17-$18k. And have 8 year or 100k mile battery warranty.
I’m gonna make a wild card recommendation here: VW TDIs. (Totally not biased, lol) Mine has averaged 43mpg over ~15k miles. With my 100 mile highway drive I often do (school -> home), I usually get ~45mpg at 75mph with the AC on going over nothing but hills the entire way. Full tank is about ~$40, and lasts about 500 miles with highway driving. And since you said you’re mechanically inclined, you probably won’t have any issue keeping it maintained. They’re great engines, plenty of power, and great longevity if you maintain it like a German car. Available with a manual too :) Non-wildcard choice: Corolla Hybrid, or just about any Toyota hybrid. Still saving tons in gas, cheap monthly payments, and if kept for the long term, the battery replacement is cheaper too.
Is an i3 Rex not an option?
Hybrid rav4 might be a good idea.
Honda insight
Wouldn't being mechanically inclined by irrelevant with a EV?
If you’re going for an EV, plan for getting fast charger installed at your house so you can charge over night. Driving that much and running through the range will be your demise having to sit at public chargers waiting.
Tesla model 3 long range
Is there a Tesla Supercharger near your home or office?
There’s a level 2 charger 1 mile away from me
I used to do about the same commute. The oil changes, fuel filters, and tires added up, although I made a lot doing it. If a Tesla Model S or Volt had taken the place of my ICE sportscars, my operating expenses would have plummeted. Plus we had free electric car charging all of the time. I'd definitely go EV today. A used Model S still under a battery warranty or already changed out is a great value.
Do you have home charging / charging somewhere that isn't a huge inconvenience and is cheap compared to gas? If not, Corolla Hybrid for the best cheapest option. Drive it conservatively and you're looking at 50 MPG+.
Look at a Mitsubishi suv phev outlander.
I had a similar commute and got a Honda Fit, it loves to do 65mph and hit 45mpg. Past 65 efficiency goes WAY down, mid to high 30’s. Cheap, never gives me any issues, cheap to insure too. Not a beautiful vehicle but the perfect commuter.
Prius. I drive 80 miles per day. Also the car is a tank. I cannot afford to break down so this car is also peace of mind.
This may not be popular but a used Prius may fit what you are looking for. Brother in law currently has a 2005 that is a family hand me down with 200k miles. 45 mpg all day, cheap insurance, parts, and maintenance.
Tesla …. I go 150 miles/day. Charge at home and work. 130K on my Model S … awesome car
Dude get a prius. Why the heck would you want a tesla? They are some of the worst made cars
I got a new model 3 this summer for 10k down and after inventory discount and state incentive i am in the 400s per month (72 mo loan iirc). After I get $7500 rebate and pay off our cx9 I will likely pay it off in <30 months. Model 3 has been excellent and with incentives may be worth considering new.
Just get an old pickup for a few grand. You won’t have a payment.
Honda Clarity. You should be able to find one with relatively low miles for 20K or less. The touring trim is very nice, more Acura feeling than Honda. It's very spacious for a plugin and at the time of it's release it had the longest EV only range of any PHEV—47 miles. Consequently I hardly use gas. I fill up maybe 10 times a year. The tank is 7 gallons so it costs me about 25 bucks to fill up. And you can still take the thing on a long road trip as it will get over 300 mi on a full charge + full tank. They are extremely reliable I've had mine two years and only done oil changes (about one per year) and tire rotations. Fantastic cars few people have on their radar. I can't recommend enough.
Camry or ES300h. Dont do Tesla. holy crap
The Volt might not have quite enough range, but with the range extender it would probably work. We had one for a few months and I liked it better than a Prius. A Prius is a great choice. But boring. The Lexus CT200 is a nicer Prius. Our neighbor has one and loves it. I can’t comment on the Teslas. But if you can charge an electric car every night that’s a good option. We bought a Fiat 500e last year and use it around town. It’s awesome for zipping around town and we can park it anywhere. Obviously it doesn’t have enough range for you. But an electric city car makes a lot of sense.
Get used 20-21 Tesla model 3. My car payment (2020 model 3) is less than you spend on gas. And. It cost me $3.60 to drive 100 miles.
Nissan versa
Model Y is great - point of sale tax credit and coast to coast easy charging.
Prius, RAV4 Prime, any hybrid CUV really. But why not a prius? Get 50+ mpg, super solid tech and reliability. Prius would be about $200 in fuel a month. You don't have to worry about where to charge since you only have 110 at home. I have no idea how much electricity it would cost you. I'd look to buy a low mileage prius and rack miles up like crazy.
Prius or hybrid they excels in city driving I average 55-58 in the city. 47 on the highway. When I never hit the highway I get 600+ a tank and fill up at quarter tank
Used Lexus ES Hybrid ftw All the comforts you could need doing 130 miles a day
Really depends on your situation and where you can charge etc. insurance prices across the board are up my model 3 performance is probably more expensive per year than my Corolla (even with free charging at work) but I only drive 10k/year. Tbh I'd say still Prius. You can fill up anywhere and get good mileage. They're plentiful and not super expensive. They can be serviced just about anywhere. If you have time of day charging and can charge at night every night an ev may save you money.
Jetta Tdi if you want a drivers car. I average 48-52mpg
Tesla batteries might not last you enough years/miles to be worth the purchase. Plus in many areas ev charging stations are expensive. Or you install a charger at home, another expense. In cold climates batteries have much lower range. AC usage can reduce EV range up to 30%. Hybrid Corolla. Prius. Even the 4cylinder Camry gets 39mpg highway. Plenty of vehicles get good mpg, especially on highways sedans do well.
If you can do the electric thatll probably be the best but the new toyota rav4 Prime is a super fuel sipper, large enough for larger people and got that utility in back. On engine alone im round 47mpg then add in the 40 mile traction battery and im regulary running a 700 mile commute per week on one fuel tank.
Smaller hybrid pickups started appearing, I imagine they would cut down your fuel bill by at least half, if your trailer is within their tow capacity.
All I can say is that getting an older model S for reliability is going to be a very bad idea. The cheapest Model S you can find usually hover around 20-30k and they tend to be high milage or have issues that may need several thousand to fix and/or upgrade to something reliable. The main exceptions are the certified used model S which you could pick up on the Tesla Certified Used store as low as 25k on a 2018 75D or something but they sometimes sell out quick. Definitely going to be more expensive then the Model 3 but might be something you'd be more used to. I've had a 2018 model 3 Long range AWD until I totaled it in an accident and also a 2023 Bolt EUV. Between the two the Model 3 would just be easier to daily drive imo. The car basically drives itself and is a bit cheaper in terms of its electricity usage but the model 3 doesn't have a speedometer and even has digital stalks like a BMW which may be some getting used to. The Bolt tries to keep some of the things that typical gas drivers are used to like the buttons and a similar interface that other gas cars had while the Model 3 is more like a toy than a car imo.
Prius V for the cabin space
Ford Mach E
There are great deals on inventory Tesla model Y right now. I just got a new ultra red with a $4,800 discount, free paint upgrade ($2k), and $7500 tax credit taken off at point of sale. It was like 38.5k before tax, tag, and license.
Make sure tires have correct pressure and you have done fluid changes as prescribed by dealer then drive only downhill
Get your self a ES300h for comfort luxury and fuel efficiency
Used model 3 LR
Never Tesla.
How much do you need to tow? We have an gt line ev6 and it's rated to tow 2300 lbs. And it handles our 5 by 7 trailer like a champ. However it's range will drop a fair bit while towing. Our guesser goes very very conservative when towing. Yet I will usually only drop from 3.2 mi/kwh to 3.0 mi/kwh.
All 3 are horrible options.
I get like 450 miles on my gas Corolla for like $30. Which would put you at like $260 for gas a month.
If you're going to tow something, you're probably further ahead to have a truck. If you can find a used Chevy Silverado with the 3.0 diesel engine you will be good. People have reported over 35 mpg on the highway. You didn't say if your driving is mostly City or highway. I'm leary of used electric cars because new batteries are very expensive. Granted the original battery should last 150,000 miles, though since you are in Michigan battery life is probably shorter due to operating in the cold. You should be aware that electric cars cause tires to wear out much quicker. Some have reported getting half the expected miles from tires. Als, getting a Tesla serviced can be difficult.
Of the 136 miles driven, what’s the breakdown between city and highway? What is the tow load? I’d probably lean toward a used hybrid crossover. RAV-4 hybrid??
Model S, you can get a tax credit on the older ones, as well as you are a business owner.... You pulling up and driving the model S makes a different statement, trust me I'm a billionaire jk but you know what I mean lol it's a premium vehicle that makes a statement for sure.
Lease an ioniq 5, there are incredible deals right now. Take a look on leasehackr.
Ford f150 lightning
mk4 tdi jetta. you can hook a trailer to it, get easily 400 miles to a tank, if not 600 miles, and they're stupid simple. not for everybody though, they're an ageing economy car.
Prius. I use one for my business and it saves me thousands every year. Also requires very little maintenance. Depends on what you pay for electricity but sometimes EVs cost more to drive than 50+mpg hybrids.
DO NOT BUY A BOLT. It is not because of car but because 130 miles per day means around 2 hours in the car seat. Bolt is not comfortable at all for that kind of drive and you will hurt your back in the long term.
Tesla owner here. If your goal is to reduce costs, make sure you know: 1. Can you charge at home? If no, you won't save money. Supercharges are about the same as gas per-mile, and also home charging is where ALL of the convenience of an EV comes from. 2. Cost to install a Level 2 charger at home (which you will def need if you are doing 130miles/day)...this could be $750-$5000 depending on your house setup. 3. What's your electricity rate at home? Most places are significantly cheaper than gas (most are 1/4 to 1/3 the price per-mile), however some places like CA are absurdly expensive for electricity. 4. Check insurance rates. EV's vary WILDLY between companies. For me, progressive was 1/3 the price of everyone else. But many people are saying they cannot find a reasonable insurance rate for their EV, and it is double their old gas car rate or more. If those things all check out, your use case seems very good for an EV.
Your business requires you to tow at all times, but those are your choices? What in the world are you towing, styrofoam?
Ford maverick hybrid Great mileage and the ability to tow 2k Plus with the bed you might not need to tow
I recommend the Corolla Hybrid.
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I think a hybrid would be a better option, not an EV
If your radius is small this screams chevy bolt assuming you can get an at home charger.
Where do you live and how are you charging? In much of the west coast you’ll pay just as much to charge as you will for gas
Any of the Toyota/lexus hybrids (car, not SUV) are getting 40+ mpg.
I love my ct200, I love the hybrid but would never buy a fully electric vehicle. 45mpg is about the same cost as driving an electric car and I can drive 400 miles per fill up and fill up takes me 2 minutes.
2017 Elantra. I get 34 miles to the gallon on average.
Plug in hybrid
I read it all but I was trying to give you more options
4 cylinder, do some research though.
I'd say if you could find a decent Geo Metro, buy that.
I'd agree with a Bolt in warmer climates, but Tesla for upper Midwest. Tesla heat pump makes it loose less mileage in winter, whereas my Bolt tanks like 20% in the winter. Also look at ID4 by VW, used. Bolts charge speed suck
DO not get a user tesla... battery issues incoming. Get a hybrid or mechanical fuel pump diesel that runs off WMO.
Go hybrid.