New EV choice (without home charging)
Discussion
For reasons that are far too long and boring to list here, it s possible I ll be getting a new EV for work. After looking @ costs, toys, (claimed) range, (claimed) charging rates etc, I ve narrowed it down (from a list over which I have no control, else it d be Renault Scenic all the way) to:
BYD Seal Excellence
Cupra Born VZ
Kia EV4 long range GT Line S
Peugeot 3008 GT Premium
Polestar 2 SM Long Range Prime
Renault 4 Iconic+
Renault 5 Iconic+ or Roland Garros
Skoda Elroq SE L 85 or Sportline 85
Tesla Model 3 RWD (if just for the ease of charging, else not a fan TBH!)
I m well aware the 4 and 5 are (comparatively) shorter on range, however the want is strong with these ones. I m also aware this is an oddball list: small hatch to big saloon, but that s just how things have fallen.
My usage is fairly typical: near daily 20 mile commutes, frequent (weekly?) c.100 mile days, and enough 200 mile round trips per year for them to be a consideration (12-15ish), and maybe a once or twice yearly long slog in the order of 500-600 miles+.
Can anyone offer any opinions on said cars, please?
One things to consider: I do not have - and cannot get - home charging. For what it s worth, I don t have a problem with this at all: it s either this or nothing at all. And I don t like busses!
I already have a good amount of (mostly positive) experience with the public charging network, so that doesn t put me off. That being said, the less time I spend at rapid chargers (even if on work time: I d be using charging stops for emails, Teams calls etc) the better. My thinking is that most EVs these days are c.30 mins +/- for a 10-20% charge. BUT, my concern is charge throttling and (big!) range drop in winter.
BYD Seal Excellence
Cupra Born VZ
Kia EV4 long range GT Line S
Peugeot 3008 GT Premium
Polestar 2 SM Long Range Prime
Renault 4 Iconic+
Renault 5 Iconic+ or Roland Garros
Skoda Elroq SE L 85 or Sportline 85
Tesla Model 3 RWD (if just for the ease of charging, else not a fan TBH!)
I m well aware the 4 and 5 are (comparatively) shorter on range, however the want is strong with these ones. I m also aware this is an oddball list: small hatch to big saloon, but that s just how things have fallen.
My usage is fairly typical: near daily 20 mile commutes, frequent (weekly?) c.100 mile days, and enough 200 mile round trips per year for them to be a consideration (12-15ish), and maybe a once or twice yearly long slog in the order of 500-600 miles+.
Can anyone offer any opinions on said cars, please?
One things to consider: I do not have - and cannot get - home charging. For what it s worth, I don t have a problem with this at all: it s either this or nothing at all. And I don t like busses!
I already have a good amount of (mostly positive) experience with the public charging network, so that doesn t put me off. That being said, the less time I spend at rapid chargers (even if on work time: I d be using charging stops for emails, Teams calls etc) the better. My thinking is that most EVs these days are c.30 mins +/- for a 10-20% charge. BUT, my concern is charge throttling and (big!) range drop in winter.
Edited by Jimbo. on Monday 24th August 21:09
Edited by Jimbo. on Monday 24th August 21:30
I’d lose the Cupra and the Polestar (both old tech now) and the Renaults - fine city cars but if you can’t home charge you’ll benefit from a bigger battery to reduce charging frequency.
I’d make sure whatever you choose has a heat pump - you burn a relatively large amount of energy on heating in the winter months - so you’ll need to charge more frequently if you don’t have one and you’ll be less inclined to use preconditioning to defrost in winter or cool in summer, which is one of the biggest benefits of an EV
As for the rest, Tesla will be most efficient, especially if you drive fast and has the most intuitive tech, including the best and most reliable app and the manufacturer support is good - but there’s a good chance you won’t need to use it on a 3yr lease. The BYD will be fastest, my concern would be the service network and parts availability. The Elroq will be decent in terms of drive and range given it’s based on the same drivetrain as the Enyaq, but the infotainment makes me want to put my fist through the screen every time I drive it and no standard heat pump. Not familiar with the Kia - but their earlier EV’s were decent - no standard heat pump again, but Stellantis EV’s haven’t been great and no standard heat pump.
I’d probably go for the BYD as a company car if there was a dealer within 50 miles, if my own money was involved it would be the Tesla.
I’d make sure whatever you choose has a heat pump - you burn a relatively large amount of energy on heating in the winter months - so you’ll need to charge more frequently if you don’t have one and you’ll be less inclined to use preconditioning to defrost in winter or cool in summer, which is one of the biggest benefits of an EV
As for the rest, Tesla will be most efficient, especially if you drive fast and has the most intuitive tech, including the best and most reliable app and the manufacturer support is good - but there’s a good chance you won’t need to use it on a 3yr lease. The BYD will be fastest, my concern would be the service network and parts availability. The Elroq will be decent in terms of drive and range given it’s based on the same drivetrain as the Enyaq, but the infotainment makes me want to put my fist through the screen every time I drive it and no standard heat pump. Not familiar with the Kia - but their earlier EV’s were decent - no standard heat pump again, but Stellantis EV’s haven’t been great and no standard heat pump.
I’d probably go for the BYD as a company car if there was a dealer within 50 miles, if my own money was involved it would be the Tesla.
I recommend https://ev-database.org/uk to get a more realistic and comparable set of stats for EVs on your list, especially motorway ranges.
I wouldn't agree the Polestar 2 is 'old tech' since (like the Model 3) it's been updated under the skin since launch, with an all-new battery and drivetrain in 2024. For example it has a peak charge rate of just over 200kW, vs 165kW for the "new tech" Elroq. Also I think the Born being MEB based also has had updates since launch, so isn't necessarily outdated vs the Elroq (183kW peak charging rate).
The PS2 is also more 'premium' than most on the list, it's good value now as an all-new car is arriving next year. So I wouldn't rule it out.
Having said all that, I think the efficiency and charging speed of the Model 3 make it look the standout choice for your situation, assuming four doors is ok.
I would say for ease and cost of charging. The charge network is so easy. Plot your final destination, and it will tell you exactly where to stop, and for how long. No getting bent over by Ionity, BP, shell, etc. Telsa definitely one, if not the cheapest. I know looks could be better, but for a stress free life, and decent range, it really is one to take a serious look at.
I think this is the correct order of speed of public charging,
1,Polestar 2 SM Long Range Prime,205 kW
2,Skoda Elroq 85 (SE L or Sportline),175 kW
3,Tesla Model 3 RWD,170 kW
4,Cupra Born VZ,170 kW
5,Peugeot 3008 GT Premium,160 kW
6,BYD Seal Excellence,150 kW
7,Kia EV4 Long Range (GT Line S),130 kW ?
8,Renault 5 (Iconic+ / Roland Garros),100 kW
9,Renault 4 (Iconic+),100 kW
I think the Tesla 3 would be the best all rounder given those options.
1,Polestar 2 SM Long Range Prime,205 kW
2,Skoda Elroq 85 (SE L or Sportline),175 kW
3,Tesla Model 3 RWD,170 kW
4,Cupra Born VZ,170 kW
5,Peugeot 3008 GT Premium,160 kW
6,BYD Seal Excellence,150 kW
7,Kia EV4 Long Range (GT Line S),130 kW ?
8,Renault 5 (Iconic+ / Roland Garros),100 kW
9,Renault 4 (Iconic+),100 kW
I think the Tesla 3 would be the best all rounder given those options.
Yeah, I agree with Ashenfie that the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor and Elroq 85 are probably the standouts here, at least on paper.
The Polestar is rated at 409 miles WLTP and 10 80% in about 28 minutes; the Elroq 85 is around 370 miles and roughly 29 minutes, with battery preconditioning either via the sat-nav or manually. Both give you enough winter margin that a 200-mile day should still feel routine rather than something you have to make an effort to plan around.
The Kia EV4 Long Range is the other one I d look at very seriously. It seems to hit a very good sweet spot on range, efficiency and long-distance comfort.
I d probably drop the Cupra and BYD for this particular job. The Born VZ is entertaining, but you re paying for performance with efficiency. The Seal Excellence is a lot of car, but again not the obvious choice when nearly all your charging will be public.
I totally get the R4/R5 temptation! I adore them, but I wouldn t pick either for regular cross-country work. They make far more sense around town and on shorter runs; once you re doing repeated 200-mile days and the odd 500 600-mile slog, the smaller battery and long-distance refinement start to tell.
With your usage, I suspect winter efficiency will matter more than headline peak charging speed.
I have no idea about your budgeting situation if it's a company car. Obviously a new Skoda will be far cheaper. But used, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor is dramatically cheaper because it has been on sale much longer and has depreciated heavily.
The Polestar is rated at 409 miles WLTP and 10 80% in about 28 minutes; the Elroq 85 is around 370 miles and roughly 29 minutes, with battery preconditioning either via the sat-nav or manually. Both give you enough winter margin that a 200-mile day should still feel routine rather than something you have to make an effort to plan around.
The Kia EV4 Long Range is the other one I d look at very seriously. It seems to hit a very good sweet spot on range, efficiency and long-distance comfort.
I d probably drop the Cupra and BYD for this particular job. The Born VZ is entertaining, but you re paying for performance with efficiency. The Seal Excellence is a lot of car, but again not the obvious choice when nearly all your charging will be public.
I totally get the R4/R5 temptation! I adore them, but I wouldn t pick either for regular cross-country work. They make far more sense around town and on shorter runs; once you re doing repeated 200-mile days and the odd 500 600-mile slog, the smaller battery and long-distance refinement start to tell.
With your usage, I suspect winter efficiency will matter more than headline peak charging speed.
I have no idea about your budgeting situation if it's a company car. Obviously a new Skoda will be far cheaper. But used, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor is dramatically cheaper because it has been on sale much longer and has depreciated heavily.
Edited by WattEver on Thursday 27th August 19:49
Thank you, all. I really appreciate it. If just to add a little more:
- The Kia EV4 has a heat pump
- The Cupra and the Skoda have the option of a heat pump, but the budget creep starts getting a bit too much at this point.
- I do currently have a Kia Sportage with all the bells and whistles: it s been OK, but not without its problems, so I m not defaulting to Kia out of blind loyalty. And a change is sometimes nice!
- RWD or 4WD is preferred, but not a must-have-at-all-costs.
Edited by Jimbo. on Saturday 29th August 07:07
Edited by Jimbo. on Saturday 29th August 07:07
Edited by Jimbo. on Saturday 29th August 07:13
This seems to be the two for me, the Škoda most likely without a heat pump. I had a look one t’other day, and it’s a slightly more conventional/traditional interior than the Kia. Which is no bad thing, TBH.
Now the next Q. is just how essential is a heat pump? It’s suggested the UK isn’t cold enough for long enough to warrant the outlay, and that the hit re. range will be c.25 miles (c.5-7%?) over a max-distance run on a cold day. That being said, if it’s my wish to reduce the amount of time spent charging, then even with a typical 250-300 mile week of commutes and longer runs, year-round…every little bit helps? Or am I overthinking?
Now the next Q. is just how essential is a heat pump? It’s suggested the UK isn’t cold enough for long enough to warrant the outlay, and that the hit re. range will be c.25 miles (c.5-7%?) over a max-distance run on a cold day. That being said, if it’s my wish to reduce the amount of time spent charging, then even with a typical 250-300 mile week of commutes and longer runs, year-round…every little bit helps? Or am I overthinking?
If I was forced to choose from that list, I'd take the only cool option which is the R5 and be damned with the low range. Can you plan those 100 mile days so you can charge at the other end? Mind you, just charge it whenever you park eg at a supermarket or cinema, grab 20 miles here and there. It'll cost (maybe as much as diesel!) but overall your fuel costs will be very low if you can charge at work regularly.
Edited by Hoofy on Monday 31st August 16:32
300 miles per week in the Skoda at motorway speeds is going to be about 107kwh per week. About £84 per week at a fast charger. Also you won't get the advertised charging speeds unless it's reasonably warm outside, you've preheated the battery and you're at <10% charge. The rest of the time you'll pull about 60kw, or about an hour and a half to charge.
I had its sister car the Id4. The skoda will get about 2.8-3.0 miles per kwh on the motorway. It's a big car with a huge frontal area, heat pump or not you're looking at about 180-200 mile range in the winter. Maybe 210 mile range with a heat pump.
You can use tesla chargers but the Skoda and other vw group cars have their charge port on the wrong side for most Tesla chargers.
The tesla M3 will have a heat pump, and because it's smaller will be more efficient at motorway speeds, easier and cheaper to charge (28p / kwh from 9pm to 9am near me) vs 80p / kwh without some kind of subscription elsewhere.
The M3 can be left at 100% battery due to the different chemistry
The R5 has a range of 80 miles less, but will use less electricity during driving. I've got a feeling the time spent on chargers might be about the same.
I had its sister car the Id4. The skoda will get about 2.8-3.0 miles per kwh on the motorway. It's a big car with a huge frontal area, heat pump or not you're looking at about 180-200 mile range in the winter. Maybe 210 mile range with a heat pump.
You can use tesla chargers but the Skoda and other vw group cars have their charge port on the wrong side for most Tesla chargers.
The tesla M3 will have a heat pump, and because it's smaller will be more efficient at motorway speeds, easier and cheaper to charge (28p / kwh from 9pm to 9am near me) vs 80p / kwh without some kind of subscription elsewhere.
The M3 can be left at 100% battery due to the different chemistry
The R5 has a range of 80 miles less, but will use less electricity during driving. I've got a feeling the time spent on chargers might be about the same.
Edited by smallpaul on Tuesday 1st September 12:00
To echo what others have said, without the option of home charging the Tesla will be the easiest to live with.
I also think of the cars listed, they drive the best. It's just a bit dull.
Do you know who your provider is? Could be worth a call to see if it could be added to your choice list.
I also think of the cars listed, they drive the best. It's just a bit dull.
Do you know who your provider is? Could be worth a call to see if it could be added to your choice list.
Piginapoke said:
With no home charging, the Tesla is a no brainer. You can charge from 28p per KWh- half the cost of many non Tesla chargers.
Deep Thought said:
+1
+2And it bears mentioning that not only is charging the cheapest, the Tesla is also the most efficient.
Edited by Zcd1 on Wednesday 2nd September 01:46
Edited by Zcd1 on Wednesday 2nd September 01:47
I think it's between the Elroq and the M3. Are there convenient Tesla chargers on your usual routes that are open to non-Tesla users ? If so, you can use them with an Elroq and you can still get the lower prices just by taking a £10pcm "supercharger membership".
https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/findus?bounds=56.62365...
My nearest one is 21p off peak, 46p peak at member rates, which is pretty typical I think.
https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/findus?bounds=56.62365...
My nearest one is 21p off peak, 46p peak at member rates, which is pretty typical I think.
smallpaul said:
300 miles per week in the Skoda at motorway speeds is going to be about 107kwh per week. About £84 per week at a fast charger. Also you won't get the advertised charging speeds unless it's reasonably warm outside, you've preheated the battery and you're at <10% charge. The rest of the time you'll pull about 60kw, or about an hour and a half to charge.
I had its sister car the Id4. The skoda will get about 2.8-3.0 miles per kwh on the motorway. It's a big car with a huge frontal area, heat pump or not you're looking at about 180-200 mile range in the winter. Maybe 210 mile range with a heat pump.
You can use tesla chargers but the Skoda and other vw group cars have their charge port on the wrong side for most Tesla chargers.
The tesla M3 will have a heat pump, and because it's smaller will be more efficient at motorway speeds, easier and cheaper to charge (28p / kwh from 9pm to 9am near me) vs 80p / kwh without some kind of subscription elsewhere.
The M3 can be left at 100% battery due to the different chemistry
The R5 has a range of 80 miles less, but will use less electricity during driving. I've got a feeling the time spent on chargers might be about the same.
I agree with some of this, as an Enyaq lessee, but:I had its sister car the Id4. The skoda will get about 2.8-3.0 miles per kwh on the motorway. It's a big car with a huge frontal area, heat pump or not you're looking at about 180-200 mile range in the winter. Maybe 210 mile range with a heat pump.
You can use tesla chargers but the Skoda and other vw group cars have their charge port on the wrong side for most Tesla chargers.
The tesla M3 will have a heat pump, and because it's smaller will be more efficient at motorway speeds, easier and cheaper to charge (28p / kwh from 9pm to 9am near me) vs 80p / kwh without some kind of subscription elsewhere.
The M3 can be left at 100% battery due to the different chemistry
The R5 has a range of 80 miles less, but will use less electricity during driving. I've got a feeling the time spent on chargers might be about the same.
Edited by smallpaul on Tuesday 1st September 12:00
- I've never needed an hour and a half to recharge my 85 battery, even in winter and even 5-100%, worst was just over an hour;
- I've never regretted not speccing a heat pump, indeed have heard the odd horror story about difficulties regassing these, they use R744 at very high pressure and not all dealers are competent to work on them... seems to be the gist of it
- if it's a lease car via employer, OP probably isn't going to be worried about long term effect of leaving car charged at 100%. Elroq is still NMC afaik like my Enyaq but I let mine recharge to 100% overnight if there's any chance I might need full range the next day
Edited by occasionalranter on Thursday 3rd September 18:28
Emptygarage said:
To echo what others have said, without the option of home charging the Tesla will be the easiest to live with.
I also think of the cars listed, they drive the best. It's just a bit dull.
Do you know who your provider is? Could be worth a call to see if it could be added to your choice list.
It is terribly competent. Nobody ever got excited about competence though. It's the seamlessness of everything that's so impressive though, it takes any thought or concern out of the equation from the very first visit to a Supercharger.I also think of the cars listed, they drive the best. It's just a bit dull.
Do you know who your provider is? Could be worth a call to see if it could be added to your choice list.
I recently chose a Model 3 as my company car. It's my first EV and has been a seamless introduction to EVS.
I'm doing over 2000 miles a month and the ease of charging and the Tesla network plus efficiency/ range of the LR version makes it so easy to live with .
They aren't sexy but once you've lived with one for a while you can see exactly why they are so popular.
I was very anti Tesla before getting one and had wanted a PS2 originally.
I'm doing over 2000 miles a month and the ease of charging and the Tesla network plus efficiency/ range of the LR version makes it so easy to live with .
They aren't sexy but once you've lived with one for a while you can see exactly why they are so popular.
I was very anti Tesla before getting one and had wanted a PS2 originally.
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