Re:Elon Musk set to unveil Model Y
by freeopinion on Wednesday March 13, 2019 @11:41AM
(#19379761)
Indeed, the EV world is getting more and more interesting.
I take my hat off to Tesla for being a big part in making this happen.
Neither vehicle is really an SUV, looks aside. Their ground clearance is limited (6.2" for the Kona Electric, ~5.9" for the Kia Niro), and neither offers AWD or any towing rating.
Re:Elon Musk set to unveil Model Y
by wlesieutre on Wednesday March 13, 2019 @11:44AM
(#19379789)
For a majority of SUV owners in the US, especially for an electric, I don't think they'll care. They want a high seat position, roomy interior, and maybe to project an image that they could drive off-road even though they won't.
Personally I doubt that AWD and tow capacity will matter to most folks. Also, I guess we'll have to wait and see how Model Y does in those areas.
In warm climates, yes. AWD is important anywhere where it snows.
Useful, yes, but not really important. I drive a FWD (fake)SUV crossover 4 months of the year in snow in the more rural suburbs of Oslo and find myself thinking I want AWD only once or twice a winter. As somebody else said, the roughest drive we do is gravel roads.
The bigger difference might be FWD vs RWD. I do seem to see RWD cars getting stuck more (as evidenced by which wheels are spinning uselessly). For the model Y Tesla might well mimic the model 3 options of RWD or AWD, in which case AWD would definitely be the wiser choice.
I think stats for most SUVs show that 90% of them don't ever leave paved roads. People buy them because they "feel safe" and they're practical as they're big and roomy.
The Model X, Y and both of these are CUVs, not SUVs. The Rivian concept vehicle may very well be a full SUV, if they use a proper body-on-frame design as advertised.
Those are both good city cars by experienced manufacturers with perfectly usable interiors and good build quality. What they are lacking is the viability as a general-purpose car suitable for long trips and the autopilot features Tesla offers.
Re:Elon Musk set to unveil Model Y
by Skunkleton on Wednesday March 13, 2019 @11:54AM
(#19379897)
What makes the not viable for longer trips?
1) Hyundai Kona https://www.hyundaiusa.com/kona-electric/index.aspx
2) Kia Niro https://www.kia.com/us/en/content/vehicles/upcoming-vehicles...
Both of which are compact EV SUVs, with range greater or comparable to Model 3, from mainstream car manufacturers and are already available or about to be, at ~$37-38K.
Also, both have full $7500 Federal credit available, unlike Tesla which is half of that now and will further reduce in July I think.
In addition, personal and biased opinion, front and headlights of Rivian looks hideous.
[Really curious why would someone down vote this comment? Did I offend folks by comparing a Tesla with a Hyundai and Kia]