Hi all!
I’m close to deciding on an EV and leaning towards the Mach-E Premium AWD. My regular drive will be 160 miles round trip, 2-3 times per week, mostly highway.
Here’s the big question: can I comfortably make this round trip in winter on a standard battery? I’m in the Philly area, so winters aren’t extreme, but I’d rather not rely on charging at work if possible.
Thanks for any advice!
One thing with EVs is you don’t want to go below 10%, and it’s usually recommended to only charge to 80-90%. So, that can limit your usable capacity.
I’d personally suggest the bigger battery if you can—better to have extra range just in case.
@Sayer
I have two options: a 2022 standard battery or a 2021 with the extended battery, both at the same price. The dealer for the 2022 is offering 0% financing, but the 2021 dealer isn’t budging.
Corwin said:
@Sayer
I have two options: a 2022 standard battery or a 2021 with the extended battery, both at the same price. The dealer for the 2022 is offering 0% financing, but the 2021 dealer isn’t budging.
You can get 0% on a used car in the US? That’s a nice deal! I got my 2022 extended battery in the UK at 8.4% and thought that was decent.
@Jess
Yep, sounds crazy, right? That’s why I’m giving it a second look.
@Jess
8.4%? Wow, interest rates really have gone up. Some car loans are still around 6-6.9% here, but it’s not much better.
Sayer said:
@Jess
8.4%? Wow, interest rates really have gone up. Some car loans are still around 6-6.9% here, but it’s not much better.
Yeah, loads are cheaper here, but I went with a PCP deal.
Corwin said:
@Sayer
I have two options: a 2022 standard battery or a 2021 with the extended battery, both at the same price. The dealer for the 2022 is offering 0% financing, but the 2021 dealer isn’t budging.
If you’re looking at a 2021, keep in mind it has some features the 2022 lacks, like the touchless trunk open and auto-park. They dropped a few features on the 2022 models due to the chip shortage. Personally, I’d pick the 2021 with the bigger battery.
@Sayer
Appreciate that info!
If you’re planning on regular long drives, I’d go with the bigger battery—especially for winter.
Marston said:
If you’re planning on regular long drives, I’d go with the bigger battery—especially for winter.
Mainly a work car, so other than the 2x per week long trips, it wouldn’t get a ton of mileage at once.
Will you be able to charge at home? If you can get a Level 2 charger, you should be fine.
Arie said:
Will you be able to charge at home? If you can get a Level 2 charger, you should be fine.
Yep, I’d be charging at home.
Arie said:
Will you be able to charge at home? If you can get a Level 2 charger, you should be fine.
Yep, I’d be charging at home.
Any chance to charge at work? Even a little top-up would make either battery a breeze for your commute.
@Maddox
Possibly, but I’d have to reserve a spot and not sure about the demand. Extended range sounds like a safer choice.
For 160 miles round trip, you’d probably be okay if you can Level 2 charge at home. But you’d need to charge to 100% often, so I’d recommend an extended range battery if possible.
Fintan said:
For 160 miles round trip, you’d probably be okay if you can Level 2 charge at home. But you’d need to charge to 100% often, so I’d recommend an extended range battery if possible.
Thanks—sounds like I’d be at 100% twice a week.
Keep in mind that freeway speeds can reduce range, especially in winter.
Daryl said:
Keep in mind that freeway speeds can reduce range, especially in winter.
Good point, thanks!
You’d be fine if you can charge to 90-95% before leaving home. But charging to only 80% would be risky for 160 miles in winter. I’d go for the bigger battery for peace of mind.