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This page last changed 2025.01.25 05:40 [1 time today, 5 times yesterday, and 16 total times]

Considerations for Purchase of All-Electric Vehicles (other than Tesla)

This information is based on Aria AI.
Note that I am specifically excluding any information about Tesla autos given the political situation with the company.

Electric Vehicles with Free Charging

Overview

Some electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers provide incentives such as free charging to enhance the ownership experience. Below are some notable non-Tesla electric vehicles that come with free charging options.

Notable Electric Vehicles Offering Free Charging

  • Volkswagen ID.4
    • Comes with 3 years of free charging at Electrify America stations.
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Offers 2 years of free charging at Electrify America stations.
  • Kia EV6
    • Includes 2 years of free charging at Electrify America stations.
  • Rivian R1T
    • Provides 5 years of free charging at Rivian charging stations, which may include access to partner networks.
  • Lucid Air
    • Comes with 3 years of free charging at Electrify America stations.
The following are not included above given their limited free-charging options.

Ford vehicles have access to the FordPass Charging Network.
Chevrolet Bolt EV has limited free charging options.
Nissan Leaf may have promotions.

Conclusion

These vehicles not only provide excellent range and performance but also offer free charging incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of ownership. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the most current offers and conditions.

Electric Vehicle Road Trip Planning

Vehicles and Range

Here’s a quick overview of the estimated ranges for the electric vehicles you’re considering:

  • Volkswagen ID.4: Approximately 250 miles on a full charge.
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5: Up to 303 miles depending on the configuration.
  • Hyundai Kona Electric: Around 258 miles.
  • Kia EV6: Offers a range of about 310 miles.
  • Rivian R1T: Depending on the battery pack, it can range from 314 to 400 miles.
  • Lucid Air: Known for its impressive range, it can go up to 520 miles.

Charging Infrastructure

Electrify America has been expanding its network significantly, and it’s designed to support long-distance travel. Here are some key points regarding the availability of charging stations:

  • Electrify America Stations: They have a robust network of fast chargers located along major highways, making it feasible to travel across the country.
  • Route Planning: You can use various apps and tools to plan your route, ensuring you have access to charging stations along the way. This is especially important for longer trips like from Lexington, MA to either San Diego, CA or Orlando, FL.

Trip Feasibility

1. Lexington, MA to San Diego, CA: This trip is approximately 3,000 miles. Given the range of your selected vehicles, you would need to plan for charging stops every 200-300 miles depending on the vehicle. With Electrify America’s network, you should find enough stations to make this trip manageable.

2. Lexington, MA to Orlando, FL: This route is about 1,000 miles. The shorter distance means you can easily find charging stations along the way, and with the ranges of your chosen vehicles, you should have no trouble completing this journey.

Conclusion

In summary, Electrify America has a sufficient number of charging stations to support your travels from Lexington to either San Diego or Orlando. Just make sure to plan your stops based on the range of the vehicle you choose.

Nearest Dealerships to Lexington, Massachusetts

1. Volkswagen ID.4

  • Minuteman Volkswagen
    • Location: Bedford, MA
    • Description: Your prime source for new, pre-owned, and Volkswagen Certified cars and SUVs in Massachusetts.
  • Boston Volkswagen
  • Location: 43 N Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472
  • Phone: (857) 707-3233
  • Description: A well-rated dealership with a variety of Volkswagen models.

2. Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric

  • Mirak Hyundai
    • Location: 1165 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
    • Phone: (781) 745-4477
    • Description: A Hyundai dealer offering a range of new and used Hyundai vehicles.
  • McGovern Hyundai
  • Location: Wilmington, MA
  • Description: Known for a large inventory of Hyundai models, including the Ioniq 5.

3. Kia EV6

  • Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington
    • Location: 93 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA
    • Description: A nearby Kia dealership with a selection of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles.
  • LEV KIA of Framingham
  • Location: 510 Cochituate Road, Framingham, MA
  • Phone: (508) 834-3544
  • Description: Offers a variety of Kia models, including the EV6.

4. Rivian R1T

  • Rivian Experience Center
    • Location: New York, NY (closest location)
    • Description: Explore Rivian vehicles and schedule test drives.
  • Rivian Service Center
  • Location: Concord, MA
  • Description: For service and support for your Rivian vehicle.

5. Lucid Air

  • Lucid Studio Seaport
    • Location: Boston, MA
    • Description: Offers a chance to explore Lucid vehicles and schedule test drives.
  • Lucid Studio Manhasset
  • Location: Manhasset, NY
  • Description: Another location for Lucid vehicles, with a focus on customer experience.

Pricing and Summary

From Aria AI on 1/25/2025

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the pricing ranges for the electric vehicles you're interested in:

Vehicle Starting Price Top Price Range Free ChargingDealer
Volkswagen ID.4 $41,160 $54,600 250mi 3 yrMinuteman VW, Bedford MA
Hyundai Ioniq 5 $43,975 $56,875 303mi 2 yrMirak Hyundai, Arlington MA
Hyundai Kona Electric $34,270 $42,445 258mi 2 yrMirak Hyundai, Arlington MA
Kia EV6 $43,995 $62,995 310mi 2 yrHerb Chambers, Burlington MA
Rivian R1T $71,700 $101,700 314-400mi5 yrNew York
Lucid Air $71,400 $250,500 520m. 3 yrBoston

Notes

  • Free charging is at Electrify America stations (except for Rivian which has their own stations)
  • Prices can fluctuate based on dealer pricing, location, and any ongoing promotions.

Repair Ratings for Selected Electric Vehicles

Given the distance from purchase/repair options, I'm only considering those with nearby dealerships, thus VW, Hyundai, and Kia.

1. Volkswagen ID.4

  • Reliability Rating: Consumer Reports predicts that the 2025 ID.4 will be less reliable than the average new car. This assessment is based on data from the 2021 and 2022 models.
  • Warranty Coverage: The ID.4's electric components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, with a limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles.

2. Hyundai Ioniq 5

  • Reliability Rating: The 2025 Ioniq 5 is also expected to be less reliable than the average new car, based on data from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.
  • User Feedback: Many users report smooth performance and decent efficiency after 20,000 miles, but there have been some service issues noted, such as charging interruptions.

3. Hyundai Kona Electric

  • Reliability Rating: The Kona Electric has received mixed reviews, with some reports indicating it is much less reliable than the average new car. Consumer Reports has placed it in a lower reliability category based on data from the 2020 and 2021 models.
  • Warranty Coverage: Hyundai offers a three-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan, which is a plus for owners.

4. Kia EV6

  • Reliability Rating: The Kia EV6 has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 3rd out of 32 for all car brands. However, Consumer Reports has noted a drop in its overall rating from 91 to 77, primarily due to a decline in reliability from “excellent” to “average.”
  • User Experience: Many users appreciate Kia's approach to repairs, noting that the vehicles are designed to be simple and easy to maintain.

Repair and Warranty Summary Table

Vehicle Reliability Rating Warranty Coverage
Volkswagen ID.4 Less reliable than average 8 years/100,000 miles (electric)
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Less reliable than average 3 years/36,000 miles (maintenance)
Hyundai Kona Electric Much less reliable than average 3 years/36,000 miles (maintenance)
Kia EV6 4.0 out of 5.0 (3rd out of 32 brands) 3 years/36,000 miles (maintenance)

For Comparison, Pricing for Toyota Hybrid Cars

2025 Toyota Prius Hybrid

  • Starting Price: Approximately $29,485
  • Price Range: Up to $36,500 depending on the trim and options.
  • Trim Examples:
    • LE: Around $28,350
    • XLE: Approximately $31,868
    • Nightshade Edition: Around $34,000

2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

  • Starting Price: From $33,375
  • Price Range: Up to $40,070 depending on the trim and options.
  • Trim Examples:
    • Prius Plug-In Hybrid SE: Starting at $33,375
    • Prius Plug-In Hybrid XSE: Starting at $36,625
    • Prius Plug-In Hybrid XSE Premium: Starting at $40,070

2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid

  • Starting Price: Approximately $28,700
  • Price Range: From $28,700 to $35,995 depending on the trim and options.
  • Trim Examples:
    • LE: Starting at $28,700
    • SE: Approximately $31,000
    • XLE: Around $33,700
    • XSE: Starting at about $34,900

Summary Table

Vehicle Starting Price Price Range
Toyota Prius Hybrid $29,485 Up to $36,500
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid $33,375 Up to $40,070
Toyota Camry Hybrid $28,700 Up to $35,995

Repair Ratings for These Three Toyota Cars

2025 Toyota Prius Hybrid

  • Average Annual Repair Cost: Approximately $408
  • Reliability Rating: Generally considered to have excellent ownership costs. While repairs may be more frequent than average, they are typically not severe.
  • Consumer Rating: Owners rated the 2025 Prius quality a 5 out of 5.

2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

  • Reliability Expectation: Expected to have about average reliability compared to other new cars.
  • Warranty Coverage:
    • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles.
    • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles.
    • Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles.

2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid

  • Average Annual Repair Cost: Approximately $388
  • Reliability Rating: Expected to have about average reliability compared to the average new car. Repairs are generally less severe and less frequent than average.
  • Consumer Rating: The 2025 Camry received an overall rating of 90, which is slightly below the previous model's rating.

Summary Table

Vehicle Average Annual Repair Cost Reliability Rating
Toyota Prius Hybrid $408 Excellent ownership costs
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Average reliability Good warranty coverage
Toyota Camry Hybrid $388 Average reliability

Electric Cars for Seniors

Extracted from 1/15/2025 AAA article

TypeModelApprox priceRangeNotes
EVNissan Leaf$28,140212 miles
EVHyundai Kona Electric SUV$33,000200-261 milesCharges more slowly
EVFord Mustng Mach-E$40,000320 miles
EVKia EV6$42,600232 milesCrossover SUV; lane-keeping guidance, forward collision warnings
HybridHonda Accord Hybrid Touring$40,00044 mpghigh deck in rear (limits visibility), sloping ceiling affects access in the rear
HybridToyota Camry Hybrid$29,00052 mpg
evconsiderations.txt · Last modified: 2025.01.25 08:40 by Steve Isenberg