Well, I didn't think it would happen, but it did.
The current tax credit rules will likely change this month. You can order a Bolt, but dealers have no idea how long it'll take to get. Some people are taking 9-12 months to get one. All the cars showing on Chevy's website are pre-sold typically. I called some random dealership in Bellefontaine, OH late Friday and for some reason, they had the one showing on Chevy's website. Drove up, got $28,500 for the Outback, and got the deal done. Now I desperately need get a Level 2 plug installed in the garage. Chevy is supposed to pay for it through QMerit.
The paint color is really strange. It's silver, but it shifts from warm gold to cool purple. It was one of my top 2 choices for exterior color. The interior is not my first choice. It's light gray and dark gray, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Small price to pay to get in on the $7500 tax credit still. Payback on the whole deal will be less than 2 years, I don't have to stop to fill up for gas anymore, and now I have SUPER CRUISE. I just mindlessly stare into the abyss and it will shuttle me to work.
(https://i.imgur.com/ndaJhy8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BW5FCxc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9TTXnM4.jpg)
Looks like a car
Congrats Mike, it's awesome and I love the color, inside & out!
Nice! Did it come with the level 1 charger or is that optional now?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 25, 2023, 03:26:24 PM
Looks like a car
The paint is kind of unique looking. But when it's dirty, it'll be the most nondescript, cheap looking commuter ever. Perfect.
Quote from: Morris Minor on March 25, 2023, 03:27:11 PM
Congrats Mike, it's awesome and I love the color, inside & out!
Thanks. When are you joining the EV party? I know you're flirting with the idea :lol:
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 25, 2023, 03:51:23 PM
Nice! Did it come with the level 1 charger or is that optional now?
Came with a level 1/2 charger! I just need a 240 volt outlet added to the garage, 1 foot from the main panel. It should be the easiest install ever for Qmerit.
Great! Your ridiculously long commute is perfect for electrification but that L2 charger is a must!
How much will your fuel bills drop by? For our gas/electricity prices, the cost per mile goes down by 80%.
Should be around $175/month in gas savings.
$2600+ a year in gas to <$600 a year in electricity.
Where can I get the highest quality Yosemite Sam mudflaps and Calvin peeing on Ford logo decal?
Also, I need truck nuts, but in green. Since you know, EV
What are your driving impressions? You haven't had a chance to try an EUV before, right?
What trim level is yours?
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2023, 04:45:44 PM
Where can I get the highest quality Yosemite Sam mudflaps and Calvin peeing on Ford logo decal?
Also, I need truck nuts, but in green. Since you know, EV
I have a friend who got drunk one night and Jeeped out his white Model Y. The license plate frame says "IT'S A JEEP THING/YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND". Lots of tacky stickers. He waves at Wranglers when they pass by. It's funny.
You should get a wooden bead seat cover.
A panoply of disgusting, WRX-grade waifu/ahegao stickers.
Quote from: Laconian on March 25, 2023, 04:46:41 PM
What are your driving impressions? You haven't had a chance to try an EUV before, right?
What trim level is yours?
I drove a used one a month or two ago. It's pretty great. It's just very small. I can sit perfectly normal in the driver's seat and touch the passenger door :lol:
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2023, 06:01:55 PM
I drove a used one a month or two ago. It's pretty great. It's just very small. I can sit perfectly normal in the driver's seat and touch the passenger door :lol:
I can't reach TUNDRA's center cup holders without leaning.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 25, 2023, 06:13:12 PM
I can't reach TUNDRA's center cup holders without leaning.
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/bjVK2LVApXz68/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47zae1y52elm4untxp61n0wrzhvgwfmy3qufxt2py0&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2023, 06:14:28 PM
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/bjVK2LVApXz68/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47zae1y52elm4untxp61n0wrzhvgwfmy3qufxt2py0&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
I have a BIG TRUCK and little arms
This thing absolutely dunks on the Outback's infotainment.
- like 4x the resolution
- Much more usable landscape orientation
- Much faster and responsive
- Brighter and more contrast on the screen
- Wireless carplay
It makes the Outback feel so old.
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2023, 06:47:41 PM
This thing absolutely dunks on the Outback's infotainment.
- like 4x the resolution
- Much more usable landscape orientation
- Much faster and responsive
- Brighter and more contrast on the screen
- Wireless carplay
It makes the Outback feel so old.
TUBDRA's CD player can play mp3 files.
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2023, 06:01:55 PM
I drove a used one a month or two ago. It's pretty great. It's just very small. I can sit perfectly normal in the driver's seat and touch the passenger door :lol:
Narrow but a surprising amount of legroom
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 25, 2023, 08:11:07 PM
Narrow but a surprising amount of legroom
Yeah. Feels fine space wise with 2 people across. I fit really well driving it, and would even be fine in the back for awhile. I don't know why they even bothered with 3 seatbelts across the back seats.
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2023, 04:08:25 PM
Thanks. When are you joining the EV party? I know you're flirting with the idea :lol:
Haha, yup I will be.
But here's a weird thing. My wife has been accumulating various health issue since she turned 66 (I had a heart attack in 2020.) So we've brought forward our heavy travel plans and that's where the budget will be going this year, bearing in mind the "60s Go, 70s Slow, 80s No"' travel adage. I've pushed off replacing the Infiniti until 2024.
What charging station will you be going with? Also any thoughts on cable management? (I've been wondering if an overhead tool retractor/balancer would be worthwhile.)
Congrats! Jelly here. Our breaker is right next to the garage, I already know where the cord will go "some day". Wifey says no for now....
Quote from: Morris Minor on March 26, 2023, 05:33:56 AM
Haha, yup I will be.
But here's a weird thing. My wife has been accumulating various health issue since she turned 66 (I had a heart attack in 2020.) So we've brought forward our heavy travel plans and that's where the budget will be going this year, bearing in mind the "60s Go, 70s Slow, 80s No"' travel adage. I've pushed off replacing the Infiniti until 2024.
What charging station will you be going with? Also any thoughts on cable management? (I've been wondering if an overhead tool retractor/balancer would be worthwhile.)
Yeah, travel is more important. I don't have time to travel much, might as well make the commute slightly less painful.
Charging station is just going to be the included one with the car. You can plug it into a 120 or 240 outlet. It should be able to do 0 to 100% in 7 hours or so once I get the 240 volt outlet in the garage.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/dAwAAOSwhvpj32~M/s-l500.jpg)
Cable management is going to be easy. Charge port is on the front fender, which is definitely my preference. I can just pull normally and plug in. I'll probably get something like this to mount to the wall to hold the connector and cord. I did have to switch garage spaces with the BRZ. BRZ moves to stall 1, Bolt goes to stall 3 because the electric panel is right in front of stall 3.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/I/71IAiJ4BPeL.jpg)
Congratulations!!
It's so easy to wire up a 240V outlet if your panel is right there.
Side note: Electricians must be making a killing these days installing $15 240V breakers for people that have never thought about electricity before.
Quote from: giant_mtb on March 26, 2023, 11:50:29 AM
It's so easy to wire up a 240V outlet if your panel is right there.
Side note: Electricians must be making a killing these days installing $15 240V breakers for people that have never thought about electricity before.
I should take the test and get certified or whatever. I've done it all before. I've wired entire cell towers with 240VAC, 120VAC, 48VDC, and 24VDC systems all working together, including dangerous live wire installations because you can't turn off the whole tower or people will have dropped calls = end of world.
Oh man the demand for installers is MASSIVE here.
Quote from: Laconian on March 26, 2023, 12:01:04 PM
Oh man the demand for installers is MASSIVE here.
West coast things. I see a few Teslas around here, and I've seen one Bolt. I don't think I'm close enough to NYC or Boston for that fancy stuff.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 26, 2023, 11:58:45 AM
I should take the test and get certified or whatever. I've done it all before. I've wired entire cell towers with 240VAC, 120VAC, 48VDC, and 24VDC systems all working together, including dangerous live wire installations because you can't turn off the whole tower or people will have dropped calls = end of world.
Depending on the state, you may need 8000 hours under a certified electrician before you can take the test.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 26, 2023, 12:11:35 PM
Depending on the state, you may need 8000 hours under a certified electrician before you can take the test.
Well, you reminded me why I never got around to it.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on March 26, 2023, 12:11:35 PM
Depending on the state, you may need 8000 hours under a certified electrician before you can take the test.
Takes one hour of YouTube and common sense to install a 240V breaker. Another $40 for conduit, wire, and an outlet.
Quote from: giant_mtb on March 26, 2023, 12:43:12 PM
Takes one hour of YouTube and common sense to install a 240V breaker. Another $40 for conduit, wire, and an outlet.
Don't forget the fish tape and "sparky" (screw driver wrapped in generic black tape)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 26, 2023, 12:55:03 PM
Don't forget the fish tape and "sparky" (screw driver wrapped in generic black tape)
No need for fish tape if your panel's in the garage. Unless it's recessed in the wall, I guess...complicates it slightly. Especially if drywall is also terrifying for some reason.
Quote from: giant_mtb on March 26, 2023, 01:04:34 PM
No need for fish tape if your panel's in the garage. Unless it's recessed in the wall, I guess...complicates it slightly. Especially if drywall is also terrifying for some reason.
Sounds like you'll have to tear it down to the studs :lol:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 26, 2023, 12:14:38 PM
Well, you reminded me why I never got around to it.
Your state may vary
First commute impressions:
- The seats are very narrow. The car is very narrow. Everything is narrow. I have tiny hips and butt, but for wider people, I imagine this isn't very comfortable. Probably the only reason there was one in stock in the midwest :lol:
- Seats are firm and supportive. Very comfortable for my old man back. Almost no side bolsters. Perfect for sitting on the highway. It's the opposite of the Outback, which seems to be designed like a broken down gamer chair from Amazon.
- I definitely need a level 2 charger ASAP. I can average 3.5 miles/kWh on the commute. It's going to be 1/3 of the battery every day. Level 1 can't keep up.
- The interior is pleasant. Lower portions are all very cheap, durable hard plastics, but who cares. This light interior color is a bit of an issue though. The carpets and floor mats are light gray. Ordered some black Tuxmats to go in. This thing will look dingy very fast with the stock floormats.
- Super cruise is the TRUTH. I keep holding the wheel when it's on out of habit when I don't have to. It's basically the best level 2 ADAS out there. Super smooth, really good at maintaining proper distances, works well even in rain. Incredible tech. The outback's camera only system felt like it was dive bombing people constantly. It wouldn't react to the driver in front starting to get on their brakes, and instead would run up close than stab the brakes hard. This system drives smoother than most people.
Congrats. I am not ready to take the dive yet (my current car probably has a few more good years left) but if I was I feel like the Bolt is almost certainly the one I'd get. Seems like it is a really good car.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on March 27, 2023, 08:13:26 AM
Congrats. I am not ready to take the dive yet (my current car probably has a few more good years left) but if I was I feel like the Bolt is almost certainly the one I'd get. Seems like it is a really good car.
Squeaking in and getting the full $7500 tax credit, it's the best deal out there IMO. $31k for an EV with 200+ miles of range and every piece of tech you could want.... I don't think we'll see something like it this cheap again. I know VW announced something similar with the ID.2 All (what a terrible name), but I doubt we'll get it in the US ever.
Quote from: MrH on March 27, 2023, 08:22:29 AM
Squeaking in and getting the full $7500 tax credit, it's the best deal out there IMO. $31k for an EV with 200+ miles of range and every piece of tech you could want.... I don't think we'll see something like it this cheap again. I know VW announced something similar with the ID.2 All (what a terrible name), but I doubt we'll get it in the US ever.
VW said the ID2 is Europe only (definitely not intended for NA).
If I qualified for the tax credit I almost certainly would have done exactly what you did...call around and just get a Bolt ASAP. Even without the tax credit it is still pretty compelling at MSRP.
Quote from: SJ_GTI on March 27, 2023, 08:27:29 AM
VW said the ID2 is Europe only (definitely not intended for NA).
If I qualified for the tax credit I almost certainly would have done exactly what you did...call around and just get a Bolt ASAP. Even without the tax credit it is still pretty compelling at MSRP.
You need to get married to bring that qualification threshold to $300k!
Quote from: MrH on March 27, 2023, 08:06:01 AM
First commute impressions:
- Super cruise is the TRUTH. I keep holding the wheel when it's on out of habit when I don't have to. It's basically the best level 2 ADAS out there. Super smooth, really good at maintaining proper distances, works well even in rain. Incredible tech. The outback's camera only system felt like it was dive bombing people constantly. It wouldn't react to the driver in front starting to get on their brakes, and instead would run up close than stab the brakes hard. This system drives smoother than most people.
I'm surprised GM has the best or one of the best advanced driver assist systems. Better than the Germans and Japanese? It's great they do, and I know their engineers are very capable.
I believe it's a system they source from a standalone company called Cruise.
My mind is blown. Makes Subaru's Eyesight look like a joke. 90% of my commute can be hands free now.
When I bought the car, the dealership insisted on adding some BS "protection package". I just assumed it was crappy wax they put on already. They refused to remove it, so instead just got the extra money on the trade-in during negotiation. Turns out it's a full ceramic coating they do after you buy the car. The problem: they're over an hour away.
So they're sending a guy down tomorrow to pick up the car, drive it all the way back up there, ceramic coat, and drive it back to my house, all in the same day. I need to work from home tomorrow, but that's pretty crazy from a customer service standpoint.
Sounds like Mike is a GM guy now.
Next years trade in will be the BRZ for a corvette and new balances.
Quote from: Rich on March 28, 2023, 08:57:04 AM
Sounds like Mike is a GM guy now.
Next years trade in will be the BRZ for a corvette and new balances.
:lol:
I'm getting this tattooed on me this weekend.
(https://i.etsystatic.com/19027659/r/il/3f81ca/2153067407/il_340x270.2153067407_982f.jpg)
Quote from: Laconian on March 27, 2023, 07:40:23 PM
I believe it's a system they source from a standalone company called Cruise.
Cruise Automation is a GM subsidiary, GM holds 80% of the stock. Honda, Microsoft & Walmart are among the other shareholders.
Quote from: MrH on March 28, 2023, 01:06:45 PM
I'm getting this tattooed on me this weekend.
(https://i.etsystatic.com/19027659/r/il/3f81ca/2153067407/il_340x270.2153067407_982f.jpg)
I don't get it.
I tiptoed onto the Bolt forums to see if there's anything I should learn.
There's a guy mad that his car didn't include a PREMIER and Launch Edition badge on his car. So he added them via aftermarket :wtf:
Level 1 charging is brutal. I add about 4 miles/hr plugged into a 120 volt outlet at 12 amps. Once the level 2 outlet gets added, I should be able to get 28 miles/hr. I have to commute in the BRZ quite a bit. Level 1 can't keep up.
Finally got the dealer to finish the registration and Chevy sent the link. Hopefully I can get it done in the next week or two.
I'm going to Columbus friday night for a concert. Should be able to get up there and back on a single full charge. Probably have to drive the brz to work Wednesday and or Thursday to make sure I'm topped off.
Yeah, L1 is glacial.
My commute is two miles. I could use a Bolt... or a Leaf :lol:
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 02, 2023, 03:56:40 PM
My commute is two miles. I could use a Bolt... or a Leaf :lol:
Or a bike..
Quote from: Laconian on April 02, 2023, 04:12:04 PM
Or a bike..
Or a 5000 pound monster truck with a 381 HP V8.
Quote from: MrH on April 02, 2023, 03:43:22 PM
Level 1 charging is brutal. I add about 4 miles/hr plugged into a 120 volt outlet at 12 amps. Once the level 2 outlet gets added, I should be able to get 28 miles/hr. I have to commute in the BRZ quite a bit. Level 1 can't keep up.
Finally got the dealer to finish the registration and Chevy sent the link. Hopefully I can get it done in the next week or two.
I'm going to Columbus friday night for a concert. Should be able to get up there and back on a single full charge. Probably have to drive the brz to work Wednesday and or Thursday to make sure I'm topped off.
How long is your commute? My wife drives our Bolt 42 miles round trip and level 1 keeps up, although barely. Weekends help to catch up a bit.
That's so funny. But I wonder if L1 charging is better long-term for the batteries?
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on April 02, 2023, 07:29:22 PM
But I wonder if L1 charging is better long-term for the batteries?
I don't think so, at least not noticeably. L2 is more efficient so it's probably the optimal choice for 99% of people.
The inverter is going to convert the AC into the batteries' native DC voltage.
48A L2 charging is just over 13A of current into the batteries. 350kW DCFC? That's 437A. :mask:
L2 must be a nice cup of tea for the batteries. DCFC on the other hand is meth.
If we'd listened to Thomas Edison we could have had DC in all its glorious purity delivered straight to our homes and our cars. Instead we have to mess around with all this confounded modern AC nonsense. I don't want my DC adulterated by these wretched inverter gadgets.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 02, 2023, 06:37:01 PM
How long is your commute? My wife drives our Bolt 42 miles round trip and level 1 keeps up, although barely. Weekends help to catch up a bit.
66 miles round trip. I get <50 miles of range a day from the level 1. If we go anywhere on the weekends, or even a short trip to Costco yesterday costs me range and precious charge time.
GM has a free 240 volt install with the purchase of a Bolt. Submitted the form this weekend, electrician just reached out, and they have me down for an install on Friday. :rockon:
I considered buying a level 2 charger to hardwire, but I don't really know the benefit? The car included a charger you can plug into 120 or 240 volt. It won't be a full 50 amps, but should be plenty. I guess people like to keep the included one in the car or something? Seems like a waste of $700. I can just unplug and take the included one if I foresee any situation where I might need to plugin on the go, but I can't think of when I would ever do that?
Quote from: MrH on April 03, 2023, 08:30:38 AM
66 miles round trip. I get <50 miles of range a day from the level 1. If we go anywhere on the weekends, or even a short trip to Costco yesterday costs me range and precious charge time.
GM has a free 240 volt install with the purchase of a Bolt. Submitted the form this weekend, electrician just reached out, and they have me down for an install on Friday. :rockon:
I considered buying a level 2 charger to hardwire, but I don't really know the benefit? The car included a charger you can plug into 120 or 240 volt. It won't be a full 50 amps, but should be plenty. I guess people like to keep the included one in the car or something? Seems like a waste of $700. I can just unplug and take the included one if I foresee any situation where I might need to plugin on the go, but I can't think of when I would ever do that?
Yeah I guess you're right over the threshold, while we're right under it.
The dual charge cord does 32A, right? Seems like plenty. 7.5 kw is about what the chargers at my office are.
Quote from: Morris Minor on April 02, 2023, 09:23:08 PM
If we'd listened to Thomas Edison we could have had DC in all its glorious purity delivered straight to our homes and our cars. Instead we have to mess around with all this confounded modern AC nonsense. I don't want my DC adulterated by these wretched inverter gadgets.
And we'd have a miniature coal plant on every street corner in order to offset the transmission losses.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 03, 2023, 09:22:29 AM
Yeah I guess you're right over the threshold, while we're right under it.
The dual charge cord does 32A, right? Seems like plenty. 7.5 kw is about what the chargers at my office are.
Yeah, I think so. 25 miles/hr of charge, full charge in 10 hours. I guess I could pay the $700 to get 48 amps (37 miles/hr, full charge in 7 hours or so). Doesn't really seem worth it to me.
Do you have the same dual cord EVSE that I have? Now that you own a house, it might be worth getting a level 2 plug installed. It's relatively cheap if you already have the bandwidth in your breaker. GM gives $1000 credit, but I've heard if you pay out of pocket, it can be as cheap as $400-$500.
I'll just set the max battery charge to 80% and charge every night. If I'm going to roadtrip to Columbus or Northern Kentucky, I'll set it to 100% the night before. That should cover all my use cases just fine. Anything further than Columbus and back, we take the RDX basically. Only time that would really happen is if I was visiting my brother in Pittsburgh. The wife can figure out how to use the Bolt for a few days in that case :lol:
Mine came with a base L1 charger. Technically I can change the plug and connect it to 240v (same as the European L1 cords), but it's still only 8 amp or 12 amp.
I'm gonna call an electrician at some point to take a look at our house. The garage has a sub panel with a few blank spaces left, but the main panel looks full. I could install a charger in the garage or right at the meter and charge on the driveway. I won't do anything right away, since I also want to look into solar panels and that might change the ideal set up.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on April 03, 2023, 09:32:41 AM
And we'd have a miniature coal plant on every street corner in order to offset the transmission losses.
I volunteer to turn my house into a miniature coal plant. Miniature coal is the future!
Dedicated chargers can coordinate with the utility, apply a charge timer (if your car doesn't have one already), and track usage patterns over time.
Get the Emporia. It's like $350 and totally fine. I use it for 48A charging with no problems.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 03, 2023, 10:49:52 AM
Mine came with a base L1 charger. Technically I can change the plug and connect it to 240v (same as the European L1 cords), but it's still only 8 amp or 12 amp.
I'm gonna call an electrician at some point to take a look at our house. The garage has a sub panel with a few blank spaces left, but the main panel looks full. I could install a charger in the garage or right at the meter and charge on the driveway. I won't do anything right away, since I also want to look into solar panels and that might change the ideal set up.
Does your state have big incentives for solar or something? I've never seen where they make sense financially at the home.
Quote from: MrH on April 03, 2023, 12:57:55 PM
Does your state have big incentives for solar or something? I've never seen where they make sense financially at the home.
Utah's tax credits are phasing out at the end of this year, but Federal is 30%. We have like 50 more good days of sunlight than Ohio so it makes more sense here.
Our power company does rebates for battery storage, although that means they can use the battery to power the grid.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 03, 2023, 01:05:43 PM
Utah's tax credits are phasing out at the end of this year, but Federal is 30%. We have like 50 more good days of sunlight than Ohio so it makes more sense here.
Our power company does rebates for battery storage, although that means they can use the battery to power the grid.
Isn't a solar installation typically $25k+???
I don't think there's a payback scenario where that makes sense with the price of electricity here. Once you factor in even the most modest cost of capital, it REALLY doesn't make sense, and that's not even including battery storage
I think it's usually closer to $11-15k after tax credits, unless you get a ton of panels.
My mom got solar panels on her roof. She claims the monthly payment on the panels is cheaper than the electric bill was. That's all I know.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on April 03, 2023, 02:46:44 PM
My mom got solar panels on her roof. She claims the monthly payment on the panels is cheaper than the electric bill was. That's all I know.
That's an option too. I've seen some good financing deals. Over 20 years you save less than paying up front, but you're not tying up $10-15k in cash.
The home solar installs wouldn't make sense financially without gubment subsidies......
The issue with financing solar panels is the solar company owns those panels and it becomes harder to sell your house with basically a lien on those solar panels. Potential new home owners don't want to have to deal with that (assume the loan for the now older solar panels and the lien associated with it). I know of a few house sales in our area that were shelved because the new potential owners didn't want anything to do with that.
If you don't plan on moving or you have the ability to buy the solar panels before putting your house up for sale, it makes a lot of sense.
House-mounted solar doesn't make much sense in cloudy climates. We have solar subsidies in Washington but there are a lot of yuppies west of the mountains installing them. It's a bad use of taxpayer money. If we want more generating capacity with a bigger impact on lower income populations, we should subsidize the panels more heavily for people east of the mountains (or wherever some kind of sun exposure metric exceeds a certain critical threshold).
Really, this is something where inter-state optimization would make a lot of sense. We have some states that are absolutely sun-baked and states that are covered by clouds 60% of the year. Perhaps the subsidies could be allocated to grid regions and optimized based on the needs and goals of that grid.
Quote from: veeman on April 03, 2023, 03:08:47 PM
The issue with financing solar panels is the solar company owns those panels and it becomes harder to sell your house with basically a lien on those solar panels. Potential new home owners don't want to have to deal with that (assume the loan for the now older solar panels and the lien associated with it). I know of a few house sales in our area that were shelved because the new potential owners didn't want anything to do with that.
If you don't plan on moving or you have the ability to buy the solar panels before putting your house up for sale, it makes a lot of sense.
Yeah, I wouldn't do the loan unless it had no early-payment penalties.
Do you guys have the ads where a woman says "if you have one of THESE" (points to an electric meter) "then you qualify for solar!"
Who doesn't have an electric meter? She might as well say "if you metabolize oxygen".
Quote from: Laconian on April 03, 2023, 03:59:53 PM
Do you guys have the ads where a woman says "if you have one of THESE" (points to an electric meter) "then you qualify for solar!"
Who doesn't have an electric meter? She might as well say "if you metabolize oxygen".
I get those ads next to the 600 pound woman waddling through her hallway telling me to eat just one gummy per day.
Quote from: veeman on April 03, 2023, 03:08:47 PM
The issue with financing solar panels is the solar company owns those panels and it becomes harder to sell your house with basically a lien on those solar panels. Potential new home owners don't want to have to deal with that (assume the loan for the now older solar panels and the lien associated with it). I know of a few house sales in our area that were shelved because the new potential owners didn't want anything to do with that.
If you don't plan on moving or you have the ability to buy the solar panels before putting your house up for sale, it makes a lot of sense.
After big storms this year a lot of people had roof repairs done. Across the street person I assume was solar installer came and moved the panels off the roof, different crew came to do roof, installer came back to put the panels back up....
They never make sense without massive subsidies and big loans. The last thing I want is a big solar and battery loan tied to my house.
Panels are around 6 year payback in northern PA. Battery storage of course is optional and then balloons that payback, but of course the benefit of battery storage is more of dealing with power outages
Quote from: r0tor on April 04, 2023, 10:55:50 AM
Panels are around 6 year payback in northern PA. Battery storage of course is optional and then balloons that payback, but of course the benefit of battery storage is more of dealing with power outages
The battery storage also makes sense if you have time-of-use tariffs. So you use the juice stored in the dead of night to power the HVAC etc during waking hours.
There's no off-peak tariff structure here so not applicable to me.
Quote from: Morris Minor on April 04, 2023, 12:06:47 PM
The battery storage also makes sense if you have time-of-use tariffs. So you use the juice stored in the dead of night to power the HVAC etc during waking hours.
There's no off-peak tariff structure here so not applicable to me.
Same here. No off-peak rate structure in place. No need to set delayed charging schedules.
My utility asks nicely but there is neither carrot nor stick to make it happen.
Once I get more time to engineer things I'm looking at doing 6 or so panels as a ground mount. Basically behind my pool is now a bit of a worthless slope that is southwest facing. Could easily put 6 or so panels there basically completely out of site from the house. Not sure if I'd go batteries right away as they are still expensive.
There are some hybrid panels out there that do heating and electric in one panel. Perhaps a solar pool heater and electric generator .. hmmm
Quote from: r0tor on April 04, 2023, 06:05:53 PM
Once I get more time to engineer things I'm looking at doing 6 or so panels as a ground mount. Basically behind my pool is now a bit of a worthless slope that is southwest facing. Could easily put 6 or so panels there basically completely out of site from the house. Not sure if I'd go batteries right away as they are still expensive.
There are some hybrid panels out there that do heating and electric in one panel. Perhaps a solar pool heater and electric generator .. hmmm
That would be tasty!
Congratulations!
Our Bolt is reaching 200k kms, and has been the most reliable vehicle we've ever had.
Is the Bolt the new Miata for the forum? We've got quite a few now.
- Me
- Alex
- Mzziaz
- Heeltoe still have one or not?
- ChrisV
This is too many Bolts. Not enough nuts.
Quote from: MrH on April 10, 2023, 07:15:28 AM
Is the Bolt the new Miata for the forum? We've got quite a few now.
- Me
- Alex
- Mzziaz
- Heeltoe still have one or not?
- ChrisV
Nomis had one too before getting a Model 3
Quote from: MrH on April 10, 2023, 07:15:28 AM
Is the Bolt the new Miata for the forum? We've got quite a few now.
- Me
- Alex
- Mzziaz
- Heeltoe still have one or not?
- ChrisV
I only got 4 EV owners when I did this poll. I've reopened it.
Guessing but I think we have about 3 Teslas here, 4 or so Bolts and Kevin's EV6.
https://www.carspin.club/index.php?topic=36667.0
Level 2 charger got installed on Friday. Excuse the tire marks from the previous owner on the wall, they used to store bikes on it.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y3utjkY.jpg)
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/tu4q9gqjNocP6/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47i7hgz6fk3x883iyeklax5u2pqgp64nsnbcftbkza&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
I don't think I've been this happy with a car purchase before. It's a hell of a product for the price. Infotainment is hands down the best I've ever experienced. Super cruise is fantastic. The mother in law took it for a spin around the neighborhood yesterday and I sat in the back. It's pretty incredible how much passenger space they squeezed into this tiny vehicle. Huge legroom.
The only things I don't like about it is the color, both the exterior and interior. The paint is really wild. It's silver, but depending on the light, it's either champagne or almost a purplish hue. I wish it was just a boring silver instead. This is too wild. The interior is all too light.
I wish I got the bright metallic blue and the navy blue leather. That would have been perfect. But if I had waited, I wouldn't have qualified for the $7500 credit. Not worth it.
Yeah, it's the deal of the century and a really fun car to boot. I guess there are dynamic m0ds like braces and sway bars, any interest in those?
What did your mother in law think? The Bolt is a contagious car. Give people test drives and then they get Bolts. Happened several times in my extended family.
Can you install a hook or a shelf for strain relief? Even though the plugs are overbuilt that is a lot of copper pulling straight down.
I added a hook and port to clip the charger in next to it, so all the weight if off the EVSE at least. Seems to be fine.
This was nearly a $45k car without any tax credit. Then a $6300 price cut, followed by being credit eligible for 6 months only for another $7500 off. Nearly $14k off what was already a decently price car. The financials of the whole deal are pretty wild. And now the house is CVT free :praise:
I was considering a new Prius, but that was going to be a couple thousand more at a minimum and not as well equipped. And I wouldn't be saving as much on gas. Seems like a no brainer for a lot of people, but it was hell trying to get one.
Here's the old Outback. There's no way they get $32k for it. I got close to $29k in trade in. They're going to be lucky to break even.
https://www.steveaustins.com/inventory/used-2020-subaru-outback-limited-xt-na-suv-4s4btgnd7l3145393/
Quote from: MrH on April 10, 2023, 07:15:28 AM
Is the Bolt the new Miata for the forum? We've got quite a few now.
- Me
- Alex
- Mzziaz
- Heeltoe still have one or not?
- ChrisV
I replaced it with a Model Y last month. Made a small profit on that sale, but I miss the nimble little Bolt!
So it was rainy and 40 degrees yesterday. Had a stressful day and long walk in the pouring rain to get to the car to go home. I cranked the heat to near max, and drove 80 mph most of the way home. The amount of battery I ate through was incredible :lol: Probably got like 2 mi/kWh maybe?
Might need to change my charge limit in the winter from 80-100%
(https://i.imgur.com/bfpeiJe.jpg)
Turn in your badge, your keys, and your STI badged vape pen. Your enthusiast credentials have been revoked.
Quote from: Laconian on May 09, 2023, 03:46:46 PMTurn in your badge, your keys, and your STI badged vape pen. Your enthusiast credentials have been revoked.
I gave mine up voluntarily.
Just saw the odo on my brother's Bolt. 101,039 miles. Never had any service. Damn
Quote from: Laconian on May 09, 2023, 06:37:06 PMJust saw the odo on my brother's Bolt. 101,039 miles. Never had any service. Damn
Original brakes? Even if they've been replaced that's still pretty sweet!
I would assume with regenerative brake that the actual brakes themselves are seldom used and should last a very long time (maybe the life of the vehicle?).
Yeah, my car has somewhere around 112k miles on the original brakes, I think they are still over 50% pad life. I should check sometime.
The Miata needs new front pads at 34k
I just changed the rear pads on my RX8 at 120k miles
I think my mom's Q5 has the OG brake pads and it's at like 126k. I don't get it. They get it serviced at the dealership every 10k, so I would know if the brakes were changed...has never happened. Nuts.
I typically don't touch my brakes most days. It's really only for emergency braking.
Super cruise might use them though. Not sure if it's capable of utilizing the full regen first prior to mechanical brakes or not.
Even hybrids have a light touch on the brake pads. My mom's Prius has 170k miles on the original pads.
So much energy wasted in braking. London Underground's deep level tubes have been heating up over the last century as usage & train frequencies have increased way beyond what was envisaged: it's unbearable down there in the summer these days.
The new trains with brake regen help a lot because there's far less heat being dumped into the tunnels and obviously, like EVs, it cuts down maintenance.
Wasn't the Tube a place to hang out during heat waves?
which one of you bolt owners will name your car Usain
Quote from: Morris Minor on May 12, 2023, 03:01:35 PMSo much energy wasted in braking. London Underground's deep level tubes have been heating up over the last century as usage & train frequencies have increased way beyond what was envisaged: it's unbearable down there in the summer these days.
The new trains with brake regen help a lot because there's far less heat being dumped into the tunnels and obviously, like EVs, it cuts down maintenance.
Using the regen to run A/C and wifi would be great on the tube
Quote from: Laconian on May 12, 2023, 03:58:54 PMWasn't the Tube a place to hang out during heat waves?
Yes it was, London Transport had posters 90 or 100 years ago advertising the Tube as a place to cool off.
It's funny though- ALL movement creates heat in some sort or another. We can hear the fans whirring on Mav after it's been shut off. Mostly the battery cooling system, which has to run when charging or discharging.
HAS to be better than burning gasoline though- we can make a lot of short/ low speed driving on battery only by changing driving habits. It doesn't have a huge regen capability- have to slow down earlier and gentler to get the full "100% energy" notification.
(And it's not 100% of the energy actually reclaimed, it's just 100% of the energy went into charging instead of physical braking.)
Quote from: Rich on May 12, 2023, 04:17:55 PMwhich one of you bolt owners will name your car Usain
I saw the other day someone put a small Usain bolt decal above the badge :lol: Can't find the picture now though.
I might put a tiny Usain decal on the window
Got a big nasty crack in my windshield. There wasn't really any visible chip to cause it though? Swung by the Chevy dealer, and they said no warranty claim, because with a pen tip, there was the smallest of small rock chips at one point in it.
$500 deductible through my insurance later, and Safelite comes out and replaces it at my house while I'm at work yesterday. But their whole Bosch recalibration system is down :facepalm:. So my super cruise is not technically recalibrated yet. I drove it today and it seems to be fine?
This would have been nearly $1200 out of pocket without using insurance. Wild stuff.
Also, I put down a deposit for a Volvo EX30 on launch day. It's basically Bolt size, but AWD and 422 hp and faster charging. But made in China and no buttons.
I'm curious how resale does on the Bolt. There are EV credits for used ones, so hopefully that keeps them artificially high. If I can upgrade in a couple years to an EX30 that's twice as fast for $10k, seems like a win-win. Honestly, Super Cruise and how Volvo's system will compete with it is really the make or break. If it's substantially worse, I'll refund the deposit.
Lots of unknowns, but no harm in throwing a deposit in. Will Volvo swap to the Tesla charging port? How will these made in China EVs work with credit (eligible via lease, but not purchase)? Can you lease and immediately buy it out with cash to bank the credit?
Quote from: MrH on June 21, 2023, 08:17:44 AMGot a big nasty crack in my windshield. There wasn't really any visible chip to cause it though? Swung by the Chevy dealer, and they said no warranty claim, because with a pen tip, there was the smallest of small rock chips at one point in it.
$500 deductible through my insurance later, and Safelite comes out and replaces it at my house while I'm at work yesterday. But their whole Bosch recalibration system is down :facepalm:. So my super cruise is not technically recalibrated yet. I drove it today and it seems to be fine?
This would have been nearly $1200 out of pocket without using insurance. Wild stuff.
Ugh I also got a rock chip in my Miata last week. Tried to fix it with a JB weld rock chip kit but I cracked it further when I pressed on the sticky foam. It will probably need to be replaced.