this post was submitted on 02 Apr 2024
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[Dormant] Electric Vehicles
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Not OP but a rural Canadian and farmer, I live 200km from the city. While I usually only go once every week or two, if I can't make it there and back for any number of supplies that I might need in a hurry (parts, veterinary, hospital etc) then a vehicle is useless to me.
Even if the published range could barely squeeze it in, with winter temperatures dropping into the -30s any reduction in range would be a huge issue.
The thought of being badly injured while my car is sitting low on charge is terrifying. I always keep over 1/2 a tank in my car and also in my 4wd farm truck in case of bad weather.
Honestly the drop in kits are not for everyone. It's really for people with a pure commuter car and a longer range vehicle that could be a hybrid, PHEV, All new electric or even ICE engine. Considering the average American family has over 2 cars, it's quite possible.
I do own a little electric jeep with around 10 miles of range, it's great for around the farm use. That's where I like having the farmyard with plenty of room, I can keep special purpose vehicles.
It's kind of a conversion-ish thing itself, Pinto transmission and rear end, heavy old 8hp series motor. 1970s electric tech.
The big killer here is insurance. I'm lucky to insure it as an antique for very little money, but if you have to insure a special purpose car it's often not worth the fuel you save. I think they should have a special insurance program for short range cars, as you clearly can only drive one car at a time.