I personally believe that PHEV is a compromise that gives you the worst of both worlds. Just my opinion Congrats on the new vehicle.
I used to think like that, too, buying into Tesla a couple of years ago. It is, in a way, true of course: a hybrid system is a needlessly complicated exercise. In theory at least the Tesla skateboard is probably the most beautiful drive-train in existence, which has resulted in other practical advancements especially in the Model S (frunk/trunk/interior space). In comparison, a hybrid is basically a poor EV and an impure ICE experience. An inconsistent driving feel with a complicated maintenance future. And we know the motivations of the mainstream manufacturers for making these things are equally bad. If only the industry had evolved better and faster, yes.
That said, I've come around to see this differently from the user/driver perspective. The sad fact is: The available choices of an EV are limited both in number as well as in functionality - as are the driving realities for many regions. Sure, in theory many (wealthier) people could now go all EV: one can buy a Model S, a Model X that fulfill many requirements. It is not like this is completely impossible to operate them either by now, if there is a will, there is often a way. But it, too, in return can be a complicated exercise, just of a different sort.
Today, to go all EV, one has to compromise because basically one can only buy a Tesla or a much more limited other EV. This means limitations e.g. in convenience features, maintenance network, space to carry people and things (especially given the compromises Model X launched with). As well as the EV limitations of range (compared to an ICE or a PHEV), speed of replenishing "fuel" etc. All those things. Tesla has done remarkably well for a car start-up and showed the world what an EV can do, but still they sell a compromise of their own kind.
Now, contrast this with adding PHEV choices to the mix. A much vaster real-life array of car choices means likely being able to fulfill much more of those varied personal requirements (space, style, features). Less compromises there, because there is so much more choice. Yet, while not having to compromise on the possibility of commuting on electricity (to drive down operating cost/pollution/noise, enjoy a smoother/more relaxing ride) on a daily basis - if one's daily destination is suitably located within the range. For this, one certainly has to give up commuting performance and perhaps the consistent ICE-age thrill of driving the thing, but these other benefits are there to offset these limitations.
In an ideal world, we wouldn't need the PHEV. But the reality is, buying a car is a compromise - and the best compromise depends on very personal circumstances. I've come to see PHEV as a useful option for the buyer (even if it is the result of an industry malaise), instead of the abomination that it certainly in a theoretical sense is. And I say this as someone
driving a Model S and a Model X on order. I expect this to remain so until the EV lineups and charging networks have been greatly expanded.
To each, as they say. When we bought our first Tesla, there were no holes. There were no superchargers, anywhere. The word had not been published to Tesla owners. A week after we got our car, we went 300 miles to Nevada. A month after purchase, we went to Canada.
Fast forward. A month ago, my two closest chargers were 45 miles away. This week, a new one opened up 20 miles away. Yeah, we're in California, but, things change, don't they. And, I was NeVeR happy about driving on imported, expensive, polluting fuels. I now own solar, and all of my charging is free.
See, if I lived where you do, I'd probably manage well with the 90D. Just perspective and experience, maybe. I hope you are able to move to pure EV in the future. Good luck!
This was true for my region and my car purchases as well (timeline/region adjusted). When I started in my region, there were no Superchargers anywhere in the range of the car, no Tesla shops or maintenance either - and a very limited number of Tesla compatible public charging anyway. It was arguably much worse than in California when Model S started out, maybe even worse than when Roadster started out for a time. A couple of years later, the Supercharger network, the non-Tesla charging network and the addition of the CHAdeMO adapter have resulted in a massive practical range extension. I can even drive the thing to a Tesla SC now, which appeared out of nowhere. Yeah, things change.
And sure, I survived in the first year+. Luckily the car didn't break down and the few very hairy moments regarding destination charging were solved with some luck - and could have been better avoided with better planning. My daily commute is easily charged at home even on a slow plug (no HPWC available where I live) and the Tesla battery meant this wasn't even needed daily. My hauling needs are modest, so the massive space-champ for its form-factor Model S managed great. I was forfeiting some convenience and safety features not available at the time of the purchase (and some not even today), but otherwise OK. A few trips were relegated to an ICE due to schedule needs. I am lucky that the charging network is especially growing where I live and move around mostly, not all are equally blessed yet.
So, whilst I agree it comes down to perspective and experience, I would also add it comes down to motivation and requirements - and these can start muddying up the question of the relevancy of the beauty of that drive-train or purity of a gas-less existence real fast. With strong inherent motivation, like you clearly had when you started and when I, in my own time and place, started, operating an EV is certainly often possible and that drive-train rewarding. Especially if one doesn't have requirements diametrically opposed to this plan, e.g. need for massive hauling of stuff and people or e.g. need to drive/refill fast on constant long-range trips due to schedule.
But what if you do have those opposing requirements - or a different set of motivations? In the end, "you *can* do it" is not a very enticing argument for buying a thing where you perhaps spend the third most time after home and work. No amount of experience is going to change the fact that EVs, as they currently stand, are sub-optimal solutions for those who need/want to carry a tons of stuff and people - and/or need/want to travel far and fast (and with minimal planning/preparation) - and/or need/want the latest set of on-board convenience features and amenities.
Getting a pure EV or a pure ICE may offer the best choices for a driving fanatic - and especially the latter offers hugely more choice for fulfilling other personal requirements. Getting an EV can offer great rewards from someone investing in solar, zero emissions, another kind of trill of driving etc. They do. But in between there are those who just want and need to move around with convenience and within subjective requirements that overlap both of these worlds, who may not e.g. live in sunny states (not just lesser solar potential, winter cuts into that range badly too) - and they may find those needs and wishes converging even on a PHEV at the moment.
There is a reason why the Volvo XC90 T8 is so oft-spoken on the Model X forums. It does lots of things better than any of the Teslas (let alone other EVs) and still does the one thing the EVs do (and ICEs don't) adequately for many. Sadly, some of that was simply a missed opportunity on Teslas part. If Tesla can solve the folding second row and offer a real roof-box workaround eventually on the Model X, some of these people will come around - same as the charging and service network expands. But today we're not there yet.
