New member here and new to EVs. I’ve currently got a M3 SR+ on order for deliver Nov 18-Dec 31. I’m on the market because I took a new job that will require regular commuting (12 x mo) about 70mi each way and I want a comfortable EV with adequate range and good driver-aid software - the M3 seemed the best fit. I’m open to other manufacturers, but am really curious to see how FSD develops and think tesla is still ahead of the EV curve generally. My priority is having a safe EV that I don’t mind spending lots of time in. I have 3 small kids (other vehicle AWD minivan) and live in the mountains of NC, so some winter (snows a handful of times per year, routinely in 20s-30s Dec-Feb) but generally pretty mild winters. The commute is down a mountain mostly on divided highways, but the second half is rural highway without limited access and some traffic lights, last bit is more urban. Probably at least 2000ft elevation drop there (and then rise on the way back). So, this is the need - 140mi single charge daily, pretty significant elevation change, able to handle cold winter temps occasionally, ideally ok in light snow in a pinch, but generally mild weather and longevity to do this for over 20k mi per year indefinitely (or until I want a new car - I usually get boarded every 3-5yrs).
I’m struggling deciding between my existing SR+ LFP order vs changing to new LR or going rogue and getting 2021/2022 used LR w/ FSD (not going to pay $12k out for the gate, but will probably try it out via subscription and see what it adds over autopilot). My biggest fear with SR+ is I’m on my way home and the BMS screwed up and I don’t have enough juice to get home. It doesn’t seem clear to me based on this thread Model 3 SR+ LFP Battery Range, Degradation, etc Discussion
If LFP should actually be charged to 100% daily, or if 70% is still better for longevity with weekly 100% for range estimation - keep in mind I’ll put 20-30k mi on the car per year, so longevity and maintaining range is important! Cold weather performance of LFP and weight going up elevation is also a concern to me. Generally I am more attracted to the lower price and greater safety of the LFP battery, and don’t care too much going 0-60 in 5.7sec or 4.1 or whatever (both way faster than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned), though AWD would be a nice perk if unannounced snow decided to show up going over the pass and the added performance would be a novelty. Mostly, I’m willing to shell out for the LR, but I want to feel confident either the SR+ or LR will get me through this commute without range anxiety coming home and in outlier conditions (cold borderline road conditions), though I could take the minivan if it looks iffy (I’m a physician, so working from home not an option). When I run the numbers LR 70/80% - 10/20% it seems this should be plenty of range for the commute, even if taking into account cold, range decay and elevation, but range loss once I’m pushing 100k mi in a few years is a bit of a concern. Now I’m not sure the same can be said for LFP, though I have the option of 100% charge, esp in winter, which would seem to more than offset routine charging to 70-80% in LR.
Am I over thinking it? Will I make it fine in either vehicle? I have to say, I’m attracted by the LR so I can keep my charging habits consistent and don’t have to worry if I’m screwing things up constantly charging LFP to 100% or trying to only do it on certain days. I’m also waiting to see about these tax rebates, in which case if Tesla lowers the price of the LR to qualify, it seems like a no brainer, but I’m trying not to rely on the government or tesla for my decision, and I’m not sure I or the vehicle will ultimately qualify anyway.
Thoughts? Should I just go LR, have a nicer AWD vehicle and be anal about charging to maximize longevity, or go LFP (perfectly adequate vehicle for me), save 10 grand up front, drive the minivan when the weather looks to be iffy, charge to 100% and forget it?
I’m struggling deciding between my existing SR+ LFP order vs changing to new LR or going rogue and getting 2021/2022 used LR w/ FSD (not going to pay $12k out for the gate, but will probably try it out via subscription and see what it adds over autopilot). My biggest fear with SR+ is I’m on my way home and the BMS screwed up and I don’t have enough juice to get home. It doesn’t seem clear to me based on this thread Model 3 SR+ LFP Battery Range, Degradation, etc Discussion
If LFP should actually be charged to 100% daily, or if 70% is still better for longevity with weekly 100% for range estimation - keep in mind I’ll put 20-30k mi on the car per year, so longevity and maintaining range is important! Cold weather performance of LFP and weight going up elevation is also a concern to me. Generally I am more attracted to the lower price and greater safety of the LFP battery, and don’t care too much going 0-60 in 5.7sec or 4.1 or whatever (both way faster than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned), though AWD would be a nice perk if unannounced snow decided to show up going over the pass and the added performance would be a novelty. Mostly, I’m willing to shell out for the LR, but I want to feel confident either the SR+ or LR will get me through this commute without range anxiety coming home and in outlier conditions (cold borderline road conditions), though I could take the minivan if it looks iffy (I’m a physician, so working from home not an option). When I run the numbers LR 70/80% - 10/20% it seems this should be plenty of range for the commute, even if taking into account cold, range decay and elevation, but range loss once I’m pushing 100k mi in a few years is a bit of a concern. Now I’m not sure the same can be said for LFP, though I have the option of 100% charge, esp in winter, which would seem to more than offset routine charging to 70-80% in LR.
Am I over thinking it? Will I make it fine in either vehicle? I have to say, I’m attracted by the LR so I can keep my charging habits consistent and don’t have to worry if I’m screwing things up constantly charging LFP to 100% or trying to only do it on certain days. I’m also waiting to see about these tax rebates, in which case if Tesla lowers the price of the LR to qualify, it seems like a no brainer, but I’m trying not to rely on the government or tesla for my decision, and I’m not sure I or the vehicle will ultimately qualify anyway.
Thoughts? Should I just go LR, have a nicer AWD vehicle and be anal about charging to maximize longevity, or go LFP (perfectly adequate vehicle for me), save 10 grand up front, drive the minivan when the weather looks to be iffy, charge to 100% and forget it?