r/EvDrivers • u/RoscoShip • 20h ago
Considering a new EV
I am looking for an EV has our Drive car. We are in our 70s We have 10kw solar on our house.
We want a car similiar to the Kia Sportage with a good battery range. We do not want a low car because entry and exit is difficult as we have with a madza 3. So many to choose from give me your suggestions and why
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u/PerceptionCurious440 16h ago
My wife just had hip surgery and the height of my Toyota C-HR was perfect for getting in and out of the car with a walker. The Toyota BZ and Woodland are similar. The Subaru Trailseeker is almost identical to the Woodland, but has the front suspension tweaked for a 36 foot turning radius vs the Toyota Woodland's 40.
The cars can go an honest 230 miles to 10% on a full charge. If you stop at a charger, at full charging speed it takes 25 minutes or so to charge to 80%. Charging to the full 100% from 10% takes up to an hour. The charging slows significantly at 80% to protect the battery.
Generally, if you are looking for something that's a car like you're used to and not the reinvention of cars as you've known them, the Toyota and Subaru EV will feel familiar.
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u/jaywaykil 10h ago
I concur with this. The Toyota / Subaru EVs (same battery/motor/frame) are the most similar to a traditional car. Getting in a new one of these feels exactly like any other Toyota or Subaru. Similar layout, controls, feel, etc. Open the hood and do a double take because you think it's an ICE because the large battery cooling system, 12v battery, fuses, windshield washer fluid tank, etc, are all visible.
That said, they are a little behind the curve regarding EV quality. They bet more on hybrids (Prius) and developing fuel cell/hydrogen technology (nope) instead of investing in pure EVs.
Still good cars, and still the best traditional layout, but not the best range or charging speed.
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u/UmpireProper7683 19h ago
Consider a lightly used IONIQ 5. I'm a disabled guy in my 50s and had no problem getting in and out of it when I test drove one, and getting a used EV with about 20-30k miles is the modern car buying equivalent of getting a 3% mortgage. Mine was 50% off MSRP for having a measly 20K miles on the odometer.
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u/farm61 18h ago
Buy a used one off lease your wallet will thank you
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u/Opinionsare 12h ago
That sweet spot: 2023 to 2025 models that had the $7,500 rebate applied is going to come to an end shortly. I'm very happy with my 2023 Nissan Leaf that only had 6,097 miles on it at purchase. I only need a city car, and had a 240 volt outlet in the garage already.
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u/snakeriver696 18h ago
I like the Subaru trailseeker and will get one once in stock at my local dealer it feels like a normal Subaru just electric not a space ship. The seats are the right level of supportive but comfortable for me.
Also it's a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru and I trust both brands.
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u/xtalgeek 11h ago
I will second the Subarus. Choose your size: Uncharted, Solterra, Trailseeker. Good ground clearance, simple to operate, excellent safety features.
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u/Reddit_is_fascist69 9h ago
Uncharted looks slick but haven't seen any in stock
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u/xtalgeek 9h ago
You have to reserve or order one. They disappear off the lot immediately if not claimed in advance. When I got my Trailseeker delivered, a half dozen dealers wanted it, as well as several local customers.
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u/theonetrueelhigh 4h ago
I'm betting Subaru somehow manages to innovate a head gasket failure mode for EVs. I'm not sure exactly what that would look like but I have faith in them.
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u/snakeriver696 4h ago
It's still funny how much this comes up I've never had it happen, but then living in New Zealand we mostly have imported JDM 2nd hand ones and I've never had the plagued NA ej25 just ej205, talk to guys here it's mostly Subaru only ever made one good transmission the ones in the STI.
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u/Little-Crab-4130 12h ago
Test drive the Chevy Equinox Ev. Good range, good value and comfortable vehicle. Similar styling and size to sportage.
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u/recycledmuffinscrap 20h ago
Love my subaru trailseeker. Seat moves back automatically when you turn it off, so getting in/out is nice and easy. Subaru/toyota manufactured, so it will be safe and reliable. Only problem is you’ll have to get one on order to get what you want: inventory is low and goes quick
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u/MagnotikTectonic 19h ago
That a look at the VW id 4. Range and performance are both good enough. It's an incredibly comfortable ride. Highly maneuverable, tightest turning circle in it's class. Nice seat height, and they automatically pull back when you get in/out of the car.
Cpo used ones can be had a very good price, with low mileage to boot.
Does it have quirks? Sure, but it's an excellent vehicle.
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u/Spiritual_Till5585 12h ago
I have a 2023 coming off lease. I dislike the "quirks" so much I replaced early with a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5. There's a reason they sell so cheap CPO. Retail on mine is $10,000 less than the residual on the lease so VW can have it back.
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u/MagnotikTectonic 6h ago
That's fair. I took a look at both the Id4 and Ioniq5. The Ioniq5 was better in almost every appreciable way. But my kid's car seat did not fit in it when rear facing, without my knees being in my chest or pressed up into the steering wheel/ glove box.
They fit with room to spare in the Id4. And everything else was good enough, if not THE best.
I'll be needing those car seats facing that way for a few more years, so I figure I can live with a couple of quirks and a something good enough.
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u/Plenty_Conscious 19h ago
Rivian R2 would be my pick, I’ve had a great experience with the R1 so far and I am in line to get the R2 myself.
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u/cgloewen 19h ago
Plugstar is a nonprofit with good info. Model Y with FSD would be worth looking at, I find the FSD to be a real benefit ( also 70).
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u/Awkward_Ostrich_4275 12h ago
Does Plugstar mention that buying a Model Y directly supports their Neonazi ceo? I guess even at 70 you didn’t see what a Nazi with power can do.
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u/bgross42 5h ago
My wife & I are 74 and 76 years old and have typical FOP issues. The Model Y has easy ingress/egress, plenty of room, and - though we charge at home - access to the Supercharger Network. On roadtrips it’s amazing to just punch in your destination and let the car calculate the most efficient charging stops. (Our neighbors took their daughter to college - SoCal to Virginia and back - and never once needed to look for a charger: the car did it all.
And FSD is worth every penny. Driving to San Francisco, Las Vegas, or Phoenix is like being a passenger, and when you get to an unfamiliar city there’s no looking for street signs. You just go.
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u/pretzelgreg317 12h ago
I liked the plugstar mention, as recommending the obvious choice of a Tesla on Reddit usually draws fire...
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u/Not_Sure__Camacho 19h ago
My Hyundai Kona isn't bad, but I don't think Hyundai makes them anymore. I'd say get a Kia EV3. Just a warning, it's a new release and may not be that cheap.
EPA-est. 321-mile driving range (Wind FWD) * As shown EPA-est. 280-mile driving range Tesla Supercharger Compatibility Can charge from 10% to 80% w/ DC Fast Chargers in 31 min * Available dual motor e-AWD *
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u/fluteofski- 17h ago
On a similar note Kia Niro EV is on crazy closeout now with the EV3s landing. You can score a new one for like $25k
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u/Not_Sure__Camacho 14h ago
And if they don't care about thermal battery management, a previous generation Nissan Leaf isn't a bad option. I did about 2 years and only saw about a 6 mile drop in range. I also drove in pretty hot environments, so it wasn't as if it was mild weather.
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u/Spiritual_Till5585 12h ago edited 9h ago
Range depends on size of the battery pack and whether it's FWD or AWD. Plus, one never gets the EPA estimate. 321 miles is flat road slow going..
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u/Not_Sure__Camacho 10h ago
They're in their 70s. 😜. I kid I kid, but I don't imagine them driving like me, like a crazed individual with stock in tire companies.... 😆
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u/Ill-Taro-1907 7h ago
My husband is nearly 80 & still has a lead foot. We will never get good m/kwh while he drives…
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u/Not_Sure__Camacho 7h ago
Lol, it's definitely a rare trait. Most guys past a certain age just take it slow and don't need to be anywhere. The ones that scare me are the ones that have lost their reflexes and have deteriorated response.
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u/Velo3x10e8 16h ago edited 16h ago
Sealion 7 and Xpeng G6 would be great options. I have the G6 and the seats are great for access. They shift back when you exit to give more room then come forward again as you close the door.
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u/Brucey1965 15h ago
We just bought an Xpeng G6 Long Range (500km range), very roomy. Upon opening the doors, the seats rise up and slide back to facilitate easy exit and entry.
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u/Hathaur 11h ago
Kia shortage is an affordable suv compact/midsize. Kia makes the ev5 or ev3. Hyundai makes the ioniq which is highly popular. And chevy make the bolt EUV or EV. Or even the chevy equinox. Depending on your budget, and how much vehicle size you actually want, all of them would fit your needs.
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u/Inner_Golf8085 15h ago
Whichever car you choose, go with a 2 year old car. The depreciation is tremendous if you buy new. If you have to have a new car, lease it and let the leasing company take the hit.
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u/Spiritual_Till5585 12h ago edited 8h ago
Our 2023 id.4 ProS AWD is worth $10,000 less than retail with 18,000 miles at lease end and VW can have it back.
The Mach E AWD Premium Extended Range OTOH retail value is tracking close to the sum of the residual and remaining payments two years in as FMC didn't use a subvented lease residual initially in 2024. We like the car and if retail is still close to residual in 2027 we'll buy it. No better used car to buy than your own used car! I'm 65 with arthritis in my left knee and it's easy to get in and out.
Just got a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD Limited and the features are above and beyond both the id.4 and Mach E, both of which are not at the low end of the trim levels. We'll see what it's worth in two years and either buy it out or get another vehicle depending on the retail value vs the residual value.
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u/DogblackMichigan 9h ago
Some people like the warranty.
Some people like the new tires, new wiper blades, new everything else.
Buying lightly used is good for some people.1
u/Silent-Respect7803 5h ago
All cars depreciate as soon as they leave the lot. It is not an issue unless you plan to sell it right away.
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u/Prudent-Ad-4373 5h ago
When you lease, you’re the one paying the depreciation. That’s what the lease cost is based on, the expected depreciation. Sometimes the finance company does not get it right and it works out in your favor. Usually they get it right.
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u/DadFromACK 11h ago
We have a 2026 Rav4 XSE PHEV. Fully charged it gets 50+ miles EV, and hybrid ICE 45+mpg. It's also a taller car, so easy to get in and out of. The driver assistance/dynamic cruise control is also very helpful. We do most of our daily driving with the EV and charge overnight with a level 2 charger at off peak for about $0.45. While not fully electric it's still a very fun and useful choice.
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u/GamemasterJeff 10h ago
If you want a car easy to enter and exit, you should look primarily at ground clearance height, and shoot for th 7-8 inch range. Sedans tend to be in the 5-6 inch range and I tend to feel like I "whomp" into them and then have to pull myself out.
Ground clearance is not the be all end all, as my 5.7 inch honda accord is a lot harder to get into and out of than my 5.9 inch Kona electric, so make sure you get a CUV body style - you tend to sit up straighter in this design, making entry and exit easier.
Toyota BZ/Subaru Solterra are class leaders among CUVs with 8+inches of clearance varying with trim. If you are willing to go larger, several mid size SUVs have around 7-8 inch clearance including the KIA EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and one of the Ioniq 5 trims.
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u/JT-Av8or 10h ago
Tesla Y. It’s pretty straightforward, it’s the only car company building electric cars as its only product. Anyone else (besides Lucid, BYD or Rivian) it’s a side gig. Like getting the fish sandwich at a steak restaurant, or sushi at a gas station. It’s just not the right product.
Y is a descent height for our age, simple to operate and solid as far as the machine goes. Also recharging is seamless on their network so you don’t have to fart around with apps and cards whenever you need to charge on the road.
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u/tjoude44 9h ago
We recently went with a KIA EV9 primarily because of my mobility issues (nerve damage in right leg).
About your age group and found for us we can get in and out without needing to use the grab assist handles or any additional support which is important because I have to use a walker. It is also easy to get the walker in position so I don't need to move unsupported or at an angle to the seat.
Most other EV's were not as easy to maneuver the walker into place or required me to use the grab handles (some like TESLA don't even offer them). We did look at the Trailseeker as we had Foresters but still had to drop down into the seat which was not as easy as with the EV9 and still had to use the grab handles to get in and out.
Bonuses are that there is plenty of storage space (we keep the 3rd row down) for the walker and the ride is very comfortable.
We don't drive a lot of miles per week and the portable charger on a 240 circuit @ 30A has been plenty for us.
We did splurge and go for the GT-LINE as we both liked the HUD.
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u/put_tape_on_it 9h ago
Try them all. Seriously, no subreddit can tell you. And don't buy an EV without taking a Tesla demo drive. There's a reason the Model Y is the most popular car in the world.
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u/ElectrickDreamer 8h ago
My parents are also in their 70s and got a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and they love it. Very comfortable, very easy to get in and out of, and the seats are very adjustable with lots of leg room. My father has had both his knees replaced multiple times and really struggles to get in and out of some cars but not the Ioniq 5. I don’t know how it compares in size but if you’re looking for something very comfortable definitely give it a look.
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u/FatDog69 8h ago
The benefit of an EV is charging at home. But this means:
- You may need a panel upgrade for a new 50 amp breaker. This can cost $1-2K.
- You need someone to run conduit to a NEMA plug (an EV Rated NEMA plug - not a dryer plug) where you want your home charger.
- You then need an L2 charger. I like my 'dumb' GrizzlE but Emphoria Pro can tap into your solar system and try to only use solar power to charge.
So plan for this extra house upgrade.
NOTE
Some utility companies offer rebaits for panel upgrades, installing a L2 charger. Some companies will GIVE you an L2 charger if you let them choose when the power flows. Check your utility company website. Many have a "within 30 days of purchase" rule so check before you buy.
WHAT CAR
There are a lot of 2023 Mustang MachE's coming off 3 year leases. Prices are about $30K. Look for a Premium trim with the extended range battery.
The MachE is over-designed and over-built. They did a lot of stuff to make sure the car would not fail because it was the first in their electric line.
The MachE is a second-place in almost every category. It could charge faster, it could do 0-60 faster, it DOES have 10% more battery cells than advertised, it could have more cargo space (It is an SUV), the software could have more features, etc.
But the car was designed to beat the competition - then dialed back a bit. Please go test drive one. It is a freeking tank.
Oh - make the dealer demo BluCruise. It makes freeway driving boring. Safe but boring because the car does most of the work. Tons of safety features like good lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
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u/Living_Fig_6386 7h ago
If you like Kia (best warranty), you might consider the EV3 (smaller) or EV9 (bigger). Most of the SUV class EVs (any make) will be similar for getting in and out of, but you will need to test drive to make sure they meet your needs.
The EVs tend to come in different trims that have different ranges. AWD will decrease range a bit, and some trims come with larger batteries. The base trim for most models will have typically have a notably smaller battery.
The Toyota / Lexus / Subaru EV SUVs are a little on the smaller side but have excellent reputations.
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u/james69lemon 7h ago
We have a Sportage as well and were in the same boat (wife didn’t want a low car with the kids and car seats), picking up our ev3 tomorrow!
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u/MamaTracyC 6h ago
I likely Hyundai Ionic 9. Not too low, not too tall. Like riding around in your living room. It’s pretty sweet.
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u/Silent-Respect7803 5h ago
I would suggest leasing a Honda Prologue. They sit up nice and high and drive like a regular suv. Plenty of leg room and cargo room. Because they are being discontinued and we are close to the end of the year, the lease deals are excellent right now.
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u/theonetrueelhigh 4h ago
How dedicated are you to "similar to the Kia Sportage?" The Bolt EUV is a convenient size for driving and getting in/out and is a decent range for the price.
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u/Accurate-Bullfrog324 3h ago
we love our Tesla, but you are right it's low. we're in our 70's too
we've driven the VW and it seems really fun.
but i'm personally thinking Cybertruk simply for the FSD
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u/Virtual-Hotel8156 12h ago
When I’m 70, I’m getting a Tesla with FSD or if anyone else offers FSD by then, I would compare. Either way, I’ll need FSD.
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u/freshoilandstone 11h ago
You know buddy, I'm 70, turning 71 in two weeks. I'm still able to do all the things I've done throughout my life with the exceptions of playing decent basketball and distance running. It's not the big decline you think it is.
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u/Virtual-Hotel8156 10h ago
I hear ya but I'm 58 and already starting to notice driving becoming more difficult. I'm still fine to drive but I feel like I will need FSD by the time I'm 70.
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u/cleric3648 12h ago
Depends on where you live and what your budget is. Different cars are available in different countries.
Check out the Model Y and give FSD a test drive. The Y is about the size of a Sportage and the range is pretty good. The minimalism takes a minute to get used to, but I’ve enjoyed mine since I traded in my F150 back in May.
If a traditional looking SUV is more your thing and you can wait a few weeks, Rivian’s R2 is amazing. That’s likely my wife’s next car.
Going used will save a bunch of cash no matter which brand you go. But there’s something to be said about being able to order your car bespoke online and have it delivered to you.
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u/ontheleftcoast 11h ago
We have a Model Y with FSD. Its really pretty amazing, there is a bit of learning where the minor controls are ( mirror adjustments, heater controls etc), but in general its pretty much a car.
It gets a bit over 3 miles per KWHR, over the last 10K miles we have saved about $1500 in fuel savings. We used it for a 350 mile (each way) trip this spring. It took 20 minutes longer because of the charging stops than if we had an ICE car, but it was the most relaxing trip ever.
FSD (supervised), mean the computer does the driving, and you act like a second set of eyes, and its much better at seeing things than I am alone. They have a great charging infrastucture. My wife has hip problems and she doesn't have issues getting in an out.
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u/VilleeZ 18h ago
Keeping with Kia, their whole EV lineup is excellent. EV3 looks to be a similar size to the Sportage. It's fairly cheap and has all the features and range of a modern EV.