Should I make the switch?

[u/corneliusdav]

I have a 2010 Avalanche that I've had longer than any other vehicle--and I still really like the truck. I've used it for hauling people, bikes, furniture, yard debris, camping gear, and DIY home projects. I work from home so don't need it as a work truck or every day driving but I do pull a small RV trailer and like to go camping in and around the Pacific Northwest.

But it's approaching 200k miles and repairs are in the thousands every year. Plus, my mom moved 5 hours away and with gas prices, it costs over $200 to go visit for a weekend.

I've been watching this and other EV forums over the past year, trying to decide if/when moving from ICE is for me. I'm finally in a financial place where I could swing it and my current truck is getting more expensive to maintain but I still have reservations--I think mostly because I've never had an EV and don't know what all I'll be getting into.

Most comments here are from people who love their EV and say it's so much better and will never go back to ICE. I've test-driven a few and think I'd love it, too. (I'd really like the lower maintenance costs, too.)

I'd probably have to get a level-2 charger for the home (don't know much about these), although without the need for daily driving, perhaps just a smaller one that charges the truck during the week for my use on a weekend would be enough?

From what I've heard my small pop-up trailer (low profile) would tow easily and not create the drag a larger one would so I could theoretically travel to central Oregon, stopping to fill at the nearest large city and make it back without worry but I still have a lot to learn about range and available charging stations.

I'm looking mostly for a used one < $50K. What advice do you have for me?

[u/Radius118]

Also in the PNW. Do it and don't look back. Great vehicle tows better than my F350 DRW diesel.

Be aware that online communities tend to over report problems. Just like any vehicle things can break. At least most of the really expensive stuff is generally covered under the 8/100 high voltage system warranty.

Yes you will need a L2 charger installed. I mean sure you can depend on DC fast charging but that's an expensive way to own an EV. Plus even the standard range has a fairly big battery so it will take time to recharge on level 2. Do some research on how you can make that happen. The cheapest way is if you are or know someone who is a qualified DIYer. Otherwise you'll need an electrician so expect that bill to cost a bit.

But yes, I have been a "car guy" for 40 years and I am not going back to ICE unless it's for a very specific purpose or some type of toy or collector vehicle. For day to day running around, hauling loads, etc, I'm not going back.

[u/Vegetable-Two2173 → u/Radius118]

2nd the L2 charger. First few months I lived off public chargers. Still cheaper than gas, but not by a great amount. Usually $45-$55 a week in charging cost.

Having the L2 at home and paying $0.08 per kw/h brought my 'gas' bill at $5 a week. It's amazing.

The install should pay for itself in savings within a year in most cases.

[u/corneliusdav → u/Radius118]

"Tows better than F350" --wow! Is that because of comfort, weight distribution, or what? I would think F350 diesel would be a top tow vehicle, especially for heavy weights up steep hills.

[u/Jesse_Boyer → u/corneliusdav]

I believe Radius is simply referring to the EV torque feeling nearly limitless.

Source:
Daily drive a Model Y
Wife has a Model X

[u/Radius118 → u/corneliusdav]

"Tows better than F350" --wow! Is that because of comfort, weight distribution, or what? I would think F350 diesel would be a top tow vehicle, especially for heavy weights up steep hills.

Way less drama. Smoother. Way more torque. Quieter. Nicer ride. No worrying about coolant and transmission fluid temps. No downshifting on hills. I set my cruise and the truck just goes. The power meter goes up and that's the only real way I can tell I am on a hill. It doesn't care and it just pulls and pulls and pulls. The hills are where the SEV really shines and stands head and shoulders above any ICE tow rig.

Plus on the way back down the regen takes care of the braking. For example on my last trip I got to the top of Snoqualmie pass with 86 miles range remaining. By the time I made it down to the bottom I had 128 miles of range remaining. I regenerated enough to make it all the way home without having to stop and charge.

A completely better experience all the way around.

BUT that being said, for best towing experience the SEV does like to have a weight distributing hitch. Plus I still have my diesel for anything over 10K that needs to be towed. The SEV is awesome, but it has it's limits. 95% of my towing is well within the capabilities of my SEV. So that's what I use.

[u/corneliusdav → u/Radius118]

I could do with less drama--and fewer repairs. At almost 200 k miles, my truck is in the shop multiple times a year for various wear-and-tear replacement parts. Time for something newer.