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The non-Tesla EVs I've owned have required frequent software updates & had several serious-sounding recalls. I assume the manufacturer pays for these visits. So

The non-Tesla EVs I've owned have required frequent software updates & had several serious-sounding recalls. I assume the manufacturer pays for these visits. So, not zero revenue! At least for a few years. And I'm sure they'll invent some clearcoat-style bullshit they can aggressively push. Premium-electron filters, or some such crap.

chaostheory 8y ago
Which ones did you own? I've owned both the 1st and 2nd gen Chevy Volt. I have not needed any software updates or patches and my recalls were not serious. The only real maintenance I've done on both cars is for tires and an oil change every 2 years. This is nothing compared to a car with a combustible engine. Yes the manufacturer pays for recalls, but since it's from one large customer; the dealers probably generate less revenue from the manufacturer vs a horde of consumers
mikestew 8y ago
The non-Tesla EVs I've owned have required frequent software updates & had several serious-sounding recalls. Nissan Leaf owner almost since they first rolled off the production line, and not one recall or update was required to keep the vehicle running tip-top. Sibling comment ruled out the Volt, so what were these buggy EVs that had required software updates?
- robterrell 8y ago
  I've had two non-Tesla EVs: the Fiat 500e and the BMW i3. The Fiat 500e had two recalls while I owned it. Both were for a possible propulsion system fault that could result in the vehicle stalling while driving. They sent a flatbed tow truck instead of letting me drive it in. The BMW i3 had a recall for a safety issue, unrelated to the electronic nature of the car. Although it's probably fair to relate it to the "let's make an all-new car design from the ground up" impulse behind it. BTW, I just went back to a more traditional plug-in hybrid over weekend. Five years as an EV driver (not in a Tesla) was a long time to be feeling range anxiety. I look forward to watching Mercedes and Porsche stick the landing.
  - mikestew 8y ago
    The Fiat 500e had two recalls while I owned it. Both were for a possible propulsion system fault that could result in the vehicle stalling while driving I suppose it would be in poor taste to make jokes at the expense of Fiat reliability in this case. But holy cow, so much for the simplicity and reliability of electrics. :-P Thanks for sharing your experience. I will say as a counter example that our Leaf is the most low-attention vehicle we’ve owned. By eliminating gas stops, we literally just get in and drive between yearly check-ups (which amount to “check battery, change cabin air filter”).
    - robterrell 8y ago
      Yeah, don't blame Fiat too much, the EV conversion was done by Bosch! And remember Tesla had a rash of much-publicized propulsion system stalls (as did the Tesla-powered Toyota RAV4 and MB models). Aside from the few recalls and range anxiety, my experience with EVs has been stellar as well. I wish there was a long-range EV I could afford... (that didn't look like a Bolt.) Kind of dreading dealing with gasoline engines again. I'm basically treating this new car as an EV with a extra-large REX.
floatrock 8y ago
> And I'm sure they'll invent some clearcoat-style bullshit they can aggressively push. Premium-electron filters, or some such crap. These are commonly "electric system warranties." But then again, these aren't quite at the level of the clearcoat... anyone who's ever had an electrical gremlin knows how expensive diagnosing those can be. When your brake squeals, any mechanic can figure out what part to replace. When your battery slowly drains over two days, it is much more labor intensive to figure out what part is responsible or where on the wire harness there's a short...

chaostheory 8y ago

Which ones did you own? I've owned both the 1st and 2nd gen Chevy Volt. I have not needed any software updates or patches and my recalls were not serious. The only real maintenance I've done on both cars is for tires and an oil change every 2 years. This is nothing compared to a car with a combustible engine. Yes the manufacturer pays for recalls, but since it's from one large customer; the dealers probably generate less revenue from the manufacturer vs a horde of consumers

mikestew 8y ago

The non-Tesla EVs I've owned have required frequent software updates & had several serious-sounding recalls. Nissan Leaf owner almost since they first rolled off the production line, and not one recall or update was required to keep the vehicle running tip-top. Sibling comment ruled out the Volt, so what were these buggy EVs that had required software updates?

robterrell 8y ago
I've had two non-Tesla EVs: the Fiat 500e and the BMW i3. The Fiat 500e had two recalls while I owned it. Both were for a possible propulsion system fault that could result in the vehicle stalling while driving. They sent a flatbed tow truck instead of letting me drive it in. The BMW i3 had a recall for a safety issue, unrelated to the electronic nature of the car. Although it's probably fair to relate it to the "let's make an all-new car design from the ground up" impulse behind it. BTW, I just went back to a more traditional plug-in hybrid over weekend. Five years as an EV driver (not in a Tesla) was a long time to be feeling range anxiety. I look forward to watching Mercedes and Porsche stick the landing.
- mikestew 8y ago
  The Fiat 500e had two recalls while I owned it. Both were for a possible propulsion system fault that could result in the vehicle stalling while driving I suppose it would be in poor taste to make jokes at the expense of Fiat reliability in this case. But holy cow, so much for the simplicity and reliability of electrics. :-P Thanks for sharing your experience. I will say as a counter example that our Leaf is the most low-attention vehicle we’ve owned. By eliminating gas stops, we literally just get in and drive between yearly check-ups (which amount to “check battery, change cabin air filter”).
  - robterrell 8y ago
    Yeah, don't blame Fiat too much, the EV conversion was done by Bosch! And remember Tesla had a rash of much-publicized propulsion system stalls (as did the Tesla-powered Toyota RAV4 and MB models). Aside from the few recalls and range anxiety, my experience with EVs has been stellar as well. I wish there was a long-range EV I could afford... (that didn't look like a Bolt.) Kind of dreading dealing with gasoline engines again. I'm basically treating this new car as an EV with a extra-large REX.

floatrock 8y ago

> And I'm sure they'll invent some clearcoat-style bullshit they can aggressively push. Premium-electron filters, or some such crap. These are commonly "electric system warranties." But then again, these aren't quite at the level of the clearcoat... anyone who's ever had an electrical gremlin knows how expensive diagnosing those can be. When your brake squeals, any mechanic can figure out what part to replace. When your battery slowly drains over two days, it is much more labor intensive to figure out what part is responsible or where on the wire harness there's a short...