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Are you claiming that EVs don’t have AWD? My car begs to differ. Or...? Sorry I’m not versed on the finer points of 4x4 versus 4WD versus AWD terminology so may

by natch 6y ago

Are you claiming that EVs don’t have AWD? My car begs to differ. Or...? Sorry I’m not versed on the finer points of 4x4 versus 4WD versus AWD terminology so maybe it’s me that’s confused, feel free to fill me in.

ip26 6y ago
4x4 mechanically locks the front and rear axles together. Valuable vs AWD for driving in very low traction conditions like sand, mud, deep snow. Should not be engaged on dry pavement. AWD dynamically routes power and is always on.
- natch 6y ago
  Thanks! I wonder if the “valuable vs AWD” part is updated to reflect what EVs can do vs old fashioned gears-and-transmission AWD.
  - chrisBob 6y ago
    EVs typically have a different motor for the front and back wheels, so they would have most of the same traction benefit of a 4x4 system. In the case of companies like Tesla, I think they market as AWD because that implies a system designed for slippery roads, and not off road trails. 4x4 or 4WD can differ a lot but all typically include a locking center differential so that even if both front (or rear) wheels have no traction, the vehicle can move.
    - natch 6y ago
      Model Y has an “off road” mode but that’s about all I know — don’t know how it works.
titanomachy 6y ago
For me it was a matter of cost, there were lots of inexpensive used ICE cars with AWD but no electric ones. The cheapest AWD Tesla seems to be $47k new which is vastly more than most people spend on a car.
- llampx 6y ago
  Isn't the average new car price around $40k in 2019/2020? Its been going up because consumers are buying overpriced SUVs instead of sedans.
- natch 6y ago
  If you do an analysis of all factors the Tesla is not so bad on cost. Sure you can get way cheaper cars in terms of up front price. But the price comparison is more fair if you factor in the safety and the savings on gas and maintenance. Not to mention resale value and helping do a small part for the future.

by natch 6y ago

ip26 6y ago

4x4 mechanically locks the front and rear axles together. Valuable vs AWD for driving in very low traction conditions like sand, mud, deep snow. Should not be engaged on dry pavement. AWD dynamically routes power and is always on.

natch 6y ago
Thanks! I wonder if the “valuable vs AWD” part is updated to reflect what EVs can do vs old fashioned gears-and-transmission AWD.
- chrisBob 6y ago
  EVs typically have a different motor for the front and back wheels, so they would have most of the same traction benefit of a 4x4 system. In the case of companies like Tesla, I think they market as AWD because that implies a system designed for slippery roads, and not off road trails. 4x4 or 4WD can differ a lot but all typically include a locking center differential so that even if both front (or rear) wheels have no traction, the vehicle can move.
  - natch 6y ago
    Model Y has an “off road” mode but that’s about all I know — don’t know how it works.

titanomachy 6y ago

For me it was a matter of cost, there were lots of inexpensive used ICE cars with AWD but no electric ones. The cheapest AWD Tesla seems to be $47k new which is vastly more than most people spend on a car.

llampx 6y ago
Isn't the average new car price around $40k in 2019/2020? Its been going up because consumers are buying overpriced SUVs instead of sedans.
natch 6y ago
If you do an analysis of all factors the Tesla is not so bad on cost. Sure you can get way cheaper cars in terms of up front price. But the price comparison is more fair if you factor in the safety and the savings on gas and maintenance. Not to mention resale value and helping do a small part for the future.