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What is the charger network like for non-Teslas in the US, and how do the ranges realistically compare?

rootusrootus 4y ago
The Tesla network is still better, but the non-Tesla network is adequate and growing faster. There have been teething problems on the chargers, but it seems like that has improved over time. A number of EVs have similar range to Teslas. Some of the older ones that began life as compliance cars are a little low. But even a Bolt, which basically costs half what a Tesla does, has about 260 miles range. Though in my experience the Bolt more often estimates range accurately where my Tesla consistently overestimated range by a good margin (I had a P3D, which is likely most of the reason why).
- steveBK123 4y ago
  Yup. Depends on region. In NYC area, Tesla supercharger network still has more locations and way more chargers per location than the CCS networks. Further, Tesla continues to expand as fast or faster than EA’s CCS network. Range is funny because Tesla on paper is the best, but in reality they tend to overstate by 10-20% whereas some other makers understate by 20%. So for example many have seen a 220mi Taycan and a 310mi Model 3 get the same range in real world. You really have to read a range of websites tests between models to compare. Another interesting facet will be how the batteries age. Some early EVs didn’t cool their packs well and degraded fast. Some makers sort of overprovision their packs with capacity you can’t use, in theory if that is released by software as you age then the impact is lower. For example on a Tesla you are likely to see 2-3% loss per year. That means a 2018 310mi Model 3 now only charges to a claimed 280mi. Then detract 15% for real world use since they overpromise, bad weather impacts, only wanting to charge to 80/90%, only wanting to go down to say 5-10%.. and you are probably stopping every 180mi.
  - gonehome 4y ago
    I have a 2018 model 3 with 35k miles and capacity is at 300mi fully charged. At least that one data point is better than what you suggest.
    - steveBK123 4y ago
      Mine only charges to 280mi now and I am at way fewer miles, so YMMV. I think its region dependent, maybe my car got more hot/cold cycles, etc being parked outdoors in NYC for years.
      - gonehome 4y ago
        Yeah, mine was in ideal conditions (bay area, garage) so that could definitely be a factor.

The Tesla network is still better, but the non-Tesla network is adequate and growing faster. There have been teething problems on the chargers, but it seems like that has improved over time. A number of EVs have similar range to Teslas. Some of the older ones that began life as compliance cars are a little low. But even a Bolt, which basically costs half what a Tesla does, has about 260 miles range. Though in my experience the Bolt more often estimates range accurately where my Tesla consistently overestimated range by a good margin (I had a P3D, which is likely most of the reason why).

steveBK123 4y ago
Yup. Depends on region. In NYC area, Tesla supercharger network still has more locations and way more chargers per location than the CCS networks. Further, Tesla continues to expand as fast or faster than EA’s CCS network. Range is funny because Tesla on paper is the best, but in reality they tend to overstate by 10-20% whereas some other makers understate by 20%. So for example many have seen a 220mi Taycan and a 310mi Model 3 get the same range in real world. You really have to read a range of websites tests between models to compare. Another interesting facet will be how the batteries age. Some early EVs didn’t cool their packs well and degraded fast. Some makers sort of overprovision their packs with capacity you can’t use, in theory if that is released by software as you age then the impact is lower. For example on a Tesla you are likely to see 2-3% loss per year. That means a 2018 310mi Model 3 now only charges to a claimed 280mi. Then detract 15% for real world use since they overpromise, bad weather impacts, only wanting to charge to 80/90%, only wanting to go down to say 5-10%.. and you are probably stopping every 180mi.
- gonehome 4y ago
  I have a 2018 model 3 with 35k miles and capacity is at 300mi fully charged. At least that one data point is better than what you suggest.
  - steveBK123 4y ago
    Mine only charges to 280mi now and I am at way fewer miles, so YMMV. I think its region dependent, maybe my car got more hot/cold cycles, etc being parked outdoors in NYC for years.
    - gonehome 4y ago
      Yeah, mine was in ideal conditions (bay area, garage) so that could definitely be a factor.