No, they wouldn’t. Solid state batteries, such as ones QuantumScape works on, still rely on chemical processes. The laws of physics dictate that those processes aren’t fully reversible. If two substances will chemically react (meaning that the combined substance is more stable in a lower energy state), the process to separate them again not only takes more energy (from electicity in the charging circuit) but also wouldn’t be complete in any finite amount of time.
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Here in the northeast, we generate electricity primarily by burning natural gas, a fossil fuel.
So to make more electricity, we would need to burn more fossil fuel = more greenhouse gases.
My sticking point RE: electric cars is people seem to talk about electricity as it is (a) free, and (b) generated without producing pollution. Neither is true.
I remember reading an article about the electrification of remote Irish villages in the 1930’s. Many thought it was the greatest thing ever until they found out they would have to pay for it. Many went back to their old ways at that point!
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For a gas powered SUV comparable in size to Tesla X (which is what we have), it is not 2 minutes every two weeks. It is 15-20 minutes if there is no line (including detour and fueling time) every week. Plus oil changes twice a year. Three years to date, and we still plug the X into a regular wall outlet. Works for us.
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According to https://www.visualcapitalist.com/road-to-decarbonization-united-states-electricity-mix/ , Massachusetts electricity generation is 76.1% natural gas. Other northeastern states vary, with Vermont and Maine being heavy with hydroelectric and renewables, while New Hampshire uses a lot of nuclear generation.
You can also compare greenhouse gas emissions for electric vehicles versus gasoline vehicles by state at Alternative Fuels Data Center: Emissions from Electric Vehicles . The typical results:
- Coal-heavy states (e.g. KY, MO WV, WY): hybrid < plug-in hybrid ~= electric < gasoline non-hybrid
- Petroleum-heavy state (HI): hybrid ~= electric < plug-in hybrid < gasoline non-hybrid
- Other states and US overall: electric < plug-in hybrid < hybrid < gasoline non-hybrid
One other consideration: the US is still a significant net importer of petroleum, which contributes to the trade deficit. Some of it comes from places like Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Actually, I believe in 2019 the US became a net exporter of petroleum for the first time since 1973 and the beginning of it being tracked.
As more electric vehicles come online our electric grid will certainly have to be improved to accommodate the rise in demand. More demand will also mean more power plants of some sort to supply that increased demand. The reality is that demand is needed pretty steadily too since there is currently no way to effectively store the power so we need sources that are fairly constant or able to produce on demand. I suspect the cost of electricity will increase to accomplish this too.
We hav solar water heater and photovoltaic for most of our other energy needs. We don’t have fog, extreme temperatures and mostly sunny days so I think we are idea for solar.
307 miles on one Tesla 3 charge, solar panels on house (300+ days of sunshine), charger in garage
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Having grown up a “car guy,” I’m actually very happy that Tesla’s are being sold in greater numbers. The old folks that, in the past, would drive 25 mph in a 35 mph zone or 50 mph on the freeway, in their Lexuses and MBZ’s, now put their foot into Tesla’s and speed.
Thank goodness for Tesla’s. 
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At least some manufacturers build that into the system so you don’t really have to worry about it. Take for example the Prius Prime mentioned earlier, it has an 8.8 kWh battery, but when you charge it to 100% you use only about 6.6 kWh. They have a buffer at the top and bottom of the range so you can just use it.
Assuming you have a garage or someplace with an outlet at your home, yes it is super to easy to charge everyday. The cars come with a charging cord that you can plug into a regular wall outlet. That will take a long time to charge a 300 mile battery at home unless you have a 240v outlet. Re electricity costs, it really depends on what part of the country you live in, the plan you have, etc. In California, our rates are high. We have a flat rate plan that is about $0.33/kWh, so it often costs us more than gas would to charge. On tiered plans, the rate can be as low as $0.09/kWh to charge, so that would be a lot cheaper, but other times of the day are more expensive. We currently have 2 plug-in hybrids. I can see where we could get by with on all-electric and the other a PHEV now. We have some 1000 roundtrips that we need to make, so the PHEV works best for us right now for that use case.
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Subaru offers extended warranty plans direct from the company (Subaru). Vary in length & coverage. Can get up to 10 years/100,000 miles or 8 years/120,000 although there are many other options.
The Subaru extended warranty can be purchased at any time before the original 36 month/36,000 miles warranty expires.
Dealers set their own prices.
Repairs at any authorized Subaru dealer in the US or Canada. Two deductible options = $0 or $100.
Key fact: Subaru extended warranties are transferable to future buyers/owners of the vehicle. Should make any Subaru easier to sell as a used car.
Unfortunately, one has to deal with the dealership finance person in order to purchase an extended warranty. Be sure to demand written material detailing what is & is not covered under the extended warranty. Prices are negotiable. Can purchase from any authorized Subaru dealer & warranty service can be provided by any authorized Subaru dealer in the US and, I was told–so not certain, Canada.
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My kid bought the Subaru extended warranty. He figured with all the electronics and such, it was worth having. He bought a certified used off lease car with only 17,000 miles on it. I think it was a good decision for him.
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We were offered a 96 month / 80,000 miles extended warranty for a bit over $3,200 that was quickly reduced to $2,270. Unfortunately, the finance manager’s presentation did not include any written materials such as pamphlets or outlines of coverage so we passed, but will consider purchasing from a different Subaru dealer if the options are presented in a more professional manner.
One Subaru dealer in Pennsylvania has published their prices for all of the Subaru extended warranty options sold at his dealership. Available online. I found it by googling whether or not Subaru extended warranties were good.
Subarus are generally considered reliable cars. Do you expect to spend over $2,270 in repairs between years 3 and 8 or between 36,000 and 80,000 miles (and not covered by other warranties like powertrain or emissions)?
I do not recall spending anywhere near that much in repairs during such age and mileage ranges on any car, even those generally considered much less reliable than recent Subarus.
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I have 70,000 miles on my Subaru Outback. Nothing but oil changes, tires and brakes. None of which would be covered in a warranty. So I made a good decision not to buy the extended warranty
When we are visiting our daughter over thanksgiving, she wants us to go with her to look at a Hyundai Kona EV.
Thought I’d ask is anyone has any information about this car
An extended warranty is bit like catastrophic-type health insurance. It’s there for a significant event, such as electronics, engines, transmissions, etc. going bad for some reason, due to a non-recall manufacturing defect beyond the standard warranty period.
And, at least in my case, if I’m looking for a used car, and all other things are equal, then I’d personally pay more for the car (and I have in the past) with the extended warranty than one that didn’t have one. It’s peace of mind on any car. The extended warranty on a new car depend a lot on the price negotiated at the dealer.
So some of the cost of an extended warranty is probably returned on the back end when the car is sold as used but still under the extended warranty. For the right price, I’d buy it, even on a Toyota.
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Completely disagree.
An extended warranty has absolutely no bearing on my decision to buy a car.
I guess it does for some people but I’ve never thought about that factor.
Being a member of several car aficionado forums, I’d say buying a used car with a transferable warranty for a reasonable premium would be the majority opinion. IMO.
Using the Subaru as an example, I’ve seen a lot of rust buckets. I’ve never owned one, but I believe the standard warranty for repairing rust damage is 5 years. The extended Subaru warranty will take that out to 10 years, if I read correctly.
If you live in AZ or CA, rust may not matter, but if I’m buying a new or used Subaru (or almost any car for that matter) in the Rust Belt, Mountains or the Northwest, ME personally, I’d pay a reasonable premium for the just the rust protection (added warranty) alone, since that is VERY expensive to repair. And then add the protection for all the electronics and drivetrain, etc. for an extra 5 years?
It just depends on the extended warranty and its cost. New or used car purchase. But you’re more than welcome to disagree with my opinion.
Obviously, Publisher is considering buying an extended warranty.
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Great points. Thank you.
Subaru reliability, while strong overall, varies by model and year.
I would purchase the transferable 10 year warranty for peace of mind, ease of reselling as a used car, and as inflation protection.
Primary concern is the electrical system. The warranty is only valid at Subaru dealers throughout the US & Canada. This eliminates any temptation to take the vehicle elsewhere for any repairs in an effort to save money on repairs.
P.S. I view a prepaid long-term extended warranty as protection against both inflation (expensive rising cost repairs) & recession (when repairs might otherwise be unaffordable for some).
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