Hey everyone,
I’m deciding on an EV, and I’m leaning toward the Mach-E Premium AWD.
Here’s my question—I’ll be driving about 160 miles round trip, 2 to 3 times per week, all on the highway, and mostly in winter. I’m in the Philly area, so it doesn’t get too cold, but I don’t want to rely on a work charger if I don’t have to.
Will the standard battery be enough for this? Or should I go for the extended one?
Thanks for any advice!
The tricky part with EVs is that you really don’t use the full battery. Most recommend keeping it between 10% and 80-90%, so you’re working with a bit less range. Personally, I’d go with the bigger battery—you never know when you’ll need the extra miles.
@Lee
Yeah, I hear you. I have two deals on the table—one is a 2022 without the extended battery and the other is a 2021 with it, both at the same price. The dealer with the 2022 is offering 0%, but the 2021 dealer doesn’t even acknowledge the rate.
@Amory
Wait, you can get 0% on a used car in the US? I just got a 2022 with the extended battery at 8.4% interest and thought it was a great deal.
Reign said:
@Amory
Wait, you can get 0% on a used car in the US? I just got a 2022 with the extended battery at 8.4% interest and thought it was a great deal.
Yep, here in the US. It does sound unreal, which is why I had to check again!
Reign said:
@Amory
Wait, you can get 0% on a used car in the US? I just got a 2022 with the extended battery at 8.4% interest and thought it was a great deal.
8.4%? Wow, those low-interest days are really gone. You can still get some loans around 6%-6.9%, but it’s not much better.
@Lee
Yeah, loans are cheaper, but I went with a lease deal.
@Amory
We have a 2021, and I think that year came with a few extras like touchless boot opening and auto parking. I’d honestly prefer the 2021 with the big battery and added features over a 2022 without them.
The Mach-E is a great car overall! We’ve tried a few EVs, including the Polestar 2 and the I-Pace, and the Mustang has been a favorite.
@Lee
Thanks for the insight!
If you’re going long distances regularly, I think the bigger battery will make you happier, especially in winter.
Camila said:
If you’re going long distances regularly, I think the bigger battery will make you happier, especially in winter.
It’s mostly a work car. Besides the 2-3 times a week commute, I won’t be driving far.
How’s your charging situation at home? If you have a Level 2 charger, you should be good to top off each night.
AnnKong said:
How’s your charging situation at home? If you have a Level 2 charger, you should be good to top off each night.
Yes, I’ll be charging at home.
AnnKong said:
How’s your charging situation at home? If you have a Level 2 charger, you should be good to top off each night.
Yes, I’ll be charging at home.
Any chance to charge at work? Would make things easier with either battery if you could top up there.
@keeganmustry
Possibly, but I hear they need to be reserved, and I’m not sure how many people use them. I might be fine with home charging, but I’m leaning toward the extended range for peace of mind.
For a 160-mile round trip, you should be fine with Level 2 charging at home. But you’d probably want to charge to 100% a couple of times a week. Extended range is still a good idea if you want that extra buffer.
@Sara
Good to know. Thanks! Yeah, sounds like I’d need 100% twice a week.
Remember, your range will drop when you’re driving at freeway speeds, especially in winter.
Justice said:
Remember, your range will drop when you’re driving at freeway speeds, especially in winter.
Thanks for the reminder!
If you charge to 90-95% before heading out, you should be good, even in winter. But if you only charge to 80%, it’ll be close. Extended battery is the way to go if you want less stress.