Simplify my garage?

[Fenixgoon]

I'd say I probably get the itch to replace my vehicle around 5 years.

Right now i have my 2017 mazda3 which is my daily. 87k miles and it's been rock solid. Nothing but oil changes

2008 Audi s6 - I made a thread about this long ago and i just don't have the time to get it where i want it. It technically runs but needs love.

Picked up a 1980 Honda CB750 on a whim, and this is definitely going. I need to finish working on it though with some friendly help.

My thought was to replace all this with a used 2023 Mach-E, or a Hyundai/Kia variant. At least the Mach-E can be found for about 27k used and making up the difference (between sale of all the above) wouldn't be that bad.

Thoughts?

 

[repoman0]

Seems like a no brainer to me if you only need one car, drive a lot, and don’t need it for road trips. The S6 isn’t cool or special enough to justify the money pit German expenses or the hassle of owning a second car, IMO.

 

[bbhaag]

Yep, sell that Audi for whatever you can get and buy the best 2023 Mach-E you can afford. I'm a fan of the GT variants but the Premium AWD models do 90% and can sometimes be found cheaper.

Are you setup for an EV? At home L2 charging is a must if you are thinking about dipping your toes in the EV waters.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Yep, sell that Audi for whatever you can get and buy the best 2023 Mach-E you can afford. I'm a fan of the GT variants but the Premium AWD models do 90% and can sometimes be found cheaper.

Are you setup for an EV? At home L2 charging is a must if you are thinking about dipping your toes in the EV waters.

Not setup for an EV but my panel is right in the garage. Can't imagine it would be hard to add a 220

 

[bbhaag]

Not setup for an EV but my panel is right in the garage. Can't imagine it would be hard to add a 220

It's not hard at all especially if you are somewhat familiar with wiring. I know you are just thinking about it but IMO the Emporia chargers are the best bang for the buck on the market right now.

I hardwired one in a few years ago on a 60 amp circuit and it has been rock solid. It set me back $400 for the charger and around $400 for all the materials to install it myself. The wire was the most expensive part but I had a 125 foot drop. If you have the skills and it's closer it would cost a lot less.

Here it is just after I got done doing the install.


The last blank in the subpanel is were the 60 amp breaker was installed.

 

[Kaido]

I'd say I probably get the itch to replace my vehicle around 5 years.

Right now i have my 2017 mazda3 which is my daily. 87k miles and it's been rock solid. Nothing but oil changes

2008 Audi s6 - I made a thread about this long ago and i just don't have the time to get it where i want it. It technically runs but needs love.

Picked up a 1980 Honda CB750 on a whim, and this is definitely going. I need to finish working on it though with some friendly help.

My thought was to replace all this with a used 2023 Mach-E, or a Hyundai/Kia variant. At least the Mach-E can be found for about 27k used and making up the difference (between sale of all the above) wouldn't be that bad.

Thoughts?

One for fun, one to run! You need something to tinker with!!

 

[Paperdoc]

Regarding electrical supply, if you already have a 120 / 240 VAC service panel in your garage, adding an L2 charger system that fits your new EV is not too hard. DIY if you know wiring yourself. Small job for a contractor. BUT you do need to check capacity. The charger will need a 240 VAC circuit rated for 40 , 50 or 60 Amps. VERIFY the exact power needs AND the plug configuration of the charger you plan to install and get the correct panel breaker, cable, mounting box and outlet socket. ALSO check whether your panel and the supply lines TO it are capable of supplying that much power. On some older systems (say, panel is rated for 60 Amps max) You may be able to "get away with" using this charger only when NOT using any other heavy loads simultaneously.

I was in the more fortunate situation of planning for this when I installed our new garage. With a contractor's advice I had them install a buried cable for 120 / 240 VAC 100 A supply to the garage, and then I installed there a 100 A panel as I wired the garage. I have about 10 separate 15 A circuits installed for light loads like lighting, workbench outlets, garage door opener, and exterior outlets for general yard use and for automobile engine block heaters. There is lots of panel breaker space and electrical ampacity to add up to two 40A charger circuits, or one heavy one (possible future designs needing 60 to 70 A).

 

[Brainonska511]

Are you setup for an EV? At home L2 charging is a must if you are thinking about dipping your toes in the EV waters.

If you generally drive <50 miles a day, L1 charging would probably be fine, albeit a little slow. Though, L2 would definitely be a bit better for when you want to charge a little faster and maybe charge every few days.

 

[bbhaag]

If you generally drive <50 miles a day, L1 charging would probably be fine, albeit a little slow. Though, L2 would definitely be a bit better for when you want to charge a little faster and maybe charge every few days.

I tried L1 charging for the first three months of ownership. It wasn't the best experience and I drive less than 50 miles a day. That is why I recommend installing a L2 EVSE to anyone seriously considering purchasing an EV.

 

[Brainonska511]

I tried L1 charging for the first three months of ownership. It wasn't the best experience and I drive less than 50 miles a day. That is why I recommend installing a L2 EVSE to anyone seriously considering purchasing an EV.

For sure, I think installing L2 is good if you have the ability to do it.