Decreasing options for gas motors, electric vehicles increasing, house options (vehicle, hybrid)

[Universe93B]

Main issue: Should I go ahead and have an electrician install 220 volt outlets in the garage now even though I don’t plan to buy an electric car in the next few years? We all know labor and all costs in general increase. We plan to stay in this house even at a 10 year mark and even longer most likely so was trying to plan ahead.

I have not been a diehard Tesla fan and not even a Chevy Volt or any of these plug in hybrids. But it seems like many car manufacturers will eventually have more electric car options than gas. Volvo already announced all electric by 2030. Audi said they will no longer develop new gas engines so what we got now is what we have for Audi. I think more and more car makers will do this.

I love a nice loud gas engine with a rumbling exhaust. But I think this will come to an end. I wanted to get an Audi S4/S5 or an MB AMG as my “last” gas engine car. But I drive 60 miles per day, around 20k miles per year, so with NC electricity costs, I would be better off in an EV. I think the instant torque of a Tesla electric motor is great, but wanted to enjoy gas engines one more time.

[k350]

Why would you waste money like that?

By the time you get an electric car, maybe can just plug into a regular plug.

[Universe93B]

Originally Posted by k350

Why would you waste money like that?

By the time you get an electric car, maybe can just plug into a regular plug.

I see you have not seen the charging times between a “regular” 110v outlet can a level 2 charger that uses 220 volts.

[1200RT]

Are you building a new house? Just to clarify.

If I was doing new construction, I probably would. No reason not to. At the very least, it will be good for resale.

[Universe93B]

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Are you building a new house? Just to clarify.

If I was doing new construction, I probably would. No reason not to. At the very least, it will be good for resale.

No, house is 5 years old. But need to see if it’s better to just get done now vs many years later when labor costs could be higher.

[k350]

Originally Posted by HouseBuilder328

I see you have not seen the charging times between a “regular” 110v outlet can a level 2 charger that uses 220 volts.

If you are not going to be using it for a few years, then why would it matter to you now?

As I said, in a few years, things can change, it could be just a simple plug in by then for all we know.

[Universe93B]

Originally Posted by k350

If you are not going to be using it for a few years, then why would it matter to you now?

As I said, in a few years, things can change, it could be just a simple plug in by then for all we know.

I already explained that in my OP - so reread it. As with things changing, batteries will only have larger capacities in the future, so why would you assume a 110v charger would cut it?

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by HouseBuilder328

Main issue: Should I go ahead and have an electrician install 220 volt outlets in the garage now even though I don’t plan to buy an electric car in the next few years? We all know labor and all costs in general increase. We plan to stay in this house even at a 10 year mark and even longer most likely so was trying to plan ahead.

I have not been a diehard Tesla fan and not even a Chevy Volt or any of these plug in hybrids. But it seems like many car manufacturers will eventually have more electric car options than gas. Volvo already announced all electric by 2030. Audi said they will no longer develop new gas engines so what we got now is what we have for Audi. I think more and more car makers will do this.

I love a nice loud gas engine with a rumbling exhaust. But I think this will come to an end. I wanted to get an Audi S4/S5 or an MB AMG as my “last” gas engine car. But I drive 60 miles per day, around 20k miles per year, so with NC electricity costs, I would be better off in an EV. I think the instant torque of a Tesla electric motor is great, but wanted to enjoy gas engines one more time.

You still can drive any vehicle you want, regardless if it is EV or not. All depend on what you want, since it is your money. As for me, I am already old enough not to worry about such things. My common sense tells me to enjoy what I already have instead of worrying about the future of EV versus ICE.

[BostonMike7]

I have family that are electricians. 220v EV charger installs are becoming quite common here in the northeast.


Even if you don’t install an EV charger, 220v in a garage is desirable as many heavy duty tools and such would benefit from a 220v circuit. I installed one in my garage and use it for a welder and other equipment. When/If I get an EV, it will be an easy install.

[ohio_peasant]

220V outlets with decent amperage are a useful addition to the garage, regardless of one's stance on electric cars. They're handy for compressors, mills or other machinery that runs on 220-240. And they're likely a convenient selling-point. As a prospective house-buyer (were I to have been one), I'd certainly look favorably on such a feature.

The ultimate would be a 480V 3-phase connection. I don't know if Tesla or other manufacturers offer a charger-interface for such a power source, but for industrial machinery, this is the standard power level. It may however be hard to find in a residential setting.