Poll: primary reason you are purchasing a 4xe

[jadewolf]

I just ordered a regular Rubicon, but I'm very intrigued about the 4xe.

Given the prevalence of first-year problems with FCA, I hesitated to buy one just yet, though. I'm hoping that by the time I'm ready to buy the next Jeep (probably in another 10 years) the EV tech will be mature enough that I'll be able to get a legitimately capable, yet fully electric Jeep.

For me, it would be all about going green. Trying to balance environmental concerns with the hobbies I enjoy. There's only so much I can do as just one person, but I try to do what I can to reduce my own impact.

Also, gas is ridiculously expensive in SoCal.

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[Sboden]

I've always been willing to take the risk. I've owned 5 first year models and have been happy with all of them.

 

[jdeolivares]

2015 Renegade Trailhawk here. I've done no mods or anything to it an am lucky to get 20 MPG. Gotta love hills. So the 4xe and my 8 1/2 mile round trip work commute is perfect!

With an 8.5 mile commute you should be able to commute gas free by just charging every other day at night or at work. My commute is a bit longer at 52 miles round trip. But if the 4xe gets 21 miles electric range, I will need 10 miles of gas power each day , or .5 gallons assuming 20mpg. 52miles per .5 gal means effective 104mpg. I can charge at work for free and at home it will cost around $2.50 per night in electricity. Gas is $3.40 to $3.50 a gallon here on Northern CA. I get around 22 mpg with my Renegade. So gas costs me $8.04 per day. With the 4xe it will cost me $1.70 in gas plus $2.50 in electricity . I save $3.83 per daily commute. If I commute 50 weeks per year, I save $959/yr.

 

[Gazelle]

...aren't you guys worried this first gen will be riddled with problems...

No, that does not worry me. I fully expect at least 1 problem which results in a recall and requires reprogramming of one of the computers. I'm hoping the total number and severity of issues will be low, but I'm really not worried about it. New powertrain, new vehicle comes with a decent warranty. If it exhibits serious, irreparable, design flaws, I'll return it as a lemon or trade it for a conventional gas model.

I grew up driving cars from the 60's & 70's. Vehicles have all (even FCA) improved so much in reliability since then that this 4xe will undoubtedly be an improvement.

 

[Bren]

I've seen a lot of these polls in the Tesla community over the years. The answer is "all of the above". I want better gas mileage (or no gas many days around town) that offers increased performance and happens to come with a tax credit. That's a great vehicle choice. If it's only one of those things, I'm probably not compelled.

 

[Sboden]

I've seen a lot of these polls in the Tesla community over the years. The answer is "all of the above". I want better gas mileage (or no gas many days around town) that offers increased performance and happens to come with a tax credit. That's a great vehicle choice. If it's only one of those things, I'm probably not compelled.

I believe most have multiple reasons but many have one that stands out as the main reason. I put the pole up for them.

 

[hisdigness]

More gas. More torque. Less gas!

 

[orejo]

My reasoning is a combination of factors. We have made it a point to get hybrid, EV or PHEV vehicles for over 10 years - ever since our 2007 Prius. Our children are now adults and the '94 Nissan truck we have kept around to teach them to drive a stick and to haul things is no longer a necessary third vehicle. The 4xe allows us to drop down to just two vehicles, both daily commuters, and still be able to tow for hauling or go out further into the woods here in Oregon than our usual city cars can handle. We sold our 2013 Leaf just before ordering the 4xe back in November since working at home means we don't need two daily commuters at the moment - using just a Niro EV with the truck as an emergency backup.

The more personal feeling factor is that I wanted a Jeep as a teenager and was repeatedly promised one for my 16th birthday by a parent who never could keep a promise, let along money in his pocket. I am now in my 40s and can get my own dang Jeep that is finally a practical vehicle for my life situation...and it is a beautiful snazzberry color.

 

[HungryHound]

I've always been willing to take the risk. I've owned 5 first year models and have been happy with all of them.

I agree. Sometimes waiting can backfire. Remember the old Acura Integras? Those were so over built since Honda was concerned about quality of the new Acura nameplate. Once a vehicle is launched, the "now make it cheaper" mantra starts all the way through the supply chain. The first year might be the best year and the tax incentive won't be around forever.

 

[HungryHound]

Can I say "all the above?" factors alll play together. I picked the 4xe because of the feature/benefit/value. HP and Torque are factors, Green and short trip plug-in matter for everyday convenience and green feel good thinking.......The tax credits seal the value deal. No tax credit??? Likely a diesel for torque or the 2.0 turbo for all around value and performance... They were the "value" debate I was having. But...THE 4XE QUALIFIES FOR $10K in tax back to me by feds and in Oregon so the 4XE ticks the value/performance/green box! A win/win in my analysis!

So.... in Oregan, can you plug in your own hybrid, or does an attendant have to do that for you? ?

 

[KarlN]

So.... in Oregan, can you plug in your own hybrid, or does an attendant have to do that for you? ?

That's a good one! Actually the 4XE will spend most of it's life in our Nevada home where there's a Mecca of off roading

 

[HungryHound]

That's a good one! Actually the 4XE will spend most of it's life in our Nevada home where there's a Mecca of off roading

Nice! When I was working and had to go to Vegas, I'd always spend the weekend and hike Red Rock Canyon. Great view of Sin City from the top of the Sinks hike.

 

[ps2baseball]

I agree. Sometimes waiting can backfire. Remember the old Acura Integras? Those were so over built since Honda was concerned about quality of the new Acura nameplate. Once a vehicle is launched, the "now make it cheaper" mantra starts all the way through the supply chain. The first year might be the best year and the tax incentive won't be around forever.

I“ve seen multiple posts on this, and stilldont get it. When will the 7500go away?

Also, what happens to these things when the batteries die like a cell phone”s and they won’t hold a charge?

 

[Sboden]

I“ve seen multiple posts on this, and stilldont get it. When will the 7500go away?

Also, what happens to these things when the batteries die like a cell phone”s and they won’t hold a charge?

It will probably sometime after this year. On one of the posts, the rebate showed the amount and what other manufactures are getting for EV and PHEV. You can see some have lasted for a while due to how the throttle the rebate down.

The battery will diminish over time but there are a lot older batteries out there still going. It will be an expense if you keep the vehicle long term in years. This is where the eco discussion comes into play but I personally am not buying it for the environment. I want HP and torque.

 

[Jeeperz Kreeperz]

I“ve seen multiple posts on this, and stilldont get it. When will the 7500go away?

A lot of people mistakenly think the $7,500 EV tax credit disappears immediately after the 200,000th EV is sold. Not true. I wrote a post on this topic here that might help:

How the $7,500 EV Tax Credit Phases Out

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