Yes the majority of Tesla owners are a very special combination of smug and DBAg at least the ones who post in forums anyway.

Prius owners go on about how Chevy offerings are invalid, unreliable and have insufficient interior space for strollers 2 cars seats and grandma

Nissan buyers complain that no volt owner cares about the environment and that the bolt isn't comfortable for a 6'4 280lb man

 

Yes the majority of Tesla owners are a very special combination of smug and DBAg at least the ones who post in forums anyway.

There are a few Tesla owners here who own Chevrolet products as well... so be careful there....
I'm friends with a very fine older gentleman (local attorney) who plans on trading in his i3 for a Model 3 when it's available because he's unhappy with the harsh i3 ride characteristics. He's neither "smug" or a "DBag" just a nice, regular guy like most of us. Who knows... maybe I'll get him interested in the Bolt rather than the M3.

 

On the Internet you're liable to encounter opinionated people with strongly-held views. Most people don't bother with forums.

I expect that, at least on the Internet you'll find a clear divide amongst owners of different PEVs, and Tesla v Chevrolet is liable to be very strong, since their approaches will divide idealists and pragmatists.

I want a Model 3 (idealistic) but I'd fall back to a Bolt (pragmatic).

 

I am a 2013 Volt owner and am leaning toward the Model 3 for my next vehicle over the Bolt EV. I am 23,XXX in the reservation list. I actually love the look of the Model 3 and like knowing I would have access to the Tesla supercharging stations even if at cost. These will likely be faster charges. If Chevy had a similar supported network in place I might be driving a Bolt EV right now. In all honesty I love my Volt and probably would also love the Bolt EV, but I like the slightly better look of the Model 3 and the charging network will likely be the deciding factor. I am not worried about service as I live 4 miles from a Tesla showroom / repair facility in NJ. I am waiting for more details on all the Model 3 pricing options before I make a decision and in no rush. I also have over $1,800 in GM Rewards of which $1,000 could be used toward the purchase of a Bolt EV. Even with the $1K I can use toward the Bolt EV I am still leaning toward the Model 3. And who said the charging network will not help sell a vehicle?

 

As we can see from the comments, and other web sites postings, Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf fans are "exclusive", in the sense that only the "special cases" deserve those BEVs. GM designed the Chevy Bolt EV based on the most common sized vehicle sold worldwide: the compact people carrier. I have one - a 2009 Chevy Equinox (see my signature), and it may not be "sexy" (who has sex with their cars? Do they do it through the tailpipe?) or "sporty" (who races with their cars every day?), but the Equinox is the best selling CUV (and the second best vehicle) in GM's line which has the best rear space for three pasengers, a higher riding height, a flat floor, and plenty of interior cargo space when the rear seat backs are folded forward (I have carried 4 ft x 8 ft panels, 8 ft lumber, and a 10 ft aluminum ladder INSIDE). It also have a roof rack for even larger cargo, but I have not needed it.

But most cars are smaller than the Equinox, so the Bolt is a smaller CUV that still has more interior space than the TM Model S, the Nissan Leaf, and all other BEVs (except the Model X), a high ride height (for older passengers and some drivers), a really flat floor (from door to door), a rear bench seat (for sliding across), a roof rack, and some cargo space behind the rear seats with a cover. And just like the Equinox, the Bolt EV can fold down the rear seat backs and caryy more and larger cargo INSIDE, too.

So, if you want a "special" BEV, look elsewhere. But if you want a family BEV that can do almost EVERYTHING that a family car can do, especially to carry passengers and cargo, yet spend less money and have the best GM technology, buy the Chevy Bolt EV. I am patiently waiting for the Bolt EV to arrive in my market to replace my Equinox.

 

Do to price, there is a difference between Tesla owners and other EV owners - it is a much smaller strata of folks that can afford Telsas and that creates clear demographic differences - including wealth and location.

As far as the Bolt being the EV for the rest of us, it is the clear leader in the clubhouse. In the price / range equation, it doesn't have any competition. It certainly will be the EV for the rest of us over the next 18 months or so. At least until the Model 3 and Leaf 2.0 have been on sale for several months each.

Do you what strikes me as unusual? When I met EV owners in person, they always come across as positive. I know I'm always happy to see another EV driver, "someone who gets it", even if they aren't in a Leaf. I give them a Thumbs Up and it doesn't matter what they are driving. It's just on the internet that I see the loud mouths.

 

Do to price, there is a difference between Tesla owners and other EV owners - it is a much smaller strata of folks that can afford Telsas and that creates clear demographic differences - including wealth and location.

That could be what I'm sensing. One of the key things that brought this up was my recent trip to Zion. I couldn't care less about going to Las Vegas, which seems to be what all of the Tesla owners have commented about (e.g., "But can it make it to Vegas?"). All of the people who own Bolt EVs or are considering one responded with, "Screw Vegas. But I love to visit Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, etc." It just seems like the groups (obviously not inclusive of all members) have very different priorities and interests.

 

I don't think so. A Tesla is a special case since it's a Veblen vehicle, but this isn't any different than what you'd find between people who buy Range Rovers and those who buy RAV4s. I'd love to be proven wrong, but I can't see the Bolt EV being a big hit in rural areas, though there is a huge difference in "rural" rural areas and "urban" rural areas. For long distances even the Bolt EV isn't ideally suited.

 

I don't think so. A Tesla is a special case since it's a Veblen vehicle, but this isn't any different than what you'd find between people who buy Range Rovers and those who buy RAV4s. I'd love to be proven wrong, but I can't see the Bolt EV being a big hit in rural areas, though there is a huge difference in "rural" rural areas and "urban" rural areas. For long distances even the Bolt EV isn't ideally suited.

To quote a famous swordsman "you keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means". Per wikipedia definition of a Veblen good: The high price makes the goods desirable as status symbols, by way of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous leisure; conversely, a decrease of the prices of Veblen goods would decrease demand for the products

Does anyone here think Tesla sales would drop if they lowered the price (*cough* Model 3 *cough*)? That Tesla would sell more cars by simply raising their prices? That Teslas are only in demand because of their high price, and not their high-performance, attractive styling, and long range (a combo that no one else has yet put on the market)?

They don't fit the definition at all...

 

I think EV owners and enthusiasts used to be a relatively cohesive group, but as the market has grown some schisms have become apparent, reflecting the broader automotive market. I see that as a good trend. If we're lucky eventually the internet will be filled with pointless arguments about EVs similar to those about who makes the best pickups: Ford or GM. The only thing we can all agree on is that it's not FCA, Toyota or Nissan.

 

If we're lucky eventually the internet will be filled with pointless arguments about EVs similar to those about who makes the best pickups: Ford or GM. The only thing we can all agree on is that it's not FCA, Toyota or Nissan.

Oh really? Was that sarcasm, or are you trying to pick a fight?

 

I think you just described demographics. However, if the Tesla Model3 does indeed come in at a reasonable price, then I think the demographic difference will lessen. Having said that, I'm a bit skeptical that the M3 will actually compete with the Bolt. I think it'll be more like Audi competing with Volkswagen.

 

I think you just described demographics. However, if the Tesla Model3 does indeed come in at a reasonable price, then I think the demographic difference will lessen. Having said that, I'm a bit skeptical that the M3 will actually compete with the Bolt. I think it'll be more like Audi competing with Volkswagen.[/QUO

I agree that the Model 3 and the Bolt EV may target slightly different groups, but each can choose either with a slight uptick in cost for the Model 3 purchase, when options are added. The Model 3 is more likley to target people who may be the the BMW 3 series class. I personally love the exterior look of the Model 3 over the Bolt EV. Not to say I do not like the BOLT EV. If I had to pick right now, I would choose the Model 3 over the BOLT EV for up to maybe $10K more, if I could get a Model 3 70D. I would want the dual motor for winters in New Jersey. And yes the availability of charging networks does weigh in on the purchase with access to the Tesla super chargers for quicker charging times on the longer distance travels over standard level2 or DCFC.

 

Well whatever you drive - I hope we can all agree that gas engines blow (CO2) and need to go the way of the animals fueling them (extinct).

 

...I hope we can all agree that gas engines blow (CO2) and need to go the way of the animals fueling them (extinct).

That's a foregone conclusion... unfortunately some will cling to their ICE till the last drop of gasoline is consumed.
"There are none so blind as those who will not see..."

 

From my personal point of view I got the Volt and my BMW because they are backed by 100+ years type companies, despite wobbles.

TESLA is still a question mark long term.... ..just my personal decision.

 

Way back when Detroit was King it was Ford vs. Chevy, etc. Things are no different today. I say "buy what you like".

 

Considering there aren't that many Bolt owners yet, why even start comparing this? I imagine Bolt EV owners will be similar to Leaf owners, but with a streak of GM loyalty and "America First!" They could also be like the BMW i3 buyers, too. Most of those guys really wanted a Tesla but the i3 is in their budget, and it's a luxury brand. Most of them will say something along the lines of, "Well, I looked at the Tesla but it was too big."

From what I've seen, Bolt owners already have a long range vehicle and want an around-town BEV that has better range than a Leaf. Plus, it's not a Leaf so their work buddies can't make fun of them for driving one, right?

And pinning one type of personality to describe Tesla owners is going to be impossible. Tens of thousands of owners from all walks of life. Plenty of people have an easy time affording them, but there's a decent amount that are stretching the hell out of their budget to own one because of what it means for the environment.

 

Considering there aren't that many Bolt owners yet, why even start comparing this?

A compulsion to divide an classify.

Seriously...... gun ownership has anything to do with car buying preferences?

One of the less classy bits appearing on this forum.

 

As someone who is considering a Bolt, I have a couple of criteria that rule out a TM3. I have to buy it this year, I have another tdi that is going back and need a car. I want to be able to get the federal tax credit. Without it these cars are too expensive. If I could buy a TM3 today for $40k I would. I am not a GM fan at all, but they are the only company building the car I want.

I live in a rural area and my daily drive is 45 to 100 miles depending on how much running around I do. I also drive in the cold, snow and deal with a 1500 ft elevation change every day. Even a 30kw pack in the leaf is a no go. Too much range anxiety. I know the miles/kWh I get with the volt and the leaf doesn't go far enough when new and would certainly not once it looses some capacity. I have a volt and a e350 for long drives and hauling stuff so the new car will only be a commuter car. I figure the minimum pack size required is 40kwh to account for range loss, cold weather performance and the hills.

 

California has changed in the last 10-15 years, and I'm not sure it's all (or much) for the better.

 

More crowded maybe?

 

God damnnit! I thought the ELR would show the world I'm a DBag. Now I have to get a Tesla.

 

Damn straight, I could increase my cred with a Tesla in the stable.

 

I only know three people with a Tesla and they are all fine people. Reading some of the Tesla forums, it makes me not want to buy my 3. Some of the people posting there seem like dbags.

 

Reading some of the Tesla forums, it makes me not want to buy my 3. Some of the people posting there seem like dbags.

Because you're afraid getting a Model 3 is going to make you a douchebag?

 

Yes, I almost forgot about that. It was code on their website that they forgot to hide. My reservation_id was 37400#, so I'm 24,00# in line. Of course that is after all of the previous owners and Tesla/SolarCity employees, so who knows.

 

I think it is the EV for the rest of us, but certainly not the gun, ******* crowd. Those folks roll coal and drive gas hogs.

 

I've said it before, but it bears repeating. The days of the "generic EV forum" have mostly come to a close...congrats guy: YOU ARE ALL ON A CAR FORUM - the VOLT/BOLT CAR FORUM TO BE SPECIFIC! I see it on all of them now: the i3 forum, Volt forum, Tesla forum, etc. They all look a LOT more like every other car forum I have frequented for years (Camaros, BMWs, muscle cars, etc.) than they do some "green, we care about the planet" environmental cause forum. Each of these forums touts the benefits of their particular make/model and generally downplays the competition. The discussions will eventually move toward "mods" and lean towards "performance" and DIY repair topics, etc. soon enough - especially as the "second owners" like me come in. Sure there are still the green aspects of it, but it is slowly fading into the background.

Indeed, I leased a gen 1 Volt in 2012 because it was an interesting car and I thought saving gas would be a nice bonus I could use to justify getting one. At the end of the lease though I knew I wanted to be back in something with more performance, but liked the electric driving experience hence why I am now in a CPO P85+. I have two other buddies who picked up new Model Ses last year. Both did it for the performance and electric driving feel. One had tried out electric with a Focus FFE, but previously, both had driven high HP coupes and sedans (Vette, M5, CTS-V, etc.).

Welcome to the "car guy" club....come on in, the water's fine. ;>