Steve
Member
It sounds like your experience with EVs and PHEVs didn't fully meet your needs, leading you back to diesel. If you're open to switching back to electric in the future, let's break down the key factors that need to improve for EVs to win you over again.
Why You Likely Returned to Diesel:
Range & Charging Infrastructure – Diesel vehicles still offer significantly longer range per tank, and refueling takes minutes compared to long charging times for EVs. If you experienced poor charging infrastructure or slow chargers, that could have been a dealbreaker.
Cost & Depreciation – Many EVs and PHEVs have high initial costs, and their resale values are still unpredictable. Meanwhile, diesel cars, especially premium ones, often hold value better.
Practicality & Convenience – If you travel long distances, tow, or frequently drive in areas with limited charging, diesel may have felt like the more practical choice.
Cold Weather Performance – EVs lose range in cold weather, sometimes significantly. If this was an issue, especially in winter months, it could have been frustrating.
Driving Experience & Refinement – Diesel engines provide strong torque and predictable refueling options, making them better suited for towing or long highway drives.
What Needs to Change to Get You Back to EV?
Better Charging Infrastructure – Faster, more reliable, and more available public chargers (especially highway and rural stations) need to be in place.
Faster Charging Times – Charging speeds need to improve significantly, ideally bringing recharge times closer to diesel refueling (5–10 min for 80% charge).
Longer Real-World Range – EVs need to deliver more reliable, real-world range, even in cold or hot conditions. A minimum of 500+ km per charge (without major range loss in winter) could make a difference.
Lower EV Prices & Better Resale Values – The cost of new EVs needs to come down, and depreciation needs to stabilize.
Battery Technology & Lifespan – Better battery efficiency, longer life cycles, and easier/cheaper battery replacement options would reduce long-term ownership concerns.
EV Towing & Payload Capabilities – If you need to tow, EVs need to offer stronger towing capacity and maintain decent range while doing so.
Cold Weather Efficiency – Battery chemistry improvements to minimize range loss in winter conditions.
Would You Ever Consider a Diesel PHEV?
Brands like Mercedes are offering diesel plug-in hybrids, which could give you the best of both worlds—efficient long-range diesel for road trips and urban electric drive.
Would you say any of the factors above were your key reasons for switching back to diesel? And do you see yourself going back to electric if these improvements happen?
Why You Likely Returned to Diesel:
Range & Charging Infrastructure – Diesel vehicles still offer significantly longer range per tank, and refueling takes minutes compared to long charging times for EVs. If you experienced poor charging infrastructure or slow chargers, that could have been a dealbreaker.
Cost & Depreciation – Many EVs and PHEVs have high initial costs, and their resale values are still unpredictable. Meanwhile, diesel cars, especially premium ones, often hold value better.
Practicality & Convenience – If you travel long distances, tow, or frequently drive in areas with limited charging, diesel may have felt like the more practical choice.
Cold Weather Performance – EVs lose range in cold weather, sometimes significantly. If this was an issue, especially in winter months, it could have been frustrating.
Driving Experience & Refinement – Diesel engines provide strong torque and predictable refueling options, making them better suited for towing or long highway drives.
What Needs to Change to Get You Back to EV?
Better Charging Infrastructure – Faster, more reliable, and more available public chargers (especially highway and rural stations) need to be in place.
Faster Charging Times – Charging speeds need to improve significantly, ideally bringing recharge times closer to diesel refueling (5–10 min for 80% charge).
Longer Real-World Range – EVs need to deliver more reliable, real-world range, even in cold or hot conditions. A minimum of 500+ km per charge (without major range loss in winter) could make a difference.
Lower EV Prices & Better Resale Values – The cost of new EVs needs to come down, and depreciation needs to stabilize.
Battery Technology & Lifespan – Better battery efficiency, longer life cycles, and easier/cheaper battery replacement options would reduce long-term ownership concerns.
EV Towing & Payload Capabilities – If you need to tow, EVs need to offer stronger towing capacity and maintain decent range while doing so.
Cold Weather Efficiency – Battery chemistry improvements to minimize range loss in winter conditions.
Would You Ever Consider a Diesel PHEV?
Brands like Mercedes are offering diesel plug-in hybrids, which could give you the best of both worlds—efficient long-range diesel for road trips and urban electric drive.
Would you say any of the factors above were your key reasons for switching back to diesel? And do you see yourself going back to electric if these improvements happen?