Why I sold my Tesla Model S and bought a Kia EV6

by Lorn Douglas (BIEVA lead)

I waited for 4 years after plopping down a $5K deposit on a newly announced Tesla Model S. In 2013, it finally came and was pronounced Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. (Last year, the 2013 Model S was Motor Trend’s Ultimate Car of the Year as its arrival changed the auto industry forever.)

After it arrived, it gathered a crowd wherever I parked. I loved talking it up and probably was responsible for at least 20 other people buying Teslas. Yes, it is a fantastic car, and having it is like being in a science fiction movie. After over 8 years, I am still thrilled to drive it.

*Lorn shared his Model S at a 2013 Plug In Day event.*

Tesla Service

I also want to comment about the service I have received for my car. The Model S was a very early production unit of a high-tech car with many never-seen-before features. I expected issues as an early adopter and issues I have had. There were several dozen issues, including some major ones. Most were minor problems. Thankfully, Tesla provides Hawaii Island owners with mobile service, Rangers who came to my home to address issues. Twice, there were major issues that required the car to be shipped to Honolulu for service at the Tesla facility. Tesla paid for the towing and shipping. They even shipped me a newer Model S to drive during one of the major repairs. I have owned a few high-end cars from Mercedes and Lexus but have never had service comparable to this.

Other EVs…

We also have had three other EVs, a Nissan LEAF and two Kia’s. The LEAF left a lot to be desired, and we replaced it with a Kia Soul EV. It was a great car but had limited range. When I read about the Kia Niro with over 240 miles of range, we traded in our Soul, which only had had one service in three years,
far outperforming the Tesla in terms of reliability. The Niro has only had one service of consequence in three years.

A new Model S?

Two years ago, when the Model S refresh was announced, the Tesla salesperson told me that if I put down a deposit, I would get the price fixed, so I ordered a new one at $79K. After the refreshed Model S was launched, I was informed the price was raised to $89K. This seemed fair considering the 400+ mile range and several new features. I expected that price to hold as well so I continued to wait. Tesla did not offer a delivery date but I had a low reservation number so I did not expect to wait long. However, when I was informed that I could get my Model S in early February at a new price of $105k. The nail that sealed the lid on the coffin was that Tesla no longer offers extended warranties for their cars*. Sadly, I decided to cancel my order.

EV6 in the wings…

Late last year, Kia announced the launch of its 3rd generation EV – the EV6. It costs roughly half the cost of a new Model s and is eligible for the $7,500 tax credit (a check in your pocket). The EV6 comes standard with a ten-year drivetrain warranty and has a no deductible Extended Warranty available. (My Tesla extended warranty service cost me $200 a visit). The Kia EV6 will cost me about a third of what the Tesla would cost in 10 years and I would be covered with a 10-year warranty on most of the car.

Needless to say – I opted to purchase the EV6. I received it a couple of weeks ago and would like to share my first impressions.

It is a big jump forward from its predecessor, the Niro EV.
There are many more features than the Niro EV:
- Great camera features, including a bird’s eye view from above completely around the car when backing up.
- Auto-tilt side mirrors, useful when backing up and parking.
- An expanded center screen with so many features.
- Rain detection for automatic mode windshield wipers.
- HomeLink garage door opener that easily programs.
- Auto self-parking.
- Ability to remotely move the car forwards and backward from the key when you are out of the car, providing there are no obstructions.
- It has many automatic safety features like lane-assist and collision-avoidance.
- Ability to have the back hatch automatically when I walk towards the back.
- Great sound system.
- A heads-up display that shows speed, speed limit, and directions for navigation.
- Apple and Android play.
The car is peppy when in Sport Mode. It is also very spacious althought the ‘frunk’ is tiny.

Kia dealerships should have the car so go check it out. (Let them know I sent you.) Also, please let me know if you buy one so I can invite you to a new Facebook group.

– Lorn Douglas 808 333-1974