← Back to topic list

Lets pretend that Tesla did not exist-

Zealousideal_Ad_2434 | 2026-02-19 03:47 | 16 views

What ev would you own / drive today?

Comments (79)
knownikko 2026-02-19 03:50

BMW i4, which is the EV I DO own after almost 10 years with Teslas.

jaqueh 2026-02-19 03:50

r2

LoneStarGut 2026-02-19 03:52

I don't like that alternative universe. All the others suck or cost too much with too much risk of being abandoned (Rivian, Lucid) by bankruptcy like Fiskar and many others. Maybe we'd get an Aptera of they ever go into production.

Southernboyj 2026-02-19 03:52

Rivian

yodanhodaka 2026-02-19 03:53

Probably a Rivian, but likely still a gas car. nothing comes close to Tesla

Poncherelly 2026-02-19 03:54

I’d probably have gone back to Audi in all honesty. In fact still might after I get tired of my juniper.

Zealousideal_Ad_2434 2026-02-19 03:55

Which model Audi ?

commking 2026-02-19 03:55

Probably a BYD

mrchowmein 2026-02-19 03:55

i wouldnt own an ev yet. no tesla means no nacs and no supercharger network. the supercharger network is a big reason to choose it over any other EV. ill just probably end up owning another plug in hybrid

Paythapiper 2026-02-19 03:58

What’s funny about this is without Tesla none of these other options would exist lol

Aromatic-Union1707 2026-02-19 03:59

You wouldn't Tesla broke the mold.

Cg006 2026-02-19 03:59

Without tesla, there be no spercharger network forcing more to also jump in and build stations. I would probably still be using my ICE car and just still be wishing to one day be able to switch to an EV.

VLuk86 2026-02-19 04:00

I will stay with the S5.

Physical_Roof4466 2026-02-19 04:03

Mazda CX-70. Loved the feedback and control

gambit57 2026-02-19 04:04

Even assuming Tesla just blipped out after having trailblazed everything, realistically, nothing. I’d have some kind of hybrid. I’m heading back towards that direction. I live quite close to Fremont so “infrastructure” is there for me. But still, until the R2 comes out, there isn’t a realistic competitor for me. The primary advantage Tesla has is the software and constant updates and even their base models are wickedly quick. Our other car is a plug in BMW X5 (which is why I’m not impressed with the software of the Germans) and now in the market for a Lexus RX hybrid of some kind.

FoxBearBear 2026-02-19 04:04

Why not a CX-90 ?

omy2vacay 2026-02-19 04:04

Toyota Rav4 hybrid or Honda Pilot hybrid. If I need 3rd row, I'll get the upcoming Toyota Highlander EV

ImperfectDrug 2026-02-19 04:05

I need to read more about them, but the Scout models are sounding pretty interesting so far.

kuhnboy 2026-02-19 04:05

Grand Highlander or Explorer ST

Best-Republic 2026-02-19 04:05

BMW M3 as a hobby drive and probably an X5 for daily driver.

jyim89 2026-02-19 04:08

How does it compare to a tesla? I've been thinking to swap out of a Tesla but I'm concerned not many car brands can still compare to the tech, software and drivability tesla provides at that price point.

holdencrypfield 2026-02-19 04:09

Let’s pretend oxygen doesn’t exist either

knownikko 2026-02-19 04:10

You know basically every single OEM in the US has access to the supercharger network in 2026, ya?

mrchowmein 2026-02-19 04:12

The prompt is let’s pretend if Tesla didn’t exist. If Tesla didn’t exist, there wouldn’t be a supercharging network

Toreroguysd 2026-02-19 04:12

This 100%. If Tesla never existed then you would still only have hybrids … and even then maybe half as many.

CohibasAndScotch 2026-02-19 04:12

Would absolutely not own an EV. Probably would have a new Land Cruiser or Passport

sevargmas 2026-02-19 04:13

This. I put down a pre-order when the pre-orders first came out. I had a 2023 MY at the time. But it was totaled last summer, and I needed a new car so I bought a new MYJ. I felt like the R2 was probably gonna come out a bit pricey still for a base model or something like that, but rumors are saying it’s going to be 43k for a base model. I assume that’s going to be a low range low powered model and it’s gonna be more like 55k for the nice one, which sounds really nice. We still need to wait until next month when pricing and options are released, but part of me wishes I had just bought a 1990 Corolla to last me for six months until the R2 was released.

mrchowmein 2026-02-19 04:13

This guy gets it. The EV industry would not have progressed without Tesla showing the world EVs can be mass produced. Without tesla, there probably be less hybrids.

El_Jeffe24 2026-02-19 04:14

Probably a Ford escape plugin or Toyota RAV4 plugin.

burnusgas 2026-02-19 04:15

None. I’m here for self driving cars that enhance the safety of driving. My Tesla actively avoids foreign object collisions stationary or dynamic including wildlife.

GucciTokes 2026-02-19 04:17

Hyundai Kona EV.. or my old 2011 Jetta ICE 🤣

knownikko 2026-02-19 04:18

For me, it’s great. I’m a long-haul commuter that does ~40k miles a year. The i4 is an all around more comfortable and pleasant place to spend time. It’s a good car that just happens to be electric, in all the ways that’s good and bad. I don’t care the tiniest bit about full self driving. BMW’s Driver Assistance Package Pro is affordable and superior to regular autopilot. Having CarPlay is wonderful. All of the traditional sensors (like for the auto wipers and high beams) work perfectly, without drama, every time. Efficiency is good. I have access to the supercharger network when I need it. Would I have paid $60k for one? Probably not - but after getting positively roasted by Tesla resale values for the past decade I decided to let the depreciation work in my favor for a change and bought a very slightly used one for nearly 50% off. I don’t think there’s a better sedan out there right now at ~$35k.

ORNGTSLA 2026-02-19 04:19

I would wait for Mazda to release a competent EV before jumping in.

knownikko 2026-02-19 04:22

Fair enough. 👍🏻

MattNis11 2026-02-19 04:22

What bot is asking this question?

jyim89 2026-02-19 04:24

I also wasn't talking about FSD either (although lately it seems to be pretty good!). I'm talking about the smooth touchscreen experience, the apps available, also I watch a lot of TV while charging or eating in the car. It's like my second home. Also the app experience is seamless. I also think the car drives smoother than any other car I've previously had. Honestly I wouldn't consider switching out of a Tesla if not for the battery issues I've been having. I'm afraid to someday get caught with battery expenses while out of warranty. So looking to see if there are cars with similar experience or better.

James-robinsontj 2026-02-19 04:26

Polestar 4

ORNGTSLA 2026-02-19 04:26

I mean the most important thing Tesla did was show the world that EVs can be desirable. 15 years ago EVs were all hideous and equally embarrassing as driving a smart car.

SuddenBackground6127 2026-02-19 04:29

Yep. I’d have 2 rav4 hybrids in the driveway instead of 1. Always have a gas car if you have 2 cars.

jyim89 2026-02-19 04:29

You've convinced me to try a test drive though.

Wants-NotNeeds 2026-02-19 04:37

Not just massed produced, but mass produced in the US. It might still have failed if it weren’t for the excellent charging network they created.

jawshoeaw 2026-02-19 04:45

I had a leaf before. 80 miles of range !! I guess I’d consider the solterra although a used GMC Sierra with 450 miles range would be cool

spewing-oil 2026-02-19 04:45

EV6 or Ioniq 5 awd. Nearly got one (2023, 37k, $20k otd) over a mylr. But the iccu issue kept me away. Really really liked them. The EV9s are nicely done as well. Keeping an eye on those when the 3 year leases up. Now that the Mach e got rid of the 5 second limitation that’s a good option. But that’s only 2024+. I heard you really want the magnaride on those. The equinox ev seems well done but you can tell they skimped out in a lot of places. But for $30k otd brand new for a pretty base awd it’s an interesting one. But I agree with most people here, I wouldn’t consider a single ev that couldn’t access the supercharger network. It’s a big fucking deal.

TrueEmphasis7130 2026-02-19 04:46

Kia EV6 GT is a beast. If no Tesla and I went EV, it’d be that.

Disastrous-One-414 2026-02-19 04:50

If no Tesla, I wouldn't get an EV

RitzyIsHere 2026-02-19 04:53

Zeekr

deztructo 2026-02-19 04:53

As always, OP tells 1st.

Zealousideal-Ant9548 2026-02-19 05:09

They did a fantastic job of spurring the Chinese manufacturers into doing a good job

Awkward-Ad-5549 2026-02-19 05:16

A model Y test drive is what got me to go from never considering an ev to buying a tesla. If Tesla did not exists I’d probably have a pick up truck right now

Abject-Joke-6695 2026-02-19 05:18

at double the price per kwh lol

ysfex3 2026-02-19 05:20

If every ev manufacturer remained unchanged, then probably a Kona. I think they look sleek

dobe6305 2026-02-19 05:26

I wouldn’t. I’d still be a diehard dedicated Subaru owner (I still love my 2014 crosstrek). I always looked forward to buying my next Subaru. Probably would have gotten an Outback after my Crosstrek. Tesla created EV competition and without Tesla I wouldn’t have been interested in EVs. All EVs are better now, in my opinion, because of the standard set by Tesla. While I own two Teslas, my next EV will be a Rivian R2 in a year or two.

Puzzleheaded-Race671 2026-02-19 05:32

I’d be driving an m3 or x5m probably 😂

Puzzleheaded-Race671 2026-02-19 05:33

Yep. Before model s came out there was cool trinkets like the volt but EVs were considered gimmicks and people were talking about hybrid or even hydrogen being th future

Puzzleheaded-Race671 2026-02-19 05:34

How is it servicing ?

knownikko 2026-02-19 05:42

BMW service is great compared to Tesla. Not that I’ve needed it. Only thing I’ve been in for so far is an alignment.

PsychologicalBit803 2026-02-19 06:02

The story of Stanley Meyer has always been interesting if people like a good conspiracy theory.

RioRozayy 2026-02-19 06:11

Most EVs wouldn’t be around because of Tesla sales. I definitely wouldn’t have had one if Tesla didn’t make EVs.

[deleted] 2026-02-19 06:14

Probably an ICE. What sold me on EVs is Tesla's charging network.

Alternative-You5403 2026-02-19 07:08

Do you mean like a robotaxi car R2 or a Rivian?

lazydesi 2026-02-19 07:17

Xpeng or seeker

UpbeatPhilosophySJ 2026-02-19 07:59

It’s wild to me that there are 70,000 Tesla auto workers in the US.   There are only 150,000 US autoworkers for the Big 3 left.  Of course there are auto workers for Toyota and Hyundai and VW in the US, but that Tesla to other American car companies number is wild. Of course, it’s also wild that there are like 1 million Mexican auto workers now each making a whopping 15k a year.

2o2i 2026-02-19 09:33

I wouldn’t have an EV if Tesla wasn’t around. I didn’t buy the MY to save the planet, I bought it because it is the best car for my circumstances.

gheldean 2026-02-19 10:23

Haven't had a gas car for 4 years+ here, no issues.

Aggressive_Wasabi_54 2026-02-19 10:49

Slate

Jman841 2026-02-19 11:25

BMW iX3 coming out later this year or the Rivian R2. But, prob the BMW.

bc8306 2026-02-19 11:36

More, if Tesla technology (including motors and drivetrain) was in any car body (including ICE vehicles ), would you change vehicles?

ghdana 2026-02-19 13:02

Probably would still be waiting on a Rivian R2. Also have 0 desire to interact with sales people, just let me buy online at a price I'm already comfortable with, maybe I wait it out for a sale or promotional interest rate like sometimes happens with Tesla. But yeah even in a state that makes DTC sales near impossible I plan to never buy from a dealer again.

Poncherelly 2026-02-19 13:06

I’m not sure yet. I’ve been driving a Tesla for 6 years now and anticipate keeping this one for another 4. The move to the juniper was a bad experience for me since I was supposed to have my FSD transferred and due to a mistake, I lost it and they weren’t willing to correct the mistake. That’s still leaving a poor taste in my mouth and TBH, the FSD was locking me into the the brand. I owned 3 Audis before I moved the Tesla because they were the only and best game in town for EV. Audi knows how to build a solid car and I always enjoyed them. I tried Tesla because Audi didn’t have an option for me at the time. My brother in law works for Audi and is always driving the next great thing they offer. If, when I’m ready, they have a decent EV worth looking at and have switched to the NACS, then I will strongly consider going back.

SuddenBackground6127 2026-02-19 14:09

Congrats. We operate differently

Slayerz00m 2026-02-19 14:12

There were EVs before Tesla but they were tiny 2-seater cars with a puny 100mile-on-paper range battery and 0-60 times of 10+ second, that were just meant for grocery shopping Tesla brought the muscle, size, range and desirability to EVs and a supercharger network that just works anytime everywhere

Physical_Roof4466 2026-02-19 14:23

Yes that’s a practical choice, but I have never been a big fan of third row.

sevargmas 2026-02-19 15:46

Rivian R2

Technical_Raccoon_60 2026-02-22 13:42

The 1st gen Nissan LEAF would have existed. There might still be a handful of the old grant funded BTCpower chademo DCFCs that still work provided you work up the courage to use it and ignore the sounds it makes.

rworne 2026-02-22 15:31

Well, give the Nissan Leaf some credit too. Despite its flaws, it's still hanging around. The later generations don't look all that bad either.

Mattwasbritish 2026-02-22 19:06

Nah. Prius and plug in hybrid would eventually become full electric without Tesla

Motorcyclejohn 2026-02-22 22:36

Hurts to even pretend Tesla doesn’t exist haha

Paythapiper 2026-02-23 00:24

A boring ass Toyota? You obviously haven’t driven a Tesla

Certain_Bandicoot_14 2026-02-23 10:35

I really like the Cadillac Lyiq but the price tag is too high. The other I like is the Ford Mach E.

Add comment

Login is required to comment.

Login with Google