With all the annoying module issues, repeated software updates that require trips to my dealer, very low range and incomplete charging network, I am considering selling my e-tron and purchasing a Tesla Model Y or X. It probably won't be a popular decision on this board. I love the way to e-tron looks and drives, but lack of range is becoming a problem. I went camping this weekend out in Western Illinois. Unfortunately all the campground had was 120v/30amp sites. When I plugged in the car, it told me 58 hours. The campground had one site, for one night that allowed me to re-charge. Without any chargers out there and the bad weather I ended up coming home early. Personally I need more range to feel comfortable. The "360" of the Model X is probably the bare minimum. ABRP is great, but I really don't want to have to do all the work to make a road trip happen and neither will most Americans.

 

I don't blame you. EVs are great commuter vehicles but not there yet for road trips unless you're keeping to well established routes. Every persons needs are different.
My only warning is that Tesla MX and MY are infamous for under delivering on their claimed EPA ranges. The sedans(MS and M3) are closer to their stated EPS ranges.

I personally rent for road trips even when I had an ICE vehicle since I only road trip over 300miles travel 2-3 times a year. Most of my trips are usually under 200miles and the Etron are more than sufficient.
I would perhaps consider the MachE or perhaps the Ioniq5/EV6 as replacements since I don't trust Tesla. Even the Kia Niro EV(my wife's car) easily gets 260-270miles easily.

 

EV isn't for everyone, ultimately the decision is yours. I believe more range does not solve the limitations of EVs today. I rather take the fastest charge speed with flat charging curve than biggest battery. Charging infrastructure will only get better and we are still in the infancy of EV age.

 

I'm in the same boat; the low range on my etron means I can't use it for long trips in Minnesota (due to range loss due to the cold), mainly which I have to do for work. Most of these trips are 200 miles round trip, which is tough on the advertised 205 mile range (I have an Edition One Etron), and in the winter, impossible with the range drop to as low as 150 miles. I have a deposit on the low end Lucid Air; they are claiming 400+ range. I did lease the car, just in case this was an issue I can just turn it in when the lease is up next April. Too bad - love the car, hate the range.

 

If you decide to make the switch, I would go pre-owned. I find build quality issues with my Porsches and Audis, these are miniscule compared to Tesla. My daughter's 2017 Civic is built better than my neighbor's 2020 Model X which rattles like a box of marbles, not to mention the paint and body issues. These would drive me bonkers for a new vehicle at any price point. To me a new Tesla is the equivalent of a 3-4 year old vehicle so save some cash.

 

Every person does need to consider their driving requirements. While the E Tron is still working for me, the ownership experience as made me really appreciate the need to do your homework as to what the bare minimum would be. Also, I appreciate HOW LITTLE I knew before getting the E Tron. In your case it sounds like you would consider voting for "range" over "cabin fit and finish, build quality". Remember, out in the wild, you will be charging the Tesla at the same low amp sites, most likely. When I leased my 2019 my thinking was that in the cases (maybe two times a year?) where the range would be a problem, I could always rent a car. Have you considered renting for those special cases? It might be cheaper than going through the sale/buy business.

 

This is definitely an interesting conversation. The interior build fit and finish on the e-tron are way better than Tesla. As far as general build quality, paint, etc, I've actually had more problems with my e-tron than my early build Model 3. I chalk that up to being Audi's first electric car. Being a new model is the same reason that I will avoid the Ford, etc. I don't need another electric car telling me I need an oil change. With all this said, I may be stuck with the e-tron, because I don't want to take a total bath. I will see how my service appointment goes Thursday. If the reset the module and I have the damn SOS warning come back a few days later yet again, that may seal my e-tron's fate.

 

the charging infrastructure is the problem, not the range.

We have a 'standard edition' X that isn't around anymore, it gets about 180-200 in the winter, haven't driven in the summer to confirm the 245/250. This is 25Kwh less battery (75 vs 100). The 360 I think is more hype. you'll probably get 300 or so.

I'll be honest, these things are expensive. You won't be able to pick up a new X until next year most likely. By the time an X you order today gets here, we should have several other options out there. I'd look at the Rivian R1S if you want an SUV, that's in the ~300 mile range as well. it'll have the same charging infrastructure as the e-tron though as it uses same connector.

While you wait for the X you could find that the DCFC infrastructure improves, hard to say. But with so much coming (Ford F150, Rivian R1T/R1S, the GM products) there will be more demand for the J1772 style charging and we should see that increase making 150-200 mile range not that big of a deal. Rivian especially said they're working on putting chargers at 'outdoor' destinations as they're targeting the 'outdoor adventurer' type.

We are happy with my X, but the recent delays and random features being removed from Y/3 to speed up deliveries without customer communication sours me a bit on Tesla as a company. The service experience is a lot different compared to a solid Audi dealer too.

 

I’d hold out for the Rivian personally - interior noise and service from Tesla are dealbreakers unless Rivian ends up being a total disaster.

 

I agree with the range deficit issue, but I have been able to plan my trips accordingly. My Etron regularly gets 230-250 miles of range in warm weather. My wife has a standard hybrid Lexus which is used when that is deemed insufficient.

I know this is Audi’s first EV but it is also no excuse for their failure in the software and support areas. They released a product which was not quite ready for prime time and let us be the testers.

I do love the car, but my next EV will likely be a BMW iX...but I will wait for a year or two.

Larry, good luck with whatever you decide, but stay away from Tesla, their build quality and overall reliability are horrible.