[10470]

For decades, I've de-badged my cars. But now, with an ED on the way, I'm wondering…

Are there any pragmatic or philosophical reasons for not removing the 'ED' or 'Electric Drive' badges?

Have any of you de-badged your ED? If so, any regrets or cautions about doing it?

 

[MB DNA]

Only if you add a faux chrome tipped exhaust pipe . . . :wink:

 

[10470]

Only if you add a faux chrome tipped exhaust pipe . . . :wink:

There are two sets of these in inventory at Wally World.

I could do quad tips!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Car...8760&wl11=online&wl12=168576774&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[TheFadingTheory]

In my state electric vehicles are permitted to drive in HOV lanes without issue when only a single person is in the car. Debadging may cause you unnecessary stopping by the police that wont be able to tell at a glance on the highway that you are electric. Yes, they will find out after they stop you, but I wouldn't want the added hassle and waste of time getting pulled over. Not sure what the laws are where you are from.

For decades, I've de-badged my cars. But now, with an ED on the way, I'm wondering…

Are there any pragmatic or philosophical reasons for not removing the 'ED' or 'Electric Drive' badges?

Have any of you de-badged your ED? If so, any regrets or cautions about doing it?

 

[SuperSmartie]

Only if you add a faux chrome tipped exhaust pipe . . . :wink:

And hook up a fog machine to them!

 

[kheran]

There are two sets of these in inventory at Wally World.

I could do quad tips!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Car...8760&wl11=online&wl12=168576774&wl13=&veh=sem

I'd go with a whole bunch of them on the hood....

 

[hurricanes]

Just curious why you chose to debadge all your cars.

 

[10470]

Just curious why you chose to debadge all your cars.

The usual reasons... a sleeker uncluttered look... easier to wash, dry, & wax... badges are ugly, purposeless, and a nuisance which only exist for brand/model marketing.

 

[Blaine]

Leave them on...

I'd leave the badging on. I've had motorcycle traffic cops not realize that its an EV when I'm in the HOV lane. A few gestures at the badging and license eventually get the message through...

Plus hey, electric, be proud!

 

[MB DNA]

Although the "ED" jokes become easy to ignore, unfortunately your "little blue smart" is an ED . . .

That being said - today you can factory order a M-B AMG with "delete badging." Thus one can have rocket with a "grocery getter" look.

Note, my factory ordered 1970 Olds 442 was delete stripes and add white vinyl roof but imagine my surprise to find that dark blue beast with a domed hood because of the engine option I had ordered. :shrug:

While I hate to bring up TW and that adventure, you did make that 453 stand out in a crowd simply by de badging.

No reason that you shouldn't do the same with your ED cabrio. Make it your own - maybe have custom ovals made for the side triangles that say 'toro edition?

And in Cali your HOV lane sticker should be all the badging you and pooch will need?

 

[smark]

The decals, on the smart EV are really ugly. Especially the big one on the B panel. The only decals, I've ever remove. Is the dealerships advertisement on the rear of the car. I would only lease any a EV. Never would buy one out right. There not worth anything resale. After returning it after the lease is over. I would have to replace all the decals.

When I was young, I own a brand new 1978 Transam. Never had issues, waxing around all the decals on it. Big screaming chicken on on the hood. In the some 40 news cars, I've owned. I never removed the chrome emblems on the cars. Use a Q tip to detail wax around them.

 

[Blaine]

I would only lease any a EV. Never would buy one out right. There not worth anything resale.

I used to think that too. Except now that the lease is almost up I find that the car is saving us about $2100 / yr in gasoline. So all the cheap EDs out there are bargains for those in the know.

 

[MB DNA]

I used to think that too. Except now that the lease is almost up I find that the car is saving us about $2100 / yr in gasoline. So all the cheap EDs out there are bargains for those in the know.

But if you like most have a "creative" ED lease you will be saddened by the HUGE residual buyout at your lease end.

Fortunately, as you have pointed out the MBFS auctions are creating some real off-lease bargains!

 

[hurricanes]

I would only lease any a EV. Never would buy one out right. There not worth anything resale.

Many good reasons to lease; however, many good reasons to own as well. But let the original owner take the depreciation bloodbath you speak of. Have you actually looked at some of the ED resales out there??? Many are virtually new; very low mileage, a couple years old, still under warranty. And you can buy them for as little as $5K (plus either BAP or buying the battery, unless you intend to try to sneak by without doing either as apparently some may be succeeding in doing). It's a buyers market for resale ED right now; take advantage of it. True you don't get the tax credit, but that is effectively factored into the resale price.

 

[Johannesl]

Keep in mind. Even if you de-badge, you'll still end up with the big ugly "clean air" stickers from the good ol' CA DMV. Think they are white now.

 

[Johannesl]

I would only lease any a EV. Never would buy one out right.

Unless you find one "new" that is sled and battery for so cheap that it's practically free with the tax credits. Then it Only makes sense to buy it outright.

 

[SuperSmartie]

There not worth anything resale.

That only matters if you're planning to sell it. And for those of us who are not, buying outright is the only way to be able to keep it forever.

 

[freeewilly]

I have a 2014 ED, there were 2 "electric drive" stickers nearby the side view mirrors. They de-badged themselves after a year or two (fell off).

 

[Johannesl]

Although the "ED" jokes become easy to ignore, unfortunately your "little blue smart" is an ED . . .

See. I'd embrace the joke. I'd get these personalized plates.

 

[10470]

Thanks, guys! I may look around for some green badging and mirror caps to perk up the blue color.

Still laughing at the V AGRA plate idea!