⚠ Oroville plan required: DC fast charging ends at Wenatchee. The trip works — one ~20-min stop each way + L2 at the cabin (~$1,500–2,500 install). Don't buy the EV9 without committing to the install. And the swap still costs ~$325/mo more than keeping the Sportage — see strategy §7.
Peter's criteria — updated 2026-07-14
Local electric preferred — errands on the plug (EV or PHEV); gas/DCFC for road tripsTowing rare — "once every few years": ≥3,500 lb is table stakes, more earns nothingAWD requiredGround clearance for the Ladybug road (Oroville)6–7 seats + Lupin + gearWireless CarPlay + Android AutoHeated/vented seats + heated wheelKia-quality driver assist (HDA2 benchmark)SEA→Oroville (250 mi) must work — with a realistic charging plan for EVsHard no: Chrysler Pacifica / StellantisOut: Kia Carnival (no AWD through MY2027)
Fit score axis (100 pts total)
Pts
Local-electric capability (EV 30 · PHEV ≥25 mi 25 · PHEV <25 mi 15 · hybrid 5 · gas 0)
SEA→Oroville range-anxiety mitigation (PHEV/hybrid full · EV partial by feasibility)
10
Reliability + depreciation
5
Fit measures fit, not price — money lives in the monthly column and the TCO model. Route reality: DC fast charging on US-97 ends at Wenatchee — Omak/Tonasket have Level 2 only; the Pateros/Okanogan Supercharger stalled. SEA→Portland and SEA→Spokane are trivially covered.