skipro3 wrote:
The electrical grid can not support charging electric cars if people start buying them in any serious quantity. It wasn't designed for that. BUT... electric cars may be a way to store energy for the electric company. Imagine plugging in your car, charging it up at night at a off peak rate, then, during peak hours, selling it back to the electric company. You could actually make money off your car when you aren't using it. This could solve the peaking problem and electrical storage problem with the utility grid.
Good morning and thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are correct in that there are not currently any large SUV's on the drawing board but I suspect that will change in time. The closes is the Tesla X which is a full sized 7 passenger SUV but unfortunately is something like 85,000 bucks. Budget. Most are the size of the Bolt you saw. Compacts. Don't get the impression they are all like smart cars. It is the only micro EV right now. I am used to motorcycles so a car with 8 air bags and a roll cage doesn't freak me out too much, but I hear ya.
The present leaf is a mid range commuter not suitable for everybody. It is currently rated at 107 miles (178 KM) in the US or 155 (250 KM on the European scale. The real range is some where between those two numbers. Driving up and down the Okanagan valley where we live in BC a good number to use is 200 KM. Less in winter. Way more than we need but not right for everyone. We only drive 10,000 to 15000 km per year between the two cars so not an issue.
Re 200 mile range cars. There are a few but the only one I know of in the US under 40 K is the Bolt. For those not needing that kind of range the Leaf can be had for mid to high 20's. Next years leaf will start around 30 and should be available in a 150 200 and 250 mile version. Medium range cars of 110 to 150 miles (arguable the biggest market) should drop to the low twenties in two years.
Thanks again for contributing.
John and Angela
