MegaWonder wrote:
John & Angela wrote:
MegaWonder wrote:
Well said John, having an EV for longer commutes makes you very aware of how your driving (speed and takeoffs from starts) and what accessories (heat temp, AC, headlights, windshield wipers etc.) your using. My EV does not use the more efficient heatpump for climate control found on the latest models of EVs. We use either the radio remote keyfob or the smart phone app to check SOC (state of charge) or pre conditioning the climate control. We do realize we are using our EV to its limits (82/84 mile epa adjusted range). We are able to charge @120v during work day for trip back home. This L1 (120v)charge does not fully charge vehicle during work day but during the warmer months it is suffice to about 80/82% avg charge. Winter time without having some type of climatic controlled battery system (like $$Tesla) finds our preceived range (using the computer guess range display) find us limited to up to 40% or more perceived range loss. The nature of our lithion battery chemistry does not allow battery to charge to full capacity. So we use the backup vehicle during these extreme cold days and use the EV locally.
I think in 20 years a lot of us first adapters will look back and smile at some of the challenges we had with the first couple generations of EV's. :) Range, climate control etc. :) When we come back from our europe trip in 2018 we will probably buy the new generation leaf as a second vehicle and be an all electric family except for the motorhome of course. I would love the new tesla 300 at around the 35000 mark but I think from the price and service point of view the leaf will be better for us. Our smart EV is serviced by mercedes and they are co-located with nissan so its kind of one stop shopping for warranty checks etc.
Im curious what you are driving?
Hi John,
We were extremely lucky in being able to obtain the limited produced Honda Fit EV. 1 of 1,100 produced 2013 and 2014 model years (technology from 2011 I suppose) These are compliance vehicles... Could not pass up the deal. These Lease only vehicles (no purchase option) is an UNLIMITED milage lease and all maintance and inspection included,Collision portion of insurance covered by Honda, as well as the Leviton EVSE (charge equipment both Level 1 portable and Level 2 charge euipment) installation not included. Got in at $259 per month for 36months.. Deal got a little sweeter (especially for the early lesee from 2012 coming off lease) and new Lesee (if you can find one very rare) can Lease for 24months @ $199..same terms from way I understand it. We still have 2 more years left and will weigh out are options at that point.. Tesla model 3?, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf should all be in the 200mile per charge range. Have noticed more High Voltage DC chargers popping up, (using the free Plug Share app), so our next EV will have fast charge capabilities Chademo or Tesla or equivelent. Like you though most if not 99% is at home or work. Vehicle for us is primarily the commuter tool but is a lot of fun to drive as well.
Very nice. Sounds like it worked out for you. We tend to get at least 10 years out of our cars and our CDI is in around that 11 year mark right now. That means it will be about 15 when we trade out for our next EV. 200 miles would be nice for the main car range but I am hoping that manufacturers will continue to produce 80 to 100 versions. Any more than that and it is a waste of money and resources for us. Some leaf owners were asked if they paid 5000 dollars more to double their range would they do it and the vast majority said no. Why would they. Most drive 35 to 50 miles a day. What would be the point. So far it looks like the 2017 leaf will be available with at least two sizes of batteries. The tesla 3 may have three sizes available. All good news. Gotta say, once you go electric its hard to go back with something with a tail pipe.
