So I bought an electric car....

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I am surprised by the support. I actually thought I would be harpooned on this forum. I am very happy, expect many years of happy free motoring! I did a BUNCH of research. I used the forum at www.myimiev.com for much of it. All kinds of information there.

The electric heater does use quite a bit of electricity, which does reduce range, but I am so close to work I don't expect it to be a problem.

Actually in my hometown (Holland, MI) we have around 26 charging stations here. Most are free. We also have the LG Chem battery plant, if you have a Chevy Volt, most of those have batteries born in Holland.

I would never pay for a new one, but at this price it seemed like a reasonable risk. Can't wait to pick it up on Tuesday!
 
Can the Mitsu go on the highway since I'm not sure about the top speed? [/quote]

Top speed is 81 mph, I had one up to 65mph, I don't plan on spending much time on the highway. This car does best as a city car.
 
They have some here for $12k.. quite a bit of difference! Wouldn't mind having a electric for work and around here. Mostly everything is closer than 10 miles. But our cars are paid for and running good. If I could get one for 7500 it would more of a possibility.
 
For the most part, a car like that would work for me. I'd need a touch more range if I were prevented from plugging in at work.

I could probably get away with it, but you never know.

I'd bet the cost per mile is a fraction of a gas car, when you factor in the price you paid.
 
I have been driving the i-MiEV for a couple of weeks now. Range is not an issue, since I can charge every day if I need to. Typically I have been charging every other day. I have been driving it more than I normally will. Been busy with extra work, driving for fun, etc. I took it on the highway the other day, into a headwind. That range dropped like a rock, but I made some of that back up on the return trip with a tail wind.

The car is perfect for my application. Love the torque of that electric motor. It surprises a few people - they think I will be a slow car in their way. Some might drive them that way, but I love to use the power. It is not going to win any races, but it has at least average acceleration. Plenty of room inside, I keep the rear seats down for storage room. The stereo ROCKS - it is a 360 watt unit, part of the upgraded SE trim. Don't miss the gas station one bit!

Sold the Astro yesterday. I smiled when the Sustainability guy (yes my company has a greenie weenie hired on) told me that he is sure I am happy to get rid of such a gross polluter to drive the clean electric car. I agreed, but did this for the economics of it, not the clean/unclean state of my van. Got some serious green points at work for driving a pure electric. Never mind the power comes from COAL! LOL They buy wind credits so that makes it all better?!?!? Anyway, I am super happy. Had a lady tell me the car is UGLY the other day. Don't care what she says. I am having fun!
 
Originally Posted By: DutchBrad
Had a lady tell me the car is UGLY the other day. Don't care what she says. I am having fun!

Right on!
cheers3.gif
 
There's a specific use case for an electric car. If you fit it, it will work better than a gas car. I'd consider a cheap iMiev (since they seem to be the cheapest) if I lived a few miles from work. Mainly because a 2 mile commute would be bad for a gas engine.

And if I worked somewhere that would allow me to charge it for free.... Do you have the ability to ONLY charge it at work?
 
Originally Posted By: Miller88
There's a specific use case for an electric car. If you fit it, it will work better than a gas car. I'd consider a cheap iMiev (since they seem to be the cheapest) if I lived a few miles from work. Mainly because a 2 mile commute would be bad for a gas engine.

And if I worked somewhere that would allow me to charge it for free.... Do you have the ability to ONLY charge it at work?


I have around 25 chargers in Holland. Most/all are free. I have only charged at work so far. The car comes with a home charger, but charging on 110 takes 22 hrs from dead. At work, I charged from nearly dead (7 miles showing on the range) in 5.5 hrs.
 
Originally Posted By: Tuffy1760
Where did you get it?? At a dealer?? Great find and sounds like a fun car...


I bought the car at a Ford dealer in El Paso, IL. They took it in on trade. Found the car on Autotrader. There are MANY for sale when was looking. Most of these cars were on 2 year leases, and they are coming off lease now.
 
Originally Posted By: spasm3
The leaf interests me. The resale is bad so you can pick up a used one pretty cheap. What i worry about is the $5400 battery.


Not sure what the warranty coverage is on the Leaf battery. My i-MiEV has an 8-10 year battery warranty. I heard it changed from 8 to 10 years, but want to confirm that with a Mitsubishi dealer. My battery pack costs $10k right now I have been told..... But I don't have to worry about that until at least 2022....
 
Originally Posted By: Cujet
Have you determined "real world" range yet?



I have traveled 60-65 miles consistently with 2 bars (out of 16) battery left, and the range indicator around 7-10 miles remaining. That matches the 75 miles it shows as the range when the battery is full. I drive 95% in town, which lengthens your range. The brake pedal starts out with regenerative braking first, then the service brakes take over as you get close to a stop. So you can gain range in stop and go driving since the battery gets some charge from the regen. Out on the highway the vehicle has a more constant drain, and you don't go as far.
 
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