So I bought an electric car....

[Cujet]

Since you have a short commute, that's perfect range. I've been considering doing something similar, and purchasing an electric car, if I can find a discount. However, my commute is 28 miles to the office, another 10 miles to the accountant, then 25 miles to the other airport, possibly a trip for lunch, and 15 miles home. Total distance is around 80-95 miles.

I can plug in at the small airport. But it's always possible I'm not going to be there very long.

I really can't count on plugging in at the office. I'm fairly sure they'd notice the extension cord within a day or two. Then tell me to stop.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: DutchBrad
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....


I don't know the warranty either. Will nissan honor the warranty on a used leaf?

 

[wirelessF]

I made a thread earlier if it was feasible to buy a used electric car since they are getting dirt cheap. It would be good for my commute or errands so I don't have to fire up my truck for small material runs (with the hardware store up the hill less than a mile away.)

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: DutchBrad
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!
Where does the electricity come from to charge the car?

 

[Cutehumor]

I still like to know how long does it take to charge using 110V. isn't it 14 hours to fully charge it?

 

[Astro14]

Stopped by a Tesla dealership the other day. Beautiful car. Nicely appointed. 280 Mile range. Looking at the Tesla charging network, it's now possible to get across the country with one. At their supercharger stations, you can charge up pretty quickly...and if you install the 220V system at your house, a full charge takes about 4 hours...

It's a viable alternative... I'll be honest, I hadn't thought so, but it is now, with the charging stations...still out of my price range...but viable...

 

[DutchBrad]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
I still like to know how long does it take to charge using 110V. isn't it 14 hours to fully charge it?


A dead battery takes 22 hrs to fully charge on 110V. The car came with the 110 charging cable. I don't plan on using it very often. As Level 2 chargers come down in price (220V) I might put one of those in my garage..... The car takes around 5-6 hrs to charge from low (not dead) on 220V.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
Stopped by a Tesla dealership the other day. Beautiful car. Nicely appointed. 280 Mile range. Looking at the Tesla charging network, it's now possible to get across the country with one. At their supercharger stations, you can charge up pretty quickly...and if you install the 220V system at your house, a full charge takes about 4 hours...

It's a viable alternative... I'll be honest, I hadn't thought so, but it is now, with the charging stations...still out of my price range...but viable...

By 2017 or 2018 Tesla will have Model 3 for about $35k base with 200 mile range, which is enough for more than 90% driving public. Tesla plans to have a prototype of Model 3 early 2016.

 

[Cutehumor]

Originally Posted By: DutchBrad
Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
I still like to know how long does it take to charge using 110V. isn't it 14 hours to fully charge it?


A dead battery takes 22 hrs to fully charge on 110V. The car came with the 110 charging cable. I don't plan on using it very often. As Level 2 chargers come down in price (220V) I might put one of those in my garage..... The car takes around 5-6 hrs to charge from low (not dead) on 220V.


Thanks for the information! I am toying with the idea of scooping one cheap. I have seen in 8k price rang but with 10k miles

 

[fdcg27]

This sounds like a really wise purchase for you.
The way in which you'll use the car as well as the availability of free charging makes it a no-brainer.
The price was certainly right as well.
Keep us posted on how this quiet little guy works out for you.
If I didn't have a commute of twenty five miles each way, I'd be tempted, since the price is certainly right and gas won't stay cheap forever.

 

[DutchBrad]

I have had the car for over 2 months now, drove around 1300 miles. Have not charged at home yet. I usually charge at work, but in Holland there are around 25-30 public chargers - all free. I almost ran it out of juice a week or so ago. I was railfanning (I love trains!) and focused on getting in front of a rolling coal train, did not think about the range. I got back in the car after the chase was done, and found only 12 miles on the range. I drove very conservatively back to town, the 12 mile range went away, after that you get three lines in the display, the car goes into "turtle" mode - max of 20 mph. Thankfully I was almost back to the charger. I charged for an hour - that gave me enough to get home and back to the charger at work. Cold weather reduces battery performance, but if I would pay attention to the battery instead of the trains it is totally manageable. I am loving this car! The torque from the motor makes it fun to drive. Gives my dutch gene a good scratch. I love saving money!

 

[sciphi]

Glad to hear it's working nicely for you!

If our two weren't paid off and the house needing a service upgrade and upgraded main panel just to support home charging equipment, an electric car would be perfect for my commute.

 

[GMBoy]

Definitely a GREAT score and you have the perfect needs for one with the short mileage trips. My longer work commute would have me better suited for a Volt with it's backup gas power.