Anyone Else Driving an Electric Car?

John R. Graham

Really enjoying my Nissan Leaf while really looking forward to the next one with a much larger battery. 70 miles range at moderate speeds turns into 50 at freeway speeds. But it's quiet, clean, and fits my daily commute perfectly. Plus Cisco gives me free electrons at work.

- John
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Muso · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 3:00 am Post subject:

Nope, still using gasoline. However, Oahu is a pretty ideal place for electric cars. Charging stations at all malls and many shopping places.
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Old School · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 3:39 am Post subject:

Whatever works for one's own situation. 70 mile range would not be anywhere close to what I need.
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Bones McCracker · Veteran Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 1605 Location: U.S.A.

70 mile range? That's not even safe.

John R. Graham · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 4:31 am Post subject:

Well, we seldom take it out of the metro Atlanta area where lots of things are relatively close by. We still have a Prius for longer jaunts.

- John
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pjp · Administrator Joined: 16 Apr 2002 Posts: 17265

I don't care for hybrids such as the Prius. Their mileage isn't great, and the environmental impact isn't much if any improvement. I like the concept of the Chevy Volt. But it is pretty pricey for what you get, and not compelling.

The Tesla Model S is too expensive, otherwise I'd probably have bought one of them. The 3 has zero appeal, especially for the cost.

Options like the Leaf or Bolt just don't have any appeal, and range isn't sufficient (at least for the Leaf). I'm not sure of what other options exist. I'm not aware of any other options ~$40k.
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John-Boy · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:50 am Post subject:

They're starting to look more attractive over here (UK), that's if could swap my car around (long story) - still think the technology is a wee bit immature.
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asturm · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:15 am Post subject:

The whole concept of lugging huge, heavy batteries is flawed. Carmakers have to throw n resources at regular cars or put them into already big SUVs to hide the fact, and the result is that a regular gas-guzzling Jeep Wrangler is environmentally friendlier over the entire course of its life if you factor in the total impact beginning at the production line. We really need the hydrogen car to succeed instead.
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Naib · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 10:08 am Post subject:

John-Boy · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:02 am Post subject:

Naib · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:37 am Post subject:

Bones McCracker · Veteran Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 1605 Location: U.S.A.

The real solution is a Matrix. Just put people in little cubbies and let them travel and interact in virtual reality. No reason to actually move people and goods about. "Let your fingers do the walking."

In fact, no need for cubbies really. All that's really called for is a chip in each person's head!

Mardok45 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 7:59 pm Post subject:

Koala Kid · Guru Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 378

For several years we here had that project going, called Better Place, that had aimed to develop an electric car with a network of battery swapping robotic service stations.
In reality, all you got is a bastardized version of Renault Fluence which cost the same as fuel powered car, they could go only about 150km and in order to be able to swap the battery, you should've subscribe to their monthly ~$200 plan.
It has flopped, of course, and big time. I still see some of those poor suckers driving on the road, no idea how they're still able to power that shit.
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Bones McCracker · Veteran Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 1605 Location: U.S.A.

Mardok45 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:24 pm Post subject:

pjp · Administrator Joined: 16 Apr 2002 Posts: 17265

John R. Graham · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2017 10:51 pm Post subject:

My ex boss had a loaner Tesla Model X (SUV) while his Model S was in the body shop. The gull wing rear doors are nigh on a work of art.

Regarding the Prius, I routinely got 50+ mpg. Do you not consider that pretty good? What it is not, is a blast to drive, but its been extremely reliable and economical. It recently turned over 300,000 miles.

- John
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cokey · Advocate Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 3343

pjp · Administrator Joined: 16 Apr 2002 Posts: 17265

pjp · Administrator Joined: 16 Apr 2002 Posts: 17265

Bones McCracker · Veteran Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 1605 Location: U.S.A.

Bones McCracker · Veteran Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 1605 Location: U.S.A.

cokey · Advocate Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 3343

notageek · Posted: Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:47 am Post subject:

The only opinion that matters is of Jeremy Clarkson, pbuh

http://www.topgear.com/videos/jeremy-clarkson/electric-cars-day-trip-part-12-series-17-episode-6
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