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Is everyone on this forum all pro gas smart cars or are there some pro-electric smart people. Iam seeing better prices with the electric smarts ..... am I getting into trouble with these cars
is electric bad?
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11,314 Posts
Not sure how you can get 'in trouble' with them but for me, an electric car wouldn't make a round trip to work and back. Even if it barely made it and I could recharge, I would still be nervous about getting half way and running out of juice.t least with a gas car, I can always refill in a few minutes and be off.
If the range was more around 300 miles, and recharge time like 1/2 hour... that would be different.
If the range was more around 300 miles, and recharge time like 1/2 hour... that would be different.
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832 Posts
Easy: enjoy the fun-factor of silent but zippy kickdown acceleration too much and you're soon to be in trouble with the law
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10,100 Posts
The newer EV's like the Chevy Bolt have a 230 mile range. The cost is still $$$$. I would only lease one. Resale is extremely poor.
In the next 10 years, I bet EV's will be right on par, with ICE vehicles, sales number wise. I'm glad I live in a Midwest city. That's has charging stations everywhere. They make sense, as a 2nd around town vehicle. I'm retired would make sense for me. short errands around town. Rent a ICE vehicle for long trips.
In the next 10 years, I bet EV's will be right on par, with ICE vehicles, sales number wise. I'm glad I live in a Midwest city. That's has charging stations everywhere. They make sense, as a 2nd around town vehicle. I'm retired would make sense for me. short errands around town. Rent a ICE vehicle for long trips.
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Living in a midwest northern climate where we see temps hit -30 for a week straight, I would have to believe that would have an effect on battery range. Can't say for sure since I always figured the range was a killer for me. Maybe a Hybrid would work, but then in my opinion, you have 2 drive systems in the car instead of one. Twice as much to go wrong. BUT that is just me. maybe once I retire it might fit my lifestyle more.
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1,491 Posts
I bought the ED so I didn't keep piling miles on my gas smart. It was very affordable and was completely loaded. Because I have the gas car to use on the occasion that the range ( 60-80 miles ) isn't enough, the ED is a great fit for me. The ED might not be the best choice if it is to be your only car. It is perfect to go to work and daily shopping since work isn't too far from home. In fact I didn't need to charge it up for a week and I used it every day but then the weather was warm last week. I can say for sure that it is a blast to drive.
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10,100 Posts
No reason, you can't. There are plenty of after market EV conversion, out on the market. Or you can just buy the first edition Tesla roadster. It had a range over a 100 miles.
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6,114 Posts
If you can afford a Roadster and can part with another chunk of change, Tesla is upgrading them to 330+ miles range for $29K. Of course, if you drive it like it looks, 330 miles probably isn't going to happen.
Tesla Roadster Battery Upgrade, 330 +Miles Of Range Priced At $29,000
http://shop.teslamotors.com/products/roadster-3-0-upgrade
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6,114 Posts
To the OPs question, electric isn't good or bad, it's just different. An EV may or may not fit your driving needs (like any vehicle) so you need to be sure that it can before going the electric route. Range is always the big issue, whether it's a second or only vehicle, cold climate, etc. You should be conservative with the range "estimates" provided since cold weather, high speed driving, etc. can affect the range greatly. If you plan to use it as an in town commuter, errand runner, it can work great.
And while this may be obvious, make sure you have a secure place to charge. Running an extension cord out the window to the street isn't a viable option. 120/240V charging is also a consideration as well as 3rd party charging stations in your area (if any).
In short, several factors to consider. Pros and cons like any vehicle purchase.
And while this may be obvious, make sure you have a secure place to charge. Running an extension cord out the window to the street isn't a viable option.
120/240V charging is also a consideration as well as 3rd party charging stations in your area (if any).In short, several factors to consider. Pros and cons like any vehicle purchase.
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1,491 Posts
That would make for one heck of a KillerBee! I'm sure it is very affordable.
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292 Posts
Love our ED, we've had it for 3 years. It does 99% of our driving, is dirt cheap to operate, better planted than the gas smart 451 because of the lower center of gravity. Better acceleration.
Battery capacity fades out in colder temps but my wife still drives it 54 km to work and back during the week. That uses about 60% of the battery in -5 C weather. The car is charged at her office (L1) and in our garage (L2).
Saves us about $2000 canuck bucks a year on gas, after subtracting electricity costs.
The differential bleeder value required fixing but was covered under warranty. No other issues.
The "highline" sat nav is functional, but otherwise a piece of fecal matter.
ymmv of course.
Battery capacity fades out in colder temps but my wife still drives it 54 km to work and back during the week. That uses about 60% of the battery in -5 C weather. The car is charged at her office (L1) and in our garage (L2).
Saves us about $2000 canuck bucks a year on gas, after subtracting electricity costs.
The differential bleeder value required fixing but was covered under warranty. No other issues.
The "highline" sat nav is functional, but otherwise a piece of fecal matter.
ymmv of course.
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