markcmann said:
tgpt said:
I'm thinking about the Spark EV vs. a small gas-powered commuter.
It seems that the heater is a much higher power hog than the A/C compressor but I would still have range remIning on the colder days.
I wouldn't get an oil burning car for a 50 mile commute. That's exactly the "sweet spot" for most EV's in cost savings over any oil car.
Amongst the many cars available and capable of this trip, the Chevy Spark EV will certainly do it well. It has enough reserve range to get you comfortably home, and the battery chemistry (pretty much the same cells that were also put in the $109,000 Fisker Karma) and battery cooling system will minimize degradation over time.
It's not the heat that will reduce range much, either on a LEAF or a Chevy Spark EV. EV's tend to have very efficient air conditioning systems, unlike many oil cars that mechanically power the A/C system.
Cold will significantly diminish range in any EV. Thankfully, the Spark EV uses a good battery heating system. If you precondition (heat) both the cabin and the batteries via the on board timer, or the smart phone app, your range degradation in cold will be diminished. Any of the following cars can also do the job. I would not purchase any except the Tesla products, but instead lease. All are Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), and are or soon will be available in California:
.... Manufacturer .. Model(s)
1. Honda - Fit EV / future FCEH (hydrogen car)
2. Toyota - Rav4 EV / future FCEV
3. Chry/Fiat - Fiat 500e
4. GM - Spark EV
5. Ford - Focus EV
6. Daimler - Smart ED / B-Class ED / future FCEV
7. BMW - i3 / possible future FCEV
8. Nissan - LEAF
9. VW - eGolf
10. Hyundai - future FCEV
11. Kia - Soul EV
12. Mazda - Demio? EV
The following cars are offered to the public even though their manufacturers are not required to comply with California Air Resources Board (CARB) ZEV mandates:
13. Tesla - Model S and Model X
14. Mitsubishi - iMiev (I would wait for the new version due out in 2014 for a 50 mile commute, and even then it might be iffy)
Welcome to EV's !