Thinking about replacing my wives daily with an EV. Currently she is driving a 2007 Hyundai Veracruz, that has 75K so no big hurry. We went to a local dealer is sit in a few cars to see if we fit, for those that don't know me, I am 6'6" and my wife is 6'3". She also prefers the elevated driving position of an SUV rather than sitting lower in a sedan. Her commute is about 60 miles round trip but would like the ability to go somewhere else if needed so would like a range of about 150.
We test fit the following BMW I3, Chevy Bolt, Chevy Volt, and the Nissan Leaf. Volt is out, best fit was in order was I3, Bolt, then Leaf. Would like to stay under 20K but may need a bit more to get a Bolt for the I3 I would want to go with the 92amh battery and the range extender option. We did not drive any of them, not ready to go through the test drive hassle at this point, but eventually will need to drive them all. Have to say I am not a fan of the I3 styling but it was the roomiest for the front seat passengers.
So what does the hive think of these vehicles? Before anyone says anything, I am sure a Tesla is a better car I just can't afford one. 20K would be the most I have spent on a car in the last 20 years.
I wouldn't touch the i3. They were trying to give them away for about $50 month lease. Bunch of annoying little issues with them including some idiotically expensive maintenance and special sized tires that wear quickly. The real life range is rather pathetic too.
Im surprised the Leaf isn't the front runner in this competition. I also rather like the Bolt but the seats are utterly terrible.
Have you looked at the Hyundai Kona EV? Or the Fiat 500e or Golf?
egolf is carb states only so cali and maryland and nj.
In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :
Kona Ev is too new and over 30K, Fiat is too small, and the Golf sits too low.
I thought the range issues with the I3 was solved with the 92 amh battery, but I have heard both plus and minus on the little issues and maintenance.
I agree about the Bolt seats, they are not the most comfortable,
If I were looking for a new or close to new car (especially an ev), if be hard pressed to get anything other than a model 3.
The possibility that the car can act as a revenue generator for you in the near or mid future is a really strong motivator in my mind.
Unfortunately Tesla is the new BMW for catcus jokes, but still.
What's the support for each like from your local dealer? We know there are some GM dealers that are actively hostile to the Bolt. How about your local one? Does your Nissan or BMW dealer know much about their EVs?
I have to say that personally, the i3 is the one that intrigues me just because of the design. It's also the only one that comes with a range extender and you specified that in "your" car. Is that a critical factor for you? It's not available in the other two.
In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :
The price of entry is what is keeping me away from a Tesla, even used they are twice what I'm looking to spend.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
Good point on the dealer situation, I need to check. I think the Rex on the BMW is more piece of mind than a need given the range is shorter than the bolt, but still well within daily requirements. We have other vehicles for long trips, so this is also a change in how we use vehicles.
Anyone own either of these and have real experience to share?
I have 2 friends with Bolts, and both are quite happy with them. Each are 2-car, 2-kid families, and they prefer the driving experience of the Bolt over their other options (A Prius and a Subaru wagon).
My cousin has the BMW and really enjoys it - which is saying something given that he's a die-hard Porschephile.
I've spent time in a performance model Tesla 3 and other than the blistering acceleration, it was OK. A lot of money for something so Spartan. As a long-torso'd individual, I found it annoyingly difficult to get in and out of. The new model Y is very appealing, but too pricey and currently on hold.
LOVE my Bolt. Even the seats. Ask me anything.
