Electric cars were quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. While it's true that battery technology is the weak link, they most certainly have come a long way and are more than good enough to handle the demands of the vast majority of drivers. That said I'd take a Volt over the Leaf in a heartbeat. I wouldn't get a hybrid personally.How can they calculate a mpg rating on a pure electric vehicle?
Anyway, electric cars have been around before and they've never been a commercially viable product. The reason is that the battery technology just isn't good enough yet. Nothing has changed.
Hybrids are a more viable alternative.
Lol.. when I read your post I thought you were nuts... then I did some quick research and you're bang on. Thanks for teaching me something new today. (you bastard!<grin>)Electric cars were quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. While it's true that battery technology is the weak link, they most certainly have come a long way and are more than good enough to handle the demands of the vast majority of drivers. That said I'd take a Volt over the Leaf in a heartbeat. I wouldn't get a hybrid personally.
+1; especially in North America. Daily mileage is too much for most, 100-150 km/day won't do it, and the occasional long trips would be a logistical nightmare. The other big problem will be that the existing infrastructure can't handle the present load at times, so can you imagine what the load will be if they become really popular?How can they calculate a mpg rating on a pure electric vehicle?
Anyway, electric cars have been around before and they've never been a commercially viable product. The reason is that the battery technology just isn't good enough yet. Nothing has changed.
Hybrids are a more viable alternative.
They can be very creative when they want to be - see http://www.coyoteblog.com/coyote_blog/2010/11/nissan-leaf-epa-rating-hugely-flawed.htmlHow can they calculate a mpg rating on a pure electric vehicle?
This is a popular argument against electric cars. The fact is it simply isn't true. Yes, if everyone charged during business hours we'd have problems. But the reality is that most people will charge over night. During a time where there is so much available electricity that goes to waste every night. If we could wave a wand a transform a large portion of the cars on the road today into electric, Ontario could handle it without missing a beat.The other big problem will be that the existing infrastructure can't handle the present load at times, so can you imagine what the load will be if they become really popular?
With barely a 100 km range, this vehicle will need a touch up during the day. How many of us drive under 100 km a day? Not many and you don't want to be caught short on the 401. The hidden cost of all electric cars and this is a big secret is that if you plan to keep you car longer than maybe 5 years, you'll have to think of a new battery and could be hit with exorbitant fees for disposal. There will be improvements in the system but it's not time yet for the big switch.This is a popular argument against electric cars. The fact is it simply isn't true. Yes, if everyone charged during business hours we'd have problems. But the reality is that most people will charge over night. During a time where there is so much available electricity that goes to waste every night. If we could wave a wand a transform a large portion of the cars on the road today into electric, Ontario could handle it without missing a beat.
Well it's for this reason I wouldn't buy a leaf. But a volt would fill that gap very nicely. Only time will tell how well the batteries hold up but right now they have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.With barely a 100 km range, this vehicle will need a touch up during the day. How many of us drive under 100 km a day? Not many and you don't want to be caught short on the 401. The hidden cost of all electric cars and this is a big secret is that if you plan to keep you car longer than maybe 5 years, you'll have to think of a new battery and could be hit with exorbitant fees for disposal. There will be improvements in the system but it's not time yet for the big switch.
Good question stinky.. I have the same issue. I would expect in the future building codes will make them a requirement on new buildings.. doesn't help us in existing buildings though.How does one plug in an electric car, if they don't have a garage? I live in an apartment.
Whether the owner of the vehicle or the gov't pays the disposal costs of the batteries the cost still has to be paid. You'll just do it with your taxes (which of course will have to go up to cover the new costs). Frankly since the gov't seems to have to collect $5 to spend $1 I'd rather not have them collecting to pay the disposal fees."How many of us drive under 100 km a day? Not many..." Really? I drive well under 100. If I were a betting man, I would think a majority drive less than a 100/day. It is adequate mileage though for those living in the city, and places like Markham/R. Hill etc. who drive in and out of the city daily. I'd be willing to bet battery disposal costs will be covered by the gov't for the first many, many years and battery warranties will be very strong. It's in everyone's interest (gov't/car co's etc.) to make these vehicles as attractive to purchase as possible, especially in the first decade to 2 decades. I just can't see them investing the kajillions into developing the technology and then making them undesirable to purchase by attaching exorbitant fees to dispose of the batteries. It doesn't make business sense.
There will come a time where there will be a plug in almost everywhere. There are parts of the country where that is already a fact. Think of cities where winter is a serious factor.Good question stinky.. I have the same issue. I would expect in the future building codes will make them a requirement on new buildings.. doesn't help us in existing buildings though.
Your point about 'possible' government support could happen, but how often does the government do the smart thing? The Canadian government is NOT investing kajillions. They are so far behind the curve with other countries, it's embarrassing. The more conferences and workshops I attend the more I see that's the case. At this time, the deposal prices are not being covered."How many of us drive under 100 km a day? Not many..." Really? I drive well under 100. If I were a betting man, I would think a majority drive less than a 100/day. It is adequate mileage though for those living in the city, and places like Markham/R. Hill etc. who drive in and out of the city daily. I'd be willing to bet battery disposal costs will be covered by the gov't for the first many, many years and battery warranties will be very strong. It's in everyone's interest (gov't/car co's etc.) to make these vehicles as attractive to purchase as possible, especially in the first decade to 2 decades. I just can't see them investing the kajillions into developing the technology and then making them undesirable to purchase by attaching exorbitant fees to dispose of the batteries. It doesn't make business sense.
Hmm! What's the Japanese word for Leaf?Why do they have to give it such a wussy name though ?
Why not the Thunderbolt ? or Electricutioner ? something more manly . . .
There's still plenty of the original RAV4 EV running in California to this day. Like lots of things in life, treat it well and it will last, abuse it and it won't.The 10 year range seems high. I'm hearing noticeable degradation of battery performance after 100,000 miles.
