Featured 2 different experiences

i think the is a microcosm of the way the general public views bev's. some see them for local only, while others don't see them at all.
it would be disingenuous to suggest that they are ready for prime time, but they are gathering steam as more models and incentives and charging stations come along.
i have to question the bolt driver who didn't think it through first. what must his life be like?
as for auto writers? 'nuff said.

 

They were probably on the clock; their time was being compensated. Their annoyance was likely contrived.

 

i can't argue on the tesla network, not having experienced it.
but i doubt that many of the 97% gasser drivers would agree. i wouldn't even consider a bev for long hauls, and i want one.

if the question is, who will do better in the long run, the company with the charger network, or the companies without? probably tesla in the long run, but way down the road. i still think most buyers are thinking local driving.
and who knows, non tesla charging may grow with bev sales.

 

He likely could have waited for a local dealer to get the Bolt in, and then not have to do all that planning.

Well, I think most buyers are like me, they already have another car to use for long trips. Going to a gas station is just too familiar to them.

 

agreed, but even those shopping are the same way. there's still a mental and physical hurdle to long distance ev. even in a tesla.

 

It would be interesting to know what percentage of vehicles, in a given year (or lifetime by one owner) ever go outside of a 100 mile radius. 50% ...75% or 95%???

Mike

 

i'd say less. but if you're buying a bev with the intent of long distance driving, even once in awhile, you either need to be prepared to make it work, or it's not even on your radar.

 

I read and watched these two pieces as well yesterday. I have a different opinion than you after it. I thought how remarkable that both were able to drive their EV long distances with poor and no planning. The Bolt buyer failed to realize not all charging stations are equipped with CCS fast chargers. I'd call that poor planning. And yet he made it. He also drove nervously at a slower 60 mph pace for 3 hours on the longest stretch and arrived with 23 miles extra on the GoM because he didn't know the range of his 238 mile EV range Bolt. It's not the middle of winter and the car is brand new. Why would you expect your range to be otherwise?

Driving a Chevy Bolt EV electric car halfway across the U.S.: what it takes

We drove the electric Tesla Model X across America - Business Insider

 

I've said that 90% of my drives I could do in a 50 mile EV. But in the remaining 10% is the occasional trip I make that puts 60+% of the miles on the car. I went from Sanford NC to Williamsburg VA last weekend. 700 pounds of people plus luggage. Drove around locally for 3 days, drove half way back. When I finally stopped for gas I had 1 bar on the battery, one bar on the gas gauge. Gas, pee and 10 minute dinner. $20 in gas for 43.6 MPG at mostly 55-70 MPH. Even if there had been a charging station there, I would have had to wait considerable time because I still had 100+ miles till home.

I did hit one stretch where 70MPH slowed to a 5MPH crawl for several miles. As I crept ahead on battery with the A/C on, I though of all the gas guzzlers spewing fumes and eating $$$ doing the same.

When I got back, I checked to see where the charging stations would be if I was EVing. I would have needed 3 multi hour stops, not one 15 minute one. 2 could have been convenient physically to my route though trip time extending by several hours. Nice Chamdo billboard on 95. In Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown there are a few but in paid parking or must stay here locations. Nothing in the visitors centers parking lots at the three.

My next long trip is to Myrtle Beach and there are multiple charging stations there. Quite a hike from where I'm staying though and with my car I won't have any gas stops that trip.

Would I have wanted to be on 95 at 10 MPH less than the limit and maybe 15 less than traffic?

Even though I am retired, time is still a valuable commodity. 3 hour charges hold no attraction. (I got home before dark, watched the NBA finals. Had I needed to charge, neither would have happened.)

I could buy an EV for 90% of the trips and buy a hybrid for my wife and the trips. But the ROI on that approach is horrible.
$3k home charging circuitry holds little chance of an ROI.

Your situation/opinion may differ.

 

You might look at the Pacifica plug-in minivan. It may be more vehicle than you need and the EV range could be better. Regardless, it looks to be an interesting, large format, vehicle. I don't know enough about the control laws to compare it with a Prime.

The BMW i3-REx has the EV range and with 168 hp, rear-wheel drive, is a nice ride. But the motorcycle sized tank means cross country involves a short fuel stop every hour 15 minutes.

Bob Wilson

 

Probably a lot less than that -- maybe 25% if that...

I do, so no pure EV for me, a Prius Prime (what i'm getting) or a Volt is as close as i'll get.

 

If your local trips are under 50 miles, you could probably get by with just Level 1 charging; no need for home charger upgrades.

 

another thought, if 90% of your drive is under 25 miles, is it worth purchasing and toting around a 240 mile battery for 10% of your driving?

 

Another example of why a plug-in + a BEV with battery sized to suit commuting and errands is a great combo for the large percentage of multi-vehicle households in the U.S..

 

honestly, i should be driving an old leaf, and using my wife's car for longer trips.

 

maybe for SOME owners - but definitely not a hurdle for ALL owners ;
Tales from a Tesla Model S at 200k miles | TechCrunch

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