I have a 2007 GenII Prius but I'm thinking about upgrading to an EV for commuting I have about a 12 mile commute One way with no charging ability at work. I'm a big guy, 6 foot three 300+ pounds and I doubt I could fit into a Volt on a daily basis. As it is there is a certain amount of twisting to get in the Prius. But I have owned one for two years, and had an office car for one so I know that dance well. When I tried to sit in the Volt I could not get in without bumping my head or shoulders which meant that it was a very short visit at the dealership. My next visits are to go look at a PIP Or a C max energi and see how I fit in one of those. It's a shame I like the idea/concept of the Volt, perhaps I should go back and look at a new one instead. In the meantime I'll just roll on the miles in my Gen II.
It isn't even the interior space that was the issue. It was simply getting into the car, the doorway is too narrow; short of figuring out the proper contortions I won't get in or out comfortably. That's not unique to the Volt, I have the same problem with a 2003 Buick Century, I'm fine once I get past the doorjamb.
C-max should be better; I think most of its extra passenger volume over the Prius goes to headroom. Then the Fusion should have longer doors. Is two cars an option? An used Leaf can be had cheap from the sounds of it, and it sounds like you wouldn't be pushing the battery of even one with reduced capacity. No plug.
The lower case "v" the Prius "wagon" version I was going for fit, We are hoping for v Prime plug in. Well in that case of a Plug, wait a few months for Chrysler minivan plugin (Pacifica)?
Thanks! I'm already at two cars... Three if you count the Buick which is leaving as soon as my FEH gets back on the road. Two drivers with a teenager itching to get his license soon. My plan is to fix the escape for the wife, keep the gen II for the teenager and then get myself a 'bridge' car until I can get a Model 3 Tesla. I was trying on the Volt for size. I'll have to go find a CMax and see if I fit I that. I'll look into a leaf as well, the daily commute wouldn't be bad. Thanks, see above but I'm looking to go more EV aiming for a Tesla once the model 3 production ramps up. A Prius v wouldn't help much.
With three cars at the home, having one a BEV shouldn't be a problem with the potential of car juggling. I see winter range loss would be a concern for you, but even the smart ED and iMiEV should be able to do your commute alone. What about buying out of state and shipping, or even driving, it to you? Bob W. just did so here for an i3 REX. I know you need to test fit the car, but most, if not all, have a regular car version that you can sit test. I was thinking the Spark EV had good reviews, and it has a longer range than the Leaf to start.
Any of the BEVs now available cover that commute. Both being under 70 miles range, the smart ED and iMiEV might be iffy with winter range loss. Though I think the iMiEV's battery chemistry is one suited for the cold. Auto journalists liked the Spark EV because of the performance boost it had over the ICE model. It has a 82 mile range, with a liquid thermal management system for the batter, like the Volt. So a used one's battery should be in better shape than a Leaf's from a hot climate. It's only sold in California, Oregon, and Maryland though. There is a single used one in Pennsylvania on Cars.com, but closer to Maryland than you.
I don't mind Maryland at all, I drive through a tiny slice of it every couple of weeks. My parents are in VA... And I visit as often as I'm able
If you're looking for a "bridge" car, the leases available on the Spark EV could be really tempting. A used Leaf could be a strong contender for a few years of a 35 mile round trip as well. At significantly under $10K, they're not much of a risk. Just be sure to checkout the Leaf forums for common issues to see whether you can live with them. I live in an EV charging black-hole and love the EV driving experience, so the Volt and i3 REx are the only options I can consider without reservations, at least until the Bolt becomes available.
I'm going to take another look at a volt , or A E-golf, as well as the Kia zero. I know the BMW is out of my price range, might as will get a Tesla. I'm sure they will, someday... Tb: I could handle the Spark, will have to move that up the list to check out. As for a Leaf; a college buddy of mine has a Leaf, I'll pick his brain on it , plus check out the forums on them.
Because of age, numbers sold, and nationwide availability, a deal on the Leaf will likely be the easiest to find.
Glad to hear that the Spark is easy to get in and out of -- it looks like a very nice car... By the way, should a used Volt be called a ReVolt?
