I expect in maybe three to five years the charging stations will become on a pay per use basis.  Like £4-5 per pop for a charge that'll get you 70 or 80 miles.

But I don't think that'll happen until EVs get a lot more popular.

 

Something I've been wondering too.  But I hope/believe similarly, that this wouldn't happen for a few years and since my sums are based on 4 years ownership of the leaf with 50% free miles based on the free chargers, it is making absolute financial sense currently.  In fact, I worry more that as uptake increases, you'll be queuing to charge!

 

So I'm still in the same dilemma as Yeti_Man.  1st or 2nd.   Hmm.  Might be worth heading over to Nissan and seeing if they'll lend me a used 1st gen too to try out for a few days? How easy is that to achieve?

Something I've been wondering too.  But I hope/believe similarly, that this wouldn't happen for a few years and since my sums are based on 4 years ownership of the leaf with 50% free miles based on the free chargers, it is making absolute financial sense currently.  In fact, I worry more that as uptake increases, you'll be queuing to charge!

 

So I'm still in the same dilemma as Yeti_Man.  1st or 2nd.   Hmm.  Might be worth heading over to Nissan and seeing if they'll lend me a used 1st gen too to try out for a few days? How easy is that to achieve?

 

A 24 hour test drive is usually quite easy.

More than that can be tricky, depending how busy they are.  Basically, they need to know you want to give them money.

i seen a twizzy going around the city up here a few times. shifted about really well.

if i win tomorrows lottery....

if i win tomorrows lottery....

 

I'd be buying a Tesla after that Autocar review.... 

A Tesla Model X for me! Probably the perfect car for my family!

A Tesla Model X for me! 

 

I eagerly await the Model E (supposed 3 series competition).

 

I keep eyeing up the BMW i3 too.  It's ugly like the Leaf, but cutting-edge ugly.  I like that.  And at 25K, it's not much more than a new Tekna (Not sure how I've convinced myself that going from a 12K used Leaf to 25K is cost effective :think: )

£25k plus option packs and only four seats though.

This is one of the things that put me off the Ampera.  Four seats does not make a practical family car IMO.

 

The BMW i3 has been marketed better than the LEAF though, the online info and videos look very swish.

Plus there is the option to add a range extending bike engine which is quite clever.

Intersting post.....My Step dad is going for a Nissan Leaf next year as part of his mobility.....there a little worried about the charging points around the area they live but in the end, he will go for it so he can tootle around town....

Can/do these electric things have a solar charging option?

 

I was reading about a dutch prototype called Stella the other day. 420 mile range from the solar panels on the roof. Apparently the idea was to be "energy positive" (so it gives more than it needs). As you're carrying your charger, range anxiety takes more of a back seat.

Can/do these electric things have a solar charging option?

 

I was reading about a dutch prototype called Stella the other day. 420 mile range from the solar panels on the roof. Apparently the idea was to be "energy positive" (so it gives more than it needs). As you're carrying your charger, range anxiety takes more of a back seat.

 

The Solar panels on my roof are around six times bigger than the roof of my LEAF and take 10 hours to charge it, giving around one and a half hours driving time.

 

So it could work in theory, provided they were seriously high tech solar panels and you only did 10 miles per day maybe?

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=stella+dutch+electric+car&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&gws_rd=cr&ei=sC4uUqrNB-z40gXmwYGYCg

 

Sadly on of the first articles is from the Daily Mail though :(

I'd love to know what the kerbweights of those specially built cars are for the Australian race.

Not 1500kg like the LEAF I'd imagine.

Apparently 380Kg.

£25k plus option packs and only four seats though.

This is one of the things that put me off the Ampera.  Four seats does not make a practical family car IMO.

 

The BMW i3 has been marketed better than the LEAF though, the online info and videos look very swish.

Plus there is the option to add a range extending bike engine which is quite clever.

 

I'd probably go for the 28K range extender.  At first I thought, why bother?  But then it's a great safety net and no VED is payable so why not!  I haven't read into what the base model gets you, but, I find the price attractive compared to say the Leaf.  I'll still await the e-Golf pricing, I like the fact it still looks 'normal'.  But as you say with the Leaf, I find the i3 quite a distinctively odd looking vehicle (in a good way).  Still, my quest to buy an EV is and should be to save money Vs retaining the derv for 25K annual miles.  Buying a new Tekna or i3 wouldn't save me a bean, but would offer me the luxury of a new vehicle for the same money as running my Fabia.  I really am in a pickle!  

 

4 seats doesn't bother me since I only really need a 2 seater...The back seats just save me from opening the boot when I chuck the odd bag of shopping in!  

A little more research on the i3 reveals the rather steep pricing on extras http://www.bmw.co.uk/dam/bmw/marketGB/bmw_next/newvehicles/bmwi-overview/i3/design/BMW_i3_Pricelist.pdf.resource.1375280767909.pdf

 

Definitely makes the Leaf Tekna several thousand pound cheaper unless DTD offer some unreal discounts!

The US invasion has started... 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a94o1aowtdc&safe=active

A little more research on the i3 reveals the rather steep pricing on extras http://www.bmw.co.uk/dam/bmw/marketGB/bmw_next/newvehicles/bmwi-overview/i3/design/BMW_i3_Pricelist.pdf.resource.1375280767909.pdf

 

Definitely makes the Leaf Tekna several thousand pound cheaper unless DTD offer some unreal discounts!

 

It's a BMW...

 

The pricing seems to start around Tekna levels (£25k after grant) and go up from there.

In line with BMW's general position in the market as a "premium" badged product.

I asked the Nissan garage to leave the LEAF as it came off the transporter.

So it was a bit grubby and had plastic on the seats.

 

Got it in today to Rob at Gleam Machine.

 

Now looks excellent, he always says better not to let the garage wash it as part of the PDI as they just make more work with fine swirls in the paint.

Don't think dealerships use the two bucket method.

 

It really does look amazing with not a mark on it, paintwork, glass, wheels, carpets, leather seats etc.. all protected, clean and spotless.

 

^ Too right.  I could do with having someone spruce up my derv to that standard!

 

So do you fancy test driving any other EVs?  The Tesla S is obviously in a different league (performance, range and price) and I know you're keen on owning.  But that aside, do you fancy comparing the i3, focus and potentially the e-Golf to the Leaf?  The more I research, (as part of my daily routine  ) the more I see the plus side to the Leaf in terms of infrastructure.  As far as I'm aware, the BMW 30 minute rapid charge isn't possible ANYWHERE in the UK at present.   :think:

BMW have contacted me about a test/drive/deposit on an i3.

But you can't test the actual car until the 16th November, they only have a regular BMW with the i3 running gear.

I think I'll wait for the real car.

 

They did send me the brochure and price list though.

Holy cow, they know how to add a lot of extra cost options, makes a Tekna LEAF look well priced.

Shame really as I'm getting quite hooked on the EV thing and the i3 rex (Range EXtender) would have made a nice car for Mrs Fox.

Although in truth I don't think she'd want to be seen in a BMW.

 

I do intend to test most EVs that come out.

I like the futuristic element of the i3, the choice of materials and the fact that it offers a nippy sprint to 60.  REX is something i'm really not sure about.  For an 80 mile round commute, it seems to make absolute sense.  You can't get charged at work, you run out of range at 75 miles when the battery is new so you simply use REX to get 5 extra miles.  But then its 3K more, increases the service package cost, decreases performance slightly due to increased weight and reports suggest MPG is 35-40.  As the battery deteriorates it could become even more useful but I feel like it's almost defeating the point of owning an EV.  

 

I just don't know what I want anymore... I know that the i3 is probably out of my price range.  Unless, resale values remain high.  PCP on the i3 suggests that a 3 year old 24K i3 is worth £11.5K (ish).  Higher than I expected but when BMW have invested 2 billion into their 'i' cars I can visualise lower depreciation than expected.  I'd be piling on a lot more milage (75K in 3 years) but if the cars not effectively worthless, it's not so bad after all.  I think...

Personally, if you are going to do those kind of miles a used car sounds better.

Saves a lot of depreciation.

Which limits the options a bit, as it's pretty much LEAF or LEAF.

Handy thing is, they are cheap and have the 60k warranty on the motor/battery.

Think you're right. And I think I've already realised this. I guess in a year or two, the options of affordable nearly new EVs will be huge compared to the current offering.

Definitely looking forward to any test drive reviews of future EVs!

On the Leaftalk forum I have been told that it's not possible I can do 95 miles on a charge.

I am sure you can with eco driving, heater off etc...

 

So the challenge is on.

 

I will be attempting to fully charge my LEAF and drive a route into work that is 95 miles and actually arrive without recovery.

Route planned.

Leave where I live in the CM3 area of Essex.
Country lanes, then onto the A12 to London.
Come off and head round the M25 (missing my usual exit of the M11) to junction 20, loop round and head back towards Essex.
Take the M11 into London as I normally do.
Slower roads and traffic at the other end.

Total miles 94.5
Hilly in places.

I guess I then drive round and round the local area until it's had enough and pull into work to recharge.... assuming I get that far.