I wasn't being critical, just pointing out an alternative point of view relative to the diesel.

I see Vw have announced the e up. Wonder how long the e citigo will be?

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If we had the charging infrastructure that Tesla are pushing in the US I'd buy an ev tomorrow!

http://www.teslamotors.com/supercharger

I see Vw have announced the e up. Wonder how long the e citigo will be?

Unfortunately It'll probably be like the VW UP! GT.

In other words Skoda will be lucky if they are allowed to build a Skoda version.

I was told a year or so back that it was in the pipeline, before I'd even seen a citigo.

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Well after 4000 miles this has now left me, so I'll lock this thread.

So impressed with it I am now looking forward to a new (and slightly improved) LEAF mk2 (more like 1.5) arriving in September with a few extras like surround view cameras and a heated steering wheel and four seats.

So... unlock and update.

 

Call from Nissan today to say my 2013 spec LEAF has arrived at the dealership.

Have gone for the top spec Tekna model which is that same as the 2012, with the following extras:

 

Better and more efficient heater, which will suck less out of the range.

Two different "speeds" of regenerative braking.

Heated steering wheel.

Front and back heated seats.

Leather interior.

BOSE sound system.

Five camera surround view system.

6.6kW fast charge, so I can recharge from empty in 4 hours at home or work.

Bigger boot due to charger reloation from boot to under the bonnet.

Several minor things like lighter motor, charging socket light etc... all of which are pretty boring.

 

Hope to get it the first week of September.

Aim to sell it Spring 2014 as I have my eye (and a depoist put down back in Dec 2012) on a Telsa Model S...

 

I got an email from Tesla last week saying the full UK spec and pricing should be available in two/three weeks, at which time I'll be asked to confirm what I want to keep my place in the queue.  I am number 75 in the UK, estimated delivery time is Spring 2014.

Whats's the prices on these?

Whats's the prices on these?

 

The three new 2013 LEAF specs or the Telsa Model S?

I see Vw have announced the e up

 

 

 

Is that in addition to the Yorkshire version, the aye Up, and the Scottish version, the aye Up Jimmy  

The three new 2013 LEAF specs or the Telsa Model S?

Mainly the leaf, but curious on the Tesla too.

Mainly the leaf, but curious on the Tesla too.

 

The LEAF is now available to buy, as before, or to mostly buy where you lease the battery.

The latter option gives you a £5,000 cheaper car, but a monthly cost for every for the battery.

Obviously, the more miles you do, the more expensive the monthly battery lease...

 

Versions are: (after £5k grant reduction)

Basic: Vista - £20,990 or £15,900 + BL (battery lease)

Mid range: Acenta - £23,490 or £18,490 with BL

Top spec: Tekna - £25,490 or £20,490 with BL

 

Battery lease ranges from around £70 per month for low milage (5k per year) to around £200 per month for high usage (20k per year).

 

I went for the top spec Tekna which comes with heated steering wheel and four seats, BOSE sounds system, surround camera system, keyless entry/start and nav.  Then added the quicker charger, metallic paint and solar spoiler, which is about the only options for a total price after the £5k grant of around £27k.

 

I then went on drive the deal and got £4,000 off, leaving me with a bill of around £23k for a top spec one with all the options.

It is far better kitted out than any Skoda I've been able to spec up on the configurator.  Octavias I specced up with less kit were coming to thousands more.

Which is funny as EVs are supposed to be expensive, but to me that sounds good for it's size and spec.

 

Anyway, once it's here it'll be very cheap to run (almost free) and it has a 5 year 60k warranty on the battery and all electrics, which with the mk1 looking very reliable leaves me no concerns.

 

Factor in the low electric cost, free VED and cheap insurance, plus minimal servicing costs (£120 per 18k miles) and for me it starts to make sense as a car provided you can live with the range.

 

Even better if you can buy it through a business and under tax rules write 100% of it's value down against profits in the first year of ownership.

Almost like getting 20% back on the £23k...

With regards to the Tesla, nobody really knows yet.  But after the £5k grant I expect it'll come in between 55k for the lower model and 100k for the Performance plus.

 

The later of which does 0-60mph in 4 seconds, despite being a 1900kg(ish)car that seats 5+2 and is huge.    2m by 5m pretty much.

Plus it has a 300 mile range, which is about 250 when driven normally... and fortunately costs peanuts to run because the depreciation should be interesting.

Hope that 100% tax rule still applies then.

Stupid question - but does having heated seats and steering wheel eat into the battery power?

Stupid question - but does having heated seats and steering wheel eat into the battery power?

 

No, the current draw is very small and comes from the typical car 12v battery.

 

The big battery only powers the drive motor and the cabin heating system, so being able to use it less improves range, although the newer LEAF has a much more efficient heat pump style cabin heater compared to the old one so winter range will be closer to summer range.

 

In my old spec LEAF turning on the heater dropped the range from 80 to 60...

It would seem being able to design a front impact area without a huge lump of metal in there has it's benefits.

 

Tesla Model S scores highest ever crash test result in the states: http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2013/08/tesla-model-s-gets-best-nhtsa-safety-rating-ever/

 

I wouldn't want to bump into one :( : http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-laguna-beach-accident-20130402,0,1363640.story

Autocar review of a Tesla

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/tesla/s

 

I wouldn't want to bump into one :( : http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-laguna-beach-accident-20130402,0,1363640.story

 

Looks like the old style Volvo method - make a car that destroys whatever it hits to keep the occupant safe!

 

The photo in the story has made me feel a little ill :(

The front crumple zone is huge, it's got a big bonnet and all the front structure is designed as a huge crumple zone with no engine etc... to worry about keeping out of the cabin.

Definitely a sound argument, I'm just shocked at the state of that Honda given the huge energy absorbing crumple zone on the Tesla!

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So, how many cars do you actually own now, personally? It is rather ridiculous when you have more threads about your cars than there are winter tyre arguments in the Octavia II section.

haven't you seen his for sale thread? Looks like a Skoda dealership. 

 

Hmm now, winter tyres.......

So, how many cars do you actually own now, personally? It is rather ridiculous when you have more threads about your cars than there are winter tyre arguments in the Octavia II section.

 

I know, I've been very naughty.

 

But I plan to get down to a Yeti, mad Citigo, LEAF and maybe a tank.  About half what I have now.

I've got a few Skodas, the GT-R and my 1934 Morris for sale. (copy on this forum)

 

Sorry. :peek:

Perhaps a at the end of my post would have helped depict the tone in which it was intended?

Basically I'm jealous.

Good luck with the sale of the fleet Richard and hope to see yourself and the Citigo at a track event soon

By February 2013 Nissan sold (more likely registered) 50,000 LEAFs.

Just six months later it's just hit 75,000.

 

Two years to get to 50k, now they seem to have taken off a bit.