I have two electric cars (Fiat 500e and Nissan Leaf), both leased.
Both are supposed to get about 100 to 120 mpg, but, in reality, it's more like 90 miles for a full charge for the Fiat and 80 miles for a full charge for the Leaf.
Each car is $199/month (we got the most basic models) with a $2500 state rebate (so your first year is free!).
I do have a charger at home. The previous owner of the house had already done all the necessary prep work. We just had to have the actual machine installed. That cost $700.
However, I actually rarely charge at home. Both my previous and current employers provide free charging. I pretty much do almost all of my charging at my office.
If you do charge at home, you can sign up for a special rate with the electric company that allows you to charge at a much lower rate during off-peak hours (overnight). We used to be on this rate before misotiny came, and our bills were really low (because we rarely used any electricity during peak ours). Now, it's not an ideal plan for us because she and the nanny are at home during the day.
How do you plan to use your car(s)? I love love love my Fiat. I don't totally love my Leaf. The Fiat is fun and zippy. The Leaf is...not. LOL. For commuting, I highly recommend the Fiat!
When our leases run out, we are considering leasing two more electric cars -- maybe the Mercedes B-Class and the VW e-Golf.
One more thing -- to us, it makes a lot of sense to lease because technology is changing rapidly, and we don't want to be stuck with an outdated electric car. Also, there is no long-term data on how well and how long the batteries hold their maximum charge.
Anyway, the lease is a great deal with the state rebate.
Yes, the is info I needed. I was looking at the leaf, fiat and ford c max. Ideally, I would love to pay $199 a month. My car is paid off but its a V8 gas guzzler. I spend over $350 a month on gas.
I'm commuting to the OC everyday now and the carpool would save me 20-30 minutes each way. It's 26 miles each way.
There aren't any chargers within a few miles from my work. Although, being the new kid on the block I mentioned it to my boss because we are during a huge renovation to our school this summer and he kind of looked like he wouldn't be opposed to adding charging stations.
You should be able to get there and back on a full charge, but I'd probably get range anxiety. I'd be nervous if I needed to run an errand or something. LOL. It would give me much more peace of mind to have a charger available at work!
Are there any car dealerships on your route? I know Nissan dealerships let everybody charge for free, and they often have superchargers that can get your to full charge really fast.
You should be able to get there and back on a full charge, but I'd probably get range anxiety. I'd be nervous if I needed to run an errand or something. LOL. It would give me much more peace of mind to have a charger available at work!
Are there any car dealerships on your route? I know Nissan dealerships let everybody charge for free, and they often have superchargers that can get your to full charge really fast.
I just googled it and there are a ton of stations within a couple miles from work but they are at different businesses. Fashion island is 4 miles away. I don't know how that works.
That would allow you to use the carpool lane but have gas on backup.
I don't know how much longer the plug-in hybrid carpool sticker will be valid, though. I know there is a cap.
Pure electric will always be allowed in the carpool lane, I think.
I looked on the website yesterday and it said they were giving 10,000 stickers out and had reached 8,500 as of April 15. I need that a sticker for sure.
Many chargers -- even at businesses -- are for public use. The general public could use the chargers at my old workplace.
Moreover, chargers at malls, civic centers, and other public services are often free. For example, in Old Town Pasadena and Beverly Hills, all of the chargers in parking structures are free. It's pretty great.
I want a Tesla sofa king badly. I drive "with" one to work every day and I love that thing. It's so cute and impractical for me, and stupid expensive, but I want one anyway.
Update- miso I'm at fiat and test drove. It's way better than I thought. It's a fun drive. They are running a special so I think I may get it! Omg #golfcartracing
I want a Tesla sofa king badly. I drive "with" one to work every day and I love that thing. It's so cute and impractical for me, and stupid expensive, but I want one anyway.
Ditto.....
There are a couple of Teslas in town and I drool every time I see them. For us, one of our cars being electric really would make sense but all of them are currently in good shape. We are going to have to rethink this issue in another 3-4 years though.