Posted on 04/15/2012 9:04:00 PM PDT by DallasBiff
Why would I spend $41k on a Volt when I could spend (just by way of example—this isn’t mine) 6k for 27 mpg and bank the difference?
I've ridden in the Volkswagen/Audi (same thing) TDi diesels, 2.0 and 2.5, and they are very sweet. This isn't your dad's old no-rev smoker. A VW Golf with that 2.0 six-speed is pretty quick and gets 30/40 mpg. Too bad the US still hates diesels, because you can get a GTD version of that engine in Germany with more power and lots more torque.
For small commuters, I really feel gipped over here. Over there you can get a VW Polo diesel 1.2 (75 hp) that gets 50/70 mpg. With diesel costing less than gas over there, why bother with electrics?
At home in Pocatello, the city is small enough that I could get around with a Leaf. That falls apart if I want to go to the bookstore. The nearest bookstore is 53 miles north in Idaho Falls. Freeway speeds are 75 MPH. My favorite place to visit Spring -> Fall is Yellowstone National Park. 154 miles to the west entrance. The one-way distance from the west entrance to Old Faithful is 30 miles. Non-starter distances. Winter temperatures and snow add a new dimension to the Leaf. The battery capacity is severely impacted by cold temperatures. Having to run the heater and a cold battery are a recipe for an early dirt nap.
I’ll check it out and get back to you.
I have to give Nissan credit, unlike others that just publish big numbers, they also published lower scenario numbers. I believe the range in the worst scenario was cut to around 60 miles. In really cold climates you can get a battery heater option. Yes it uses power to heat the battery, but that gets out more than is used.
But for me on a 100+ degree day running the AC it would still do what I need. It could handle probably 90% of my driving habits, and I have a van for the rest.
The plug-in car is going to have appeal to a narrow range of customers. It simply doesn't fit my needs...and I'm not willing to hack back my choices to fit within its limits.
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