Any experiences of Electric Cars? iOn, Leaf, i-MiEV?

[FreeLitres]

Not the usual PH choice, but I'm thinking about signing up for a 6-month EV trial!

Has anyone here tried using one of these electric cars for regular commuting?

I was impressed during a recent iOn demo and I am keen to learn of actual range experiences through the winter months and how well they perform in the snow.

[flamesuit on]

[thinfourth2]

Most people have never driven one but know they are st and useless

But i would love one

Where is this 6 month trial?

[FreeLitres]

thinfourth2 said:

Most people have never driven one but know they are st and useless

But i would love one

Where is this 6 month trial?

Some parts of the UK are having trials and installing lots of charging points. This particular scheme is for the North East of England ("Switch EV"). They have a few different cars on offer, including some rather nice Electric Range Rovers! I would be looking to take an iOn though. Other schemes might be available across the country.

[Bill Carr]

I have no experience of them whatsoever, but I do like the x-type in your profile.

[djt100]

The site says £400 a month for the range rover, I'm sure you couldn't lease a normal one for that, and I bet it would cover 90% of normal driving.

[thinfourth2]

Bugger i'm 200 miles too far north to qualify for being in the north

[FreeLitres]

djt100 said:

The site says £400 a month for the range rover, I'm sure you couldn't lease a normal one for that, and I bet it would cover 90% of normal driving.

I think the lease costs must be subsidised. The iOn is £300/month (inc vat) and I saw an "Honest John" review which stated £420/month lease.

The Rangey does have twice the range of an iOn though.

[FreeLitres]

Bill Carr said:

I have no experience of them whatsoever, but I do like the x-type in your profile.

Still needs a new home!

[FreeLitres]

What's your thoughts about this configuration and how it might behave in the snow;

-RWD
-Electric motor located at the back
-Battries running front to back close to the floor
-Skinny tyres
-Narrow car and fairly short wheelbase

Would this be tail-happy on ice?

[thinfourth2]

Tyres, tyres, tyres and tyres again

The issue is more related to the ECO tyres they will come with. I have only ever run ECO tyres on a caterham so no idea what they are like in the snow.

[FreeLitres]

thinfourth2 said:

Tyres, tyres, tyres and tyres again

The issue is more related to the ECO tyres they will come with. I have only ever run ECO tyres on a caterham so no idea what they are like in the snow.

I hadn't thought about that. Are eco tyres usually a hard compound or something - bad in cold conditions?