Electric Vehicle Experiences
From Electric Vehicle drivers

03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 101-1000 miles
This is the car which proves that EVs are here! Although one could drive to San Francisco with only one recharging stop, that's not the point: One can drive all around the city with no worries about state of charge, and no holding back because of range fears!
posted by BK Jan/22/2000 at 17:58
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 20,001 or more miles
What a great car for reliability, overall satisfaction, and carefree driving! They should be used for driver training courses, there is nothing to think about but driving--controls are easy to figure out.
The superior regen braking system makes driving to Big Bear a snap, you get most of the energy of climbing back when you descend.
posted by Doug Korthof Jan/22/2000 at 18:02
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 20,001 or more miles
Great car for driving around, the lead acid batteries take a pounding. We did have some problems with the Delphi batteries, but none with the car or range for local driving.
posted by LR Jan/22/2000 at 18:06
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 20,001 or more miles
I have driven my EV over 32,000 (yes, that's thousands) carefree miles, without a day of trouble.
Every day when I leave my home, I look up into the sky and know that I am making a differance!!....
John Chambers
posted by John Chambers Jan/22/2000 at 19:09
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
The '97 EV1 above has been a regular commuting vehicle for both me and my wife since we purchased it. It has always been our preferred vehicle. In this time we have put less than 15,000 miles on our van. If a 4 seat EV were available at this time for the general public we would seriously consider replacing the van and driving pure electric.
posted by Chris Yoder Jan/23/2000 at 20:59
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 101-1000 miles
The NiMH EV1 means never having to worry about range again. Our van has been driven twice since getting the NiMH EV1 (we also have a '97 EV1) both times were not for range, but in order to haul stuff.
I believe that EV hybrids can be a good thing, but only if they have a minimum of 50 mile pure electric range, can be charged electrically, and can maintain freeway speeds without using the gas motor. In this configuration, people will see how rarely they use the gas motor and will be able to wean themselves from the addiction of gasoline.
posted by Chris Yoder Jan/23/2000 at 21:06
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
In the 2.5 years I've leased the vehicle, I have found my Honda EV+ a delight to drive. It is extremely easy to park. It makes no noise nor obnoxious gasses and smells. Useful for all in-town driving and quite adequate for trips to nearby communities. I'm a big booster of electric cars. It is just frustrating that the auto factories are really not that interested in developing a broader public market for electric vehicles.
posted by David M\. Tait Jan/23/2000 at 21:16
12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 35,001-40,000 miles
I have been driving EVs since 1992 and have not owned a fossil-fuel based vehicle since 1994 when I sold my gas powered Honda Civic. I can tell you from personal experience that electric vehicles are a viable source of transportation for 99% of my driving needs. I've only had to rent or use a gas powered vehicle a handfull of times since 1994. My first EV was a 1987 Pontiac Fiero converted to electric by Solar Electric (US Electricar). It used lead acid batteries, had a range of roughly 40 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 65 mph. I drove it a total of 36,000 miles in the 6 years I owned it. I donated it to a local trade school in 1998 when I was able to lease the Honda EV Plus (my current EV). I will send another message with my thoughts on the EV Plus.
posted by Jim Montgomery Jan/23/2000 at 22:58
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
I began leasing the Honda EV Plus in June 1998 and have put over 1,000 miles a month on it since then. The Honda EV Plus is a tremendous improvement over my Pontiac Fiero. I regularly get 70-80 miles per charge and it has greatly extended my range and level of driving comfort over that of the Fiero. Plus, a public charging infrastructure has come in to existence since getting the EV Plus and it is only continuing to grow. I have been extremely satisfied with my vehicle and thoroughly enjoy fueling at home and in public, never having smog checks, oil changes or going to gas stations. I am looking forward to driving in the carpool lanes beginning July 1 of this year. Finally, I do not see the technology of EVs as a failure but rather the lack of marketing that EVs have received. I read totally negative, inaccurate and outdated news articles almost daily regarding EVs (for example, the lastest rash of articles on GM stopping production of the EV-1 which are all completely incorrect). If the auto companies would spend 1% of the money they spend pushing luxury, behemoth SUVs I believe we could begin to inform and change public opinion regarding EVs. Until that time comes, it is imperative that CARB stay the course and hold the automakers to the ZEV mandate. The technology IS ready, don't stop what you have put in motion! We all deserve clean air and it is my belief that ZEVs are a necessity in that goal.
posted by Jim Montgomery Jan/23/2000 at 23:13
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 0-100 miles
I have driven several EV's for test drives/fun runs. I do not own one, but have a great desire to own a quality family EV. I'm not environmentally motivated, but simply prefer the reliability, driving characteristics and simplicity of the EV. They simply are better vehicles.
posted by Mike Mitchell Jan/24/2000 at 6:47
06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
I love my car. I have a home-based business, but I drive a lot, and my driving needs are somewhat unpredictable. Yet, I rarely even think about range requirements. I have been to a gas station once in the past 16 months. It was awful. It leaves a nasty smell on your hands, and splashes on your shoes. Driving an ICE vehicle feels so clunky and old-fashioned after driving my EV. Probably a dozen people a week stop me and ask questions. Almost all of them have heard wrong (negative) information. They're all supportive, and optimistic that EVs will play a significant role in California's transportation future. The RAV-4 is a great EV -- the best as far as I'm concerned. It gives me 100 miles on a charge in combined city-highway driving, and much more if I'm just in city traffic. I have the inductive model, which is incredibly easy to charge, and public charging locations are plentiful. The heater is great, and I love the heated seats. The A/C is very powerful as well. Someone asked me recently about what is the biggest downside to driving my EV. I had to think awhile. Nothing was coming to mind. The only thing I could come up with is that our other car (Honda Accord) sits so much without being driven, that we have to worry about it starting, or having the tires go bad from sitting in the same position for so long. On the rare occasions when I drive it, it's so dusty that it's embarrasing. That's it -- that's the downside of driving an EV.
posted by Wendy James Jan/24/2000 at 13:05
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 101-1000 miles
I rented a GM EV-1 from EV-Rentals at LAX for 2 days and had a thoroughly good time with it. I showed it to friends and relatives, giving many test rides and each and every person liked it. Even my wife, who has little interest in alternative vehicles found it fun to drive. I even managed to attend an EV-1 club meeting. I did occaisionally find the 50 mile range limit was less than what I wanted, but that should be less of a problem now with the better batteries available, and would go away altogether with a few public quick chargers here and there. I should note that my driving on this weekend was far in excess of what I typically drove, simply because I wanted to enjoy it all I could while I had it. This experience was enough for me to decide to start saving my pennies and get an electric car just as soon as my finances allow.
posted by Ruben Willmarth Jan/26/2000 at 13:19
11. Other nameplate vehicle 1001-3000 miles
As a Demo family for the Toyota Prius we found it a no-compromise hybrid. Quiet, well mannered, comfortable fun to drive. I can't wait till we can buy it.
posted by Geoffrey V\. Forman Jan/26/2000 at 19:47
13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 101-1000 miles
What can I say? ...
... A superb experience!
I hired a generation-1 GM EV from Budget at LAX just for one day. (I was on holiday - touring the state, doing long distances in a short period - so figured a conventional car made more sense for the longer-term). That one day was enough to convince me I should have approached the affair in a different manner and hired the EV for longer.
Even a 24-hour period plagued by LA jams was pleasant - Being stationary in traffic felt good because I knew I wasn't polluting (so long as California's electricity generators are pursuing e-friendly policies).
The car handled well, feeling sure and in control at speed and being very manoevreable. The lack of engine noise was no problem - I could hear the stereo (theme-track of the day was Travis' "The Man Who") and the gentle hum, rising in pitch as I accelerated, was more than enough to give feedback for good driving. The driver's position was super, and performance (admittedly from someone who's main driving experience has been in an Austin Mini and in company pool cars) was exciting.
The lack of passenger seating was a drawback for me, needing to accommodate two friends for an afternoon, but then that wasn't in the design brief for this particular motor. It would make a superb town runabout for me in London, and I only wish I had the opportunity here!
It was overall a fun car; very simple to operate and recharge, and geared-up to appeal to people just like me who love driving but don't want it to cost the earth (literally).
Thanks!
posted by simon herbert Jan/27/2000 at 14:24
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 25,001-30,000 miles
Our Honda EV Plus is our primary urban vehicle. It has met our expectations to the fullest degree, giving us up to 85 miles of daily mixed freeway/surface driving with each overnight(7-1/2 hour)240-volt recharging. The vehicle is a 2-door hatchback with seating for 4 adults. It has 4 wheel power disc brakes with ABS and other amenities found in upscale cars, such as automatic climate control AC/heating, electric power steering, power windows and door locks, etc. We prefer driving it over our other three ICE vehicles because it is smooth riding, virtually silent in operation, and it's pollution and odor free (from exhaust fumes and typical ICE odors). It requires no periodic maintenance other than Honda's no charge 5,000 mile diagnostic check ups, since it is still their vehicle, and it is essentially undergoing real world market and technological testing as we drive it. We are a family of four adult drivers, and my wife and I use an ICE vehicle only for trips which exceed our EV's range. We intend to replace our Honda EV Plus with an EV hybrid, if Honda does not extend our current (36 month) lease. We are convinced that all automobiles will eventually be propelled by electric motors using fuel cells (which are not dependent on petroleum as a fuel) to produce on-board electricity to run the motors. We want to drive the latest state-of-the-art vehicle (albeit one with a gasoline powered engine rated as an ultra low emission vehicle) to encourage auto makers to continue the trend toward the ultimate pollution free (petroleum free), reduced heat producing vehicles. We recognize that traffic congestion is not alleviated by wider use of non-polluting vehicles, but we'll all breathe easier as manufacturers work their way toward the goal that California has set. Let's home that our politicians do not lose sight of our established goals which the whole United States and the rest of the world have been encouraged to adopt.

check ups
posted by Mr\. A\.D\.Albright Jan/27/2000 at 18:01
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 1001-3000 miles
I am extremely fortunate to have obtained my EV Plus. I have the San Diego demo car that had gone up for lease a couple of days before I called. I have continued to look for other possibilities for when my lease runs out. Nothing is definite. All ZEV cars are fleet or not family capable. I sincerely hope that I will have a clean, quiet choice of efficient and safe vehicles in 2002.
The simplest way to describe my EV experience is to take the reader on an imaginary trip. If you could go back to a time when transportation was fun and exciting... Back to when yesterday's gossip, tomorrow's opportunities, and today's plans could be discussed freely between individuals while traveling. When grass, flowers, trees, and the atmosphere was only a step away. Maybe you are walking, hiking, or bicycle riding with your friends. Now add the Infernal Combustion Engine! I didn't!
I passed a cyclist about the third day I had my EV Plus who sat up in his saddle and gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up. It took me by surprise. People seem to not even notice my clean quiet vehicle among the noise and smog. Nonetheless, this athlete did.
I wish everyone could experience an EV. When carpooling I let a young mother drive who probably couldn't tell you how many cylinders her car had. To her transportation was just that, transportation. After driving the EV Plus, she couldn't understand why everyone wasn't driving an EV. She enjoyed the quiet ride and agreed with the need for clean air. It was all common sense to her and her family!
How applicable is my EV Plus? 100%
I have also driven:
EV1 at the San Diego Auto show. Short drive but my kind of enginering: Extreme efficiency.
Toyota RAV4 EV: Rented for a weekend...about 100+ miles of driving...highly desirable as my next family vehicle... now if Toyota would make them available to the public!!!!
Nissan Altra: Borrowed for a week... about 360 miles of driving... my wife loved it! ... so did my neighbors and coworkers...

posted by Kevin Roger Taylor Jan/28/2000 at 2:13
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
I have a Honda EV+ and a Ford Ranger EV.
The Honda EV+ is a fantastic vehicle. The electric drivetrain has never been the slightest burden for my daily driving needs. In fact, the quite and reliable nature of the vehicle is a joy. Refueling my vehicle at home means not more wasted time at the pump getting gas on my hands and emptying my wallet of cash.
Please support the EV mandate to the fullest extent possible.
posted by Jason France Feb/01/2000 at 14:50
08. Ford Electric Ranger Pickup Truck with NiMH batteries 1001-3000 miles
I have a Honda EV+ and a Ford Ranger EV.
The Ford Ranger is a fantastic vehicle. The electric drivetrain has never been the slightest burden for my daily driving needs. In fact, the quite and reliable nature of the vehicle is a joy. Refueling my vehicle at home means not more wasted time at the pump getting gas on my hands and emptying my wallet of cash.
I enjoy being able to use an all electric truck for my hauling needs as well. The Ford Ranger can put my boat in the water and take my trash to the dump.
Please support the EV mandate to the fullest extent possible.
posted by Jason France Feb/01/2000 at 14:54
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 101-1000 miles
I leased the car because I like the way it makes me feel. The car is fast, fun, cool, clean and cheap. It reinforces the image I have of myself as a leader and a visionary. Driving the car is my way of saying thanks to all the men and women at General Motors who produced this fabulous product and encouraging them to go farther. It is my way of showing my children how to be responsible adults. The car gives me hope for a better future.
I drive the car to work and back everyday. I have sold my gas car.
jack
posted by Jack Reynolds Feb/01/2000 at 23:46
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 0-100 miles
in order to be on the this earth longer and to keep the future bright,
invetions such as the EV are simply amazing. not to mention the remarkable acceleration that the EV has. I couldn't believe it. I only test drove the Ev but if I had the $, I would definetly lease/buy one right away. It should be a law that the EV will replace gas cars by at least 2010!!! :-)
thanx for your time,
JPS
posted by John Paul Svabenik Feb/02/2000 at 13:58
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
Leasing and driving the EV1 has been the most exciting and suprising automotive experience I have had.
I have been driving an EV1 since September 1998. Its 100+ mile/charge range is
far more than I need for my daily commutes and for virtually every weekend
trip I make. In fact, we rarely use my wife's gasoline-powered automobile
on the weekends.
My electric bill has increased by less than half the amount I used to spend
on gasoline. There is no maintenance, since there is no oil to change or
tune-ups and no smog checks. I conveniently charge at night while I'm sleeping. The car is 97% cleaner than the cleanest
gasoline-burning auto currently available even when power plant emissions
are taken into account. And, for what it's worth, I can go from 0-60 in
less than 8 seconds. In short, the car is a kick!
Although I was somewhat nervous about the practicality of the technology when I first leased the car, I have found that EV's work, they're fun, and
they are much less polluting than anything else on the road.
posted by Bob Feb/03/2000 at 21:09
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
This car is fantastic! It is the only car that I own, and takes care of all of my driving needs here in the SF Bay Area. As a professional musician, there are days when I need to drive upwards of 100 miles, and this car can do it no problem.
With the range of EVs now exceeding the magic 100 miles mark, this proves that they are a practical means of transportation, and not just a niche vehicle.
CARB mandates were essential to force GM to produce the 1999 EV1 with Ovonic NiMH batteries. Without the mandates I am certain that I would not be driving this car, because it never would have been made.
I know the mandates work, because I was told by a GM employee that GM was facing a deadline to deliver these cars or face millions of dollars in penalties. I subsequently learned from CARB that the penalty could have been as much as $25,000 per car. I am convinced that the threat of these penalties forced GM into delivering these cars on time.
Do not be suckered in by the hybrids - it is essential that we have CARB pressure to mandate a 100% clean car - it exists, it works, and we need CARB mandates to make it succeed.
Don't give up!

posted by Robert Ward Feb/07/2000 at 15:45
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 0-100 miles
I rented a Gen II EV1 from EV Rentals in Beverly Hills and drove it around for a day doing all the kinds of errands that I would normally do with a car. I also took a drive to work and back with a side trip into Santa Monica. The EV1 was a pleasure to drive and I found that it would easily meet my needs for a commuter vehicle. When I picked up the car it was not fully charged and after driving around all day I still had plenty of range when I turned the car back in.
posted by Noel Adams Feb/07/2000 at 17:37
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
We have driven 20,000 miles over the last two years in our Honda EV+ and we continue to be thrilled by the experience. In fact we are already concerned as to how we can continue our EV experience in a year when our lease expires!
It really couldn't be more convienent to charge the car in our garage, and it's range virtually always suits our lifestyle. It's great not to have to stop at gas stations, and never to have to change the oil.
We love it and want to keep it!
posted by Steven Braunstein Feb/07/2000 at 21:34
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 30,001-35,000 miles

posted by Tim Hastrup Feb/08/2000 at 12:35
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
We love both our EV Plus and our EV1 (with 17000 miles). We hate the thought of having to return our Honda when the lease is up in May 2000. We hope that we'll be able to keep it for a few more years.
posted by Tim Hastrup Feb/08/2000 at 12:37
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 0-100 miles
The new battery technology makes EV's a practical car with over 100 miles range.

posted by Spencer Quong Feb/08/2000 at 13:20
12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 3001-10,000 miles
Given the shift to hybird vehicles by the big players and the abandonment of the 2003 mandate by the State -- the only way to win back the electric producers and utilize the weak but exsisting charging station infrastructure is to encourage conversions. Currently there is no financial insentive to drive an EV== Support conversions--- I have many suggestions. Lets get moving!
posted by Leo Galcher Feb/08/2000 at 20:23
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 0-100 miles
On a couple of visits to San Diego a couple of years ago I had the opportunity of test-driving the EV1. What an eye-opener - from the car's silent running to its excellent performance I was (and still am) hooked on the idea. The show I attended in SF in November '98 showed how much further alternative technology had developed and confirmed my preference for this type of vehicle, especially since my return to the UK was greeted by traffic jams with pollution belching out of cars in front of me (and, of course, from my own).
In the UK at present we don't have any EVs, so I am currently (regretfully) looking at hybrid vehicles. Also there are no tax breaks available here. Given the opportunity, I would go for an EV - it makes so much sense. In short, it's practical, environmentally friendly and great fun to drive.
posted by Alistair Warwick Feb/14/2000 at 5:08
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 101-1000 miles
I rented an EV1 Mark I from EV Rentals in the Budget lot near LAX on arrival from Orlando, Florida for a family reunion in January of 2000. I loved the looks, handling and especially the acceleration of "my" red sportster. I gave about 20 relatives short rides in the EV1 at the reunion (a line formed!), educating them about the advantages of and challenges to electric cars.
My explorations in LA were facilitated by the maps of charging sites provided with the car. From Marina del Rey I was able to visit Hollywood and Downtown (with a little planning) in the two days that I had after the reunion. I loved the free reserved charging spaces! I was surprised that an EV1 will draw gawkers and questions from Angelenos; I saw only one other EV1 on the road in four days.
Having been planning an EV purchase for over ten years, I required little briefing on the EV1 and had few things to learn (except half of the buttons on the console). I enjoyed being able to accelerate away from aggressive sports car drivers at the stoplights and was impressed with the car's ability to avoid squealing the tires at takeoff. The vehicle handled like a dream and had all the comforts; I almost had to be pried out of my cherry bomb at the rental returns.
I feel, based on the slippery responses I continue to receive from the EV1 team correspondent (they don't pay the poor woman enough!), that GM is sitting on the EV1. Obviously the petro industry is attacking all EV distribution out of self-interest, and GM needs to change the sheets. I may buy a Prius out of frustration, but more likely I will purchase a Silver Bullet II from Electric Auto in West Palm Beach as they claim 150-200 mile range with their scaled-down NiCad Space-Shuttle power unit.
Thank you for this opportunity to express my delight with my first street EV experience and to vent my frustration at the obstruction of its manufacturer.
Truly,
Hugh E Webber
527C Cathcart Av.
Orlando, FL 32803-5345
hewman1(at)netscape.net
posted by Hugh E Webber Feb/25/2000 at 9:09
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 25,001-30,000 miles
My Ev1 is one of the best things I have ever done. This car is quick, fun to drive and it gets me out of the gasoline, brainwashed, follow the Lemmings mentality. You soon realize that there is an alternitive to the expensive polluting gas we all pump into our cars and the air every day. If you stop this mandate it will kill this great form of transportation. What happens here in California can easily have a world wide effect. California is looked to as a leader in all forms of transportaion. My wife and I drive the electric every day and it satisfies 100% of our commuting needs and 96% of all our other driving needs. This can't be a bad thing. When people ask me about the electric car I often explain it in terms of a "regular gas car," and every time the electric's ease of use comes out ahead. The only consistent disadvantage is for trips longer than 100 miles. Mike & Diana. 25,000 miles and loving it.
posted by Michael \+ Diana Reagan Feb/27/2000 at 17:08
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
I have driven my EV1 as my everyday car for almost 3 years now. I drive from my home inSanta Monica to work Hollywood, about 30 Miles, and find the car quit practical. I have never been stranded and there hasn't been any place that I wanted to go that I couldn't get to. The real reason I leased the car was that it is fun to drive and I hate the inconvenience of having to take a gas car in for service all the time. The additional fact that this car dosen't polute is great. I can now see that most of the motoring public could us an electric car instead of gas. People are always asking me about my car and I'm suprised how much people don't know about electric cars and how dangerous gasoline cars are to our future. This type of technology may be able to save the human race. If we can educate our selves about the dangers of cigarette smoking than why can't we do the same about air polution and the waste of fossel fuels. We need the remainig oil to make plastics and other high-tech products. As we burn-up oil in our cars, we raise the price of oil for making other products. I want my government to do all it can to move the market place towards a cleaner and more sentable economy for a better way of life. Let's develop electric vehicles in a big way! If we americans don't, someone else will and ace us out of the auto business just like the comsumer electronics businesses. We invented the videotape, (VCR) machine and then let the business slip away to Japanese.
posted by Jeff U'Ren Mar/01/2000 at 15:28
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
My EV-Plus started out with a mileage radius of a comfortable 75 miles. I've owned it for about 17 months and I now have to stretch to go 40 miles. Despite that heavy restriction, the car drives wonderfully, has plenty of power and gets great reactions from everyone. Several months ago, I was involved in a serious front-end collision. A Ford truck raced to turn left in front of me and I struck him on his side travelling about 35 miles per hour. My heavy EV-Plus stopped dead and the airbag blew. All the force went into the truck which flipped one and a half times before resting against a tree. The good news is that no one was injured; I just sustained some slight burns on my wrist and stomach from the airbag. My EV-Plus was out for 3 months. As usual, Honda's service was inexcusably deplorable, but the car protected me completely. I love the clean machine, but if the mileage radius keeps shrinking, it will not be practical for me to use it.
posted by Vance Van Petten Mar/05/2000 at 20:56
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I also got the above car upgraded to Panasonic batteries, drove a few hundred miles, and then recently traded up to a 1999 Gen2 EV1 which I'm driving now.
posted by Richard Zulch Mar/06/2000 at 0:55
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 25,001-30,000 miles
The most pleasure from any car I have ever owned. That fact that I know in driving it that I am not contributing to Los Angeles' terrible pollution is an added bonus (and, in fact, was my reason for leasing it in the first place. The very few problems I have had with the car are related almost exclusively to the battery pack (Delphi) that I had for almost the entire 3 years of my first lease. In the 35th month of that lease, the pack as changed to Panasonics, and I was *completely* satisfied with that power source in all ways INCLUDING RANGE. A most satisfying car!
posted by Dr\. Gerald Allen Green Mar/06/2000 at 7:24
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
This is my 4th year driving the EV1.
It has proven to be a most reliable car for our family.
Most people would not dare throw trash out of their car window, but don't
think there is anything wrong with the pollution the car releases.
I believe that now, that we have a viable solution for a non-polluting car,
we are obliged to try our best to use it. In my experience it is both
doing the right thing and having a great time doing it.
posted by Avi Hershkovitz Mar/06/2000 at 8:38
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 15,001-20,000 miles

posted by Phil Karn Mar/06/2000 at 11:42
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
My EV1 was virtually the only car I drove for the nearly two years I had
it (until it was recalled by GM in March 2000). My old Chevy Nova sat,
undriven, in front of my house for over a year until I finally sold it
to a friend. My EV1 met *all* of my routine daily needs, including commuting
to work, visiting friends, and running errands. On occasion, such as a
road or camping trip with friends, I'd ride in someone else's car -- more
for the extra seats than for the extra range.
Overall, my EV1 was a great car. Lots of fun to drive, and it met far more
of my needs than I expected it to.

posted by Phil Karn Mar/06/2000 at 13:07
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
Leasing and driving the EV1 has been the most exciting and suprising automotive experience I have had.
I have been driving an EV1 since September 1998. Its 100+ mile/charge range is
far more than I need for my daily commutes and for virtually every weekend
trip I make. In fact, we rarely use my wife's gasoline-powered automobile
on the weekends.
My electric bill has increased by less than half the amount I used to spend
on gasoline. There is no maintenance, since there is no oil to change or
tune-ups and no smog checks. I conveniently charge at night while I'm sleeping. The car is 97% cleaner than the cleanest
gasoline-burning auto currently available even when power plant emissions
are taken into account. And, for what it's worth, I can go from 0-60 in
less than 8 seconds. In short, the car is a kick!
Although I was somewhat nervous about the practicality of the technology when I first leased the car, I have found that EV's work, they're fun, and
they are much less polluting than anything else on the road.
posted
posted by Bob Seldon Mar/06/2000 at 19:44
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 3001-10,000 miles
Aside from not leaving grease spots on the driveway and the potential for near-zero maintenance, the EV1 proves to have another attribute I like. An ICE car propels you like an indecisive jackhammer, but an EV1 propels you smoothly, decisively, with no annoying shifts. You get pressed into the back of your seat in space-age fashion as the car accelerates without hesitation regardless of temperature, regardless of how long you have been running. You have consistent response instantly at your command--complete control. If for no other reason than this, the ICE is doomed as a daily driving vehicle.
posted by Ed Stoneham Mar/06/2000 at 21:16
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 25,001-30,000 miles

When we got our EV1, we thought it would be our second car. But immediately it became our primary when we found through experience it was easier to operate. Quickly, it became easier and easier to use this car and it became an integral part of our life and lifestyle. No visits to the gas pump. No oil changes or smog checks. No gas smell on our hands or having to leave the air-conditioned/heated interior of the car. No wrestling with the smelly hose and nozzle. Not losing my credit card or digging around for cash. No losing my gas cap! And we never had to worry about the price of gas or wait in line for it. We had no inkling as to not just the convenience of an electric car, but the sheer pleasure of it. I had to be talked into getting the electric car by my husband, Mike. My biggest hurdle was mental-it's too limited, you have to plug it in, it's just a golf cart. But, no! It was in every way a car, only better. How much time does a car spend running compared to how much time it's parked? At home? At work? At the store? I'd never thought about it before. My electric car "filled up" all by itself whenever it was parked. I'm not an eco nut, tree hugger sort of person, but the more I saw of how far less my electric car contributed to our pollution problems-directly and indirectly-the better I felt. Another perk, Mike and I have traveled more and had more fun in the short year and a half of driving electric than in all the years of driving gas. Electric changed our lives. Feeling very sad and left in the dark. Diana.
posted by Diana Reagan Mar/07/2000 at 0:09
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles

(1)
Details that the curious should really know about Electric Vehicles.
I took possession of my first EV1 in the latter part of February of 1997. I was fully aware, (made very clear by my EV1 specialist) that I was going to have to give up some things that I had become so accustomed to having with my beloved gasoline powered automobiles. Things such as; extended range,anything over 80 miles)four-doors, a convertible top and large vehicle size. Alas, those were but a few of the items that I actually had to put with my “driving” past. What was never mentioned, were the other equally important driving features that I also would have to go without!

Without exception, I had to give up:
Ever having to go to a gas station or wait in gas station lines.
Ever again having gasoline splash out of the tank, onto my hands, pants and shoes.
Ever having to wait for a smog check, tune up or oil change.
Ever having to repair or replace a faulty exhaust system, muffler or catalitic converter.
Ever having to contend with a broken fan belt or any other drive belt.
Ever having a broken timing chain.
Ever needing a valve job or ring job.
Ever overheating or boiling over.
Ever experiencing oil seepage or suffering from loss of oil pressure.
Ever having to service or replace a transmission or clutch.
Ever having to service or replace an alternator or regulator.
Ever having to service or replace a starter motor, bendix unit or starting solonoid.
Ever having to service or replace a carburetor, fuel injector, fuel pump or gas lines.
Ever having to service or replace any smog emissions equipment.
Ever having to service or replace a distributor.
Ever having to hunt for vacuum leaks or replace rubber vacuum hoses.
Ever having ignition problems.
Ever having to have any engine work done at all.
Ever losing the car keys.
Ever being surprised, to see a billowing trail of smoke emanating from the back of my car.
I even had to give up routinely polluting the air as I drove.
Along with all these hidden things I had to give up, there were additional details I had to accept as well!

I had to accept:
Having a car that automatically restored its power source at home or at work during non-use periods.
Having to pay no more than $1.25 in electricity, per full charge, to transport my EV1 and me, up to 70+ miles.
Gaining back electrical energy when descending hills or during braking.
That this car was unable to be stalled.
That when opening the front hood after 3000 miles of driving, instead of facing soot, grease and grime there was only dust.
That the majority of all my driving - 95% - has always averaged less than 60 miles a day, well within my EV1's range.
That even though I still require my gasoline powered vehicle for the remaining 5% of my driving needs, I have had to go to a filling station only once in three months.
That this car houses NO engine.
That this car is powered by one single motor, containing only ONE moving part.
That this car utilizes no transmission, instead offering noiseless, shift-free driving.
That I have more power and acceleration than my gas powered automobile.
Major positive attention everywhere I drive.
With all those old things I had to give up, and all these new things I had to accept, I find it absolutely amazing, that everybody isn’t driving at least One Electric Vehicle.
The EV1 is simply the best car on the road today!
Tim L’Amoureux - #305 silver/blue
(2)
Editor in Chief
Readers Digest
Readers Digest Road
Pleasentville, NY 10570-7000
January 7, 1998
Dear Mr. Wilcox,
I have signed this form letter from the EV1 club to add to the numbers you have probably already received. In addition I would like to let you know personally that I drive my EV1 daily, and have been since I leased it in February of 1997. When I leased it I anticipated that I would be driving it maybe 25% to 30% of the time. In reality it has almost replaced all my other cars. I drive my EV1 no less than 95% of the time. I am afraid that this
shoots a hole in your article insinuating that electric vehicles are not much more than ill-performing toys. My gas bills have dropped from hundreds of dollars per month into double digits. The elimination of tune ups, oil changes, smog checks and engine and transmission maintenance, also add up to great savings of not only money, but of time and frustration. Incidentally, a complete charge which is accomplished automatically during non-driving times at home costs me only 40 cents. A charge at work, or while shopping at businesses that have had the forethought and environmental sensitivity to
install electric car chargers is free.
In reality, an internal combustion driven automobile has only one thing going for it currently. That is its range. That is soon to change with the advent of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries doubling the driving range of the EV1 to 140 miles, and in the near future are the Lithium-Polymer batteries that will quadruple the current range.
The 50KW battery chargers soon to be placed within the charging infrastructure can accomplish a charge from 20% battery depletion to a 90% charge in just 12 minutes. When I fill my Chevy I am usually at the gas station at least 15 minutes.
In conclusion, my opinion is that the General Motors EV1 is the finest, cleanest and “funnest” automobile I have ever had the privilege to own and drive!
Tim L’Amoureux
(3)
GM need only look into one of it own departments for offbeat and progressive thinkers (RE: A Designing Town, 01/10/2000). The GM-ATV or General Motors Advanced Technology Vehicle team has designed, and built a vehicle that is as aerodynamic as a jet fighter plane (with .019 drag co-efficient, in plain English it has 25% less drag than any other production car built), It will zoom from 0 MPH to 60 MPH is under 8 seconds. It gets the equivalent of 120 miles to a gallon of gasoline. It has been available since late December 1996 yet few people know about it. Why? GM has refused to aggressively market their very public little ELECTRIC secret.
Tim L'Amoureux (LA Times OpEd that never made it to print)
(4)
Written 1/4/1999 - in response to a survey.
When I first took possession of my EV1, I figured it would be a yet another novelty head-turning car of which I have always been fond.
I figured I would be using the EV1 maybe 45% of the time at most.
Something about the EV1 that I don’t think has ever been covered by any EV1
specialist, and that is that driving the EV1 is like a drug. It is very addictive.
My initial 45% EV1 use projection instantly escalated to about 95%. Only when I must drive beyond the range or my EV1, I begrudgingly hunt for the keys for my Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) automobile and hope that it will start.
Driving ICE automobiles now seems so low-tech, so clumsy, so crude, no matter how high end that ICE car is.
The EV1 is probably the only automobile that still turns heads after being on the road and generally available for two years. (This, unfortunatially is due to the continued EV1 marketing and advertising failure)
I will never own another ICE automobile without at least one electric vehicle as a back-up.

posted by Tim L'Amoureux Mar/08/2000 at 18:23
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
OpEd that never made it to print dated about March 6, 1998
Price of Gas
RE: The letter from Diane Embree dated Wednesday, March 4, 1998.
“Service” stations that gave things away and gas prices posted at 19.9 to 24.9 cents a gallon. Sound like a dream of the past? Well, it is! The year was 1966. But, how about this. Imagine a car that is the state of the art in technology. Gets the equivalent of 120 miles per gallon of gasoline(or better). Accelerates from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds. Is 99% maintenance free. Then the government helps you pay for it by way of incentives and tax credits. While businesses and government agencies are voluntarily installing hundreds of filling stations all over the Southern California area to supply your cars fuel for FREE!!! You can even fill it up in the convenience of your own home for as little as 40 cents! Sound to good to be true? Well, it Isn’t. It’s simply electric. Stop dreaming about the past. The present and future is much more promising. Insidently 10 cents worth of electricity not only gets me where I want to go, but gets me back too.
Tim L’Amoureux - EV1 owner

posted by Tim L'Amoureux Mar/08/2000 at 18:48
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
AQMD
Subject: Year 2003 Zero Emissions Vehicle mandate
October 25, 1999
My name is Timothy C. L’Amoureux. I am 55 years old. I am a resident of Los Angeles, California and have lived in Los Angeles all my life. I have worked for the City of Los Angeles as a programmer analyst for the last 25 years. I have been driving General Motors’ electric vehicle, the EV1, for two and one half years. This is the first and only new car I have ever felt a need to acquire. It has become my everyday car for everything except long distance travel. Over ninety-five percent of all my Los Angeles driving has been totally electric for the last 2 ½ years. It is the best automobile I have ever had the pleasure of owning and driving. I personally have saved Los Angeles proper from several tons of air borne pollutants and “greenhouse” gasses in those 2 ½ years by not driving my other gasoline powered cars. I have visited a gasoline filling station a total of five times since I have gone electric.
The 2003 ZEV Mandate.
The purpose of this letter is to implore you to retain and enforce the year 2003 zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate as it stands to date. The electric car is a viable alternative and companion to (not a replacement for)the gasoline automobile. Both have their place in the world of personal and commercial transportation.
Electric vehicles, for the human dense areas where distances are relatively short (under 150 miles) from point “A” to point “B” and where humankind must compete with the automobile for breathable air.
Gasoline powered cars, where distance and payloads make it impractical for electric propulsion.
If this mandate fails, it could well be the precedent for the failure of the clean diesel mandate of year 2007. Either one of these mandates failures would be a travesty, not only for Los Angeles, but to the South land as a whole, and ultimately for the rest of the United States. As goes California, so goes the nation.
The car companies tell us, “not to worry”, gasoline cars are ten times cleaner than they were 20 years ago. Then why does our air in Los Angeles continue to have the worst quality of any air in the United States? The cleanliness of the internal combustion engine is simply not keeping pace with the increased volume
of gasoline powered cars, trucks and SUV’s produced and sold here in the South land.
You will be hearing many reasons and excuses given by the automotive and gasoline producing communities, why the 2003 ZEV mandate must either be abolished completely, or moved, yet again, into the future. Please, do not listen to any of these excuses. We can no longer breath this oil fouled air. It is time to counter with NO, it will not be moved, NO it will not be abandoned! The air and environment, both are getting worse, not better with the status quo mentality of the “Big Three” and “Big Oil”.

Electric Vehicles.
The original 1997 GM EV1, was presented as providing between 70 to 90 miles of range between charges. This claim was notably overstated, as the average EV1 driver actually is able to get between 35 to 50 miles per charge from these first generation electric cars. The second generation GM EV1, with the advanced Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, will have a real driving range from between 90 and 150 miles before charging is required. The Nissan electric car utilizes Lithium Ion batteries, and if these batteries were used in the current GM EV1, it’s range would be in excess of 250 miles between charges. The technology is here now to produce General-Public acceptable electric vehicles, but the mandate must hang strong if the pure electric, -- the only type vehicle classified as producing zero emissions -- is to become a
production automotive reality.
Hybrids
First came Robert Cummings with his flying car in the 1950s, a frightening thought! Then the AmphiCar of the 1960s, the only car you could conceivably drive across the English Channel or to Catalina Island. Both hybrids by definition, two types of vehicles in one. Both now little more than a blip on the automotive history archives. And now, the reappearance of the gasoline/electric hybrid, the dual-fuel automobile. One automobile with multiple onboard propulsion systems. Gasoline power and electric power are valid and practical propulsion systems, but only if they are kept in separate vehicles. The advent of the dual fuel hybrid is not new. These hybrids were tried in the 1920s. They proved not to be a good idea then, and they continue to be the same. In any case, these hybrids are not zero emission vehicles, and
never will be. They get their low emissions status by utilizing small under-powered gasoline or diesel engines in lock step with an electric motor intertwined by complex mechanical and electrical integration. These electro-mechanical machinations could have been from the imagination of the classic cartoonist “Rube Goldberg”, or from the Disney character “Gyro Gearloose” of the Donald Duck comic book fame. Hybrids are but a tinkering electro-mechanical engineer’s euphoric opium pipe dream, but if these hybrid vehicles are ever foisted on the American populous in mass, they would ultimately prove to be the worst automotive consumers maintenance nightmare from Hades. The “V” 4-6-8 Cadillac engine of the late 1970s (early 1980s?) was suppose to economize fuel by electrically and mechanically disengaging “x” numbers of pistons based upon driving terrain and the drivers acceleration requirements. This engine was a complicated mechanical disaster and was abandoned as an unreliable failure. Yet, this complex gasoline engine was far simpler than any of the proposed internal-combustion-engine/electric hybrids. Hybrids can not and will not be the answer to future clean personal transportation. They only serve to muddy the waters of the only truly feasible, elegantly simple, totally clean form of personal transportation, the pure electric vehicle.



Ford Motor Company
Ford has a new CEO. He has stated that his company is going “Green”. That must be why Ford is featuring, this year, the “Excursion 2000”, the biggest, environmentally ugliest SUV available from any automotive manufacturer to date. It is heavier, longer, higher and wider than its smaller rival the behemoth GMC four-by-four Suburban SUV. The “Excursion” even features a V-10 diesel engine option. If thatisn’t enough, the Ford Motor Company also offers a second SUV for your pleasure, the mammoth Lincoln “Navigator” as an alternative to Ford’s emerald endeavor.
Green..... indeed!
Ford’s total effort to the ZEV has been to convert a gasoline powered pickup truck into electric by removing the engine, dumping in a battery pack, and installing an electric motor.
Chrysler (Daimler)
The Chrysler clan has done much the same but with a minivan conversion. Their vehicle is not available to the public. They have promised us a fuel cell powered car by 2004. Time will tell.

General Motors Corporation
GM is the only American Company who has actually built, from the ground up, an electric that is worthy of being classified as a viable EV. And it is (even as a first generation) an excellent and elegant electric vehicle.

Other than GM, Honda Corporation has built the only other ground-up electric vehicle. Even though its customers (who have previously leased the Honda EV Plus) have sworn by it, as an excellent electric automobile, the Honda Corporation has abandoned their pure electric vehicle project in favor of its hybrid. Honda (who traditionally listens to its customers) has tuned a deaf ear to their EV customers.

Industry Whining.
As with seat belts, air bags, collapsible bumpers, crumple body zones, catalytic converters, electronic fuel injectors, Nox device and other sundry safety and smog equipment, the major car manufacturers will be predictably fighting the 2003 ZEV mandate at any and all costs. They will be stating that the electric car can never be built and make a profit. The; “Nobody wants electric vehicles” -- “We have tried” -- “They are not practical”, slogans have become the automotive industry’s tiresome mantra.



Advertizing and marketing.
Quote: “People don’t want electric cars!” People... don’t know they exist. There has been virtually no marketing. Virtually no recognizable product visibility or advertizing. Even the lowliest of the low-end sub-compact gasoline-powered automobiles, produced by the number “3”, of the Big “3", receives hundreds of times more advertizing and marketing press and dollars, not to mention television air time,than any of the latest “production” electric vehicles. Common sense dictates that people will not pursue nor purchase anything that they DO NOT know exists.
The bottom line & summary.
∙ The Electric Vehicle has become a-boil-on-the-bum of the automotive and oil industry.
∙ It has also become very obvious that the automotive companies do not want to mass produce the pure electric vehicle whether potentially profitable or not.
∙ It is again, obvious that the oil companies simply do not want mass electric cars to be produced, period.
∙ Only a small group from within General Motors Corporation -- the GMATV group -- actually wants the EV1 to continue to exist and prosper.
• Those who are regularly driving EV’s, have mostly abandon their gasoline cars in favor of their personal electric transportation.
• Through the painfully obvious non-existence of electric vehicle marketing and advertizing (not to mention total negative portrayal of the electric vehicle from every automotive magazine and self-proclaimed automotive “expert”) the electric vehicle simply does not exist or is perceived as the automotive equivalent of a “persona non grata” to the American automotive buying public.
• Electric Vehicles have not been given a fair chance for general public acceptance.
∙ Neither Ford nor Chrysler has done anything to produce a ground up electric vehicle.
∙ Little to nothing has been done by any of the major automobile manufacturers to build and market electric vehicles for the general public’s consumption since the ZEV mandate was moved to the year 2003.
∙ No matter how “clean” internal combustion engines become, the nature of the beast is to generate multiple noxious gasses detrimental to mankind and to disburse them into the environment (in a single word; POLLUTE)
∙ To reiterate, the technology (particularly, the battery technology) is here, now, to produce the electric vehicles that would be acceptable to the American buying and driving public.
It is time we start moving away from the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) age and move into the 21st century with the promise of clean air and an unpolluted healthy living environment. The EV needs to be integrated into the ICE age, and it is overwhelmingly apparent that this effort requires the State
government’s intervention. With electric vehicles potentiality for partially replacing urban and suburban gasoline powered transportation, the gasoline automobile manufacturer’s will be able to continue to build their internal
combustion engine automobiles for many more years into the future. Considerably more years, than if the automobile companies are allowed to abandon the production of pure electric vehicles now.
The American public -- especially here in Los Angeles -- are in desperate need of truly clean vehicles. Our air is in terrible condition and is getting worse daily. The only hope being, for the mass production of pure electric, naturally clean, zero emission vehicles.
The year 2003 mandate calls for only 2% ZEVs by 2003. Surely this can be achieved without bankrupting the car and/or oil industries. These costs could be subsidized by adding the cost of the ZEV’s to their other gasoline powered products, especially the ever popular gas guzzling SUV’s.
Three simple questions -- Three simple answers.
Question one: Have any of the major automobile manufacturers lived up to their responsibility of producing and marketing an acceptable ZEV for the general public? Answer: An overwhelming No.
Question two: Have all the major automobile manufacturers been given enough time to produce an acceptable ZEV for the general public? Answer: Yes.
Question three: Was promoting the automotive industry’s procrastination the intent of moving the ZEV mandate to the year 2003? Answer: Definitely Not.
There is no option. The 2003 ZEV mandate must stand as is, unchanged, and enforced to the very word.
Timothy C. L’Amoureux

posted by Tim L'Amoureux Mar/08/2000 at 19:45
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
Over the past few years we've all complained about how GM marketed the
EV1. Too many people don't know about it, and those that do think it
has to be charged every 20 miles, can't go fast, etc. The lack of a
strong message on the car has lead to poor acceptance. Even with the
Gen2, which greatly improves the mileage issue, the results have been
lackluster.

Isn't it funny, though, that with the Gen1 recall hitting the front
pages of newspapers, GM preparing a factual press release --and our anger
-- that the general public now knows about the EV1--albeit in a negative
way? I have had SO MANY people talk about the recall, not even knowing
I have the car. I've heard it talked about in restaurants, in line at
Starbucks, and at the gas station (which I now have to go to.)
Its on the news, on CNN - amazing. If the facts about the EV1 were presented by the press, media, and GM, it could have the same POSITIVE effects.
Having re-evaluated my EV1 driving, costs, and electric bill - and thinking about getting some other car - it was an obvious choice to stay with the EV1, with hopes of upgrading. There is no other car, luxury or not, that I want to drive. And take note, I am NOT a "green" person. While helping the environment is great, it is not in my top 10 reasons for driving the EV1.
posted by Stephen Ceplenski Mar/12/2000 at 8:53
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
This is my second EV1; I traded in my Gen 1 vehicle in January for the NiHM version, and hate to even imagine driving anything else (namely an ICE vehicle). What can I say? After waiting for the car to appear on the market since the early nineties, and driving one since early 1997, I can testify to the fact that this vehicle allows one to make a significant environmental contribution, without sacrificing anything! It's incredibly frustrating that this fabulous product has never gotten its due; I firmly believe that if the public knew the facts about this car, demand would skyrocket. The fact that the general public is misinformed or completely uninformed about alternative fuel vehicles is evidenced by the fact the probably the most common question asked by those who constantly stop me to inquire about the car is, "You can't take it on the freeway, right?" I'm more satisfied with my EV1 than any car I've ever owned. Fun to drive, silent, smooth, sleek. Best of all, those of us who drive them can enjoy every moment on the road knowing we're not contributing to the brown cloud that hangs over our city.
posted by Anastsia Sagorsky Mar/12/2000 at 22:30
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
Well, the wife and I started out with a simple '92 Escort Wagon conversion (Solar Electric) in 1996, a used vehicle with 14K electric (only) miles on the odometer. It changed our driving habits forever, and it quickly became primary family vehicle.
When child number two came along, we wanted a larger car. Fortunately, Honda introduced the EVPlus at the perfect time, and we bought into it. It's a magnificent vehicle for a family of four: comfortable, safe, clean. It gives us more than THREE DAYS of driving on a single charge. It rarely carries fewer than three passengers, for 60 passenger-miles per day or 180 passenger-miles per charge. We can go from one end of the SF Bay to the other, and back, on one charge.
WHY do we need 300-plus miles of range? We have two battery-powered cars, and they account for 100% of the driving needs of a dual-career family. Despite "limited" range.
Gasoline is no longer part of our life: our '86 Camry sits unused in the driveway, and our '92 Cavalier was sold to make room for our new addition. We laugh every time we pass a gas station with $2/gallon prices, and see the SUV'rs (Suck Up Valuable Resources) trading stock options for fuel. We cringe every time we see, hear, and smell an overpowered monstrosity pass us, only to see it caught at the next traffic light.
We feel confident that we're doing our part to minimize our family's impact on the future quality of living and environmental health that our children will inherit. We gave up next to nothing to accomplish it.
Why do we continue to drive electric?
1) Quiet. EV's make next to no noise. We despise mechanical flatulence, and there is no legitimate reason for being subjected to it.
2) Clean. Electric power gives no point-source emissions. Electricity is less polluting over-all than petroleum.
3) Multiple energy sources. We use hydro, solar, biomass, natural gas. No refined petroleum. Our cars are basically water-powered vehicles, being driven on nighttime electric power derived primarily from hydroelectric sources.
4) Convenience. We spend plugging in our chargers than we would spend waiting for gas pumps - and we do it at home.
5) Cost. Electricity is cheaper per mile, maintanence is next to nothing.
6) We care. Petroleum is a finite resource. Currently, it's wasted in vast amounts because there are few alternatives, and our society has developed a of waste. We refuse to buy into the argument that what's available now is ours to use; we would much rather give it to our children, and their children's children.
7) It's fun. Controlling a vehicle that runs on battery power is a very different experience from the "normal" situation. The responsiveness is different. There is no wasted energy in stopped traffic. There is no internal noise from the engine compartment. To bastardize the marketing jingle from a car manufacturer, it's "fargin-groovin", and other EV drivers know the feeling.
We've been driving electric for over three years now, and we don't have any inclination to give it up. It would be really unfortunate if CARB gave up on electric vehicles, because they really work for a lot of people.

posted by Andrew Staley Mar/15/2000 at 2:30
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I have been driving the EV1 for over 2 years, it is enjoyable to drive and server well over 90% of my driving needs. In addition to not spewing garbage into the air, it also does not leak oil onto the driveway (read "into the ground water"), the ability to "fill it up" at home is very convenient, and I cannot understand why GM insists on doing everything it can to make the EV1 project fail by failing to promote it or advance it.
Grant simpson
posted by Grant Simpson Mar/15/2000 at 17:21
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
The 1997 Panasonic EV1 is a fantastic car!
I also have a 1999 NiMH EV1. It's a fantastic car, too. It gets somewhat better range than the Panasonic car. But not that much. It's a better car for the occasional trip to the Bay Area from Folsom, but otherwise the Panasonic lead-acid car is just fine.
These EVs are a practical, fun car for 99% of our needs. The only time we drive our ICE car (a 1998 Sable) are when we need more than two occupant capability, or when we are going on a long trip.
We put about 300 miles a week on our EVs, every week. Usually, my wife and I commute together from Folsom to downtown Sacramento -- a round trip of a little over 50 miles. This is an easy commute for the Panasonic car. No worries about rain, need to use heat or AC, no need to watch speed, etc. It's just a great car, and does the job!
Not having to go to the gas station is wonderful. No wasted time, no smelly hands -- and not having to pay $2.00 a gallon is pretty wonderful, too! Plugging in and charging at home is easy and convenient -- it takes just a few seconds a day. We wake up every morning fully charged, ready to go!
The smooth, instant response of the car is one of the great features. No transmission, no shifting. It's a great feeling!
posted by Tom Dowling Mar/18/2000 at 13:42
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
I had been inquiring for well over a year after the car that became known as GM'sEV1, and as soon as it went on the market we leased one. Generally speaking, we have been very pleased with it. My wife commutes to and from her work each day in it, and we often use it on shopping trips and other occasions. Its range has been acceptable, but for the last few months of the 3 year lease the Panasonic batteries became less reliable. On December 13, 1999, 35 months into our lease, the battery pack was therefore replaced with Panasonic batteries. We have been more than satisfied with the replacement, and on February 7, 2000, we signed a new lease of the same vehicle for 24 months. As one of the original lessees of this vehicle we were assured by GM that we would be one of the first to be eligible for to lease Generation II of the EV1. We opted to re-lease our Generation I vehicle only after our EV1 Specialist, Chelsea Sexton, informed us that this option was being made available. When on March 2, 2000, General Motors informed us that they were recalling the Generation I cars, we very reluctantly gave ours up, because we agreed that GM was correct in putting drivers' safety first. Now it appears that they intend unilaterally to "terminate" our lease, even though we have not consented to this and have faithfully abided by all terms of our lease. We have not been assured that GM will abide by their statement that we are eligible to lease and will be offered the Generation II car, and we are mightily upset by this. It is our contention that GM should have immediately offered to lease us a Generation II EV1 as soon as they determined they had to take our Generation I car from us.
This car has proven itself entirely satisfactory (except for GM's voluntary recall, which they are now claiming they may not be able to fix). So far as our car's performance is concerned, it certainly has met virtually all our driving needs. GM's representative stated to me, at the first meeting of our EV1 Club that I attended, that GM had only very reluctantly followed CARB's mandate for zero emission vehicles; they were "standing behind the car," but did not agree with the mandate. Despite their being the only major automobile manufacturer to put an appreciable number of these vehicles into general use, they have not and will not continue to manufacture and support their use, unless CARB requires them to do so. It will be a major tragedy if CARB relaxes the terms of its mandate, and I urge them in the strongest possible terms not to do so.

posted by Prof\. Gerald Allen Green Mar/18/2000 at 15:38
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
Although I followed the GM Impact during it's days as a prototype, I never imagined that an electric car could provide for most of my transportation needs. Los Angeles is a big city - how could such a car provide enough range, comfort, utility, and power to satisfy my needs? Still, I like innovations and when the EV1 lease program was announced, I decided to take the plunge, assuming that my gas powered Olds Aurora would continue to be the family workhorse. Being an automotive enthusiast, I was certain the EV1 would be a occasional weekend toy. After taking delivery of the EV1 in 12/96, I soon found out that the car was eminently practical. Not only does it have more power than most cars I've driven, the energy costs are far cheaper than gasoline and it provides sufficient trunk space for my needs. The biggest suprise was that the range met at least 75% of my needs. And oh yes, because it's electric, there is no exhaust to pollute our dirty air. While the oil companies have resorted to the highly toxic MTBE to reduce emissions from their gasoline, I can claim that driving my EV1 is reducing pollution without toxic side effects.
Driving the car for the last 3 yearshas been hugely satisfying, however it's disappointing that more drivers don't realize the benefits of electric propulsion. GM has produced a wonderful car, and the second generation EV1 is even far more useful to a wider range of drivers. However, GM shouldn't have to shoulder the burden alone. It's obvious that government mandates are required to get every manufacturer that sells cars and trucks in California must join in to add legitimacy to the concept of driving an EV. GM's efforts with the EV1 have proven that electric cars ARE PRACTICAL and their huge improvements in EV technology further demonstrate that the mandate must stay in place to stimulate continued progress. The next big job is educating the public - after 3 years of driving a car available at any local Saturn dealer, most drivers of ICE vehicles are unaware that EV's are even available, or if they are aware, have no knowledge of their usefulness. GM has made some efforts to advertise the car, however EV's from other manufacturers need to be available for sale/lease too with collateral advertising and promotion.
Keep the mandate. The progress is real. The mandate will ensure that the progress continues at a more rapid pace. Don't delay - our state, our nation, our planet deserve nothing less.
Regards,
Kris Trexler
Los Angeles, CA
posted by Kris Trexler Mar/19/2000 at 11:34
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 45,001-50,000 miles
Last year while cleaning up the house I found an old Thomas Guide map of
LA/Orange County. I found that many of the freeways in my area had little
ink tick marks on them and they were labeled "10", "20" and "30". What could
this be? I thought back to early 1997 before I picked up my gen1 EV1 and
remembered that I had painstakingly measured out 30 miles on all of the
major freeways to indicate what my range of operation would be for an electric
car with 60 miles of range. WOW! what strange feeling. In Southern California I drive my EV1 everywhere! I don't even have an ICE machine
down here. But back in early 1997 the range issue was a big concern.
I figured I would drive the EV about 70% of the time but keep the gasoline
vehicle for any longer trips... but after barely a week I found that I didn't
WANT to drive the gas car (a RAV4-ICE) anywhere. Why drive the ICE when I can
take the EV on that 120 mile trip to L.A. as long as I stop for lunch near a
free public charger? Now I'm in a NiMH car which like the new Panasonic lead
acid cars can easily exceed 100 miles of range on a charge. Now I don't even
need to stop for a recharge during a long trip although I still do out of habit.
Many of the earlier EV1 drivers had a lot of money to throw around. This
wasn't the case for me although I was definately a techie and slightly green at that. When I look back at all the work I putting into my decision to get the
EV1 it looks absurd. If I knew then what I know now I would have jumped in on December 5, 1996 even at $550/month. I personally think if my fellow Californians knew what I know now then we'd have no problem selling 4% of the
vehicles as ZEVs in 2003... if not a lot more.

posted by Greg Hanssen Mar/19/2000 at 19:25
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
I drove a 1997 EV1 for a year before this one. Although I expected the vehicle to be something of a novelty, used only for driving specific short missions, I was surprised to find that I was able to use it for most of my driving, with occasional use of public charging. With the greater range of the 1999 EV1, I use it for all of my driving and have not yet needed public charging.
One should expect to make modest compromises in order to help the environment. However, with this car compromises are not necessary. Performance, handling, convenience and energy cost are all superior to a comparable gasoline vehicle. I believe that if the advantages of this vehicle were better understood by the public, and if the misconceptions about it could be erased, there would be a large market for it.
posted by Derry Kabcenell Mar/19/2000 at 19:55
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
Because of how little data there was regarding the electric vehicle, I did six months of research before we leased our EV1 in June of 1998.
I joined the Internet discussion. I took a test drive. I did two extended test drives (over the weekend). I bought a book (The Little Car That Could). I talked to a dozen drivers in email privately and a couple on the phone. One in person that I bumped into at a stereo store.
The test drive was all it took to convince my wife. It would be her car.
We paid to have the charger installed.
We went from paying $120 a month in gas (for her Saab) to $10 extra a month on our electric bill.
We LOVE the car. Adore it. In Los Angeles, which is a car culture, it stands out as a car that makes a clear statement without being a status symbol (people have no idea what they cost).
If I could, I would have the availability of the EV1 be the cost of GM doing business in California. They want access to the market, I would have this be the price. I would allow them many tax credits for making it available. It is an amazing car.
I would also use state funds to sponsor Cococcinni and his boys to make an electric VW bug. I bet those would go like hot cakes in California.
I wish I could write more, but my time is short.
I have never felt a substantial company-wide committment from GM for the production, marketing, and support of the EV1. That’s a shame. I think it is an arena that America, and California, could dominate since we are first to market with a substantial product.
posted by Colin Summers Mar/19/2000 at 20:58
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 1001-3000 miles
My feelings can be summed up by the following hypothetical Mastercard commercial:
EV1: $350/month.
Charger: $50/month.
Never having to buy gasoline: priceless.
In a nutshell, the EV1 is fun to drive, easy to maintain, good for the environment, and reduces our dependency on OPEC. I just can't get enough, and I never want to drive a gasoline-powered car again.
posted by Myron Ahn Mar/19/2000 at 23:09
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 35,001-40,000 miles
I put on over 35,000 miles in 21 months on my EV1 and loved every second of it. For me, it's the perfect vehicle, meeting 99% of my needs, both personal and for business.
I use the EV1 primarily in my business, using it to get to clients and to deliver things. I have taken occasional longer trips, one of them being to Los Angeles.
This car saved me over $150 per month in fuel over what I was driving before, a Jeep Cherokee. The car is much more comfortable, quieter and more fun to drive than any car I have driven before.
As long as EV1's are available, I will drive one, hopefully for the rest of my life. And I fervently hope that many more people will do the same.
This car is fabulous!!!!
posted by Michael H\. Schwabe Mar/20/2000 at 18:54
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 40,001-45,000 miles
I have had my Ev-1 since the first day they were available: December 5, 1997. My car is Car #37, the first leased EV-1. It is a beautiful hunter green, and I used it for 90% of my driving. In fact, I got rid of my gas car, because I never used it and since I live with my fiance, we drove his Ford Explorer (an SUV - yuk!!! He has since become enlightened and will be purchasing a hybrid Toyota Prius as soon as they are available in the US)if a trip was out of the Ev's range. For those worried about it, a two car family is IDEAL for an EV. When people would ask me about the car, range was always a concern. For some reason they always asked me what I did if I wanted to go to Las Vegas, and I told them I hadnt gone there for years (and neither had they but we are pretty brainwashed to be fearful of anything that might inconvenience our "gotta have it now" lifestyle. I think it is ironic that no one questioned the inconvenience of dirty air and noise pollution from gas cars. For the number of times people really take long trips(the average Los Angeleno only drives 37.5 miles daily), it is still probably cheaper to rent a car than pay for gasoline all the time. My car was FIVE times less expensive to run than Ian's Ford Explorer, because electric cars have so few moving parts. And no tuneups or smog checks! My car was incredibly fast - the highest performing car I have ever owned:zippy off the line, great turn radius, and it handles beautifully in rough weather because it is so low to the ground. I am definitely not going back to the internal combustion engine. Once you have gone electric, a gasoline powered car is the Dark Ages. If I cant get my EV-1 back, then I will struggle to get the Gen II car. Thank you for your time. Alexandra Paul
posted by Alexandra Paul Mar/20/2000 at 21:32
08. Ford Electric Ranger Pickup Truck with NiMH batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I worked on EV's prototypes many years ago (at the company I work for), and at that time I wanted to get one, but never thought that it would be practical for me. When I saw that I could lease one a Ford EV Ranger (Lead-Acid), I jumped at the chance.
While am very postive on this technology, I don't want you to think that every thing is rosy, I have a few issues which nag at me; (1) I could really use more than the 2-3 seats avilable in a pick-up truck (would prefer 4 minimum); (2) I could use a repeatable range of 80-100 mile per charge, as many places I go have no chargers and they are more than 30 miles from any available charger (meaning I take an ICE car there); (3) due to the weight of the batteries, the ride on the rough roads of Michigan, can be tough (however on smooth roads the ride is great!).
Now to good parts -- It's hard to explain the great pleasure I derive from driving around in my EV, knowing that I am a ZEV, while the drivers around me are polluting the environment. The quietness and smoothness (of acceleration) of the vehicle is hard to compare with ICE vehicles. Everytime I need to drive an ICE, I am quickly jolted back to reality, and I remember why I enjoy my EV so much.
It's still amazing to me that everywhere I go, people who recognize that I am driving an EV (which is very few due to it's stealthly look of a "normal" pick-up truck) have loads of questions and want to go for a drive (which I often let them do). You should see the grins on the faces of these people when they return with the truck after a drive and can't believe this vehicle isn't more widely available. Most people never realized that EV's have come this far.
I could go on and on -- but I won't. Leave it to say that, dispite some minor inconviences, I constantly enjoy being able to cruise around in my EV, and I can't imagine going back to an ICE vehicle anytime soon.

posted by Paul Wascher Mar/21/2000 at 5:51
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
Erwin loved driving the red EVGen1 and all the attention he got, because he's short. But seriously, it has been a perfect commuter vehicle and very cost effective with no maintence at all. The electricity use averaged about $14.00 per month, with all charging done at home -- no air or noise pollution, which is important for us as Erwin has asthma. We are still in shock over having our little red EV taken from us!
posted by Erwin and Rosanna Parent Mar/21/2000 at 8:26
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
I had expected to use my EV-1 for commuting and some "around town" driving, but ended up doing almost all my driving in the EV-1. It is quiet, dependable, quick, fast, and very inexpensive to drive. As the original Delphi battery pack slowly decayed, the range became an issue, and I often charged at work when extra driving was planned. With the new Panasonic battery pack, we easily drive from Mtn. View to SF and back with lots of range to spare.
I am wildly enthusiastic about the car and will continue to expect pure electric even when the current lease expires!
posted by Dr\. Ron Chestnut Mar/21/2000 at 9:11
06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
My RAV4 is my favorite vehicle to drive. I commute an average of 70 miles round trip and never worry about getting where I need to be. My family enjoys riding in the vehicle, in fact, if we don't take it when we bop around town they ask questions. I just wish we could get more of them in Georgia. The manufacturers just don't realize the market they are not taping in so many places. My preference is electric but I wish more individuals would choose Alt Fuel Vehicles!
posted by Steve Lawrence Mar/23/2000 at 6:17
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles

posted by Judy Gosa Mar/23/2000 at 6:21
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
Love this car!!!!! I smile the biggest when I pass the gas pumps at $1.50+ per gallon. My charging port had to be replaced last week and I was without my car for several (including over the week-end) and I realized how much I enjoy the responsiveness and how much I have learned about the car in such a short period of time.
I am still amazed while sitting in a restaurant this week how many people stopped by the car to walk around it and peer inside of it. It gets noticed. Wish more people knew that it is OK to drive in the HOV lane alone in it, though.
posted by Judy Gosa Mar/23/2000 at 6:25
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
The future is now. I was able to put over 12,000 miles on my Gen I EV1 before the recent recall. It was the most exciting 14 months of driving I have ever had. The car performed flawlessly. Quick, responsive, trouble free, and most importantly emmision free. When I first started to drive my EV1 I really believed I was driving an "experimental" vehicle. New technology and fraught with risk. What I found was an elegantly built automobile. It works. Now I look forward to a future that is filled with electric vehicles. When it is we can all breath a little easier. No, a lot easier!
posted by Terry R\. Freeman Mar/23/2000 at 6:57
04. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with Panasonic lead-acid batteries (mostly in hot climate areas) 1001-3000 miles
To Whom it may concern:
I have no complaints against the 1999 GM EV-1.
I use the car for commuting to work 44 miles round trip on interstate highways. I can easily make two commutes on one battery charge. Running out of charge is not a problem. The car is efficient even at interstate speeds.
I very much prefer the EV-1 to electric pick-up trucks because the EV-1 is designed for the least possible air drag and rolling friction. It is very efficient at interstate speeds of 65 miles per hour.
The public is very interested in this car, I get many looks and questions when I park in parking lots.

posted by James S\. Benton Mar/23/2000 at 8:34
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I drove a 1997 EV1 for about a year and a half before trading it for this 1999
model. They're easily my favorites among the vehicles I've owned - quiet,
powerful, and surprisingly fun to drive. I made the decision to try driving an
EV based on environmental concerns, fully expecting to make some lifestyle
compromises as a result. This expectation turned out to be unrealized, apart
from the fact that I (gladly) spend a good deal of time talking to interested
strangers about the car. The EV1 has been a joy to drive, and it's served my
transportation needs very well. I wish that more people had an opportunity to
experience this car; I'm confident that a sizeable percentage of them would
find that it could serve their needs as well.

posted by Jerry Hudgins Mar/23/2000 at 23:32
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
Being retired, I leased my EV1 intending to use it for light commuting; post office, barber shop, golf club, etc. My primary reason for wanting a non-gasoline car is because of my asthma which is severely impacted by gasoline exhaust and fumes during refueling. (My wife has has to refuel cars for me for over 45 years.) I originally thought of using the EV1 as you might a long range bicycle. Within a matter of weeks, I permanently parked my Mercedes sedan. About 5 months ago I took delivery of a replacement NiMH Gen 2 EV1. Without reservation, I believe it is the finest automotive vehicle ever produced in America. Given the opportunity, I will only buy electric vehicles in the future...WHATEVER THE COST.
posted by Malcolm Field Mar/24/2000 at 7:49
04. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with Panasonic lead-acid batteries (mostly in hot climate areas) 1001-3000 miles
Although we have only had the GM EV1 GenII for two months (plus test driving a GenI in November '99 for 3 weeks), we are extremely happy with the range, size, speed, power, and especially the ease and cost of refueling. The car is truly an engineering marvel! It amazes me how many people at work and on the road are unaware of the car and it's advantages. The EV1 is our primary vehicle. My wife drives her Maxima about 50 miles a week to/from work and for short errands. Every other trip we have together we take the EV1. It is great when we go to Phoenix Suns game we are able to park across the street and receive a full tank of fuel for FREE while we enjoy the game. Or to watch a movie at the mall. But even charging at home is inexpensive using nightly electric rates ($.0442/kwh) and what a feeling each morning to have a full charge allowing us to go 100-135 miles. The car is very comfortable with all the features one would expect in a $35,000 sports car. We thank GM for the opportunity to drive this incredible car!
posted by Jack C\. Harris Mar/24/2000 at 8:10
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
When I first leased my EV1 I was slightly hesitant. So many people (including the dealership) had emphasized the "limited range" of the vehicle. I have been astounded by how much I love this car. Even including the old BMW I used to drive - this is my very favorite car. I love the way it drives. And every day, when I pull out of my garage, I have a full charge. It has never been an inconvenience.
I knew I loved my all-electric car - but I didn't fully appreciate how much I loved it until GM notified me that due to a product defect they intended to terminate my lease, rather than honor the warranty provisions of the lease. This was particularly disappointing to me, since I've been on a waiting list for the second generation EV1 for several months. Now I'm told by GM that there aren't enough of them to go around. I dread the thought of driving a pokey, slow, polluting internal-combustion engine car again.
posted by Neil C\. Ludman Mar/24/2000 at 10:59
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
We are close to the end of the three-year lease of our Honda EV Plus. It has been my primary car. On average I drive 40 miles per day, taking kids to school and various activities and running my errands.
It was my husband who wanted this car, and I just more or less went along with it to humor him. I never expected to like driving an electric vehicle as much as I have. I insisted that we keep our Volvo Wagon. I fully expected to be back driving it once the lease was up, however after having driven an elctric car I do not want to drive a gas car on a daily basis. I hope that Honda will decide to extend the lease, and that there will be another elctric family car available soon. I haven't missed the stops at the gas station, plugging in at home is convenient and the "tank" is full every morning. The car is very reliable and requires little maintenance,it is quiet, and I do not feel guilty driving on "Spare the Air Days". What is not to love?
posted by Vibeke Hastrup Mar/24/2000 at 11:05
04. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with Panasonic lead-acid batteries (mostly in hot climate areas) 3001-10,000 miles
The car has been much more automobile than I ever expected. It has been maintenance free so far. I routinely have gotten ranges of over 100 miles in Atlanta,s enviornment (cold, mild, and warm weather so far and a lot of hills to pull up and traffic to start and stop in.)
posted by Harry H\. Gregory\, III Mar/24/2000 at 11:20
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
I've had my EV1 for 2 months now, and I don't think I could ever go back to a normal car. It's so much nicer to drive, I never have to stop for gas, it's quiet, and I'm powering it with 100% green power, so it really better for the environment. My greatest fear is that 3 years from now, when my lease is up, there won't be another car as wonderful as this one available to me. I also am very disappointed now that when telling other people about this car, which many people I've talked to would seriously consider getting, I have to tell them that GM doesn't seem willing to make more, that even though there's a long waiting list GM claims there's not enough demand.
I've shown this car to most of my friends and people at work, and let some test drive it, and they always seem to be really interested in the car. Especially now since the gas prices are so incredibly high, everyone seems more interested in the possibility of alternative methods of transport. My husband didn't think he would like the car very much (he's really a truck guy) but since we've gotten it he loves it, and he often drives it when I'm not using it instead of his truck which he really likes driving.
I want everyone to have the opportunity to drive an alternative fuel car and help the environment. I think it's a tragedy that the car makers seem to be so uninterested in providing these alternative fuel cars to the general public, and I think it would be really bad if the availability were to continue to get worse.

posted by Cari D\. Burstein Mar/24/2000 at 11:37
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
great car, it's my second EV 1. Great technology, great ride and lots of attention.
posted by Chris Sievernich Mar/24/2000 at 16:02
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I have been driving Electric Vehicles ever since 1991, when I built my own EV as a battery powered conversion from a 1988 gas car. In 1999, I decided to drive the EV1, because the GM car had many more luxurious features that were not incorporated into my own conversion EV. I love driving electric cars, and I especially love to charge my car at home. This feature of charging at home is the primary reason that I drive an electric car. And I am disappointed that this feature is not promoted more by the EV manufacturers, because charging at home is extremely attractive, easy, clean, and convenient. Now, I drive my EV1 electric vehicle to work every day of the week, and I drive it around on weekends when I go shopping. For me, I will always drive an electric vehicle around town. There really is no need to ever buy gasoline or any other carbon-based fuel, when battery-electric propulsion is available in a vehicle that suites my driving needs 98% of the time.
posted by Bob Hadden Mar/24/2000 at 17:23
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
In general, I am seldom in favor of government regulations and believe that innovation is best left to free enterprise. However, my experience with the EV1 has convinced me that this wonderful car would have never existed without the zero emissions mandate. I am also convinced that the future of this car and future all-electric cars are in jeopardy unless a strong mandate remains in place until volumes ramp to the point where electric car manufacturing enjoys economies of scale that can make them affordable to the consumer and profitable to the manufacturer.
The 1999 EV1 is perhaps the first car with the range, performance and styling to hold its own against ICE cars. I have had it for over three months, but still look forward to driving it and enjoy it more than any other car I have owned. With about 120 miles of range, I typically return from my commute with over half the range remaining. Now I drive an ICE car only when I need to carry more passengers than the EV1 can hold. My children always want to go in the "cool car." Recharging at home is much more convenient than trips to the gas station. I have found that public perception is still that range of electric cars is a big problem because they are unaware of the advances made in battery technology. For daily use, anything over about 100 miles of range is effectively infinite. How many people want to spend more than 2 hours a day in their car?
I was on the waiting list for over a year before taking delivery of my car. If cars were readily available, I would recommend an electric car to all of my friends. Unfortunately, the car manufacturers seem to be producing only the minimum number to comply with the mandates. This is the reason I believe the mandate must be kept as strong as possible.

posted by Robert Horst Mar/25/2000 at 10:44
02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
Until it was recalled because of a dangerous weakness in the charger port,
I drove an GM EV1 for about 15 months. The original (Delphi) battery pack
provided just enough range to cover the longest excursion of my normal work
day. When the battery pack was upgraded I stopped worrying about range. The
car was a pleasure to drive in several ways. It had more than enough power
to cope with any terrain and any freeway onramp demands. Unlike internal
combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with similar capabilities, when such high
performance was not required the car was very energy efficient. In a way that
might not be appreciated by those who have never had the experience, the car
would coast down inclines where other cars require constant pressure on the
gas pedal. Whereas the ICE vehicles around me were pouring out greenhouse
gases and more immediate pollution, I took great satisfaction in going the
same speed, in similar comfort and style, producing nothing more than an
insignificant amount of heat.
I feel sure that when commuters become aware of the economy, convenience,
and fun of driving an electric car, and when the economies of scale make the
cost of manufacturing them approach that of ICE vehicles, there will be a
dramatic rise in the number of potential buyers. I think the current problem,
overlooking the immediate one of fixing the recalled EV1s, is that car buyers
think they need a car that fulfills all possible missions or that they need
several car with overlapping missions. What commuters really need, and what
California and especially its urban areas need, is a car that will go 100 miles
or more without polluting the air with combustion products, without polluting
the air, ground and water with the discharges from petroleum transport and
refining, and without weakening the state and national economic and strategic
security by importing increasingly expensive oil from abroad. The EV1 and its
relatives are such cars.
If electric vehicles continue to be offered at a price I can afford and unless
a better technology, not hybrids, becomes available, I intend to use electric
vehicles as my primary transport for the rest of my life. Every other EV user
I have met feels a similar passion and commitment to this movement. With the
recent and probably ongoing rise in fuel prices, auto manufacturers need the
incentive and car buyers need the opportunity that the 2003 mandate provides.
Electric cars can be designed and built. People who can afford to drive them
love them. Californians need to know that electric cars work now and that they
will be affordable soon.
posted by Norm Rhett Mar/26/2000 at 22:38
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I have been driving a first generation EV1 since November, 1998. When
I set about to lease an EV, I knew that I wanted to do it, even though
like many people I had some apprehension about range and lease price.
My wife was skeptical, but she was willing to let me have my toy.
After we got the EV1, it didn't take long at all before we were
fighting over who got to drive it. Now she is more likely to engage a
passerby in conversation about the EV1 than I am.
I have learned that this phenomenon has been demonstrated many times
among the diverse collection of EV1 "owners". There is obviously a
public awareness hurdle that we have to get over for EV's to be
successful. I believe this could be achieved through an effective
marketing campaign combined with a program of extended test drives to
let people see how the car really works. I've never seen an EV
advertisement that extolled how much more convenient it is to recharge
at home rather than having to go to a gas station, or one that
demonstrated the performance of an EV's with the same imagery as used
for ICE cars. We can't accurately assess demand for EV's when most
people don't even know they exist.
The smooth, shift-free acceleration of the EV1 is wonderful. There is
no lurch like that of an automatic transmission driven by a gasoline
engine as it comes up to speed. The EV is not just as good a car; it
is a better car. If more people only knew...
Even though the range of our EV1 with Delphi batteries is only about
50 miles, it has satisfied 99% of my driving requirements. I had a VW
that I kept for almost a year in case I needed it for some trip for
which the EV1 would not suffice. Instead, what I found was that I
drove the VW only because I was forced to in order to keep its starter
battery from dying.
With the increased range of the enhanced Panasonic lead-acid
batteries, the EV1 will satisfy the range requirements of an even
larger segment of the driving population without an exorbitant battery
pack cost. I strongly support the letter to CARB written by Alec
Brooks proposing that the formula for calculating ZEV credits be
modified to give partial credit for cars with a range less than 100
miles.

posted by Stephen Casner Mar/27/2000 at 5:11
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
Due to length, please find our comments at:
http://www.eanet.com/kodama/ev1/arb.pdf
Dave & Jean Kodama

posted by Dave \& Jean Kodama Mar/27/2000 at 9:52
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 20,001-25,000 miles
I have driven a gen 1 EV from GM since July 1997. The car far exceeded my expectations. I drive about 60 miles a day, five days a week on the freeway from Escondido CA to San Diego CA. Booting it up to over 70 mph when necessary is easy. It is fast, responsive, good looking and most important to me, gentle on the environment.
I am concerned that the industry has not adequately promoted the accomplishments of the EV and especially concerned that it has been priced at a high level considering the still limited range. The car should be made more available. I have heard all about the expenses of R&D but this a corporate investment in the future....the test pilots should not be the victim of these costs.
I did initially have frequent problems with the car until some major work was done...since then, its been great. The problems and inconveniences were part and parcel of the "test pilot" agreement....but to pay such a high price to help work out the bugs is disappointing.
That has been capped by the voluntary recall of all gen 1 evs. I do not want to drive another ICE...I want electric or worse case a good hybrid.
This works. Tell people. Make it easy to get (reasonable price)as it relates to range and maintain the current great qualities and look of the car.
posted by William Toone Mar/28/2000 at 12:24
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
Dear Honorable Board Members,
I drive a 1997 GM EV1 (recently "recalled"). After almost three years with this vehicle I strongly believe the CARB would make a very sound investment in the health and wealth of our state by supporting zero emission vehicles in any manner possible.
Sincerely,
Chip Gaylor
35481 GSOSR
Julian, CA 92036-9309
760.765.0156
chipgaylor(at)home.com
posted by Chip Gaylor Mar/28/2000 at 12:47
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
I took delivery of my Gen I EV1 in Apr '98 and have driven it nearly everyday since until it was recalled. I have been quite content to exclusively use the charger in my garage to get the electricity I need to make my trips. My only reservation about the Gen I car has been the limited range which decayed rather rapidly during the second year especially during the coldest days. Neverthless it served my commute requirements almost perfectly ("almost" because for awhile I had a one day a week one-way commute of 40 miles and during the winter, in the cold and/or rain with passengers and cargo and heavy traffic, I didn't believe the car would make it). I miss having the car and look forward to getting it back with the Panasonic battery upgrade which ought to "zero out" that "almost" mentioned above.
posted by David Shepperd Mar/28/2000 at 15:25
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
My EV1 is GREAT!
I was leasing an electric vehicle through Saturn Of San Francisco (in Colma) called an EV1. The EV1 is made by General Motors. It’s great! No, gas, oil, tune-ups, smog check, spark plugs, exhaust pipe, muffler, water pump, fuel filter, air filter, oil filter…and the list could go on and on and on. I really became tired of pumping gas and polluting our environment. So, I researched electric cars and decided to try to get the best vehicle on the road. Right now, that happens to be the EV1. It does 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds, needs no maintenance and costs around 3 cents a mile to operate. My electric bill went up around $10 and that’s about it! In addition, I can charge all over California for free at many of the Costco stores, BART and malls in the Bay Area.
You come home from work and before you go bed you put your car to bed by easily plugging it in and that’s it. The EV1 uses a non-conductive plastic paddle so there is no way you can get a shock. It has heat, air, CD player, air bags and much more. In the morning you pop out the paddle and "zoom" you are on the way to work. The car is nice and quiet. Can you imagine how pleasant it would be during rush hour down town if all the cars were electric? If we all had electric vehicles there would be no fumes, and no rumbling loud engines. The range on my car is around 45 miles. I use it to commute to work so it’s my number one car. The new EV1’s will get around 130 miles on a single charge. Furthermore, the EV1 is the only electric vehicle right now that can achieve an 80% charge in only 40 minutes.
During my research I read about how electric cars have been around since the early 1900’s. I read somewhere that Mr. Ford’s wife drove an electric car! The women knew what was best back then too! Driving a gas powered car produces thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Most people only drive around 9 to 25 miles per day. So the gas engine never really gets a chance to "warm up" to full efficiency. That means our trips to work cause a great deal of pollution for the Bay Area. Just look around your day to day environment and you will see little electric motors quietly doing their work to keep our lives full of conveniences. The blender, food processor, garage door opener, fan, dryer and washing machine are all powered by an electric motor. I’m sure you could name many more things as well. Ironically, it is an electric motor that "starts" our stinky, polluting gas cars!
With all the smog, oil, and gas spewing into our environment it is getting pretty ugly out there. Hey, how about all those oil stains where we park every day? Magic fairies do not come out at night to the clean oil stains off of our driveways. When it rains guess where all that oily water goes? The oily water goes down the drain into our underground water! Think about that never ending black stain going down the middle of our highways, that’s not from smog it’s from engine oil! with all these "spare the air" days it’s pretty clear that gas powered cars need to go the way of the steam engine…to the museum.
So, next time you’re pumping gas and something shiny and green catches your eye and comes whizzing by and you don’t hear an engine…hey, look at me I am driving an electric car!
Sincerely,
Mitch Ferris
Check out these Electric Car Web Sites:
http://www.gmev.com/
http://www.evworld.com/
http://www.calstart.com/calindex3.html
http://www.electrifyingtimes.com/
http://www.dnai.com/~ev/
http://www.electroauto.com/
http://www.primenet.com/~evchdlr/photo_album.html
http://ev1-club.power.net/

posted by Mitch Ferris Apr/01/2000 at 3:48
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
Flora and I almost leased a Honda EV Plus during the summer of 1998 (which would have provided about 100 miles of driving range), but an extended drive in an EV1 convinced both of us, that not only was the EV1 more fun to drive, but that it would handle both of our commutes, even during the winter months with the 50 mile range provided with the Delphi battery pack. My commute to City Hall is only 1.5 miles one-way, and Flora's commute is 22 miles one-way.
Initially, we felt that it would handle about 80% of our driving needs. It was our third car, but immediately became our number one driven car, handling more than 98% of our driving needs. Within two weeks of entering into the lease, we placed our names on the list for a GEN II EV1. We both wanted to drive the car every day. We were averaging over 1000 miles per month with the EV1 before the recall. I even drove it down to Los Angeles (867 miles round trip) in SEP99. In DEC99 the EV1 was upgraded with the Advanced Lead-Acid Panasonic battery pack. Now all of a sudden we were not stopping at our favorite charging stops as often. With double the range, we were starting to drive the EV1 even more miles than before.
On Christmas Eve we took delivery of a red 1999 EV1 with NiMH batteries. Now we could both drive the EV1 every day. We sold the Ford Probe (1991) and kept the Ford Taurus FFV (1993) for those *rare* times when we would ever need to have more than two seats, or take a long-distance trip without the luxury of time to use the charging infrastructure, or where there was no charging infrastructure.
With the recall of the 1997 EV1, we are looking forward to the day when we can once again be a two EV1 household.
posted by Ed Huestis Apr/02/2000 at 12:13
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
We took delivery of our second EV1 (a 1999 NiMH EV1) on Christmas Eve 1999. Now, both my husband Ed and I could drive our own EV1 every day. We were sharing the 1997 EV1 (upgraded with the Advanced Lead Acid Panasonic battery pack in December of 1999) that we had been leasing since August of 1998. We were driving more than a 1000 miles a month on the 1997 EV1. Ed got to drive it most of the time since he is implementing an incentive program for residents of Vacaville to lease electric vehicles at a substantial discount as part of his position with the City of Vacaville as the Transportation Systems Manager and Electric Vehicle Program Manager. He promised to get me the 1999 EV1 for me to use since I have a longer one-way commute (22 miles) than his 1.5 mile commute to City Hall. He does go to a lot of meetings all over the place though. What a relief for both of us to drive our own EV1 every day. Regardless of the price of gasoline, we just do not want to stop at gas stations anymore. We thought that we would not have to drive gas cars anymore, or at least for the length of time that we were leasing both EV1s. We were even planning to release the 1997 EV1 in August of 2001, when the first lease would be up. Then came the recall of the 1997. We recently let GM have that EV1 back as part of the recall. We are so glad that we got the second EV1 when we did, otherwise we would not even be able to share the one remaining EV1 between us. One of us is going through *EV withdrawal* each day when the other one is driving the EV1. I can really sympathize with those who have had their only EV1 taken from them.
Anyway, before the recall, Ed talked me in to letting him "break in" the new 1999 EV1 by taking it down to Los Angeles in January of this year. It took only three public charging stops each way for the 900 mile round trip, compared to nine stops each way with a portable charger in the 1997 EV1 back in September of 1999. We also took the 1999 EV1 together to Willows north of Sacramento, a point not reachable using only public charging infrastructure with the 1997 EV1. We have also taken it down to San Luis Obispo for the weekend (a 540 mile round trip) in February, and Ed took it down to Santa Maria two weeks later in March (a 629 mile round trip) for the weekend. So the long distance trips have contributed to the high mileage of 4334 in three months. I agree with Ed, we are looking forward to the day when we can once again return to the comfort and excitement of being a two EV1 household.
posted by Flora Huestis Apr/02/2000 at 13:26
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 101-1000 miles
I rented a NiNH EV1 last Dec for two days ... put about 150 miles on it ...
It is a great car and I know it would do very well in PA. ... 90% of the commutes in Pa are less than 15 miles .. and the NiMH likes cold weather!
The EV1 is the only car that performs better than a V8 .. no shifting ... no transmission ... and fast.
Most of all it doesn't burn GAS! Comming from Pa to LA ... the air does have a odor similar to what I remember from when I was young and the steel mills didn't have the pollution control they have today ...
The Ev1 prevents pollution and has better performance(no transmission and one moving part in the motor) ... and with gas at $2.00 a gallon is quickly becomming more practical.
GM did thier job ... lets do ours and support a better way of transportation!
Perry Kravec
posted by Perry Kravec Apr/03/2000 at 9:26
11. Other nameplate vehicle 101-1000 miles
Because I don't live in California or Arizona, I couldn't get in on the GM or Toyota EV lease deals. Instead, I bought a Solectria Force, which I am very pleased with.
It is peppy, but probably no match for the EV1. It weighs less than GM's gross vehicle weight limit for the Metro, so the GM warranties are valid. The AC induction-motor drive system is smooth and controllable. The regenerative braking is fully proportional so that most stops can be made without ever touching the brake pedal. The conversion of the Metro to electric drive is truly professional, with custom harnesses, meters, and controls. There are many small matters which contribute to both safety and to a polished design. For example, the brake light comes on whenever you are using significant regenerative braking. There is also a switch on the console to disable regeneration in cases where a slick road surface might make front-wheel deceleration hazardous. The electronics are well-designed and well-packaged.
Solectria is a small company with a very enthusiastic and responsive technical staff. I'd suggest that if EV1 owners lose their cars, they should consider the Force as a possible replacement.
posted by Gordon Stallings Apr/11/2000 at 10:05
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 3001-10,000 miles
GM just took my car! I didn't realize how much I would miss it! I am seriously considering getting the NiMH which I am on the list for! No one realizes until they drive one how viable a method of transportion the Ev is! If I get my next one, I'll really be cooking! How wonderful it is to know that I can do even a small part to curb the pollution in this city. Plus, being on the cutting edge of technology is so exciting! I fear what would happen if the govenment decided to lift the current rules...unfortunately, it sometimes takes tough laws to come up with solutions...like the EV!
posted by Ingrid Adlum May/04/2000 at 13:51
04. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with Panasonic lead-acid batteries (mostly in hot climate areas) 0-100 miles
Rented it at EV rentals... it was AWESOME... fanstastic acceleration and exclusive as hell... want one ASAP...
posted by Marc Ridel May/04/2000 at 16:52
13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 0-100 miles
Too expensive and too little range!!!
posted by Scooby Doo Jun/07/2000 at 11:27
06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 1001-3000 miles
I drive this car, and the Honda EV Plus, almost daily as corporate fleet vehicles. Both are very capable of handling trips up to 80 miles total without charging. Many company facilities have chargers, helping to increase the range to an extent. To my knowledge, our fleet people have not had trouble with any of these. I would really like to have one for personal use, preferrably at an overall ownership (not lease) cost similar to a conventional vehicle.
It's absurd that cars like this aren't being fully embraced, especially in areas with air quality problems like So. Cal. Often, the cost projections don't include the cost to society (or at least drivers) of supporting the entire "Smog Check" bureaucracy and infrastructure. All of this would be made obsolete with the advent of ZEV's. My son just got done paying about $40 just to find out he now has to pay another $65 for "computer diagnosis" on a five year old Mitsubishi. That still doesn't solve the issue as to why the damn thing doesn't pass smog; it will just tell him (hopefully) what is wrong and how much more it will cost! What a waste of time and money, especially when better technology is available! The auto manufacturers see these cars as a threat, or at least it seems that way from the testimony offerred by many of the "experts" at the workshop earlier this year. Cost is the main issue, in my mind, not range.
It's also interesting to see many of the "con" arguments note that it takes two or three hours to charge. There often isn't a comparison to gasoline refueling, which has to be done either as you are on the way elsewhere (and usually short on time), during normal business hours, sometimes in neighborhoods you'd rather not stop in. If you're lucky, the credit card reader will be working and you have to stand in line to pay. This, versus ten seconds to plug in after I arrive home at the end of the day, filling itself by the time I'm ready to use it again. What is the problem with that? Look at the actual hands-on time required for each "refueling" method, and a far more relevant comparison will be had.
Really hope CARB doesn't "knuckle under" a third time; that will probably kill it for good, unfortunately.
posted by Mike Colburn Jul/26/2000 at 13:14
11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
Hi, for all those UK people out there who are desperate to get their hands on an EV in the UK, never fear! A company in the UK, called Frazer-Nash, has been developing EVs for a while. I went there for a fact finding mission and drove their prototype 'City Car'. It's a FOUR seater, range 100km/charge, max speed 90km/h and acc. 0-50 in 5 secs. Pretty good. And it looks cute too.
I wanted one straight away but they are not into production yet. (though soon, and they're targeting America first!!) Check out their website on www.frazer-nash.com and/or check out their vehicles which are to be used extensively in the Sydney Olympics.
Good luck to them.
Cheers All.
Dawn
posted by D Wong Aug/18/2000 at 7:25
04. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with Panasonic lead-acid batteries (mostly in hot climate areas) 3001-10,000 miles
When I first drove the Impact back in '95, I thought just "how wonderful a car
this is to drive." It felt not unlike the RX-7 I had driven in the past and it
had a lot of Zip! in the pedal. The car did have a few rough spots in that the
body panels were not exact (this was one of the hand-built prototypes) but it
felt solid and drove very well. I was surprised at the diverity of people that stopped me on the streets and traffic lights and wanted to talk about the car (and of course, look under the hood). Well, now we have had the opportunity to
lease a 1999 model EV1 and I must say that they have real winner here. This car is used daily and replaces a Toyota Camry for our "normal" use. My wife drives to and from work every day and we use it on weekends when it is just the two of us. If we go out with the kids, well then we take the LandCruiser. But for the most part, we try to plan our trips so that we can use the EV1. My children love it! They are in the Starship Enterprise! Zoom!! My 8 year old has stated that his first car will be an EV10. I just hope that there will still be an EV program going on when he is able to drive. I shudder to think of the alternatives. Please do not let this program fade into the dust. Thank you. Dan Guy
posted by Dan Guy Aug/27/2000 at 14:06
11. Other nameplate vehicle 10,001-15,000 miles
I drive a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and have since 1996. I rent ev's at Budget-LAX and also own a few electric bikes.
posted by Graham Hill Oct/03/2000 at 14:14
05. Honda EV Plus -- 1997 with advanced Panasonic NiMH batteries 15,001-20,000 miles
My experience with the EV Plus has been great. The only problems were 1. an initial charging problem that took Honda about 3 weeks to fix; 2. twice the passenger climate control failed, once due to refrigerant leak and once due to a mechanical failure (retaining pin fell out).
On the other hand, the reliability and performance of this vehicle has been simply marvelous. I have never in two years run out of "charge", and I found the adjustment to EV driving practice to be no problem at all. The handling and power are quite satisfactory, and the 4-seat + luggage space is everything that most people need, especially in a second car.
Here's my proposition to the Big Three Auto Makers: your marketing people must know how many million 2-car households there are in the US. I bet you could sell this vehicle to at least 10% of them, based on the very cool, practical, and inexpensive features of a mass-produced version of a car like the EV Plus. Now THERE'S a big market. OF course, you can also convince them, if that is your perverse aim, that this is a BAD car, for all the wrong reasons.
But you cannot say there is no demand for this car. How many "dealers" have excess EV inventory to move? Come on!
posted by Richard Sportsman Oct/24/2000 at 21:51
01. GMEV1--1997 with Delphi batteries 0-100 miles
I live in Honolulu Hawaii.
I took a special trip to Tuscon AZ on 8/18/97 to drive the EV1.
It is a fantastic car.
I asked the Saturn dealer if I could get one to bring to Honolulu,
they said they could not sell (lease) me a EV1 for Honolulu although they gave me lots of info on the vehicle.
In 1999 I have tried to get the Honda Insite hybrid vehicle in Honolulu and cannot get the vehicle I want although I would really like a pure EV.
I have now ordered a Toyota Pirus that I may be able to get in January 2001
It has been very fustrating trying to get an electric vehicle in Hawaii although we are an island community that is ideally suited for electric vehicles.
Needless to say I am confused as to what is going on.
posted by Ronald W\. Anderson Oct/25/2000 at 5:05
03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I started with an EV1 GenI. Even when the Delphi batteries left me begging for a little electricity from gas stations and home owners, it gave me a chance to talk to people about what a neat car it was. The GenII has replaced such diversions with the confidence of visiting anywhere in the SF Bay Area on a single charge. After driving pollution free for nearly two years and 20,000 miles,