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, whenever commuting 50+ miles a day gets me down I think, "Yes, it's a drag, but I get to drive that car." It's fun to operate (maintain speed while coasting down a few % grade, keep up with the 75MPH SUVs for a while, switch on "Coastdown" to recover the energy and save the brakes) or just drive with a clean conscience about air quality, global warming, and resource depletion. I hope the day comes when everybody can share the experience.
posted by Norm Rhett Nov/21/2000 at 14:20
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 101-1000 miles
I am driving a 2000 Corbin Sparrow.
After waiting for over a year to take possession of it, I am happy
to say that it was well worth the wait.
For those who are not familiar, the Sparrow is a 3-wheeled electric car.
It has a real-world range of around 45 miles, and a top speed near 75mph.
I drive mine between 10 and 20 miles a day, commuting between work and home.
I charge at home in the evenings, making the Sparrow ready for another jaunt
the next day.
The Sparrow accelerates nicely off the line, but is generally overtaken
by other ICE cars which are spewing all kinds of crud. It handles quite
nicely for such a small, tall car, taking turns as quickly as I would
comfortably take them in my ICE car. This is probably due to the 13
Optima lead-acid batteries sitting quite low in the car (7 under the
seat, and 6 more under the hood up front).
Although I call the Sparrow a "car", it actually is considered by law
(and by insurance companies) to be a motorcycle. Unfortunately, some
evil lawmaker decided that although the Sparrow is a motorcycle, it
cannot use the HOV lanes in California (cvc 21714, 27803, 21655.5).
Additionally, the people at CARB are using some kind of bizarre logic
that says the Sparrow cannot qualify for AB 2061 or AB 71. The logic
goes something like this: "Normal cars may not enter the HOV lane unless
there are two or more passengers" (because of 21655.5(b)). "ZEV cars
will be treated as an exception, and may enter the HOV lane" (AB 71).
(fine so far). "Sparrows may not enter the HOV lane" (because of 21714). "Sparrows will not be treated as an exception, even though they
are ZEV's" (no reason given). Even though 21714 is clearly ridiculous,
we'll accept it. How then, does 21714 extend to AB 71 whereas 21655.5(b)
does not? The spirit of the law is clearly not being followed here...
from 21655.5(e) -- "It is the intent of the Legislature, in amending
this section, to stimulate and encourage the development of ways and
means of relieving traffic congestion on California highways and,
at the same time, to encourage individual citizens to pool their
vehicular resources _and thereby conserve fuel and lessen emissions
of air pollutants_"
For now, no carpooling or grants for the Sparrow (it's the punishment we
get for not having four wheels.)
Although the Sparrow has no A/C, it does have a ventilation fan, heater, electric windows, tilt steering, windshield wipers, a nice-sized trunk,
CD/AM/FM stereo, built-in 110 or 220 charger, and 3-wheel disc brakes!
It is a lot of fun to drive the Sparrow around town and watch all the
amazed stares. Everyone wants to know, "what in the world is that?"
Additionally, I get the added bonus of feeling happy that I am doing
what I can do reduce emissions. I hope more people see that the
advantages of clean air far outweight the "disadvantages" of an electric
vehicle, and put their resource destroying SUV's to DEATH.
posted by Brian Hoogerbrugge Dec/19/2000 at 20:15
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 101-1000 miles
My first EV driving experience was a very brief test drive of an EV1 at a Saturn dealership near my home. This took place after the recall of all units for a fire hazard associated with the on-board charger and charge port. I never heard anything in the news about any of these vehicles catching fire before that.
I absoulutely loved driving the EV1. I understand that there is a waiting list to get one of these cars on a lease basis. If these vehicles were to ever be sold outright, I would consider buying one, even without the expensive battery pack. I can assemble a working battery pack that will suffice for my typical daily commuting needs.
I also was fascinated with this first driving experience that I built my first electric vehicle to gain any possible knowledge about electric vehicle technology. I converted an older bicycle to battery powered electric assist.I have several hundred miles on it even though I don't use it everyday. I was able to commute to work on a single charge with only four very small 12 volt batteries. I now have a total of eight batteries on the bike, and enjoy a range of greater than 25 miles per charge, more than enough to do errands, and ride to work and home again on a single charge if need should ever dictate.
Riding my bike is a very satisfying experience, and a lot more fun than one would expect from such a rudimentary vehicle. If I can have this much success with my simple design and conversion, and mere lead acid batteries, why can't the same technology be applied to small cars in greater numbers than what is presently available from Detroit?
I move to continue the ZEV mandate as agreed in September, and to strengthen the requirements, not water down the terms of compliance by substituting hybrids, and NEV's for the bulk of the compliance credits. If this is allowed to take place, it will be the proverbial one step forward, and two steps back.
Thank you.
posted by Rick Pryor Jan/01/2001 at 11:45
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
I have driven the Prius and intend to look at the Insight. I am considering converting my old toyota truck into a full EV. My mileage needs make it a hard choice if it will be worth while to be used as a daily driver. But I'm still trying to find the best of the best out there...
posted by Oren Redsun Apr/30/2001 at 0:12
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 1001-3000 miles
piaggio porter van-italian conversion made from micro-vett,easy and pleasant drive in city.
posted by vito paolo quinto Jul/17/2001 at 17:43
| 03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
I now have the NiHM Ev1 after having my Delphi car taken away. I now take weekend trips with my wife of over 400miles, without a problem. We just got back from a trip to Hearst Castle (440 miles)that was just a blast. We have put over 13000 miles on the car in just over 9 months! This car is practical and if more people knew how much fun it is to drive,and how cheap to charge (21 dollars per month)the car companies would be forced to produce more. I always honk when I drive by gas stations with lines of people paying $1.75 per gallon for gas. At Costco I just pull up to my own spot and get a charge for free! I went to Universal Studios City Walk today, and while everybody waited in a long line to pay $7.00 to park I just pulled up to the Valet parking area and parked/charged for free! After dinner and a movie I pulled out of "my" spot with a full tank and 160miles on the range-o-meter. Last weekend (Sat.+ Sun.) I drove to Pasadena and on the way back drove past all the traffic by myself in the car pool lane at 80 mph! Thats 220 miles in those two days. I love this car! Mike+ Diana Reagan driving the best kept secret in America.
posted by Michael \+ Diana Reagan Aug/04/2001 at 23:11
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 3001-10,000 miles
i drive a italian made ev passenger cab,piaggio porter by micro-vett.use 12kw for 40 miles in town drive. ciao v.p.quinto
posted by vito paolo quinto Oct/04/2001 at 15:50
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
I take part in an electric vehicle class. This semester we rebuilt a golf cart to be fueled by 6 lead acid batteries. We are now working on a 1989 Renault Lacar and hope to be finished in time for our school's Earth Day. Our next project will be converting a fiber glass Corvette.
posted by Jessica Perron Jan/29/2002 at 11:54
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 3001-10,000 miles
I've been driving a Ford Think City since Aug. 2001. The car has exceeded my expectations. It has lots of room and parks anywhere.
S & C Ford in San Francisco has leased every Think City it could procure, and has always maintained a waiting list. Every production EV ever made has had waiting lists. That a reasonable demand exists for EVs of all types, from sports cars to city cars, from family cars to pickups, has been proven beyond doubt. If made available, people will lease or buy them. I still want a Honda EVPlus. (Still on the waiting list.)
posted by Marc Geller May/27/2002 at 18:28
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I just want to say that driving 60 to 100 miles daily has been a joy with the all electric RAV4 EV. I have not had one problem with the car in anyway. To drive a "green car" now is as good as it gets. Everyday there are people asking me questions and sincerely interested in clean car technology. My only problem is learning to watch my time with interested citizens so as not to jeopardize my job.
If while driving and not polluting the environment isn't fantastic enough (oh yes, if I charge of the grid perhaps I pollute about 1% of an internal combustion engine) we might all ask the American Lung Association to testify in front of the Carb and ask them what the real price we pay for not changing to clean technology now!
I drive it everyday and love it. What are we waiting for? The technology is in the 28 Toyota showrooms in California. Let's buy them and let the auto industry know by our actions and disprove the automobile manufacturers accusations that nobody wants them.
posted by Mitch Buckingham Sep/10/2002 at 19:39
| 13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 0-100 miles
I have been trying to buy an electric vehicle for two years.
Despite all the automaker hype in print ads and on their websites, this is what I have found during my efforts:
Chrysler Epic MiniVan- No Longer Available
Ford Ranger- No Longer Available (Unless you are the US Postal Service)
GM EV1- No Longer Available
The only vehicle I could find available, aside from all the "golf cart" types, was the Toyota RAV4, priced at a breathtaking $42,500.00.
Now my research reveals that many people have already converted existing vehicles to electric for $6-$8000- why would I want to spend $42,500.00 on what looks to be a glorified Suzuki Samarai?
Actually the only two which would begin to meet our needs are the Chrysler Epic or the Ford Ranger.
It's simply wrong that the automakers are allowed to deceive the public this way in all their green puffery about products which are not available, and most probably never will be.
If you have any info regarding electric vehicles which ARE available (no golf carts, please!) I would be greatly beholden to you for passing it on.
Thanks!
J. Marvin Campbell
4248 Vinton Ave.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.838.0131
marvincampbell(at)attbi.com
posted by J\. Marvin Campbell Sep/14/2002 at 10:01
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 3001-10,000 miles
This is Draig Uyeda ( deafScooter ) I use Badsey Electric Racer Scooter run in heavy use as human transports riding on public 35 mph speed zone and i riding 20 to 25 mph crusin speed on my badsey electic scooter in every day between home and work also go to my friend place ( neighbor areas ) , go to shopping
i logged about 5600 miles on this badsey's electric scooter and this scooter has three 12 volts / 26 ah hawker AGM battery ( total 36 volts ) ride 20 to 35 miles per charge and quick charger by bigger golf battery charger 36 volts at 35 amps take 10 to 15 minute to full charge on batteries to ready use again
===>> more info on ===>> http://visforvoltage.com
===>> http://visforvoltage.com/vol1iss3/craiguyeda.html
===>> http://visforvoltage.com/wire.html
Thank you
Craig Uyeda, DeafScooter
I planning to buy Toyota Rav-4 EV as soon ( when offical Public release it )
====== the end =====
posted by Craig Uyeda Sep/15/2002 at 10:08
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 0-100 miles
Please, CARB, don't give up the fight. Oil suppliers and automakers are driven by bottom line, so it is imperative that we have some organization driven by decency, health, world peace, and environmental responsibility.
posted by Robert Stelling Oct/05/2002 at 7:24
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I have been driving my Toyota RAV4 EV for 6 months, and absolutely love it. I drive between 40 and 60 miles a day, and charge the car at home at night. I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and have a 1500 foot climb over the course of about 8 miles to get home. The 100+ mile range on a charge is *more than adequate* for my needs. On long trips where charging is not practical, my husband and I take our other car that's powered by gasoline. The RAV4 EV has performed extremely well for me, with no charger problems, or other issues of any type. I carry passengers, cargo, and even my dog, and although it's slightly smaller, the car performs every bit as well as my old SUV.
Just because I can't take my RAV4 EV on a long weekend trip out of town doesn't mean it's not a practical car. Turn the coin around - just because I can't pack a week's worth of camping equipment into my Acura/Honda/Saturn/whatever sedan doesn't mean that it isn't practical -- the key lies in helping people to change the way they think about transportation. Alternatives that are practical for one set of activities aren't necessarily the best thing for another set of activities that happen at far different frequency rates. It's unfair to call the Acura/Honda/Saturn an impractical car because it can't do weekend duty for camping trips. Likewise, it's not fair to disqualify the EV options we have today because they can't do the same.
It's similar to the mindset change we've all gone through regarding turning our thermostats down when we leave the house -- it's just not practical or sensible any more to think that energy supplies are unlimited, so we need to think responsibly about using them.
The automakers would like us to think that EVs are an impractical alternative so that they can escape CARB mandates, and that they can preserve "our right" as consumers to continue buying gas-guzzling monster SUVs. They are dangling the fuel cell stuff in front of us as if it were a looming technology, nearly ready for mass consumption, when in fact it's far less safe, far less practical, and far less affordable than all electric cars like the RAV4 EV are today. Why not take advantage of an infrastructure that's already in place (our electricity grid system), with cars that already exist, with proven abilities to meet specific needs?
Most households have 2 cars to help 2 wage-earners get to work. Most commuters drive less than 30 miles round trip each day to work. The cars in these 2-car houses are used *primarily* for commuting to work, and only one of these cars is usually driven on trips of more than 100 miles on the weekends or on vacations. If the carmakers were to enter full scale production of EVs like the RAV4, and one-half of the cars on the road (i.e. the cars used for commuting to work and in-town errands) were electric instead of gas-powered, we could cut our dependence on foreign oil supplies by one half! Air quality in our major cities would dramatically improve.
It's time for the automakers to take responsibility for the impact of the products they produce on the environment. It's time for them to stop pretending that there are no alternatives to gasoline-powered transportation - there are many and the driving public has a right to know about them and to have a choice when buying a car. After the manufacturers have mass produced, marketed, and sold electric cars with the same gusto that they apply to their environmentally damaging products (gas-powered cars), THEN they can say that battery electric vehicles are not viable, but they haven't even tried yet.
The fact that there is only ONE full-sized production electric vehicle available from the major automakers today is a travesty.
posted by Patricia Lakinsmith Oct/09/2002 at 9:27
| 13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 100,001 or more miles
it sucks
posted by mr\. T Nov/07/2002 at 7:38
| 13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 15,001-20,000 miles
cool
posted by clair magi Nov/14/2002 at 7:17
| 13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 15,001-20,000 miles
cool
posted by clair magi Nov/14/2002 at 7:17
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I'm new to EV ownership (7 months), but waited years for a production EV one that offered -- a full warranty and new modern safety features (such as air bags), sufficient range to allow me to completely get rid of my gas car (at least 100 mile range between charges), and seating capacity for friends. This is now the only car I own & drive (the only car in my household).
I have not purchased gas or visited a gas station since July 2002 -- nor do I miss this experience.
The most frustrating thing, is the complete lack of awareness by the public at large about EVs -- high reliability, proven technology, electricity cheaper than gas, almost no maintenance for an EV. Almost equally frustrating is the industry stance on EVs:
1. suing CA state to reduce/remove the ZEV mandate,
2. only producing an extremely limited supply (which never meets the true demand)
3. always choosing to invest in the "next best thing" rather than deliver a proven technology today. Thereby delaying low/zero emissions cars from the market.
4. Getting away with producing vehicles that are exempt from any mileage or emissions requirements (like the large SUVs).
posted by Kimberly Rogers Nov/23/2002 at 16:19
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
it looked good
posted by bradleyrome Dec/16/2002 at 9:53
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 10,001-15,000 miles
There really is a demand for EV's despite all the hype to the contrary! According to Cabe Toyota in Long Beach, California has sold all EV's available for purchase or lease, and people are on a waiting list. (Alas, to no avail)DEMAND is not the problem. It is AVAILIBILITY! People want these cars despite the fact that there is little or no promotion of them. In fact, it is clear to me that the calculated misinformation pput forth by the oil and auto industries is meant to spread the lie that nobody in their right mind should want to drive an electric car. I, however, am addicted to the quiet, smooth acceleration curve of this car. I am addicted to driving in the carpool lane by myself. I am addicted to the general efficiency of the car. I am addicted to the silence, lack of vibration and almost Zero maintenance. Who the heck needs all the moving parts of a combustion engine anyway. The complicated guts of a combustion engine only results in more "down time" more things to fix and more of my dollars moving in the direction of the very stodgy but greedy auto industry. I am addicted to having NO TAILPIPE on my car spitting poisons and global warming gasses into the atmosphere; the air I must breathe. It depresses me now to watch tailpipes on the freeway spewing out the toxic products of incomplete combustion. Charging my car at night in my own garage is a sweet deal, and I certainly do not miss the necessary weekly, expensive trip to the gas station. Driving this car is such a pleasure and the best economic decision I ever made. Let's compare $30 per month of electricity to $100 monthly for gasoline.
California Air Resources Board, you DO REALIZE this is a program you should support for the welfare of our health, our children's future and the quality of the air. Why, oh why don't you take the high road? Don't cave in to the less than alteristic motives of the automobile industry.
I have driven this car since October of 2001. The driving experience only gets better and better. I appreciate the privilege of driving my EV and rather pity other drivers who know nothing of the economics and driving pleasures that I will never take for granted. I could NEVER go back to commuting in a gas guzzler. I have had one problem . . .
A flat tire from a well-placed nail. What a drag.
posted by Linda Nicholes Jan/16/2003 at 23:55
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 3001-10,000 miles
I held out for years on buying an electric car until the RAV4EV, which in my view met all the requirements for a no-compromise ZEV driving experience. Our second car is a 1999 gas RAV4, and with the original body style now retired, there's no longer anything available in the passenger-car sized compact SUV class.
Driving the RAV4EV has been an absolute delight, and Toyota's repair manuals document what an excellent engineering job went into this purpose-built EV. Whatever problems may exist have nothing to do with the car; it's all about promotion and price. I shiver to think how much a Prius would cost end-users if they were manufacturing it in the small quantities as the RAV4.
License plate: "REALEV", Cupertino, CA
posted by Dallas Hodgson Jan/21/2003 at 23:56
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 0-100 miles
are there any electric veh now on the market ...tried very hard to buy rav 4 but to no avail.... was decieved by dealer ship...said i was suppoed to sign up on internet ..did not know that they were going to discointue product and that signingup was a req in order io get one .. very slimee 925-699-3142 mike minahan
posted by mikeminahan Jan/23/2003 at 19:16
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 15,001-20,000 miles
I own a 1995 Chevy S-10 Standard Cab with a 6' Bed. It had a 2.2L 4 cylinder gas engine. It was converted for Cheverolet for Auto Shows in 1995-96. It has a 144Volt system,24 6volt lead acid batteries. It uses a Series Wound DC Motor. Air cooled motor controller.
I bought it with only 5,700 miles as a basket case in 2001. I rebuilt and rewired almost everything.
I beleive that the big problem with the EV's is that they didn't put them up for sale. Like the EV1. The people that are interested in such things don't lease. People that lease gas cars can't afford to buy them.
I drive this EV to the store, mall and Costco. Because they have EV Charging and parking. At work I get a full charge. I drive at 60 MPH on the freeway so that I will allow a longer life on the battery pack. I have gone as far as 73 miles on a charge with enough Amp Hours for another 8 miles. If I get stuck in traffic my range gets better. The gas cars get worse MPG in traffic. And in Los Angeles there is almost always traffic! With Regen braking, brake dust along the freeway and city roads is reduced. Nobody really talks about brake dust. And nobody talks about the oil changes. The energy it takes to produce the engine oil, to package it, to transport it, use it, to reclaim it, to transport it used, to recycle it.
Please note that Hybrids you still change OIL!
I have given alot of people rides. And they can't get over how quiet and smooth the truck runs. Most of the time when we come to a stop, they tell me that the engine has stopped. I explain that the electric motor doesn't need to idle like a gas engine. Most people don't know that a EV can go in the carpool lane or On Ramp with one person! Right now EV's aren't the answer to all, however going to work,shopping, etc. can take the place of gas powered!!
posted by Bill Feb/10/2003 at 23:45
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
i am gyan from nepal i always appreciated pollution free vechile!
posted by Gyan Bahadur Lama Feb/23/2003 at 8:02
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 3001-10,000 miles
I bought my electric vehicle as a result of the terrorists attacks of 9-11-01.
45% of the fuel we use comes from the Middle East. In short, everytime Americans fill up their tank with gas, a percentage of the profits goes to fund the training and operations of Terrorists.
posted by S\.L\. Ruble Apr/08/2003 at 21:51
| 13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 0-100 miles
Sorry, I don't have one but was looking for a way to invite some electric car owners to come to our Earth Day event. I work at a metaphysical bookstore in Costa Mesa...Visions and Dreams. We investigated having hybrids one year but the insurance was unmanageable. So this year I wanted to ask people who have electric cars, or even have one to sell, to come to the Earth Day we have planned at the store April 23 and 24. Any info. or contacts would be appreciated. Thank you. The store is at 2482 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa close to the Orange County Fairgrounds. Thank you. Becky Person
posted by becky person Mar/28/2005 at 3:15
| 02. GMEV1--1997 with replacement Panasonic Batteries 0-100 miles
We just posted extensive info about EVs on our web-site. We asked: "Should IAAM award General Motors with the El-Torro Poo-Poo Award."
www.antiagingforme.com
for YOUR check-in only passwords: antiaging please do NOT pass along.
yng4ever
Check at "environment" folder.
IMPORTANT: We plan a demonstration project: PV system - 3kw installed.
EV need. Trade Honda Hybrid.
I have just completed a 3 kw PV system installation.
I need a plug-in EV.
I have a Honda 2004 Hybrid - - - which I am willing to trade in.
Any suggestions?
Dr. Hans Kugler Tel.: 310-540-0564
cell; 310-634-2478
posted by Dr\. Hans Kugler May/05/2005 at 21:41
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 3001-10,000 miles
1986 Fiero conversion. Using military type liquid nicads 600AA good for 40 years. I have pictures where GM made prototypes as electric but didn't have the required battery power. It's always been the batteries, until Lithium. Now we just need the price to come down on the batteries.
AC Propulsions did the T-Zero with 300 mile range on a charge with lithiums. They are doing the SCION xA and Xb conversions for 2005 with 100, 200 or 300 miles at your choice.
Jim Stack jstack6(at)juno.com
www.phoenixeaa.com
posted by Jim Stack May/14/2005 at 13:28
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 1001-3000 miles
Hi there,
I have owned a one-person electric Corbin Sparrow for the last two years. I regularly commute 25 miles (one-way) to work in mixed traffic (eg, some stop & go, some high speed) five days a week, all summer. Due to conditions not related to the Sparrow, I do not drive it during the winter months. It is a pure, plug-in electric vehicle, and I estimate that the 25 miles (almost completely flat) from my home to my work is about half of my optimal range; I intentionally only use half of my charge capacity to extend the battery life. The 13-battery pack must be replaced every couple of years (depending on your driving habits), at a cost of about $1500, and four hours of labor with a screwdriver and small wrench. Recent advances in charging technology (eg, pulse-mode equalization) claim to double and even triple the number of charge cycles before replacement. The cost to recharge twice a day is less than $1; The cost to buy the equivalent gas (here in Northern CA) is about $5. Finally, there is virtually no maintenance, other than pack replacement, required on my Sparrow EV; It utilizes a simple, in-line belt linkage between the electric motor and the single drive wheel which does not wear like a normal drivetrain. It uses no oil, and only a small amount of hydraulic fluid for the brake system. It is, by far, the best desiged, most efficient and cost-effective car I have ever owned.
Please eMail me if you want me to rave about my EV some more!
Drew Fitting,
Corbin Sparrow #105
Fremont, CA
drewoneforyou(at)hotmail.com
posted by Drew Fitting Jul/01/2005 at 8:20
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 3001-10,000 miles
I converted my 1992 Honda Civic sedan (www.budget.net/CivicWithACord.html) to all electric power, and have been driving it ever since. Although I'm a biology major, I've followed this technology since having the EV-1 and EV+ to a middle school where I teach science in 1997. I've been hooked ever since, and feel that with the right tenacity, managerial skills, a good fabricator, good vendors, and other resources, ANYONE can convert a gas burner to electric.
It feels WONDERFUL to NEVER fill up at a gas station (well, except the wife's/vacation car). I was a participant in the 1997 Toyota Prius "First on the Road" focus group, and while hybrids are great, (at least Toyota's), nothing compares to all-electric!
Drive the future...
(;-p
posted by Bob Bath Aug/31/2005 at 15:58
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 55,001-60,000 miles
RAV4-EV is the very best EV ever made. A typical Toyota in quality, it is well-balanced and easy to control. It's the vehicle of choice, of course, after the EV hot rod. We also make our own electric, so we get to drive free of gas stations, free of oil changes, free of smog checks, free of cost and free of exhaust...but not free of oil company hatred.
Too bad Davis' Air Resources Board knuckled under and allowed GM to crush the EV1, taking it away from loving drivers...but Toyota gave us the chance to drive a much better car.
The EV1 could haul a lot in its trunk, but the RAV-EV seats 5 and allows us to haul tools, ladders, boxes, even furniture.
The RAV4-EV has plenty of range for most trips, up to 150 miles on a charge (if you go slow). It holds about 28 kWh of electric, and its motor cannot draw more than 28 kW...so at top speed, 80 mph, the range is one hour, about 80 miles. At 60 mph, the range is about 100+, and at 50-60 it's over 100 miles. At 30 mph, air resistence is lower, and it can go up to 150 miles.
Pretty good for such a big car! It's been said that the EV1, if it had batteries this good, would have had a range of 200 miles.
We fitted a plug-in charger to the RAV4-EV, so that we can charge it up by plugging into any house current, so we are independent of the "charging station" requirement...but we can use them if opportunity affords! But essentially, with the fast charger from Manzanita, we can fill it up in 2 hours...20% to 80% in about an hour and a quarter.
A great car...THANKS, TOYOTA!
posted by doug korthof Sep/17/2005 at 5:37
| 07. Nissan Altera with Lithium batteries 60,001-100,000 miles
LINK EXCHANGE REQUEST
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for www.xenonlightshid.com
posted by Ritesh Jan/24/2006 at 1:51
| 13. Rental/loaner/don't remember 0-100 miles
LINK EXCHANGE REQUEST
Dear Webmaster,
We are well established agency in online sales of Xenon lights and car bulbs etc..
Our site is a high traffic Website, with many quality inbound links.
We have already added your site's link on our link page: http://www.xenonlightshid.com/cars.html
Please add our link as per the description give below:
Title: Car bulbs and xenon lights
Description: Car bulbs and xenon lights from www.xenonlightshid.com
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Hope you will add the link at the earliest.
Best regards
Webmaster
ritesh(at)online-promo.net
for www.xenonlightshid.com
posted by Ritesh Mar/08/2006 at 21:48
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 100,001 or more miles
(My letter to Toyota)
Toyota,
I hope someone can answer my questions. I am an ASE certified drivability and vehicle electronics specialist, working outside that field (in computer electronics) at the present time. We are an all Toyota family. My parents drive a Camry and an Avalon, and have for years, with each new model. I drive and proudly own a RAV4 and a Camry, and the list goes on. While we all feel that Toyota makes incredibly dependable and economically sound vehicles, and I personally won't buy other makes since working as an ASE certified mechanic, with all I have seen and learned in that field since the early 1990's.
I am totally lost and confused with this one; you said in your press release about the end of the RAV4-EV program that I just now found out about, "Although a significant marketing effort was undertaken for the RAV4-EV, we only sold about 300 vehicles a year." and I would like to take GREAT exception with this statement. I believe from my OWN research, that more than 300 are on the road today! Furthermore, we never once heard of, saw or knew anything about any RAV4-EV until recently. If WE had, we would own several and not be fighting to try and find more now, second hand. First, I am neither tree hugger nor some environmental nutcase-I buy and use gasoline and electricity every day and love automotive technology, but the polution and dependence on foreign oil HAS to STOP, and NOW. I cannot agree with any statement that is simply not true, or proved false by my own experience. That statement above is both. If there had been any marketing efforts, I for one would have know about this vehicle right away! Look at where I work!
I live with my family in Atlanta, Georgia. This is not exactly a small town. I lived in Houston Texas until 2004 when we moved here, and that is the third or fourth largest city in the USA. My parent’s live in Nashville, Tennessee; Again, not a small town. Not one single time during the height of the "RAV4-EV Campaign" did anyone in my entire family- (and we have all frequented Toyota Dealerships for buying our vehicles, and for the few repairs they need) -ever even hear about the RAV4-EV program. I even worked at a Toyota Dealer in Kentucky during the late 1990’s, to emphasize my point here.
I own (and love) our RAV4, one of two in this one family; the second IS a RAV4-EV we hunted for for months on our own. It has over 200,00 miles on it now, and has no problems! I would give or do anything to own one of these RAV4-EV's, now, or especially then. So would most people I work with and for, and everyone else I have asked. So I guess in conclusion, my question would be; why would you say such a thing? Why was this vehicle not offered to us, and millions like us, who were not just in California but want one as soon as we did actually hear that you made these? Also I would like to add that we have at our company, both a conductive charger and two inductive chargers that are here for the EV owners in this area, and we are not a big company. This is the only reason I have ever even heard of the RAV4-EV! I do not that that is right nor do I think that this vehicle was ever advertised to the public or I think you would have had more orders that you would have known what to do with. I would like to know the company’s thoughts on this issue as I am very concerned and wondering if this was only an effort to please the California C.A.R.B. board, and dropped when the company no longer HAD to make 10% ZEVs, as many have said? I think Toyota a much better company than this. I await your reply eagerly. Thank you for taking your time to read and respond.
( I am still waiting for any response)
-EG
posted by Eric Gorodetzky Mar/15/2006 at 8:43
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 1001-3000 miles
92 mazda xr7 2 dor coupe conversion. a real pleasure to drve and use solar panels to recharge the car
posted by tom sanderson May/11/2006 at 16:27
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 0-100 miles
I have a 2005 GEMCAR, with maintenance free Gel batteries, made by Daimler-Chrysler in Fargo, North Dakota. It is basically a street-legal golf cart. I love it. It's a lot of fun and certainly a conversation starter. There is definitely interest in electric vehicles. Everywhere I go, people ask me about my little red & white car - "How do you like it?" - "How far can you go?" - "You never go to the gas station?" "How much was it?" - "Isn't that cute?" - "Hey, is that a stake- bed?" I can drive wherever the speed limit is 35 mph or less, and from Seal Beach, that's quite a lot of running around. I still have my "big" car since long-distance, all electric vehicles are no longer offered. I look forward to the day when all the driving I do is environmentally friendly as opposed to contributing to pollution, terrorism and war!
posted by Nancy May/25/2006 at 3:06
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 10,001-15,000 miles
I came into contact with Electric Vehicles of America in early 2004 via their website. Bob Batson provided design and many components. My auto mechanic Verlin Jones and I bought the donor GMC S-15 5 speed RWD for a $1000 in July, 2004. The conversion was complete by Christmas. Over 10,000 miles have been logged, mostly driving a 32 mile round trip commute. My Lester charger inverts 220v AC to 120v DC at night and has kicked off by the time I get up at 4 am. I am using the original Interstate Workaholic 6 volt lead acid batteries. There are 20 of them in series: 16 in a welded steel carriage under the bed and 4 where the radiator used to be. Nick Harliss from Indianapolis and a friend and I just added a tachometer which will help utilize the greater fuel efficiency realized at lower gears and higher revolutions per minute without risk of destroying the Advance 9.1 DC motor.
I enjoy driving my EV and will be charging with photovoltaics this summer.
Are there any other EV enthusiasts beside Nick and me in Indiana??
posted by Daniel Monroe Jul/02/2006 at 13:58
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
I worked for Red River Army Depot (it was a government truck) from 1981 until Nov. of 1986 and the vehicle I was driving was 1/2 ton short wheel base full size dodge pick up and out of all the things I have been looking up on electric autos I have never (so far) seen anything that said it was ever made or existed and I'm wondering why that is.
posted by john baker Aug/27/2006 at 12:01
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 1001-3000 miles
Many people are not only addicted to oil but to 4 wheels also !
At this time your EV's have 2 wheels. Nothing wrong with that.
forsenusa(dot)com
posted by Andy Sep/15/2006 at 15:16
| 06. Toyota RAV-4 with NiMH batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
I love driving my EV. I wish that the whole planet is using solar panels to drive the EVs. I encourage anybody to try to own one.
posted by Brenda Lalisan Nov/22/2006 at 15:31
| 12. Conversion/kit/other road-certified EV 101-1000 miles
I located enough parts to assemble the Bradley GT2 Electric,which is now my daily driver. Operating cost is $0.95/day, for 30 miles. Selectable 48/96vdc modes help extend range. The car can be seen at: http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/916
posted by Richard Slatin Dec/15/2006 at 10:45
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 0-100 miles
Never drove an Ev automobile, mostly because the advertisement and promotion of these vehicles were not on a vast scale, such as the hydrogen power that Bush was seen promoting. Why didn't he step in on these EV vehicles? Simply because there was no money in it once his term ends.
The technology of the batteries was never given a chance. An "evolution", if you will, could have taken place faster, if auto makers wanted it. Look how air bags have evolved, crumple zones and points, off set collisions, and side impact safety. The world could have been drastically changed if we didn't allow our leaders to lead this country.
G.M. did what every criminal attempts to do. Hide the evedience! Only problem was, too many eyes on this crime.
I've witnessed many changes in the electric forklift industry. Just in the past ten years, computer, and electric circuitry has allowed longer life of the old lead acid batteries. It's a huge disapointment to anyone that wants a greener tomorrow.
posted by mark in electric forklift world of ohio Jan/16/2007 at 3:54
| 08. Ford Electric Ranger Pickup Truck with NiMH batteries 25,001-30,000 miles
This is LAME
posted by Lemon Jeeves May/04/2007 at 7:38
| 09. Chevrolet Electric S-10 with NiMH batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
The car is awesome!! I love knowing that whenever I drive I'm savng the enviornment. I feel so wonderful about myself, I'm Hott, I'm skinny, and im saving the enviornment!!! It makes me feel better than everyone else!!! i love it!!!!!!!! Im so much better than everyone else and i cant help it that i have a much better life than everyone just cause i have a better car! so many people notice me in my car cause they know they want to be like me cause im so much better!
posted by Cassie Rugg May/04/2007 at 8:20
| 09. Chevrolet Electric S-10 with NiMH batteries 30,001-35,000 miles
The car is awesome!! I love knowing that whenever I drive I'm savng the enviornment. I feel so wonderful about myself, I'm Hott, I'm skinny, and im saving the enviornment!!! It makes me feel better than everyone else!!! i love it!!!!!!!! Im so much better than everyone else and i cant help it that i have a much better life than everyone just cause i have a better car! so many people notice me in my car cause they know they want to be like me cause im so much better!
posted by Cassie Rugg May/04/2007 at 8:20
| 08. Ford Electric Ranger Pickup Truck with NiMH batteries 50,001-55,000 miles
The car is aweosme!! I love knowing that whenever I drive I'm saving the enviornment. I feel so wonderful about myself, I'm hott, I'm skinny, and I'm saving the enviornment!! OMFG I JUST LOVE THE FEELING HTAT IM BETTER THEN EVERYONE ESLE NOT DRIVING A HYBRID CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I already knew i was better then everyone else but now im ULTRA- better then everyone esle!! I just love my life and i want to join the peace core and help Menijitus in africa and help aids in South America all because of my car!! its so styalish too!! all these HOTT guys notice me and want to have sex with me.
posted by Courtney Nelson May/04/2007 at 8:23
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 101-1000 miles
i just purchased a zap xebra sedan. i am using it as much as i can to learn its potential. i will continue to purchase electric vehicles in the future. i have put e-panels on my roof and use the excess generation to charge batteries in vehicle. makes sense to me.
posted by Stuart Williamson May/29/2007 at 12:40
| 11. Other nameplate vehicle 101-1000 miles
I have been driving a Solectria, built in 1996 for 3 months now. My commute is 35 miles. I am very proud to say that I have no carbon emissions, because my electric bill is paid for windmill generated power. Revolutionary idea! From technology that is 11 years old! The Solectria is a Geo Metro conversion with an AC drive. I have "regenerative braking", and almost never use the brake pedal. What is really astonishing is that the motor, with a nameplate power of 12KW, has 16 HP. So, why does my gasoline truck,(parked) have 130 HP?
What is going on here?
Thanks for the oppoetunity to relate my experience.
Bill Swann
posted by Bill Swann Jul/23/2007 at 12:10
| 03. GMEV1--1999 "Gen 2" with advanced (Nickel Metal Hydride, or "NiMH") batteries 1001-3000 miles
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posted by webmaster Aug/08/2007 at 2:37
| 07. Nissan Altera with Lithium batteries 0-100 miles
Reciprocity Automobile
Leonardo Da Vinci invented the reciprocity automobile in his childhood. The story is described in my book INVENTIONS OF TOMORROW by Siegfried Sid Green, B.S.M.E. Just type my name on the Internet to locate the book. You can also get it at your library. This picture is of the Tesla battery operated automobile. It is being sold today. Now we add the Westinghouse air brakes and we get a new automobile. Can you stop a train with air? This is the story of a new brake.
When you accelerate an automobile from a standing position to 60 miles per hour, you have a potential powerhouse of energy. To stop the automobile with friction brakes is to waste potential energy. You can capture that potential energy by generating electricity and storing it in a battery. The brake becomes a generator.
Hydraulically you can store the energy by jacking the car up a few inches with four jacks and using the weight and gravity to accelerate the car the next time. You can also compress the air to store potential energy. A flywheel would be good for the people who want fast acceleration for free. Why waste good potential energy when you can store it hydraulically, electrically, via air, or a flywheel to name just a few.
The seesaw is a good example of using the energy of gravity when both children weigh the same, one goes up and the other comes down via gravity. When an automobile goes up a hill you create potential energy to come down, why drive the car down the hill using energy when you can use gravity. A couple of thousand pounds of potential energy can be stored and used to climb the next hill. Why waste it with friction brakes. Storing the energy will slow the car down and is much better than breaking to prevent the acceleration of gravity.
My uncle used to shut off the engine when going down hill to save gasoline. He said it was stupid to drive down hill. He used the brake a lot as the car accelerated with gravity. He did not have an accumulator to store all that potential energy. You don't have to waste energy to accelerate the next time, when you can use the stored energy.
Gas milage per gallon will increase using reciprocity. You now can go long distances using a battery. It takes very little energy to keep the automobile moving on a flat road, you only need to overcome friction and wind resistance to keep the car moving. You can combine solar and battery to cross the country for free, by driving during the day when the sun is shining.
All the engineering is known, it is in the books. It will become a crash program when we run out of oil. It will become reality soon. I do hope it is not too late. We should make the new automobiles amphibious to run on water. The ice at the poles has melted twenty five percent in two years, so we only have six years or less before the floods get really bad. Most oil refineries will be under the water.
Complete manuscript ALTERNATE SOURCES OF ENERGY is available to book publishers on request. Siegfriedsgreen(at)peoplepc.com
posted by Siegfried Green\, B\.S\.M\.E\. May/29/2008 at 8:49
| 09. Chevrolet Electric S-10 with NiMH batteries 3001-10,000 miles
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posted by Mitzi Lambert Jun/21/2012 at 3:38
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