|
|
|
06-11-2014, 07:26 AM | #23 |
Proud AARP member in good standing
28
Rep 635
Posts |
Why not an i3? Not any more ugly than a Leaf but looks to be a better technology car.
__________________
2012 135i DCT, Lemans Blue/black leather, PPK1, PE, Stoptech Sport rotors and Sport pads, unhealthy crackles and burbles and an aging demonic driver. |
Appreciate
0
|
06-11-2014, 02:41 PM | #24 | ||
Major General
2394
Rep 6,083
Posts |
Quote:
But I'd get one if it were free - and give a big "thanks!" to the tax paying fools who are paying for it. And paying for the roads via gas taxes, etc. etc. Btw - hydrogen must be refined using power from powerplants. It's incredibly inefficient as a power source, which is why BMW suspended hydrogen technology. But if we can dupe taxpayers into subsidizing it...
__________________
<OO (llll)(llll) OO>
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
06-11-2014, 03:28 PM | #25 | |
Captain
60
Rep 704
Posts |
Quote:
Another factor you're not considering is when electric cars are charged. Principally at night. When the grid has so much excess capacity, they sell power to companies who use it then at much lower rates. The big users are things like office buildings (lighting and HVAC), and manufacturing facilities that shut down at night. Big hydrogen plants will no doubt operate at night, as well as be sited, like the aluminum industry, near cheap power. At some point residences will get "demand pricing" also. When that happens for a large number of people (a small number have it already) electrics will be even more of a deal as your short distance car. Not to mention other savings, as people move discretionary use (washing machines, dishwashers, etc.) to night. Eventually your smart home will monitor the price of electricity, and wash your dishes and clothes when it's cheapest. And charge your car. Car makers disagree about whether hydrogen will power the car of the future (example, Honda), or electric (example, BMW). Personally, I think both will have significant market share. The world is marching on to the future, as always. People can choose whether to go with that, or fight it. I'm both enjoying my 1 series for now, and looking forward to better options ahead. Last edited by 128Convertibleguy; 06-11-2014 at 03:43 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-11-2014, 03:51 PM | #27 |
Captain
60
Rep 704
Posts |
Assuming you're talking to me, hardly. I've been a car guy since before I had a license. I've done much competitive driving, autocross, rally, karting, etc. Raced wheel to wheel with SCCA for years. Have enjoyed watching Hill, Surtees, Donahue, a few Andrettis, Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Johnson, and Castroneves, etc. in person.
But I'm also a scientist, and recognize that the glory days of dead dinosaur(OK, dead algae) powered vehicles are coming to a forseeable end. So do the car companies. Last edited by 128Convertibleguy; 06-11-2014 at 04:01 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
06-11-2014, 06:48 PM | #28 | |
Major General
2394
Rep 6,083
Posts |
Quote:
You are right that the big users (lights and HVAC) are active mostly during the day. But the grid cannot store electricity anywhere, so while they encourage usage at night, they cannot dictate it (yet); the grid has to be built for maximum load at all times, so the unused power at night is simply wasted energy - hardly efficient. That's why there are brownouts during peak times. And again, you don't have hydrogen without a plant to refine it - which means more electricity usage. Electrics use 25-40% of their energy to power the HVAC and accessories in the car - this draws down the "life cycle" equation quite a bit. Most carmakers are developing electric vehicles - to meet the regulations imposed on them, and to sell cars that people can buy for free (thanks again, taxpayers!) - neither of which benefit the drivers. I don't think anyone is "fighting" the move away from gasoline/diesel powered vehicles - just not buying the politically/economically driven half-truths.
__________________
<OO (llll)(llll) OO>
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-11-2014, 07:55 PM | #29 |
Brigadier General
89
Rep 3,732
Posts
Drives: BMW S1000XR
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Gilbert, AZ
|
Buy a Porsche 911 if you have Tesla money...just saying
I'm surprised you dont get run over in Atlanta with your 0-60 speed Sorry, being a smart-ass tonight b/c worked sucked.
__________________
BMWCCA member |
Appreciate
0
|
06-11-2014, 08:45 PM | #30 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 32
Posts |
For all you skeptics out there who think you will miss the performance of yesterday's technology, I would challenge you to test drive a Tesla model S. I recently had the opportunity and was blown away. I have driven some very fast cars in my life, but nothing that would rival the acceleration of the Tesla. Yes, $110K is a little expensive, but like any new technology it will eventually come down in price. There are solutions to green energy, such as solar and wind that will allow you to charge your vehicle at no harm to the environment. In fact, Google already has solar powered charging stations for Tesla's and Leaf's in some of their facilities. Perhaps someday we will simply have induction charging pads under each parking spot. Wouldn't that be cool? The ICE has had a good run, but its time is slowly running out...
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 02:03 AM | #31 | |
Captain
38
Rep 701
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 07:10 AM | #32 | |
Resident Tamed Racing Driver
292
Rep 4,697
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2005 E46 M3 Interlagos/Cinnamon with Sunroof Delete
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 08:33 AM | #33 | |
Captain
60
Rep 704
Posts |
Quote:
But I'd keep the 128, too. One gas car, one electric (especially a Tesla) is about perfect for right now. The electric for most of my driving, Gas for road trips, and the occasional afternoon fling. Last edited by 128Convertibleguy; 06-12-2014 at 08:39 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 10:05 AM | #34 | |
Captain
48
Rep 739
Posts |
Quote:
I'd love to get a Nissan Leaf as a daily driver, unfortunately I don't have an electric outlet at my apartment's parking garage OR at work. Hopefully this will change in the future. And to those arguing the details; the analysis of electric vs. ICE has been done: electrics are still more efficient overall. It can only get better once we diversify our power production options such as wind, solar, and more nuclear.
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 10:38 AM | #35 |
Lieutenant Colonel
2023
Rep 1,895
Posts |
lol at some people in here.....this seems like a thread straight out of E46fanatics with some peoples comments.
If I could drive a free, boring car for two years and the trade off was a boat and a lake house....well, where do I sign up??
__________________
Present
2015 Chevrolet SS 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk V6 |
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 11:42 AM | #36 | |
Major General
2394
Rep 6,083
Posts |
Quote:
That said, I'd love to have an electric hot rod - with no smog, awesome power, range of 300+ miles, plenty of grid capacity, and charging stations dispersed across the US. Right now that's only the Tesla (as far as I know), and the infrastructure components are weak. But that can/should change - an no maintenance is a great trade-off, if an electric fits your lifestyle. I just hate the corporate welfare part of the tax breaks, etc. - Tesla is not hurting for money, and the $7,500+ tax incentives screw the taxpayers.
__________________
<OO (llll)(llll) OO>
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 11:57 AM | #37 |
Major General
4335
Rep 6,196
Posts |
How does buying an electric car mean you are not a car guy?
It is an interesting choice for sure, it is not always about having the fastest car. I like cars with good engineering. I applaud the OP for his choice. I had a diesel smart, that thing was rated as the slowest accelerating car you could buy in this country. I still consider myself a car guy. Although, I nearly doubled the price of the car with modifications, and it was still slow as hell, but at least made more than double the stock HP. The crappy computer actuated true manual 6 speed was horrible. A true 6 speed DCT would have transformed that car. Track days were interesting for sure. We have a local chap who has a couple of Teslas. His model S runs the 1/4 in the mid 12's. That is pretty damn fast. It is also incredibly fast on the track. The less gas we burn now, the longer it will last. It isn't going to last forever. I wish I could put an i3 into my stable, but unfortunately, can not install a charger in my condo parking spot. |
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 12:14 PM | #38 |
Private
42
Rep 98
Posts |
Life is to be lived! Too bad. As a taxpayer, I don't like subsidizing your lease of a this transportation device. Can't blame you for trying to save money, though. Maybe it will cause you to appreciate your next BMW even more.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 12:47 PM | #39 |
Captain
38
Rep 701
Posts |
I guess I miss the point on a car over 100 grand that will go about 206 miles then require a recharge. 1 hour of charge equallying out to about 5 miles. Let us not forget this is at average temperature, those of us who live in places that actually get cold(-32°F here last winter) in the winter you can expect far lower numbers.
Not to mention in about 7 years you will be spending over 10 grand on new battery packs. Last edited by MarkkyyMan; 06-12-2014 at 12:57 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 04:21 PM | #40 | |
Captain
60
Rep 704
Posts |
Quote:
The point is that very few trips for most of us are >200 miles. And that anyone who has an S almost certainly has another car for the few long trips. Or rents one. As far as cold weather goes, the battery still charges fine in your garage. The charging warms it up a little. The result is maybe a 20% drop in range, much of it due to running the heater. If 160 miles instead of 200 is "far lower", you're right. "I've had my Tesla Roadster out in -26C weather, and in many ways it tolerates it better than most ICE vehicles. If the car hasn't been plugged in, so the battery pack is cold, you have a bit less power (not that you'd notice it unless you floor it). Also the regenerative braking is disabled at first. While the battery is cold it's a bit less efficient. Once it warms up the car behaves normally. You might lose 10 km range during the warm-up period. At highway speeds you will see a little more wind resistance, and driving through snow will probably reduce your range as well. In extreme cold the heater consumes at most 5% to 10% of your range; the latter number would be at lower speeds where you have much more range to begin with." This is consistent with other reports, from S owners. Here's a video from a guy in Norway. http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2013/06...e-test-norway/ Last edited by 128Convertibleguy; 06-12-2014 at 04:40 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 04:47 PM | #41 | |
Captain
38
Rep 701
Posts |
Quote:
Quick charges will decrease the battery life even further. My 10 grand estimate was for the 60kW battery 80kW will be north of 10 grand. 160 miles would still be a little generous, factor in hills. I guess it all comes back to the old "different strokes for different folks". The Tesla reps in Detroit(NAIAS) were really nice/knowledgeable and had a cool display showing the mounting location for the batteries on the chassis.
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 06:50 PM | #42 |
Lieutenant
44
Rep 406
Posts |
I actually work for Nissan and for anyone that hasn't driven an electric car, I would suggest doing it. Although I will never buy a leaf, (drive to much per day) for anyone who dailies to work and the grocery store, you may save a ton of money. The lease programs are awesome on those cars. No oil changes, no transmission flushes, no gas, tax breaks, and best of all, instant torque. Electric motor means 100% torque right off the bat. Btw most guys at work who use it as a daily are paying about $15 in electricity per month to charge it.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 07:58 PM | #43 |
Private First Class
16
Rep 158
Posts |
" I'd rather drive 10 feet of steel rebar through my temples."
+1,000,000 At least he's not diluted enough to claim the Leaf is faster than his previous 135? Had a guy at work say he loved his Leaf so much because he could beat all the BMW's; even my M5 : the shop guys laughed about that for sometime! In Seattle many think they are race cars. Hell there is a guy running around in a SmartCar with: "I am the Stig" |
Appreciate
0
|
06-12-2014, 09:56 PM | #44 | |
Private
15
Rep 94
Posts |
Quote:
I am a car guy. Always have been. I've had 2 E46 M3's, an E36 328, an E39 540i, and the 135i that I just got rid of. The tax deal in GA for the Leaf is just too good to pass up and lots, I mean LOTS, of people that drive nice cars are taking advantage of it. 90% of my driving is easily within the range of this car, and when I need to go further, my wife and I swap cars for the day. With a Level 2 charger in the garage I can go 30miles per hour of charging. We all make sacrifices in life, and I have to tell you, this was an easy one. We bought a beautiful Lake property that we will enjoy for years to come. Shopping boats is more fun than I imagined it would be and I can't wait to have my new baby tied up at the dock outside my place. I'm telling you the Leaf is NOT a bad car to drive. As another poster said, you get instant torque when you press the accelerator and it is faster than a lot of gas powered cars out there. It has all the creature comforts, and the Nav and sound system are better than what was in the 1er. I can pull out my cellphone and turn on the AC before leaving work, or preheat the car in the winter while I'm getting ready to leave in the morning. In the end, it was an easy no-brainer decision. Oh, did I mention that it's FREE??? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|