Haitwun

The Tesla Model S is nice but what about for the rest of us regular folks? After test driving the Kia Soul EV at the LA Auto show, I'm pretty smitten by it.

swajames

I'm looking to add an EV to the garage shortly and I've been impressed by the Focus Electric (which can be bought for way less than MSRP) and also the Mercedes B Class which is probably pushing the affordable definition a bit but which is a really excellent EV based on my test drives.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Rav4 RV is like $50k, I think. Not too affordable for most!

RXSF

If the RAV4 ev is on the list then the bmw i3 and Mercedes b class should be too as they are in a similar price bracket. I would probably buy the i3 or b class.

i3 for its unique looks, range extender option and small city car proportions.

B class for its practicality in hatchback form, Mercedes badge and good tech options. Although i think the vehicle is sold in limited states right now

GQD_GS4

If not for tesla, i would have bought the B class

darkdream

I would not buy any all electric cars besides the tesla s or roadster. The range on the others just kills it for me.

rxonmymind

I wouldn't as it's not quiet there yet. I liken the electric to the first flat panel tv that came out costing a hundred grand. How long did it take for that price to come down? Maybe five to seven years before we see a true downward pressure on the price of electric vehicles. Also a minimum range of 300 miles across every vehicle and charging that only takes minutes or just swap out the batteries at gas stations.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

A co-worker recently got one. After around $14K in tax incentives it's not that bad

BTW I had no idea Toyota made a Rav4 RV, must be bigger than a Sequoia

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

No Focus Electric in the Poll?!?! Guess I'm selecting Other

mmarshall

I'll take the Corbin Sparrow.

(Just Kidding)



Seriously, though, this list is missing several contestants, including the Ford Focus Electric, Smart Electric, and Mitsubishi i-MiEV (though I don't think anyone on CL would seriously pick the Smart or i-MiEV).

The BMW i3 and Mercedes B-Class Electric, IMO, could also be considered "affordable" in the sense that they are not outrageously expensive by today's standards (both start at just over 42K)

And, to (seriously) answer the question, I'd probably pick the Ford Focus Electric, even though I don't particularly like the Focus or Fiesta interiors.

rxonmymind

Remember that French built air car? That air car was to be outfitted with an electric battery to replenish the air. Los Angeles to New York on a tank of air. I believe Peugeot & French auto mfg MDI is coming out with them.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

i would never buy any electric or hybrid car for that matter. technology in that field is advancing every year, why not just lease them.

bagwell

I think I'd still go with a Chevy Volt lease.

spwolf

I would take Leaf right now, i dont know much about the rest of them.

In EV, it is technology/specs and price combo that matters.

Overall, i would prefer PHEV, which could give me some 40 miles of EV at least and I could still use it on my long trips (400+ miles one way). Maybe even less EV miles, depending on the price and availability of chargers where i work.

Sadly here in Europe, a lot of people live in flats and it would be impossible to charge these cars overnight. If I lived in Cali or Germany or Spain, i would think seriously about getting solar panels + EV.

mmarshall

The OP, though, was referring only to pure-electrics. The Volt, though a plug-in, is an extended-range hybrid with a small gasoline engine for battery-charging.

Of course, if you plug it in every night and don't drive it far enough each day to discharge the battery (the Volt's literature advertises about 36 miles under ideal conditions) and have the gas engine start charging it, it will pretty much function as a pure electric, except for some minimal gas-engine time that the engineers program just to keep the oil flowing, the engine and seals lubricated, and the anti-freeze an occasional warm-up. A gas engine can't just sit and not run at all...it has to be run a certain amount, or it will deteriorate and corrode.