EV/Plug-In/Hydrogen Fuel Cell - Cars

[eyephone]

Try not to shake your head. The charge ahead California initiative. The bill passed the California Assembly and the State assembly is expected to send the bill to the governor.

If your in the low income category you can get one of the following options:
1. $2,500 for getting an EV car
or
2. If you decide you decide not to own a car you can get $1,500.

Source:
http://m.green.autoblog.com/2014/08/27/california-first-to-give-extra-funds-to-low-income-ev-buyers/?post=1&icid=autobloggreen_ev-plug-in_river_item

 

[Rice Vino]

We installed an ev charger in our IAC rental. It was less than $1k in our attached garage and IAC's contractor was very accommodating. Maintenance guy did the paint and drywall clean up at no charge. I think the renters affected are those without attached garages, but even then, many apartment owners are installing shared charging stations. I understand IAC is doing this at all their properties over the next year.

 

[eyephone]

We installed an ev charger in our IAC rental. It was less than $1k in our attached garage and IAC's contractor was very accommodating. Maintenance guy did the paint and drywall clean up at no charge. I think the renters affected are those without attached garages, but even then, many apartment owners are installing shared charging stations. I understand IAC is doing this at all their properties over the next year.

Will you take your "EV charger" if you move? (Obviously the electrical upgrade that you made will stay, if you move)

 

[Rice Vino]

Yes, I didn't include the cost of the charger in that cost, which was another $1k. If/when you buy one, make sure you get the dryer plug / removeable type not the hardwired one. It's like $50 difference in cost but well worth it. So when we move, the next tenants will have a 240 volt dryer type plug in the garage.

 

[Rice Vino]

The Toyota RAV4 EV fell flat. Toyota structures the deal such that you have to pay tax on the discount, so even the lease deal is unattractive because tax accounts for a much higher payment.

OTOH, Chevy Volts are insanely discounted right now.

A loaded one stickers at $40k.
Dealers sell at $35k, less $1500 of GM incentives.
Net sales price is $33.5k (plus tax on $35k). Add fed and state tax rebate of $9k brings it to $24.5k+ tax for a loaded one including green sticker.

Not bad, though the tech will be boat anchor in no time so lease away for $350/month 0 down!

 

[irvinehomeowner]

You would think the RAV4 would have done better considering it used Tesla tech.

 

[Rice Vino]

You would think the RAV4 would have done better considering it used Tesla tech.

Teslas do so well because of looks and range. RAV4 has neither.

 

[eyephone]

You would think the RAV4 would have done better considering it used Tesla tech.

I believe the price point is too high for the RAV4. I read that Toyota is losing money on the RAV4 EV. The RAV4 EV is a compliance car for Toyota so they do not have to buy carbon credits.

Source:http://www.plugincars.com/will-toyota-cancel-rav4-ev-compliance-car.html

 

[eyephone]

I'm surprised no one has talked about the Honda Fit EV. I read that it's so hard to find one in stock since limited supply and good lease deal unlimited miles for $259 a month no down payment. This is a compliance car for Honda.

 

[Rice Vino]

Chevy Spark EV is the best driving, least expensive, highest rated compact EV. That thing is little rocket ship.

 

[eyephone]

Chevy Spark EV is the best driving, least expensive, highest rated compact EV. That thing is little rocket ship.

Never drove it. Good to know. I thought the Mitsubishi EV is the least expensive, BUT you need to read the reviews for the Mitsubishi ev.

 

[Rice Vino]

Chevy Spark EV is the best driving, least expensive, highest rated compact EV. That thing is little rocket ship.

Never drove it. Good to know. I thought the Mitsubishi EV is the least expensive, BUT let's you need to read the reviews.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-chevrolet-spark-ev-page-7

400 lb/ft of instant torque! It literally puts you back in your seat!

 

[eyephone]

I wonder if BYD (Chinese car maker) will introduce low priced EV cars.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I need an IHO sized EV.

 

[lnc]

I need an IHO sized EV.

EV minivan FTW!!

I think minivan's body shape is perfect to hide all those batteries and they really need to make a pure EV or plug-in Hybrid minivan with double automatic sliding doors.  If they can make one with reasonable price and driving range, it will be a hit. 

 

[Rice Vino]

Getting there!

Plug in 2016 XC90:

http://t.autos.msn.com/news/first-look-2016-volvo-xc90-1

 

[rnirvine]

I personally like the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive.  It's spacious, convenient, and luxurious. 
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/class/class-B/bodystyle-EDV

 

[Rice Vino]

B class EV is inefficient - larger battery than Focus EV or Leaf but same range. Also not clear if you can supercharge (480v) on the car, so range is even more limited vs. Leaf, which supercharges at any Nissan dealer. But Mercedes badge is nice  8)

 

[iacrenter]

I thought we should revive this necro thread--

I just read on Road & Track's website that California is instituting a new progressive tax rebate program for EV/Hybrid/Fuel Cell vehicles. I'm wondering how this will affect Tesla sales in California since most of their customers skew to the upper income brackets.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...01/california-fuel-cell-bev-phev-tax-rebates/

 

[inagawa]

That's good news for lower income individuals and families. 300% FPL for an individual is $35,310, and a family of 4 $72750... This should boost Prius plug-in/Volt/Leaf sales.

There was an unofficial poll on one of the Tesla forums that showed the average income of Tesla owners somewhere around the $150-250k range. Which would still make them eligible for the $2500 standard rebate. Plus the $7500 tax credit is a bonus.