Have You EVER Driven An EV That SURPRISED You? If So, WHICH? Would You Buy One?

Being that AutoSpies caters to the enthusiast crowd, I have a feeling this question won't exactly hit close to home for many of you. But, I just had to ask.

That's because this past week I spent my time driving the all-new Chevrolet Bolt. And, I actually liked it.

[[Flame suit on.]]

While it's not the perfect car, there was a lot to like about it. There's room in all directions, seating for four adults, more than enough juice to get you flowing with highway traffic, and plenty of range to get me to and from my Flatiron-based, Manhattan office. In fact, because I plugged it into my garage's 120-volt socket, my mileage didn't drop below 150 miles.

Considering I already have a weekend car in the garage for when I want to indulge myself, I really enjoyed my time with the Bolt. Though I am curious how my electric bill increased for the one week I had the vehicle.

So, Spies, I've got to ask after my experience: Have you EVER driven an EV that SURPRISED you? If so, WHICH one was it? Can you ever seeing yourself purchasing one?

t_bone - 5/19/2018 3:06:52 AM

+3 Boost

Not pure EV, but I borrow a Volt from work for long trips and quite like it. I get how it is misunderstood; I needed a day with it before I saw how it worked and made better sense than most hybrids.

I'm agnostic about gas/electric and mostly just waiting for it to show up in a car that interests me (that doesn't cost $100k).

vdiv - 5/19/2018 4:53:09 AM

+5 Boost

By many accounts the Honda Clarity PHEV and pure EV are very well made. The Bolt EV and the new Leaf are not too shabby either. The i3 gets a bad rap due to its shape, size, and construction, but it is a blast to drive and perfectly fine if just for two people. The eGolf is a disappointment as it has so much unrealized potential, the greatest aspect of it IMO is the battery packaging as it does not intrude into the cabin.

TomM - 5/19/2018 6:41:08 AM

+2 Boost

ALthough not true EVs - I had a Ford Fusion Hybrid as my company car - which was not better than a transportation appliance - and when we switched to the Chevrolet Malibu - it was markedly better.

I have driven a Bolt - and was surprised at how much room inside that car there is - it actually is as big as a Model S inside - but I still wish they made it as a regular looking car instead of a Hatchback. Frankly - if they wanted a Hatch - they should have made it raised - like a crossover - it would sell better that way.

However - I still do not see the average person clamoring to get an EV or even a Hybrid. I believe that it is in Hybrids that we will see the biggest push - since they are not subject to the PLUG needed - so more can use them. They are also not limited in range.

I believe if Buick uses the VOLT platform - and produces a BUICK car with their styling - and they sell it in the $40-50,000 dollar range - that will be the breakthrough car - it is coming. Otherwise - remember that the support for EVS - ie the Tax break - is going away. ANd as it does - so will a lot of sales - including a lot of those "Tesla 3 Deposits" - and until EVs can be SOLD in the low $30,000 dollar range (THat is Mercedes CLA base range) - they will still be cars of the elite.

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 9:29:22 AM

+1 Boost

I've driven a Model S. It was OK but nothing special. For the price of admission, a Mercedes is a better choice.

I've also spent time in a Bolt and a Leaf which I felt were perfectly fine, but for the price of admission you can drive something that doesn't scream "econobox" or for half the price you can have their equivalent.

All three drove fine, but were utterly unremarkable.

There simply is no valid reason to buy an EV except for wanting to have the proper car to drive to the Gavin Newsome rally.

mre30 - 5/19/2018 1:49:06 PM

+3 Boost

Chevy would really gain some sales if they repackaged the Bolt into a small SUV - it could either keep the funky Chevy electric styling or else do something stylish like the Nissan S-Cargo.

IMO, the US market would respond well to a well-priced electric SUV that could double as a people carrier or small urban delivery van.

The Tesla Model X is NOT this vehicle - but something the size of a slightly longer and more funky Ford Escape would be perfect.

MDarringer - 5/19/2018 2:24:11 PM

+1 Boost

Doing a Bolt crossover styled as a Cadillac and priced beginning around $35K would be the move I would suggest.

SanJoseDriver - 5/20/2018 6:22:40 PM

-1 Boost

A coworker just got a brand new Leaf, 150 miles of range and it has Nissan's version of Autopilot built in... all for $29k or so after incentives. Handling and performance were surprisingly good, and the "ProPilot" seemed to work well (albeit more annoying than Tesla or Cadillac). It also looks better than the older Leafs or Prius' for that matter.

SanJoseDriver - 5/22/2018 12:32:07 AM

-2 Boost

That I definitely do not agree with.

SanJoseDriver - 5/23/2018 1:44:32 PM

+1 Boost

Because I have come to appreciate things that are clean and uncluttered. Blackberry vs. iPhone.

TheSteve - 5/20/2018 11:48:43 PM

0 Boost

Nope. Never driven one. An EV car is not for me. I need, and *use*, my SUV as a hauler several times a month, so a car isn't practical for me. And there's no EV SUV that's a suitable replacement for my vehicle. So I have no interest in stuff that isn't what I need, and doesn't excite me.

But if you're an EV guy, there's some compelling stuff out there!