I'm surprised range is even discussed on this forum, as it's simply a matter of suitability for an individual's needs. Do the math. Considering that the average trip distance in the US is under ten miles, 95% of the trips are under 30 miles, and the daily average is under 40 miles, the i-MiEV's range is more than sufficient for most commuters and daily drivers in this country. Ref: http://www.solarjourneyusa.com/EVdistanceAnalysis.php
Opportunity charging allows the i-MiEV to easily achieve daily drives of well over 150 miles, and that's not even using the now-standard CHAdeMO. Since most households have more than one vehicle, if the range of the i-MiEV is unsuitable for a particular trip, then simply arrange to take another car. Our family's first i-MiEV is now three years old with 37K completely trouble-free miles on it (yes, we often put on well over 100 miles/day despite only having the 3kW onboard charger). It quickly became the family's primary car, and late last year we bought a second i-MiEV (used, with CHAdeMO) because of the first one's popularity. For longer distances, the cover comes off the Gen1 Honda Insight, although the i-MiEVs account for over 99% of our trips. With the back seats down, the i-MiEV's flat-floor cargo volume exceeds that of most EVs (yes, more volume than a Leaf) and its tight turning radius and small exterior dimensions makes it a delight in congested areas. Having the key attributes of the modern car (Active Stability Control, six airbags, Vmax>80mph, etc.) as well as multiple levels of regen, I consider the i-MiEV a most under-appreciated modern EV which admirably fulfills this family's needs. ----- Joe Siudzinski -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/Re-EVLN-iMiev-remains-cheap-EV-champ-nil-changes-2016-model-in-March-tp4674046p4674058.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
