[soundofrockets]

Looking for everyday ride electric car.  Range about 125 miles.  Would prefer pure electric.  Tesla out of my range.  Any recommendations.  Also, buy vs lease?

[JLM]

Still expensive with limited availability.  Unless you're a gambler, I'd lease (many only available that way).

Pure electrics available in the U.S.: 

 - Chevy Spark EV (many pluses, but slow to charge, only available in CA and OR)

 - Fiat 500e (many pluses, but even more cramped and one of the most expensive, only available in CA)

 - Ford Focus Electric (a good showing, but one of most expensive)

 - Honda Fit EV (another good showing, but again one of the most expensive)

 - Mitsubishi i-MIEV (relatively affordable, maneuverable, but short range, slow, long charge times, tight, and cheap interior)

 - Nissan Leaf (spacious, quiet, long range, reliable, available, but slow)

 - Smart fortwo Electric (relatively affordable, but like all smart cars, a joke outside of town)

Last time I shopped for an economical car I stayed with gas as the safe bet (known technology, lower first cost, more flexibility).  Take care to compare life cycle cost (a $20k car that gets 40 mpg to a $30k car that gets 100e mpg plus all the limitations/unknowns).

Wish diesel was more affordable and had more choices in the U.S. as we do mostly long/rural drives.

[ctviggen]

I have a diesel VW Jetta wagon. I bought it thinking I'd save money.  However, since the engine "package" (couldn't get just the engine) was about $5,000 more and diesel is usually the most expensive gas where I live, I calculated it would take me somewhere around 100,000  miles before I recouped the extra $5,000.

[JLM]

I have a diesel VW Jetta wagon. I bought it thinking I'd save money.  However, since the engine "package" (couldn't get just the engine) was about $5,000 more and diesel is usually the most expensive gas where I live, I calculated it would take me somewhere around 100,000  miles before I recouped the extra $5,000.

100,000 mile break-even isn't bad if you drive say 20,000 miles a year.  The better electrics I quoted above up front cost about $15,000 more than a typical gas economy car and don't know if they'll last 200,000 - 300,000 miles to reach break-even.  I'm sure your car would be very competitive versus one of the better pure electric cars on any economic comparison.

We've scaled back how much we drive (from 65,000 to 15,000 miles per year) so mileage is less important and the $25,000 2012 Camry SE (actual 34 mpg) fit nicely into our plans.

[macrojack]

Is the plug-in Prius a consideration? It appease that dealers are having a year end sell-off of the 2014 models. It isn't pure electric but, given JLM's list above, it might be the best compromise.

[sts9fan]

I have had a Nissan Leaf for ~4 months.  It is the best car I have ever owned.  Unfortunately, you are SOL with the desire to get 125 mile range on a charge.  I think only the Tesla gets over 100.  Do you drive that far in a day?  Can you charge at work?  My other car is a VW TDI so I like them also but the EV is in another class.  Minus the range issue EV are better in every way imho.  I leased mine because who knows what the resale will be and at the end of the term hopefully I can get one with 150 mile range. If you have any specific questions please don't hesitate. This Youtube vid says it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1iJJZfB7i0

[mix4fix]

Still expensive with limited availability.  Unless you're a gambler, I'd lease (many only available that way).

Pure electrics available in the U.S.: 

 - Chevy Spark EV (many pluses, but slow to charge, only available in CA and OR)

 - Fiat 500e (many pluses, but even more cramped and one of the most expensive, only available in CA)

 - Ford Focus Electric (a good showing, but one of most expensive)

 - Honda Fit EV (another good showing, but again one of the most expensive)

 - Mitsubishi i-MIEV (relatively affordable, maneuverable, but short range, slow, long charge times, tight, and cheap interior)

 - Nissan Leaf (spacious, quiet, long range, reliable, available, but slow)

 - Smart fortwo Electric (relatively affordable, but like all smart cars, a joke outside of town)

Last time I shopped for an economical car I stayed with gas as the safe bet (known technology, lower first cost, more flexibility).  Take care to compare life cycle cost (a $20k car that gets 40 mpg to a $30k car that gets 100e mpg plus all the limitations/unknowns).

Wish diesel was more affordable and had more choices in the U.S. as we do mostly long/rural drives.

Too bad Ford doesn't bring their 1.0 Liter, 3 cylinder Ecoboost to the USA, because I would chose the 1.0 Fiesta over ANY electric car.

[soundofrockets]

Unfortunately cannot charge at work.  What about the bmwi3 ?  Thanks for the responses.

[SlushPuppy]

Too bad Ford doesn't bring their 1.0 Liter, 3 cylinder Ecoboost to the USA, because I would chose the 1.0 Fiesta over ANY electric car.

It's been available here for quite a few months. It's a $995 upgrade to the Fiesta SE called "SE EcoBoost Fuel Economy Package".

[sts9fan]

Unfortunately cannot charge at work.  What about the bmwi3 ?  Thanks for the responses.

The i3 is available with a range extending engine but is quite $$$.  If that is acceptable then check out the Volt also.  It does the first 40 miles all electric but is $10K+ more then a leaf.  How far is your commute?

[soundofrockets]

My commute is about 60miles each way.  I had difficulty getting into my friends volt - seems like a small car with hardly any headroom.  Will look into i3 - anybody with any experience with it ?

[sts9fan]

Volt is larger then a Leaf and an i3

[soundofrockets]

Will have to test drive the i3 and also check out head room.  Lease vs purchase?

[sts9fan]

I would lease 100%.  I think I read a NY Times article that 90%+ of EVs are leases. 

[macrojack]

A friend of mine who has a Volt took a ride in my car with me and commented on how much more roomy my 2006 Prius is. He said it was huge compared to his Volt. Go figure.

[RichPark]

I have a diesel VW Jetta wagon. I bought it thinking I'd save money.  However, since the engine "package" (couldn't get just the engine) was about $5,000 more and diesel is usually the most expensive gas where I live, I calculated it would take me somewhere around 100,000  miles before I recouped the extra $5,000.

Have you also calculated in the higher resale?

[JLM]

With a 60 mile commute I'd be looking at a VW diesel.

[*Scotty*]

I would be checking with insurance companies to see if there are any specific policy provisions regarding all electric vehicles and hybrids. 
I have heard that such vehicles are much more likely to be considered totaled after a collision due to concerns about potential future safety problems from unrecognized damage to the high voltage wiring harness and the battery packs.
Scotty

[mix4fix]

It's been available here for quite a few months. It's a $995 upgrade to the Fiesta SE called "SE EcoBoost Fuel Economy Package".

Paying more for a smaller engine.....

 

[guf]

VW is coming out with their electric golf this year if you can wait.... The toyota rav4 people on the forums claim to be close the the 125 range.  You may not want to risk it on a daily basis.

 I have the Fiat500e  and like STS9fan I also have a VW tdi and yes maybe the in the end you can argue are not really saving money but you are consuming less if that means anything. I love the TDIs. 

Yes lease any electric car because the technology is changing so quickly.