https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 05:19:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803490 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 12:53:28 +0000 looch 1803490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: A lot of the charger locations around us aren't the high speed ones, but no matter. We have a charging station in our garage and we have a full gas car for road trips. </p> <p>Hybrids don't really interest my husband, I guess they're not unusual enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803472 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 12:48:56 +0000 looch 1803472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: Haha, we have a Venza and a Leaf, as well.</p> <p>Love both cars! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803216 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:33:40 +0000 ShootingStar 1803216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: No, we got rid of DH's Versa and kept my Venza. We leased it and it'll actually cost us less per month than the gas in his old car would. It's so cute, it's this bright blue color. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803206 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:31:02 +0000 mrs. bird 1803206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: ooooo, so jealous!! i've heard great things about the leaf! enjoy! did you get rid of your venza? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803186 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:23:05 +0000 ShootingStar 1803186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just got our Leaf yesterday! Pretty much thanks to this thread :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803159 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 11:18:28 +0000 gingerbebe 1803159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: We lease a Prius Plug-In Hybrid. For us, it was the best of everything. Our state gives you a cash rebate if you buy OR get a 3-year lease on an electric or electric hybrid car. The Leaf would have gotten us a higher cash rebate ($3500 vs. $1500), but when we looked into charger locations, there weren't as many outside our immediate area as we would have liked. So we went with the plug-in hybrid because we could go anywhere without worrying about whether there was a charge station or not. The range on the Prius is only about 10-11 miles on purely electric, but its enough to get us on errands around town and one-way to work for me without using any gas. On a full charge, we are averaging about 65-67 mpg, and even when there's no electric, we get the great 55+ Prius mileage. The lease was attractive too because we didn't want to get stuck with a technologically defunct car in a few years if something newer/better came out with a better electrical range. </p> <p>OOPS! I didn't realize this thread was so old! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1803097 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:54:41 +0000 looch 1803097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've had our electric car for a few weeks now, it's been great.</p> <p>We have a charging station installed in our garage and my husband also leverages the free charging station at his workplace. I have also driven it around town and I really can't tell the difference from our gas powered car, other than the fact that it is much more quiet. If we had to do it all over again, we'd absolutely get an electric car. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1702597 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:46:47 +0000 swurlygurl 1702597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I hope you keep us updated about it! We're going to be in the market for a new car when DH's dies (anywhere from now to 2 years or so...), and the Leaf is at the top of his list. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1702595 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:45:37 +0000 looch 1702595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: We just ordered our charging station, $600 on Amazon. The dealership recommended we don't go through them as it costs upwards of $1500 for the station alone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1702591 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:44:12 +0000 ShootingStar 1702591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, you guys are selling me on DH getting a Leaf. He's been a really green car and unless we win the lottery, the Tesla isn't happening (which is his dream car). </p> <p>How much are the charging things for the houses? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1702330 Mon, 16 Jun 2014 09:30:43 +0000 looch 1702330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone for chiming in! I know that the limited mileage is a concern, but we have a regular gas car for our other needs. This car is really for commuting our short distance.</p> <p>So, we ended up leasing the Nissan Leaf. The dealership basically factors in the tax credit and we're okay with leasing in this instance because of the battery life and probability of better battery performance in three years.</p> <p>Our commute is about 12 miles, in stop and go traffic, plus there are charging stations at both of our places of employment, so it just makes sense in this instance, we think. We're getting the charging station installed in our garage next week...I am weirdly excited. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699928 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 19:00:02 +0000 spaniellove 1699928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Awesome, hope it all falls into place! DH's boss has a Tesla and had a charging station installed into the building he works in. We'd love an electric car but are too chicken and both drive hybrids instead. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699471 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 15:27:25 +0000 meredithNYC 1699471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Nice! That was quick and easy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699444 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 15:20:32 +0000 looch 1699444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are at the dealer and if they can find us the model we like and get the numbers right we might be leasing a car today! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699296 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:42:23 +0000 hellobear 1699296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: the restrictive part is the miles allowed on 1 charge. so it's greattt for commuting to and from but if your commute is close to the miles (i think its around 80ish/charge) then it doesn't leave a lot of space for impromptu trips afterward or before. </p> <p>also my friends who have them got the leaf because they have free charging stations at work so they looked at the cost of leasing to cost of gas and for most of them they either cut even or saved money, but they don't like to charge at home (i haven't done the math on cost on charging at home) so they only charge while they are at work M-F.</p> <p>but overall they all lovee the leaf b/c they got it as a commuter cars... </p> <p>and i've heard them also quote a lot of what @laughlines has stated above... esp the leasing vs. buying part.. re: battery :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699258 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:34:47 +0000 honeybear 1699258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: They're very cool cars. I also like their direct sales model and the idea of not suing for good faith use of their patents. If I was going to blow something north of $70k on a car (not even remotely likely to ever happen, but if I was...), it'd be on one of those. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699177 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:23:24 +0000 Smurfette 1699177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My cousin has a Leaf and loves it. Uses it mostly just to and from work. Then errands on the weekends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699157 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:19:53 +0000 LaughLines 1699157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: we have one! It's my husbands commuter, but I drive it occasionally (like, if he's out of town I take it to work to save on gas)</p> <p>He LOOOOOVES it. He's a big nerd and loves efficiency. Also it's cute, drives well, is nice and new (i've never had a new car before! it's great!), and CHEAP to operate. </p> <p>We did a 3 year lease and it's about $200/month. I'm a finance person so for me the numbers had to work before we could go ahead with this, and do they ever! For comparison, I have a crappy beat up old junker with over 200k miles on it and this brand new leaf is cheaper. I bought my car 8 years ago now, and even if you amortize the cost of that purchase over 8 years and add in the cost of gas this car is STILL cheaper than the monthly cost of the leaf. Insane. [$6,500/8years/12months = $70 a month to own plus easily $150 in gas = $220 vs $200 for the leaf. and that's over 8 years!! If i'd only had if for three years like the length we'll have the leaf it would be $6,500/3/12 = $180 plus $150 in gas = $330] And remember, that's for a crappy $6.5k car.... if your other car is more than that the numbers are even better for the leaf! </p> <p>Now, the downsides (which I believe are far outweighed, but you should know about them)<br /> -biggest one..... you can only go between 80 and 100 miles on a charge. That's it. You can charge with a normal plug in your garage or at your work if there is an outlet outside the building. A full charge from 10%-100% takes about 10-12 hours, or you can do what we did and buy a special charger for your garage and it will only take 3-4 hours. All of this charging has added ~$30 to our electric bill per month (DH even computed the costs of wats from the electric company - ours charge differently during the summer/winter/peak/non-peak)</p> <p>SO, this will limit the amount you can drive it. you CAN'T take it on a road trip. just cant. but, if you're using it as mostly a commuter and have a different car for longer trips you will save a lot of money! </p> <p>Other downside is that the batter will deteriorate over time (just like your cell phone batter does) so that's why we chose to lease the car instead of buy. If after 3 years we want another (or upgrade to a Tesla!) then we'll get a "fresh" battery with our new car. </p> <p>Hope this helps! i say go for it as long as the restrictions work for your lifestyle! You'll save a ton of money (oh, and a side perk that you'll be green... ;) ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699115 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:14:13 +0000 snowjewelz 1699115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My friend has a Nissan Leaf... I think it works if you literally drive the same distance every day and can predict how much energy you use up. My friend said there were a few times they had to cut music/AC to make sure they can make it to their destination! That just seems scary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699084 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:07:47 +0000 meredithNYC 1699084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: yep, I think my husband is waiting for the day that the Tesla comes down in price. He's really into them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699073 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 14:04:54 +0000 honeybear 1699073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a little crush on Teslas, but they're basically toys for rich people right now. If and when the cost comes down (a lot), the supercharger stations are more widespread, and I have loads more disposable income (plus a need for a car), I'd totally jump on that bandwagon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699030 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:52:59 +0000 swurlygurl 1699030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband talks about them alllll the time. I don't quite understand the logistics of them though. If I worked somewhere that had free charging, it might make more sense? I saw at the San Diego airport that there were chargers, but you had to pay and it seemed pretty expensive (I don't remember the rates).</p> <p>It seems like a pretty sweet deal as a commuter car though! Especially since we already have a small gas-guzzler :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1699026 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:51:19 +0000 Alivoo01 1699026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1698980 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:35:32 +0000 looch 1698980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobear: restricitive in what sense? This is the part I want to know more about! </p> <p>@meredithNYC: that's a nice looking car, I might have to convince my husband to go for a test drive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1698692 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:19:24 +0000 meredithNYC 1698692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't, but I desperately want this one: <a href="http://www.volvocars.com/intl/campaigns/v60-plugin-hybrid/pages/v60-plug-in-hybrid.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.volvocars.com/intl/campaigns/v60-plugin-hybrid/pages/v60-plug-in-hybrid.aspx</a> My husband, not as much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1698685 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:17:07 +0000 hellobear 1698685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i personally don't own one but several of my friends use the leaf as commuter cars. they said they love it for commuting (many have charging stations at work and get carpool benefits so find leasing the car to basically work out the cost of saving on gas) but find it restrictive to use otherwise so have another car they use on weekends! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-have-an-electric-car#post-1697668 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 06:30:39 +0000 looch 1697668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're going to test drive the Nissan Leaf this afternoon, my husband is really into the idea all of a sudden and we're in the market for a second car (our current car is a Toyota Venza).</p> <p>I am on the fence, on paper, it sounds almost too good to be true, but I can't shake the idea that something would go horribly wrong. I realize that there are a lot of risks in riding around in a car with a gas tank, but it's more normalized and what I am used to, if that makes sense.</p> <p>I am curious, does anyone use an electric car full time, for their commute, around town? Have you been in the market for an electric but decided otherwise? </p>