Electric models
Last reviewed: October 2010
Chevrolet Volt
late 2010
We got some early impressions of a preproduction Volt when Chevrolet brought one to our test track. GM says this four-passenger
hatchback can drive up to 40 miles on electric power and estimates that it can go an additional 300 miles on its gasoline
engine. The car takes about 4 hours to fully charge on a 220-volt circuit, or 8 to 10 hours on a 110-volt line. We found the
Volt to be a quiet, comfortable, although somewhat heavy-feeling car that rides well and has strong acceleration. Its hatchback
and folding rear seat add versatility. On the dash, touch-sensitive pads replace conventional buttons, which takes getting
used to. We’ll get more insight when we buy our own car for a full test. The Volt will first be sold in California and in
the cities of Austin, Texas; New York; and Washington. The price is $41,000 (before tax credits). Or it can be leased for
$350 per month.
Ford Focus EV
2011
The Focus EV is an all-electric, four-door sedan that is based on the redesigned 2012 Focus. Prototypes have had a 23-kilowatt-hour,
lithium-ion battery pack that Ford says will give the car a 100-mile range and take about 6 hours to recharge with a 220-volt
charger. It will compete directly with the Nissan Leaf.
Mini E
2011
This all-electric version of the Mini Cooper is quick, smooth, and quiet. But the huge battery pack takes up the whole backseat,
turning the car into a two-seater. Lifting your foot off of the accelerator pedal activates the car’s regenerative braking
system, which causes the car to begin slowing even before you touch the brake pedal; that takes getting used to. BMW is still
leasing some first-generation Mini E’s as part of a special program (see My year of driving electric). But it’s already developing a replacement, which is based on the BMW 1 Series and is due out next year.
Nissan Leaf
December 2010
The Leaf is an all-electric, five-passenger, four-door hatchback. Nissan says it will go about 100 miles between charges and
will take about 8 hours to fully charge on a 220-volt circuit. The Leaf’s base price will be $33,600, including destination
fee, but buyers will qualify for a $7,500 federal tax rebate. Nissan will offer leases for $349 per month. It will initially
be sold in selected metro areas of Arizona, California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington. Nissan expects it to be available
nationally by the end of 2011.
Tesla Roadster
on sale now
This is a $111,000 all-electric, two-seat sports car that’s based on the Lotus Elise and has a fiberglass body. It was first
sold in 2008. Tesla claims that it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds and has a range of 245 miles, thanks
to its massive 53-kilowatt-hour battery pack. A full charge takes 3.5 hours on a proprietary 240-volt, 70-amp charger.
In a brief drive, we found that the Roadster lives up to its sports car credentials, with blistering acceleration and go-cart
handling. But the stiff ride is jarring, the interior is pretty basic, and climbing into the narrow cockpit is awkward because
you have to swing your legs over a tall, wide sill. And loud battery-cooling fans emit a constant roar behind you. Tesla is
developing its $50,000-plus Model S sedan for release in 2012.
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