i3 driven

[-Tom-]

So, has anybody else driven one of these?

I test drove one a couple of days ago. I was really quite impressed. Took it for a decent distance, in traffic, on country roads, open straights.

It was quick, responsive, and pains me to say it isn't a bad commuting option other than it looks so odd. But an odd car it is, so I think it gets away with it.

The cabin was really spacious, and not a single rattle. This model had the petrol range extender which means it will maintain charge when you reach a certain charge level, meaning you could do a proper journey in it if you needed to venture away from home.

Found it a bit odd that optional extras include the actual wall charger, and fast DC charging socket etc.

All the same, found it very interesting and a complete eye opener ! If you drive enough miles to make it work on the commute, or even better have a company car scheme then it is a winner. Circa 300 a month, with negligible running costs. That covers my fuel costs alone per month at the moment. Will certainly be interesting to see bigger models in a few years ....

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[Bing]

What's the acceleration like ? I've heard they're pretty nippy up to a point because of the instant electric torque...

 

[-Tom-]

It was pretty strange. 0-60 in about 7 seconds, and there was very little lag in the response. It is more than quick enough for any normal drive. I chatted the the guy, and obviously "hypothetically" it pulls very well after 70 which sounds important for safe motorway overtakes! As having driven a smart car and found that factor scared the cack out of me when rear view mirror watching and pushing the pedal through the floor. Ha!

The strangest thing was taking your foot off the accelerator - as it has energy recovery whilst braking so it decelerates harshly and even applies the brakes when you do so.

Concept is weird though ... Teasing the answers it sounds like it could easily charge itself if you spec'd the generator, but then it would not be allowed to be classed as being all electric and would fall into hybrid, naturally.

Scarily though, I can really see it being an option in the future as the tech improves. Jumped in the zed afterwards and I actually felt like a complete iron man hooligan! Haha

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[Oakandacorns]

Did you get to hear what it sounds like from the outside of the car? I'm not keen on the modern cars which don't make any noise and though I know you're supposed to always look before crossing the road, it's disconcerting when a car is about to drive past you and you can't hear it (as happened when a Toyota was being driven near me at a slow speed).

 

[-Tom-]

Did you get to hear what it sounds like from the outside of the car? I'm not keen on the modern cars which don't make any noise and though I know you're supposed to always look before crossing the road, it's disconcerting when a car is about to drive past you and you can't hear it (as happened when a Toyota was being driven near me at a slow speed).

It is silent! Completely. Myself and the sales(after) manager were stood chatting zeds and one was reversing towards him, back turned and they had to pomp! I thought they'd make some kind of generated noise on reverse. I owe you a PM by the way I haven't forgotten!! Sorry!

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[uuf361]

I've seen a couple of these on the road - one in Gold looked awful, the other black looked nice enough.

For me, this couldn't be an only car (due to the range) and the price is just bonkerz......

 

[MrPT]

Good shout getting a test drive. I'd be up for it too, just to satisfy my own curiosity.

 

[-Tom-]

I've seen a couple of these on the road - one in Gold looked awful, the other black looked nice enough.

For me, this couldn't be an only car (due to the range) and the price is just bonkerz......

Yes it is expensive ... But the way I was looking at it was as a lease or PCP, as the payments would nearly cover my usual running costs alone. But maybe once they've ironed out teething problems. For longer journeys I would use the zed, but I guess i don't have a family. Maybe my little idea wouldn't apply in years to come. Haha.

MrPT you should have a go just for a go! I drove a Nissan leaf last year which was interesting, this is much more "normal".

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[mcbeee]

As a retired electrician you might think that I would love the electric cars. Not quite, I like the whole idea but the ranges are too short and the whole deal about CO2 emissions etc fall apart when you have to dispose of the massive battery system. Someone over here figured out the Prius works out on par with a full size gas guzzling Suburban when you factor in the battery disposal so I'm not sure if I agree with creating all these batteries and other such bits and bobs that will be a huge mess to clean up later, I won't be around in 40 years to worry about it but it 's still not a right. :thumbsdown:

Another question: How much is the running cost ? Electricity costs $$ just like gasoline does and the kwh costs can vary greatly from place to place.... and unfortunately, a great deal of electricity is created by burning fossil fuels. (Not so much in the UK but still lots over here..)

I do like the electric acceleration, instant torque is fun ( a 150hp electric motor is kind of fun to play with )
but the "silent" motorcars make me nervous when they pull up next to you ...sort of a creepy if you know what I mean :?