Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - What do you guys think of electric cars (like the bolt)?

ProDigit · 03-12-2018, 08:20 PM

So the Bolt came out recently.
With discounts and everything, it's about $30k.

I like the 238 mile range estimate! That's very nice.
0-60 is in less than 7 seconds. Not specifically peppy like a sportscar, but not sluggish either.

The numbers don't compute,
the car has a reported top speed of 91MPH,
An equivalent engine power of supposedly 200HP and 266 lb-ft
It accelerates about the same as a Veloster with 200HP, but the battery pack is only providing energy for 60kW, which is equal to 80HP.
Top speed of the bolt also indicates that the engine is closer to 80HP than to 200HP.

The torque specs I would have guessed are closer to 200 lb ft, than the reported 266.

Anyway,
leaving that aside,
From financial point of view, cars like these don't make sense to me.
People buying them for not having to pay gasoline.
However,
The Bolt, sold at $30k is about 10k more expensive than a Veloster.

Going by that math, if I'd buy $10k on gasoline, at $2,50/gal (current price), is 4000 gallons of fuel; and my car does 30MPG, I would be able to drive my car 120k miles, before my gas is paid back.

If we calculate inflation, and pay an average of $3,3/gal (either premium fuel, or just expensive regular), we'd get about 90k miles.

Yes, the car needs oil changes, that cost, but an electric also needs maintenance; and it's electricity cost over 90-120k miles compensates the oil changes on a regular car.
Also, the more your battery wears out, the less efficient charging it is.

Most people have their car for longer than 100k miles.
So you'd say it's benefiting them to get the Bolt.
However, they will need a battery change after the warranty is over at 100k miles.

Also,
The cost would be higher if the car gets wrecked or stolen before the 100k miles is reached.
Also, insurance premiums are higher on more expensive cars.

Not to mention getting stranded out there, without a plug to charge it in.

So overall, I don't think that the first 120k miles, a bolt will be beneficial.

Any thoughts about the bolt or other electric cars over gasoline?

03-12-2018, 08:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
ProDigit EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 222 Thanks: 0 Thanked 22 Times in 18 Posts	What do you guys think of electric cars (like the bolt)? So the Bolt came out recently. With discounts and everything, it's about $30k. I like the 238 mile range estimate! That's very nice. 0-60 is in less than 7 seconds. Not specifically peppy like a sportscar, but not sluggish either. The numbers don't compute, the car has a reported top speed of 91MPH, An equivalent engine power of supposedly 200HP and 266 lb-ft It accelerates about the same as a Veloster with 200HP, but the battery pack is only providing energy for 60kW, which is equal to 80HP. Top speed of the bolt also indicates that the engine is closer to 80HP than to 200HP. The torque specs I would have guessed are closer to 200 lb ft, than the reported 266. Anyway, leaving that aside, From financial point of view, cars like these don't make sense to me. People buying them for not having to pay gasoline. However, The Bolt, sold at $30k is about 10k more expensive than a Veloster. Going by that math, if I'd buy $10k on gasoline, at $2,50/gal (current price), is 4000 gallons of fuel; and my car does 30MPG, I would be able to drive my car 120k miles, before my gas is paid back. If we calculate inflation, and pay an average of $3,3/gal (either premium fuel, or just expensive regular), we'd get about 90k miles. Yes, the car needs oil changes, that cost, but an electric also needs maintenance; and it's electricity cost over 90-120k miles compensates the oil changes on a regular car. Also, the more your battery wears out, the less efficient charging it is. Most people have their car for longer than 100k miles. So you'd say it's benefiting them to get the Bolt. However, they will need a battery change after the warranty is over at 100k miles. Also, The cost would be higher if the car gets wrecked or stolen before the 100k miles is reached. Also, insurance premiums are higher on more expensive cars. Not to mention getting stranded out there, without a plug to charge it in. So overall, I don't think that the first 120k miles, a bolt will be beneficial. Any thoughts about the bolt or other electric cars over gasoline?