Tag: Automotive Review

Electric, Hybrid and Hydrogen Vehicles

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By Michele Spencer

 

CHEVY BOLT EV
2017 Ioniq Electric Blue Metallic test vehicle, shown in Limited Trim.

EV market notes:  Studies show that potential buyers are still turned off to EVs and Hybrids.  Lack of options, high prices, limited range, and perceptions about limited charging station infrastructure are real issues for the industry to overcome in order to gain acceptance and market share.  Federal rebates ($7500) are still in play.  CA rebates ($2500) are in danger of going away if the Legislature does not act to save them, but for the moment, they remain available. Manufacturers are not penetrating the market: Less than 1% of car sales are electric vehicles nationwide. Foreign governments are doing a lot more to encourage electric, especially China,  which has a mandate that by 2020, 8 percent of all new vehicles sold must be electric and is currently prohibiting travel in certain cities unless the vehicle is an EV.  Norway is going all EV by 2025, France and the UK by 2040, and along with that, these countries will be prohibiting sales of new combustion engine vehicles. Japan’s government is embracing hydrogen as its power of choice for automobiles and already has extensive infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles. The movement towards zero emissions standards in China in particular is credited for motivating the manufacturers so they can capture that market and not get left behind.

Federal Rebate News:  The $7500 rebate for electric vehicles will start phasing out for Tesla buyers ONLY at the end of 2018 because the company has delivered its 200,000th vehicle in the US.  (Tesla is the first automaker to meet this landmark.) After December 31, the Federal rebate will be $3,750 for Tesla deliveries between January and July 2019, and half that for deliveries between July and December 2019.  Tesla buyers will no longer get any Federal rebates after December 31, 2019.  Chevrolet is close behind Tesla in EV sales. It will meet the 200,000 sale landmark in 2019.

This is my list of currently-available EVs, anticipated EVs to be sold, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, currently-available hybrids, and anticipated hybrids, for sale in the US, with notes from press releases and news sources.  Prices are MSRPs.

Pure Electric vehicles (EVs) Currently Available

  • Audi A3 e-tron (hatchback) from $38,900
  • BMW i3 (crossover) – from $44,450
  •  BMW plans to launch 25 electrified vehicles by 2025, including 12 that are fully electric.
  • BMW i8 (sportscar) – from $143,000
  • Chevy Bolt EV (hatchback) – from $37,495. 238 mile range, Motor Trend Car of the Year 2017
  • Fiat 500e (subcompact) – from $32,995. 84 mile range.
  • Ford Focus EV (hatchback) – from $29,120. 115 mile range.
  • Honda Clarity EV (sedan) – 89 mile range, Lease only available, $199/month.
  • Hyundai Ioniq (sedan) – Base trim from $29,500; Limited trim from $32,500) – Now has 124 mile range for 2018 model year. Available only to California residents.
  • Kia Soul EV (crossover) – from $33,950. 111 mile range.
  • Mercedes Benz – B Class ED (sedan) – from $39,900. 87 mile range.
  • Mitsubishi IMIev (crossover) – from $22,995
  • Nissan Leaf (hatchback) – Nissan had to put out a new model to catch up to the others on range. The 2016 model had only 106 mile range. For 2018, the second generation Leaf has 150 mile range. From $29,900.  An “e plus” Leaf will be introduced in 2019, which will have 225 mile range.
  • Smart ForTwo (subcompact) – from $23,800.  58 mile range. Parent company Daimler AG announced closing of 2/3 of the US Smart car dealerships (Automotive News). Only 27 dealers in the US will be selling these by 2018. Penske Automotive Group will continue to sell them in San Diego.  All will be EV. Gas models will be dropped from production in 2017, but may still be in stock at dealerships.
  • Tesla Model S (luxury sedan) – from $74,500. 259 mile range “and up.”
  • Tesla Model 3 (sedan) – from $49,000, 310 mile range.
  • Tesla Model X (luxury SUV) – from 79,500, 237 mile range.
  • Volkswagen e-Golf (hatchback) – from $30,345, 125 mile range.

 

Grapes and Green.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Currently Available

  • Honda Clarity (sedan) – Lease only, from $59K. Launched 2016
  • Hyundai Tuscon ix35 FCEV (SUV) – from $50,875. Launched 2013
  • Toyota Mirai (compact) – from $57,500.  Launched 2014
Tesla Model 3 LA Auto Show 2017.jpg
Tesla Model 3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2017

EVs Not Yet Available + Projected Production Year  + Notes

  • Audi e-tron (midsize luxury crossover) available 2019.  Will have 311 mile range. A sportback will be launched later in 2019 (fastback that will sit lower than an SUV but offers a more elevated seating position than a standard hatchback.)  Audi’s third EV will be a compact, based on VW Group’s new MEF platform for EVs.  It will debut in 2020, after VW debuts its ID compact hatchback.
  • Aston Martin  Rapid E – 2019. Will transition entire lineup to all EV and hybrid by 2030.
  • BMW “iVision Dynamics” (coupe style sedan) – Concept revealed at 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show.  Production version slated for launch in 2021.
  • Bollinger Motors B1 (all wheel drive 4×4) – Hopes to start production in 2019. 10,000 people are claimed to be on the waiting list.  Pricing to be announced.
  • Byton (Crossover SUV) – Concept revealed at Consumer Electronics Show in January 2018. Will initially be sold only in China. U.S. sales “to begin later.”  Reservations are being taken.  Pricing:  Starts at $45K. Entry trim level will have 250 mile range; upper trim level will have 325 mile range.
  • Detroit Electric Motors – To be announced
  • Dyson – 2019 target for launch of its first EV, from the vacuum company.
  • Faraday Future FF 91 (luxury SUV) Release date is unknown – Scrapped its plans to build North Las Vegas factory, instead is refurbishing a former Pirelli tire factory near Silicon Valley; many rumors of financial issues with its Chinese investor.
  • Fisker Inc. EMotion (sport sedan) – 2020 – 400 mile range, can charge in 9 minutes
  • Ford “Model E” (crossover) – 2019 – 300 mile range.
  • Genesis “premium long distance” sedan – 2021 – 310 mile range
  • Honda “Urban” EV (concept) Revealed at 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show – Production will be for Europe only. Looks like a 1st gen Civic meets Mini Cooper; tiny, with retro styling.
  • Hybrid Kinetic Group H600 (luxury sedan) – Chinese startup, plans to launch H600 in US in 2019-2020.  Designed by Pininfarina.  804 HP.
  • Hyundai Kona (small SUV) – second half 2018 – 242 mile range
  • Jaguar I-Pace (5 seat crossover)  – Jaguar’s first fully electric/battery powered vehicle, 2019 model year. Built on a unique aluminum-intensive platform by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. 240 mile range. 400 HP from twin electric motors. Jaguar/Land Rover says it will go all EV and hybrid by 2020.  Price range $70,495 to $86,895.
  • Kia Niro EV –  Concept revealed at the 2018 Consumer Electrics Show in Las Vegas; will likely be the first of 16 advanced powertrain vehicles Kia aims to introduce by 2025. Plans include a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle also.
  • Lucid Air (luxury sedan) – Release date unknown – Production starting in the 2020s. 200 mph, luxury interior.  Its plan to build a $7 million factory in Casa Grande, AZ has been on hold pending financing.
  • Mazda – Recently announced a platform partnership with Toyota to produce its first EV.  It will come out with a “pure EV in 2019” but did not say what model or type of vehicle.  Will come out with a plug in hybrid after that.
  • Mercedes – Parent company Daimler says it will bring 10 new EVs to market by 2022; it is expected that some or all will be under the subbrand named “EQ.” The first vehicle released will be the EQC (compact crossover) in 2019, with 300 miles of range claimed.
  • Mini E – Due in late  2019 – No details released.  BMW announced in July 2018 that it signed a deal to make EV Minis in China in a partnership with Great Wall Motor Co. No dates for groundbreaking or production released.
  • Morgan EV3  (3 wheel roadster) – EV version of the Morgan 3.  120 mile range. 56 HP. Production to begin late 2018.
  • NIO ES8 (luxury SUV) – Chinese startup revealed concept in 2017; first deliveries expected in US in 2020.  “Tesla-type vehicle for China” that seats 7.  Sold only in China for now. “Our goal is to built a robot that looks like a car.”  Will have swappable batteries to help combat charging station anxiety.
  • Pagani – EV coming. details TBA.
  • Porsche Taycan (formerly “Mission E”)- (sporty 4 door coupe) – Looks like cross of a Panamera and 911.  Available in late 2019 – early 2020. 310 mile range is goal.  Price is $85K. No final specs. Goal to charge 80% in 15 minutes; 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds; top speed 155+.  Three AWD models to be produced with HP of 402, 536, and 670. No hybrid 911 coming – Porsche killed the project because of battery size issues; may be resurrected if they can engineer a lighter battery.  Porsche says it will add PHEVs and electric variants to its lineup.
  • Renault Zoe EV – Available late 2018 – early 2019.
  • SF Motors – To be announced
  • Subaru – Crosstrek PHEW (small crossover SUV), production 2019, followed by a full EV (unnamed model) in 2021.  Subaru has joined the EV Common Architecture Spirit Co. formed in September 2017 with Mazda, supplier Denso, minicar specialist Daihatsu, and truck manufacturer Hino to develop its EVs.
  • Tesla Long Haul Semi Truck – Prototype unveiled November 26.  “In a couple years” is the production goal.  Will have 200-300 mile range. Will be testing in Nevada, which allows robo-truck prototype testing.  $15k deposit.
  • Tesla Model Y (small crossover) – Production to begin in 2019 at factory yet to be built in China.
  • Tesla “Roadster” (four place convertible) – Production slated for 2020.  Will cost $200k.  $50k deposit.
  • Tesla Pickup Truck – Production will begin after the Model Y at factory in China.
  • Volkswagen – ID Buzz (microbus) – Range of 270 expected. 2022 is target.
  • Volkswagen –  ID Crozz (crossover) – 2022 – 302 HP, 311 mile range.
  • Volkswagen -ID platform Beetle (four door coupe or convertible – not a typo re the number of doors BTW) – Available at the earliest in 2020, but probably later than that in reality.  No details on range or pricing.
  • Volvo – All models will be EVs or hybrids by 2019.  It has plans to introduce three EVs between 2019 and 2021.  Its Polestar subbrand will release two EVs between 2019 and 2021.  The Polestar vehicles are expected to be similar to BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG badges.

Alliance 2022 – Collaboration between Renault, Nissan & Mitsubishi plans to roll out 12 EVs. “With the emissions rules coming in, it’s the end of gas” per Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the Alliance. EVs are the future not because of consumer demand, but due to regulations on emissions.  By 2040 we will be done with diesel and gasoline car sales.  Common platforms (4) will be used; no details on any concepts.

 

Hybrids Currently Available

  • Audi A3 e-tron (hatchback) – Plug-in hybrid. From $40,475. 16 electric mile range, 400 total range.
  • Chevy Volt (hatchback) – Plug-in hybrid. From $33,220. 53 electric mile range, 420 miles total.
  • BMW i3 REX (crossover) – Plug-in hybrid. From $48,300 – 97 electric miles, 180 total range
  • BMW i8 (sportscar) – Plug-in hybrid. From $147,500 – 15 electric miles, 330 total range.
  • BMW 330e (sporty sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From 44,100. 14 electric range, 350 total.
  • BMW 530e (luxury sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From $52,400. 16 mile range electric, 370 total range.
  • BMW 740e (luxury sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From 90,700. 14 electric miles, 340 total.
  • Cadillac CT6 (sedan) – Plug-in hybrid.  From $75,095. 31 electric miles, 440 total
  • Chrysler Pacifica (van) – Hybrid and Plug-In hybrid versions. From $39,995.  84 mpge and 566 total range.
  • Fiat 500e (subcompact) – From $32,995. 84 mile range.
  • Ford C-Max Energi (hatchback) – Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.  From $32,950.  22 mile electric range, 500 total range.
  • Ford Fusion Energi (sedan) – Plug-in hybrid.  From $33,400. 21 electric mile range, 610 total range.
  • Honda Accord Hybrid (midsize sedan) – from $29,605
  • Honda Clarity Plug-in hybrid (midsize sedan) – from $34,400.  21 electric mile range, 610 total range.
  • Honda Civic hybrid (compact sedan) – from about $27,000
  • Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid (sedan) – Blue (base trim) from $23,035; SEL trim from $24,950.  29 electric miles, 630 total range
  • Hyundai Sonata (midsize sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From $34,600. 27 electric miles range, 590 total.
  • Karma Revero hybrid (four door sports sedan) – 51 mpge, 300 total range, 403 HP, 21 kwh battery capacity. From $130,000.
  • Kia Niro hybrid (compact crossover) – from $23,240.
  • Kia Niro (compact crossover) – Plug-in hybrid. From $22,900. 26 electric mile range, 560 total miles.
  • Kia Optima Hybrid (midsize sedan) – from $25,995.  Plug-in hybrid from $35,210. 29 electric mile range, 610 total
  • Mercedes-Benz C 350e (small luxury sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From $46,400
  • Mercedes-Benz S 550e (full size luxury sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From $96,600. 14 electric miles, 450 total range.
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE 550e (large SUV) – Plug-in hybrid. From 65,550. 12 electric mile range, 460 total range.
  • Mini Cooper SE Countryman All4 Plug-In hybrid (hatchback) – from $37,650 – Only 12 miles of electric range.
  • Mitsubishi Outlander (SUV) – Plug-in hybrid – from $34,595. 22 miles electric range, 310 total range.
  • Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid (SUV) – Plug-In hybrid.  From $79,900. 14 electric mile range, 480 total range.
  • Porsche 918 Spyder (sports car) – Plug-in hybrid. From $847,000.
  • Porsche Panamera 4-E Hybrid (sports sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From $99,600. 16 electric mile range, 560 total.
  • Toyota Prius Two Eco (sedan) – Base model from $26,050 and Prius Prime – Base model from $27,100.  25 mile electric range, 615 total range.
  • Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid (crossover) – 194 HP.  3 trim levels.  Base model from $27,235.
  • Volvo XC60 T8 (SUV) – Plug-in hybrid. From $52,900. 18 electric mile range, 370 total range.
  • Volvo S90 T8 (sedan) – Plug-in hybrid. From 63,650. 21 electric mile range, 410 total.
  • Volvo XC90 T8 (large luxury SUV) – Plug-in hybrid. From $64,950. 19 electric mile range, 380 total.

Hybrids Not Yet Available

  • Bentley Bentayga Plug-In Hybrid (ultraluxury crossover) – Second half of 2018. Bentley plans to introduce plug-in hybrid versions of all models.
  • Bentley Continental GT Plug-In Hybrid – After debut of Bentayga.
  • Bentley Flying Spur and Mulsanne (sedans) – Unknown debut date, after GT.
  • BMW i-8 Spyder hybrid (roadster) – On sale in 2018 for the 2019 model year.  BMW not releasing any details. Expected to come out with a fully electric version in 2022.
  • Ford Expedition – Late 2019
  • Ford F-150 – 2020
  • Ford Mustang – 2020
  • Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid – 2019
  • Honda CR-V Hybrid (crossover) –  prototype at 2017 Shanghai Auto Show.
  • Honda Insight (compact to mid-size sedan) – 2019
  • Infiniti Emerg-E – concept revealed in 2012, no announcement on final design, production date, or range/mpge.
  • Jaguar F-Type (sport sedan) – The F Type will have “an electrified powertrain,” no details announced.  Available approximately 2020.
  • Lamborghini Urus (sports car) Plug-In Hybrid – Available 2019.
  • Lexus 500h Hybrid – 2018
  • Lincoln MKC Plug-in Hybrid (SUV) – 2019.
  • Mazda Plug-in Hybrid – After 2019.
  • Mercedes CLS Hybrid (four door coupe) – Debuted at 2017 LA Auto Show. Expected to be available in 2018.
  • Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid – From $185,450.  Available early 2018.
  • Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid (midsize luxury SUV) – Late 2017 or early 2018. Debut at OC International Auto Show (9/2017) 400 HP.  From $52,900.
  • Volvo S 90 Plug-in Hybrid (sedan) – Available 2018.

Chevy Volts and Bolts Century City Boltaversary

Updated 8/12/2018   

For additional information on the low emission vehicles listed, we recommend https://www.greencarreports.com/ 

For additional information on “green” vehicle ownership, we recommend pluginamerica.org.

Updated 1/1/2019

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TEST DRIVE REVIEW – The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV is The Best Electric Vehicle Deal of the New Millennium

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2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV – The Best Electric Vehicle Deal of the New Millennium

by Michele Spencer

When the decision has been made to go all electric in that next vehicle, there’s a secondary decision that must also be made:  luxury or basic.

The high-end EV buyer will be looking for expensive interior materials, probably wood and leather, with state of the art technology, including self driving mode, and the car’s style must be futuristic and look costly.  The price tag of the high end buyer’s vehicle is going to start in the $60,000s.

The buyer who doesn’t need interior luxury amenities, self driving mode, or Silicon Valley cred will pay far less, with the price starting at $36,620.  It is this buyer who Chevrolet has made the 2017 Bolt EV for.  Chevrolet has made EV ownership a reality for everyone, not just the well-heeled.

An automotive critics’ darling, the 2017 Bolt EV was named the 2017 North American Car of the Year, the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year, and Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.

The Bolt EV wasn’t intended to do battle with the Tesla Model S, but because it hit the market way ahead of the Model 3 (which is still not readily available due to production glitches), Chevy’s Bolt EV sales numbers have been giving Tesla a run for its money, with the numbers steadily climbing each month since the Bolt EV’s introduction in January 2017.

No wonder, since the base price of the Bolt EV LT is $29,995 after the federal tax incentive is factored in.  The battery range is comparable that of Fremont’s finest, and the crossover delivers on driving experience.  For a lot less cash out of pocket, the buyer is in a quality EV with an 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty.

The Bolt EV’s EPA estimated range is 255 miles city, 217 highway, and 238 combined. In the week of testing, it charged up to 260 consistently.

Driving the Bolt EV is a pleasure.  Any doubts about EV performance are quickly dashed.  It offers a smooth and quiet ride.  Off the line, sheer power is delivered instantly and without hesitation.  0-60 is reached in just under seven seconds.  The Bolt EV cruises comfortably at highway speed and its suspension and handling are more than acceptable.  The windshield is large, offering outstanding visibility.   The cabin is quiet at highway speed.

Electronic drive shifting is done with a by-wire lever unit similar to a manual transmission shifter, with four modes available: park, reverse, neutral and drive.  To enable regenerative braking, the driver pulls the lever rearward, then the on-demand paddles behind the steering wheel are used to regulate braking.   “One-pedal” driving is done in order to maximize range.  The by-wire shifter is more compact than traditional mechanical shifters, allowing for more than expected cabin space.

There is a back up camera standard on the LT (base trim level).  Surround vision is an outstanding safety feature on the Premier trim, on today’s tester.  Both trim levels have traction control, side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert.

The tester was equipped with the Driver Confidence II package ($495), which provides Intellibeam headlamps, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and low speed forward automatic braking.  This package is highly recommended – it’s a bargain for the safety features that it provides.

On the interior, the driver’s information cluster shows speed, driving efficiency, battery range, and regeneration status.  Three choices of readout configurations are available. The 10-inch in-dash infotainment screen displays music, phone, navigation, and heating and cooling data for the occupants.  OnStar vehicle diagnostic information (subscription required) and 4G LTE wi fi are standard on both trim levels, as is Chevrolet Roadside Assistance, which is free for the first 5 years/60,000 miles.

2017-bolt-ev-technology-INTERIOR
The driver has an easy to understand instrument display with range, regeneration status, speed, and economy.   The infotainment screen display manages audio, settings, and navigation.  The roomy cabin has plenty of storage space, legroom and elbow room.   Visibility is excellent.

On the LT trim, the interior is dark galvanized sky cool gray with deluxe cloth seat trim.  With Premier trim, the same color scheme is complimented by perforated leather-appointed seat trim.

The tester’s Infotainment Package ($485) added a wireless charging pad, Bose premium 7-speaker sound system, and dual USB ports for rear passengers, all which are worth the additional charge.

The driver’s steering wheel controls and dash controls are similar to non-EV GM vehicles and will be familiar to Chevrolet or Buick customers. The tilting and telescoping steering wheel comes standard with a heater, as well as the driver and passenger seats, with three levels of heat settings available.   There is ample storage space in the cabin, with two cup holders in front and two more in the back.  Knobs are available for audio volume control and buttons for air circulation control.  Phone pairing for Bluetooth operation is easily done through the control panel.

The Bolt EV is a crossover, so it has plenty of room in the back seat for passengers and their things, as well as cargo space in the rear hatch.

Orange burst metallic was the tester’s color ($395).  Other Premium trim colors are Cajun Red Tint Coat and Kinetic Blue Metallic, which will add $395 to the tab.  The LT trim Bolt EV comes in Arctic Blue Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Nightfall Grey Metallic, and Summit White, at no extra charge.

Bolt EV side view IMG_2930
Premium Trim level Bolt EV in Orange Burst Metallic paint.

In California, the best thing about EV ownership is HOV/carpool lane access as a single occupant.

As the EV market sits right now, there’s absolutely no way any other electric vehicle can beat the Bolt EV for what it delivers for the money:  Superior battery range, comfortable ride,  good handling, excellent technology, and all the roominess that a crossover provides.  Kudos to Chevrolet on a job well done – for the rest of us.

http://www.chevrolet.com/bolt-ev-electric-vehicle

Bolt EV back view IMG_2887

A Word on Adjusting to the EV Lifestyle

As a first-time EV owner or driver, there’s a bit of an adjustment period.  The dreaded “charging anxiety” that comes with EV ownership is caused by not knowing where to get your vehicle charged, and how to pay for it.  Knowledge is power in this regard.

If you don’t have a charger installed in your garage, it is necessary to learn where all of the EV charging stations are near your home and near your workplace.

It’s a lot like having a washer and dryer in your place versus having to go to the Laundromat to do your laundry.

The Bolt EV’s navigation system pulls up a list of charging stations in the area, but use of an app or website on your phone is recommended.  The ChargePoint and PlugShare apps are good ones that most owners use.  In my experience, most of the available public charging stations shown on the apps are owned by ChargePoint.  The problem is that the ChargePoint charging stations do not take credit cards, but rather their own prepaid card, the ChargePass.  Some shopping centers, car dealers, and hotels offer free charging.

The MyChevrolet app provides information on locations of charging stations, allows the user to check on the charging status of their vehicle’s battery, and enables remote charging initiation.

The electric vehicle infrastructure is growing, but it is not at the point where electric charging stations are easy to find or widespread at the places where people live, work, eat and shop.  Because of the current situation of limited availability of public charging stations, most EV and hybrid owners choose to incur the cost of having a charging station installed in their garage.

An optional portable charger is available from Chevrolet dealers for $535 that you can plug in overnight in a standard 120 volt outlet. This will give the vehicle 4 miles of range per hour.  This “trickle method” of charging takes substantially longer than plugging in at a charging station, but at least you’re at home while it’s charging.

If your garage has a 240 volt outlet, a 32-amp charger is available from the dealer for $699, and will give 25 miles of range per hour.

The Bolt EV calculates and displays how much time it will take to fully charge as soon as you connect to either a charger or an outlet.

An EV works best for people who have a daily commute that is predictable and who do not have the “need for speed,” since high speed causes the battery to deplete much faster.

Staying at 65-70 miles per hour on the highway is the way to maximize range.  Lead foots, be warned.   Because there is nothing even close to a nationwide infrastructure of charging stations, EVs are not road trip warriors and it would be impossible to go cross country in one.   At this point in time, they work out best for those doing mostly in-town driving.

It’s also interesting that EVs use less power in stop and go traffic, unlike their gas engine counterparts.

The EV lifestyle works for people who can charge at home in their garage.  It also works for people whose regular work place has a charging station (or 100, in the case of Hyundai’s corporate headquarters in Orange County).

If you’re able to work around the current limitations on public charging, then you’re not going to experience “range anxiety” or “charging anxiety,” and the EV lifestyle is a good fit for you.

2017 Bolt EV Details

Type:  compact crossover SUV, hatchback, five doors.

Power:  Permanent magnetic drive motor, 60 kWh lithium ion battery, 288 cells.

Range:  255 city, 217 highway, 238 combined.

Chassis:  Front independent MacPherson strut-type with direct-acting stabilizer bar.  Rear compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs

Steering:  Column mounted rack-and-pinion

Brakes: Four wheel disc, partially regenerative

Wheels:  17 inch aluminum; Michelin Energy Saver all-season tires

Drive Mode Shifting:  Electronic Precision Shift system, by-wire shifter

HP:  200

Torque:  266 lb-feet

0-60:  Under 7 seconds

Charging:  Standard SAE Combo connector for fast charging and trickle charger (supplied standard) for 120 or 240 volt outlet charging.

120 volt charge time – 4 miles of range per hour

240 volt charge time – Full charge in 9.3 hours

DC Fast Charging time – 90 miles of range in 30 minutes

Braking:  Regenerative braking system

Safety:  Ten standard air bags, rear vision camera, surround vision (latter standard on Premier only)

Wheelbase:  102.4”

Length: 164”

Width: 69.5”

Height: 62.8”

Curb Weight:  3563 pounds

Max cargo space, rear seats down:  56.6 cubic feet.  With seats up: 17 cubic feet.

Tech:  Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, conventional charger, 10.2 inch diagonal color touch-screen, wireless phone charging, 4G LTE wi fi hotspot, and OnStar (subscription).

Warranty:       Battery – 8 years / 100,000 miles

Powertrain – 3 years / 36,000 miles

TEST DRIVE REVIEW – California Crusin’ in the CX-5 to Mazda Raceway

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By Michele Spencer

Road trip to Central California from Southern California, in six hours? It was no problem in a 2017 Mazda CX-5.  We’re talking about a Mazda, after all, with its “Driving Matters” mantra. I’m reminded of the children’s book about the little train engine that rallied to pull all the other train cars up and over the hill, called The Little Engine That Could.  I consider Mazda to be the Little Car Company That Does. This mid-size SUV crossover glides through the rough patches of the highway like they were nothing. Its quiet and roomy cabin, appointed with plenty of cup holders and bins for snacks and bottled water, front and rear USB ports, a telescoping heated leather steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats, made it an oasis of comfort for the drive up the 5 and the 101.  Five people would be very comfortable for a long drive in the CX-5.

Enhanced safety features that made it a worry free drive included the dynamic stability control and traction control systems, brake assist, back up camera, and the wonderful lane departure warnings – all standard on the top-of-the line tester, a Grand Touring.  (The base model is Sport; the mid-level trim is Touring.)

When I stopped for gas and snacks on the road, the cargo cover (optional, $250) snapped right into place over my suitcase so there would be nothing to see through the back hatch window, so there was one less thing to worry about as a solo traveler.  The infotainment system was easy to learn, with a combination of touch screen (7-inch pop up color display, nicely placed on the dash) and knob commands (in the console) for Bluetooth phone operation, music, navigation, and monitoring fuel consumption.

In stop and go LA traffic leaving town, I got 29.6 mpg, beating the sticker of 24 city, and on the open road, I got 33.5 mpg, beating the sticker of 31 highway, courtesy of the Skyactiv technology that is available on all trim levels.  I could have gone the entire drive without stopping for gas, which is a credit to the 2.5 liter four cylinder Skyactiv engine.

Active driving display on the front windshield shows the driver real time miles per hour and street signs in a holograph type display, but can be turned off easily if the driver finds the prompts annoying.  Climbing up the Grapevine, which takes a good 20 minutes, putting the CX-5 into sport mode enhanced the 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque for a strong ride up without hesitation or vibration, even with the air conditioning running. On-ramps were a breeze, as the Mazda DNA is all about handling.

As far as size, it’s between the Mazda CX-3 crossover and the CX-9 luxury grade SUV.  It is roughly the same size as a Lexus RX-350.

Base MSRP on the tester is $29,395.00, plus $1,830.00 for the premium package, $250 for the cargo cover, and the $940 delivery fee from Hiroshima, bringing the total MSRP to $32,785.00 as tested.  Compared with others in this segment it’s a bargain, considering the great ride quality, want-for-nothing interior amenities, and the five star government safety ratings.

The CX-5 proves once again that Mazda truly is the Little Car Company That DOES.

https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-5

2017 Mazda CX-5

  •  Manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan.  Japanese parts=- 90%.
  • Warranty:  60 month/60K mile powertrain; 36 month/36K mile bumper to bumper
  • Also included, all trim levels:  24 hour roadside assistance
  • Spare Tire:  Temporary spare
  •  Wheels:  19 inch alloy.

Other interesting features, standard on the Grand Touring:  G-vectoring control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear wiper, heater power mirrors, LED headlights with auto on/off, rear roof spoiler, electronic parking brake, steering sensor, power open/close rear hatch, Bose 10 speaker system, split fold down rear seats.

Premium Package (on tester, $1,830): Driver seat memory with 2 positions, 6 way power front passenger seat, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, active driving display, and windshield wiper de-icer.