[Vincent]

I am consideration to buy an electric car We currentlu drive a Honda Insight hybrid and it is now 8 years old and I thought we should start thinking to buy a new one. Should I buy another hybrid or should I go electri? What would you recommend? I live in a house in southern Spain, so I would hope to be able to power the car with a solar panel, so there should be no energy cost unless we travel. Most of our trips are short distance so the range isn’t the prime issue. Many European cities make exceptions allowing electric cars into town centers, and the prices for many electric cars, like Nissan Leaf are less than I had anticipated. Should I, or should I not? Your advise and feedback is more than welcome Yours, Vincent

 

[cah197]

They are still a little expensive in Spain, as the government grants aren’t as good as in the rest of the EU.

Which town do you live in? You may find your ayuntamiento has installed free charging points, which can be another plus.

Charging from solar can be a bit tricky, but there are charging points you can get that can help you do this.

In short, I’d say go for it. The ZOE is a good buy as you can remotely cool the car from the app. Also the range is good as it doesn’t get too cold for you.

 

[burnt_crisps2]

I am consideration to buy an electric car We currentlu drive a Honda Insight hybrid and it is now 8 years old and I thought we should start thinking to buy a new one. Should I buy another hybrid or should I go electri? What would you recommend? I live in a house in southern Spain, so I would hope to be able to power the car with a solar panel, so there should be no energy cost unless we travel. Most of our trips are short distance so the range isn’t the prime issue. Many European cities make exceptions allowing electric cars into town centers, and the prices for many electric cars, like Nissan Leaf are less than I had anticipated. Should I, or should I not? Your advise and feedback is more than welcome Yours, Vincent

You didnt state if you have solar already, so if you havent, then getting solar is a probably no brainer for your Spain location as you will enjoy many benefits from this. As for going electric, yes, just go electric and ignore hybrids. If you dont want to buy outright there ought to be good deals to lease or other options, so that you can change car/model as new models flood onto the market in the next few years.

 

[Hitstirrer]

BEV's love your climate. You won't have to consider lower range in very cold conditions. Installing solar just to charge an EV is an expensive way to do that as the capital cost would instead buy many years of travel electricity from the grid. But as part of an overall off-grid house solution, it is a bonus. I would always advise against a hybrid in your situation. A PHEV can be a good decision if frequent long trips are made but you say that isn't the case. You seem to be an ideal customer for a BEV.

 

[Vincent]

They are still a little expensive in Spain, as the government grants aren’t as good as in the rest of the EU.

Which town do you live in? You may find your ayuntamiento has installed free charging points, which can be another plus.

Charging from solar can be a bit tricky, but there are charging points you can get that can help you do this.

In short, I’d say go for it. The ZOE is a good buy as you can remotely cool the car from the app. Also the range is good as it doesn’t get too cold for you.

Thank you for your quick reply. We live in Marbella and there are charging points And yes, at the present time, we would will not get public funding, but I check with the town hall. What do you mean by remotely cooling down the car or that the car would get too cold. Also there are different models, from 20k to 30k, which one would you recommend. Many thanks in advance for your reply

 

[Vincent]

You didnt state if you have solar already, so if you havent, then getting solar is a probably no brainer for your Spain location as you will enjoy many benefits from this. As for going electric, yes, just go electric and ignore hybrids. If you dont want to buy outright there ought to be good deals to lease or other options, so that you can change car/model as new models flood onto the market in the next few years.

Thank you for your reply, and currently we don’t have solar power but I thought is to be wonderful if we could produce our own energy and run the car. I think buying would be easier here, and the price has come down quite a bit here.

 

[Vincent]

BEV's love your climate. You won't have to consider lower range in very cold conditions. Installing solar just to charge an EV is an expensive way to do that as the capital cost would instead buy many years of travel electricity from the grid. But as part of an overall off-grid house solution, it is a bonus. I would always advise against a hybrid in your situation. A PHEV can be a good decision if frequent long trips are made but you say that isn't the case. You seem to be an ideal customer for a BEV.

I have not looked at the cost of installing solar but we get 8 hours a day from our electricity company so we could use these hours. can you use normal power sockets or does it require extra installations as three phases or similar. i am very thankful that you you give me such detailed advice

 

[cah197]

Thank you for your quick reply. We live in Marbella and there are charging points And yes, at the present time, we would will not get public funding, but I check with the town hall. What do you mean by remotely cooling down the car or that the car would get too cold. Also there are different models, from 20k to 30k, which one would you recommend. Many thanks in advance for your reply

The new ZOE 50 has a mobile app where you can see the state of charge and turn on the climate control for 5 minutes. For example if you come back to your car from the supermarket, you can turn on the AC at the checkout and it’s nice and cold when you get in.

We went for the mid-range ‘Intens’ ZOE, with the 135 motor, but I’m sure the 110 motor would be fine as well.

Pretty pleased with the car so far.

 

[Vincent]

The new ZOE 50 has a mobile app where you can see the state of charge and turn on the climate control for 5 minutes. For example if you come back to your car from the supermarket, you can turn on the AC at the checkout and it’s nice and cold when you get in.

We went for the mid-range ‘Intens’ ZOE, with the 135 motor, but I’m sure the 110 motor would be fine as well.

Pretty pleased with the car so far.

So many thanks, this sounds marvelous, so many thanks for your feedback

 

[Vincent]

The new ZOE 50 has a mobile app where you can see the state of charge and turn on the climate control for 5 minutes. For example if you come back to your car from the supermarket, you can turn on the AC at the checkout and it’s nice and cold when you get in.

We went for the mid-range ‘Intens’ ZOE, with the 135 motor, but I’m sure the 110 motor would be fine as well.

Pretty pleased with the car so far.

One more question, did you buy or rent the battery? It is all such a new territory for me and I am truly grateful for all your input. What looks completely clear to you may well be terra incógnita for me. It is a bit like walking blind folded and is wonderful to get your support

 

[cah197]

One more question, did you buy or rent the battery? It is all such a new territory for me and I am truly grateful for all your input. What looks completely clear to you may well be terra incógnita for me. It is a bit like walking blind folded and is wonderful to get your support

We bought the battery, but it's nice that you have the choice in Spain to lease it if you want to.

I'd just weigh up both options, depending on the deal that is provided. The general rule is that if you are going to do higher miles and keep the car more than three years, it's usually cheaper to own the battery.

One of the Renault dealers near you should have a demo car you can try.

 

[Hitstirrer]

I have not looked at the cost of installing solar but we get 8 hours a day from our electricity company so we could use these hours. can you use normal power sockets or does it require extra installations as three phases or similar.

Not sure what you mean by that 8 hours. The entire subject of solar is very complex and it isn't possible to give any kind of detailed advice. It all depends on your aim. If it is to fit panels just for car charging that is one thing, but if the objective is for whole-house solar that would open up a lot more questions. You need specialist advice from solar suppliers.

 

[Vincent]

Not sure what you mean by that 8 hours. The entire subject of solar is very complex and it isn't possible to give any kind of detailed advice. It all depends on your aim. If it is to fit panels just for car charging that is one thing, but if the objective is for whole-house solar that would open up a lot more questions. You need specialist advice from solar suppliers.

Many thanks

 

[Vincent]

We bought the battery, but it's nice that you have the choice in Spain to lease it if you want to.

I'd just weigh up both options, depending on the deal that is provided. The general rule is that if you are going to do higher miles and keep the car more than three years, it's usually cheaper to own the battery.

One of the Renault dealers near you should have a demo car you can try.

Many thanks, I shall do this and report back

 

[JeffG]

The ZOE is a good buy as you can remotely cool the car from the app.

As you can with the Nissan Leaf, of course.

 

[cah197]

As you can with the Nissan Leaf, of course.

Is it reliable?

 

[dk6780]

BEV's love your climate.

Whilst I share the sentiment I'd suggest that you look for an actively cooled battery, not the air-cooled one in a LEAF. Perhaps a Hyundai?

 

[EdH]

Renault Zoe 50kWh or Nissan Leaf 40kWh is what I would go for if I were in your position. The Zoe may be cheaper overall but the Leaf is bigger and nicer to drive. But, yes, first and foremost, get an EV. Try and get a long test drive and then look for a 2 year lease. Then if it doesn't suit you can just give it back after 2 years.

 

[Carty]

I am consideration to buy an electric car We currentlu drive a Honda Insight hybrid and it is now 8 years old and I thought we should start thinking to buy a new one. Should I buy another hybrid or should I go electri? What would you recommend? I live in a house in southern Spain, so I would hope to be able to power the car with a solar panel, so there should be no energy cost unless we travel. Most of our trips are short distance so the range isn’t the prime issue. Many European cities make exceptions allowing electric cars into town centers, and the prices for many electric cars, like Nissan Leaf are less than I had anticipated. Should I, or should I not? Your advise and feedback is more than welcome Yours, Vincent

BUY AN ELECTRIC !.
Hybrids are SO last year .
Do your research, if it suits your needs and you can charge it without any issues - DO IT !.

 

[freddym]

Whilst I share the sentiment I'd suggest that you look for an actively cooled battery, not the air-cooled one in a LEAF. Perhaps a Hyundai?

Are you kidding?

Since when did a Leaf have an air-cooled battery