EV Ramblings Update Show - Why environmental reasons are not the point

In this episode I talk about the Honda Clarity PHEV, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, and discuss a recent trend I've noticed of people suggesting not to buy an EV because it does not make sense 'environmentally'. Spoiler alert: I drive electric because I prefer the EV experience.
Honda Clarity Driving Reaction:
• EV Ramblings - 2018 Ho...
Honda Clarity Rapid Review:
• EV Rapid Review - 201...
Honda Clarity EV 360:
• EV 360 - 2018 Honda Cl...
driving.ca article:
driving.ca/auto-news/news/mot...

[@MTNRanger]

I totally agree on your talk about reasons to own an EV. I started with a Volt in 2011 and now for the past two months a Model 3. The EREV/PHEV gets you addicted to EV driving and all of the associated ownership advantages (less maintenance, TCO, no trips to the gas station, preheat/cool, etc). Keep up the good work.
Another promising EV that will be coming in 2019 will be the Buick CUV based on the Bolt EV.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

Keep it up man! I suggest you read the page "EV-20" in the new leaf owners manual. Just read the contents of the page and tell me what you think. You have a leaf video that had a great impact on my decision of getting my 2012. Thanks again for that.. I'm ok with it's lower efficiency and all... But man. They keep dropping the ball on the darn thermal management. No more leafs for me. And before you mention the rumor about the new larger battery that includes thermal management, I'm not buying it. Show me proof that I they are considering it. Nobody has an objective reference on that at all that I can find.

[@hellodlo]

I feel the same way with regards to your last point. I think the Kona is a very interesting vehicle, I'd like to see your review on the '18 Leaf and the I Pace would be amazing to watch if you could!

[@V10PDTDI]

Hi Justin I’m with you on this topic I work on Gas and Diesel cars every day and I too think that the combustion engine is stupid there is so many things to go wrong and the maintenance is so high compared to a fully electric car the efficiency is night and day a really good ice car is not going to be more than 30% efficient compared to a EV that’s in the 95 % range plus if you use your ice car for very short trips then the efficiency goes out the door especially in winter conditions where the ice engine have to get to temperature in order to get efficient and “clean ” plus if you use your car in this manner the maintenance will be a lot higher and the engine carbon up and sludge. Plus I really like the fact that a EV will never lose efficiency compared to a ICE car because the electrical grid will get better with time compared to a ICE car the engine will wear out and carbon up plus can consume oil too.

[@pilotpure]

Hi Dustin, I am also interested in the Kona EV. I heard from my local dealer that you can put down $1000 CAN to hold one in the colour you want. They will let you know when it ships and then if you change your mind you can get your $1000 back. Will probably be here in Oct. It will only be available in Canada in the Ultimate package with a 64 kwh battery (to start with). When I heard it will be around $45000 to $50000 CAN before the $5000 rebate I decided against it.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Ringding yeah it's definitely going to be a bit pricey. I think for me I'll probably end up buying an off-lease Bolt in a year or so.

[@eng09]

I have a question for you. I live in St John's Newfoundland Canada. Where I live used Nissan leafs are rare but there is one used for sale and I don't know to purchase it or not since I would have to finance it. It's a 2011 leaf Sv with 90,000 kms on it and has 10/12 bars left on it's capacity for $13,000 cdn. It's well maintained and looks like new. What do you think or do you have any advice for me?

[@DustinBatchelor]

Richard Hollett thanks for the questions. First off, when considering a first generation Leaf, you need to make sure the vehicle will work for you. In summer conditions, with 10/12 bars, you can expect to get probably about 115/120 km maximum per charge. In the dead of winter, I would think your maximum might be closer to 65 km, and this is talking about driving right to zero charge. If that works for you, then buying a car like that would probably be just fine. I just had someone comment recently that they bought a 2012 Leaf for a steal, and because it fit within their intended use, it was better than spending the extra money on a newer one. When talking specifically about this deal, I would say that car is over priced. I don't know the market there, but a 2012 SL with 11 out of 12 bars, and 35,000 km would probably sell for about the same price here. I probably wouldn't pay more than $11,000 for something like that. There are huge benefits to going to a 2013 or newer SV or SL, including a far more efficient cabin heating system, which would probably be worth stretching for if you can find it.

[@eng09]

I agree it's a bit over priced and he won't budge on the price.I only drive 12 KMS round trip to work and home per day but the I live up steep hills to return home. I wish there were more Choices unfortunately that's the only leaf used for sale in the province. The closest used leaf is in Toronto or Montreal.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Yeah unfortunately you are pretty screwed geographically when it comes to something like this. For your market it very well could be a reasonable price. That car would be amazing on your daily drive.

[@lucky1206]

What vehicle did you get?

[@DustinBatchelor]

I sold my 2012 Leaf and kept the 2011 Volt for now. Still trying to decide what is next. I'm also having a hell of a time getting any vehicles to review - hence my channel has been a bit dead.