Quote:
Originally Posted by torqdork
Isn't Leaf full electric with <100 mile range and Volt hybrid <400 mile range? Prius hybrid range is >600 miles with no recharging needed, Plug-In Prius not sure, EV rated 95 mpg for 11 miles but needs 1.5-3.0 hours (120v-240v) recharging time to resume EV mode.
I haven't driven the electrics though, just going by 'net reviews. Prius hybrid is from personal experience with no hypermiling.
I guess we'll need to embrace these type of cars in time with the US CAFE mandate of 54 mpg on the horizon.
WEC, F1, and soon other series will be racing hybrids to podiums. Soon we'll be debating types of battery construction, energy densities and specific power outputs.
|
The Leaf's range is its biggest problem. Being a pure EV with no quick refueling option limits it from doing anything but city driving. As a car though its not that slow, its really quiet and reasonably comfortable. This is definitely the least polluting option though if that's why you went with Priuses in the first place. The Volt on the other hand keeps the engine and despite how complicated the system seems, it feels more refined and never have I encountered a situation where it actually seemed slow. In comparison the Prius becomes a bit of a dog once it gets to highway speeds since the engine is gutless and noisy.