Video Summary
Here is the summary of the YouTube video:- Most electric cars or EVs didn't have enough range to make the drive from Toronto to Sudbury and back down again, also there was not enough public charging infrastructure to connect Toronto to these areas in an electric car.
- This car has the option of a range extender for the battery so you can get to the next plug-in charge up.
- There are three levels of charging, with each number having more power output than the last.
- Level one is your household outlet, where it takes well over a day to charge from empty. You can use this level for top-offs since it is slow, but it works. Level two uses 240 volts and charges much faster, with it only taking about an hour or four to fully charge the vehicle. Level three chargers are used for long distance driving and can charge almost a full battery in about an hour.
- You can plan your drive around charging station locations using apps such as PlugShare.
- IKEA has free level three chargers to juice up the battery while you shop and grab a cheap lunch.
- The i3 has an Eco-Pro mode, which helps conserve charge and extend the range of the battery. Also, the regenerative braking recharges the battery a little every time the driver coasts or breaks. Coasting to a stop as much as possible helps you go further on a charge.
- Noise levels do creep up at higher speeds, though moderately, and at around 110 clicks, there's little need to raise your voice for a conversation. The steering is heavy and precise and that helps a small and tall little car on thin tires feel like a bigger and heavier machine. Its handling is remarkably stable.
- You may want to opt for the range extender for confidence in getting to the next plug. The gas generator kicks in when the battery is empty to allow you to keep driving for another hour or so on the highway.
- The cost of fuel or the whole trip around town using this car should only cost around $19 dollars.
- Performance is much better than you think; throttle response is amazing. There's no power curve or gears to shift.
- It may take getting used to at first, but in the end, it’s worth your consideration. They don't like driving for more than an hour or two without stopping to have a cup of coffee, grabbing something to eat, or going for a walk or playing a game of cards.
