QOTW: What should be the minimum range for an electric car?

[HEXUS]

Is there a number you'd feel comfortable with, and are current models up to the task?

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[ca197]

As my Mum lives 218 miles away, I think this would have to be my minimum viable range.

[EvilCycle]

It is all relative to the infrastructure and charge times, I would be happy with 100 miles if there was a charge station every 25 - 50 miles with quick charging options. but in all honesty the car charging lanes on roads is what we really need for electric to really take off.

It is the overall lifespan of the battery and how much they cost to replace that would be more important to me once the range is no longer as much of an issue.

[me-yeah]

infinity, yes, i will just add a perpetual generator to mine, you can make from a direct drive wind turbine and some TEG peltiers

[Ttaskmaster]

It'd have to beat the maximum range my current car has (660 miles, I believe), while at the same time having all the electronic features operating. No having to sacrifice one for t'other.

[theleader]

As my Mum lives 218 miles away, I think this would have to be my minimum viable range.

Does your mum have electricity? otherwise the range of your electric car should be at least 2 x 218 miles (436miles)! return journey!

Any range calculations should take in account the return journey & ease of recharge of battery (time) and possible weather conditions, time of day etc and finally the health of the battery!

[Wozza63]

300 miles without stressing too much about reducing power and after a few years of using it. So probably an advertised range of 400?

Need a way to charge on the go, either charging roads (which would be incredibly inefficient) or solar if the tech ever gets to a stage where panels on a car roof can actually supply a decent amount for the running of the car.

[Wozza63]

If I didn't move so far away from my family though, 100 miles would probably be fine for me, providing anywhere I was going had a charger for the return journey.

[nar53]

Whatever it is I don't suppose its ever enough. I'd also like to know why we aren't getting Hydrogen cell powered cars.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Bah,electric cars - its not renewable enough!!

This is the future:

http://www.ductapeguy.net/wp-content...03/paa1_lg.jpg



Plus its very quick too - since everything will want to get the crap out of your way too.

[outwar6010]

I think 150-200 would be practical for many along with always quicker charging.

[Biscuit]

300 miles IMO.

I think 150-200 would be practical for many along with always quicker charging.

Cant get to the good part of the country from your part of London if thats your range

[Potbellieddwarf]

As I no longer do any real distance work, my concern would not be the range but would be on how the batteries last without being used daily and only for short journeys.

My main worry is that with the way I use my car now that it would cause the batteries to deteriorate at a much faster rate than expected, meaning that it would in fact be a very inefficient system for me personally, until batteries get a lot better than they are now.

[Goodman2576]

At least 500 km in winter time with all equipment on (stereo system, climate control, seat heating etc.)

[elites2012]

bump the electric. need to switch to low emission bio diesel. its still cheaper than an electric car. 3 cylinder 1.8l engine can get 40+ mpg. people are working in places that are further from home now days. besides battery packs cost way way more than a diesel small block.

[anubis44]

I live in Quebec, Canada, and have a super-cheap rate of 4.6 cents/kilowatt hour. My wife and I currently have two Priuses. I would absolutely love to have a plug-in hybrid like a Chevy Volt or even replace one of the Priuses with an all-electric car. My biggest issue is recharge time. If I could recharge as quickly, or almost as quickly as I can gas up my current vehicle, I'd be happy with an electric car that had at least a 310 mile range (500 Kilometres). My 2012 Prius V gets 620 Kilometres, so I'd be losing some range, but I'd be more than happy with 500 Kilometres if I could recharge the electric car at numerous recharging stations within less than 10 minutes. Until then, I'll be sticking with hybrids.