New electric cars get a workout

[Mach 1 Club]

   

AUSTIN, Texas -- This week the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf take center stage in Austin where industry experts will pick-at and praise the new electric cars.

But you don't have to go to Texas, Consumer Reports have put the Volt and Leaf to the test.

Consumer Reports tests show promise and drawbacks.

The Chevrolet Volt is available on a limited basis, but when Eddie Luvic saw the electric car in the showroom, he was sold.

"I saw the Chevy Volt on the floor, I looked it over, and I had to buy it," Luvic said.

At Consumer Reports Auto Test, testers have checked out the Volt, which has a backup gasoline engine, and the Nissan Leaf, which is 100 percent electric. Range - or how far an electric vehicle can go on a charge - is a big issue.

Testers have found that cold weather is a problem.

"The Nissan Leaf can go about 100 miles on a charge, but that's in ideal conditions," said Jake Fisher with Consumer Reports. "In our experience, cold weather can shorten that to about 65 miles."

The Volt, in low temperatures, has trouble fully heating. It can go anywhere from 25 to 50 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in, which can take the car up to 300 miles. But you pay a price for this.

"The added gasoline engine makes the Volt expensive, and on long drives you may wind up actually using more fuel than you would in a conventional hybrid like the Prius," Fisher said.

As for recharge time, with a 220-volt charger that you can install in your home, the Volt takes about four to five hours. The Leaf takes about eight hours on average. The Leaf is less expensive, costing about $35,000. The Volt is about $45,000.

But even with federal and state tax credits, neither is likely to save you money.

"Electric vehicles have come a long way," Fisher said. "But they still have a long way to go before they're ready to replace the average person's primary vehicle."

But if you're willing to pay a premium for going gas-free, one of these vehicles might be right for you.

If you want a car that's kind to the environment and gets good mileage, Consumer Reports recommends the Toyota Prius. It gets 44 miles per gallon overall.

[Rare Pony]

There was a Volt at our local dealer last week. The sides had big Decals saying it was a Volt. Hopefully there are removable. The charge times are pretty long on these to make them practical unless you don't do much driving!

[1969jimmach]

I chose the volkswagen diesel Jetta 45-50 mpg Highway The best I have got was 48mpg with 5 people in the car at 70mph.Wasnt an uncomfortable ride either.I usually by american but the vw beat the hybrids for mileage and no loss of power either.