[stevehull]

I can't wait to buy one.

I have about 12 kW of roof mounted solar that supplies me with ~ 2/3rds of my electric power needs. If I add in a Bolt (@ ~ 300 kWhrs/month), I can rationally expand my system by another 12 kW, have power for an EV and do about 98% of my electricity needs. My big barn has more than 1/2 the southern roof yet to cover with panels.

I did do a little engineering home work that compares the price of a kW and the equivalent cost of a gallon of gas. There are 33.41 kWhrs of energy in one US gallon of gasoline (when consumed in an efficient vehicle).

Right now, my simple amortized cost of PV electricity (materials cost and 25 years) is about $0.02 per kWhr. Multiplied out gives a gasoline equivalent of about $0.75 per gallon.

Here in Oklahoma, we do a lot of driving just to get to town and cutting my fuel bill by more than 60% is a welcome thing. Now I just have to find a way to get my big John Deere tractor to use electricity!

Actually that day is close and JD is already working on both a hybrid and full EV tractor . . . .

Recently, I did test drive a Leaf and was very impressed with the handling - the low center of gravity was very apparent. Interestingly, the large and low mass also contributes to a far more stable ride that you would expect in such a small car. Nissan clearly did a lot of work on the spring/shock absorber and mass to get such a smooth ride. FAR less "jiggly" than my wife's Honda Civic. And QUIET!

Steve






Steve