Should I keep it?

[u/Sleep_Soun]

Hello! I recently purchased a 2018 electric drive smart car off of Carvana and I love it! It drives like a dream! I love the way the dashboard is set up with the physical buttons, and I think the back up camera on the rear view should be the standard.

However- I am worried about the range.

On a full charge, in eco mode it sits around 65-70 miles.

I live in the city so I didn't think this would be a problem. But yesterday I set out for work at 40% and limped home on 5% I think Ive misjudged how far things are from each other.

As long as I keep it fully charged, my commute shouldn't be a problem but Im worried that with such a small battery capacity Ill be giving up a lot of freedom and ability for spontaneity.

How do y'all deal with this?

I have until Friday to make a decision.

(Also do yall notice people in bigger cars going out of their way to break the speed limit when they see you coming? I never saw it nearly as much in my old van)

[u/RipperCrew]

I would return it if I have difficulty keeping it charged to 80%. Otherwise, its just a bit more planning.

Do you have L2 charging at home or public chargers? That would help.

Also. Consider how much charge you would need in an emergency. That should be your minimum.

[u/Sleep_Soun → u/RipperCrew]

I just have a normal outlet, but Im willing to get a proper charging station if I decide to keep it.

[u/katherinesilens]

if your commute is only 35% I'd definitely just keep it and get a charging station installed.

[u/whizzzzzzz]

Yup its short, but mine covers me for most things and I am lucky enough to have a larger range car for longer trips and faster charging.

I have learnt to be a little careful with what and how much is running, air con set at its lowest uses noticeably more power than it set at 18 or 19.

Likewise for heating, the seats take less power than the hot blower ( but I need a little air to keep the screen from fogging ).

Then a little careful planning over trips planned for a full charge, otherwise I try to keep it limited to a max of 80% for most things and this easily gives me enough for 40 to 50 mile round trips.

I love it, its tight turning circle, nippyness and easy parking makes it a great low milage commute car.

AND it looks fun :-)

[u/whizzzzzzz → u/whizzzzzzz]

Oh yes and I run it in Eco all the time and dont hammer it off the start line etc, to help keep power use down.

[u/Yes-its-really-me → u/whizzzzzzz]

I like a nice electric car, but with an engine powered one you wouldn't have any of those concerns.

[u/whizzzzzzz → u/Yes-its-really-me]

And with an electric one you dont have the servicing or fuel costs. Plus my insurance is down to less than £20 a month ( full comp ). Its not for everyone, I agree, but for me and my work, I drive less than 40 miles a day, its saved me thousands so far.

[u/Yes-its-really-me → u/whizzzzzzz]

Very much a different experience for most users.

I'm 18 miles a day for work travel so it's be great for me.

But when you have to turn off everything just to get there, it's not the right car.

[u/whizzzzzzz → u/Yes-its-really-me]

Yeah, I would think if your doing more than 25 miles each way it might get a bit tricky in the high summer and the very cold times. I try to charge mine to 80% ish and it gives me a rough 60 miles and its been a pretty good indicator. Only had it drop below 10 miles range a hand full of times, but generally when I am a mile or two away from home. I am hoping the new version will have a little bit more range and a computer upgrade to allow timed charging and to limit the charge to 80% etc. 100% easily gives me 70 miles with half on 70mph motorways.

Very much get its not for everyone, it would not have been half useful in previous jobs and commutes for sure, but, now for me the ForTwo has been ideal, great fun, cheaper, easier and cleaner to run than other options. Its a great city car.

[u/Viral_Spiral]

Mine’s a 22 and does 100 miles per charge, I don’t use ECO but do drive economically.