DaveMiller
Well-known member
For my first 4 months of ownership, I have charged my I-Miev using the level 1 charger that was supplied with my car. This worked fine for me, since my round trip drive to work is about 10 miles, and nothing in our town is more than 20 miles round trip from our home. Plus, Normal Illinois has many places to charge in our “EV Town”. My I-Miev has never been below 2 bars of charge. This I-Miev has made me an EV believer, but honestly I still have some range anxiety deep down inside when I turn on the defrosters or heater. I think of my I-Miev as having a 2 gallon gas tank, and plan my trips accordingly. Since there are currently good state and federal rebate programs, two weeks ago I installed a level 2 EV charger in my garage.
Even though the level 1 charger worked for me, psychologically having a level 2 charger in my garage has helped alleviate my range anxiety. I find it comforting knowing I can run Saturday morning errands using the heater at comfortable temperature, come home and top off the car in a few hours, and then do some more driving in the afternoon.
I think using the heater (and the air condition come summer) without skimping to save charge is what relieves the range anxiety for me. The heater in my I-Miev works better than I expected. I feel warmth much sooner than in our gas car. I now use the IMiev heater like my gas car and plug in when I get home.
One last comment. Yesterday I filled topped of our other car with gas. It was 25 degrees (Fahrenheit) with a brisk north wind. It was very cold standing by the pump while I spent $30! Need I say more?
Dave
2012 Black SE
Even though the level 1 charger worked for me, psychologically having a level 2 charger in my garage has helped alleviate my range anxiety. I find it comforting knowing I can run Saturday morning errands using the heater at comfortable temperature, come home and top off the car in a few hours, and then do some more driving in the afternoon.
I think using the heater (and the air condition come summer) without skimping to save charge is what relieves the range anxiety for me. The heater in my I-Miev works better than I expected. I feel warmth much sooner than in our gas car. I now use the IMiev heater like my gas car and plug in when I get home.
One last comment. Yesterday I filled topped of our other car with gas. It was 25 degrees (Fahrenheit) with a brisk north wind. It was very cold standing by the pump while I spent $30! Need I say more?
Dave
2012 Black SE