Has anyone here been in an EV-1?

[NeoNSX]

Just been watching the movie "Who killed the Electric Car": GM's EV-1 electric car. Mildly interesting documentary.

Without starting a huge conspiracy anti-government-war-on-oil-anti-bush/iraq flame war, i am curious if anyone here on prime actually had hands-on experience with an EV-1? If so, what did you think?


The Search listed no entries for EV-1.... so there must be a government conspiracy.

 

[NSXrebel]

I watched this documentary, very interesting. Does make one raise an eyebrow.

 

[JoeSchmoe]

I drove one for about 10 minutes once at a GM promo event. The car had plenty of power and could easily roast the skinny rock hard fuel saver tires on it. Steering was so-so. The motor and gear noise were very loud at WOT, but acceleration was very good.

The interior felt cramped and was dominated by a massive central console (used to hide the stacks and stacks of 12v lead acid batteries.) They

BTW, there is a GM press video floating around showing a stock EV1 destroying a mazda miata at the 1/4 mile.

-- Joe

 

[The Kid]

Awesome car. Unfortunatly they were only available for lease and only in California if I remember correctly. We owned an Oldsmobile dealer when those cars were out, I have a photo of my late grandfather posing in front of one at the press release. He was a big shot on the GM dealer council. Sadly enough, I believe they were all destroyed....Maybe one of two floating around. Check the Autoweek archives for a really good read on one.

 

[cmarsh90]

What is the central argument of the documentary?

 

[RU N LUV2]

My best friend had one for almost a year (motorpool) and he could roast most cars from 0-60 with no problem. The city later slapped on a "Governor". This destroyed acceleration and limited the top speed to 70mph. :frown:

Uncorked, it was good for 125+. Just smooth constant power like a slot car. :tongue:

Yes I smell a conspiracy !!! When they were recalled, GM had a hard time finding some people. Most DID NOT want to turn them in. They had a "questionable, non-fixable" charging plug recall, but most suspect it was just a ploy to get them off the road and back in GMs control.

There was a long waiting list with some households hoarding 2 cars.

I never heard a good explanation why they had to destroy them all.

 

[NSXrebel]

I recommend people watch this video. My local blockbuster video had it and it caught my attention.

 

[NeoNSX]

As a rule i hate documentary "movies" but I'd agree with <B>NSXrebel</B> - people should watch this.

<B>JoeSchmoe</B>: thanks for your comments. I was particularly interested in your opinion re/ acceleration. It appears to accelerate hard in the movie, but videos lie.

 

[JoeSchmoe]

You might want to view this with a little skepticism, but here's a GM press video of the EV1 against a miata and NA 300zx.

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-- Joe