Part of my job is to test if charging stations are working, so I need an electric car. Also, because of the tax system in Norway, it is the cheapest thing you can drive (no road tax, free ferries, free fuel, etc). I used to drive an old leaf, but totalled it a few weeks ago. So now the insurance money are sitting in the bank earning interest.
I have 120 000 NOK ($16 000) from the old car, and some extra money I can put towards a good deal. I need a car that is speed charger compatible, preferably ChaDeMo. Also, I need 3-4 seets so the kids will fit. So Buddy, Think and Reva are not options (unfortunately). After that it all comes down to range:
The triplets (Mitsubishi i-Miev, Peugeot ion, Citroen C-Zero): 60-80 km in winter, price from 89 000 NOK and upwards.
1. gen Nissan Leaf: 80-100 km in winter, 119 000 NOK and upwards.
2. gen Nissan Leaf: 20-30 km more than the 1. gen.
http://www.finn.no/finn/car/used/result?YEAR_MODEL_FROM=2011&enginefuel=0%2F4&NO_OF_SEATS_FROM=4&page=1&sort=2The cheapest leaves are the imported US models. If I get one of those, the navigation system in the car doesn't work, the radio is crap, the warranty is not as good, and there is a greater risk that the batteries have been damaged by heat. But I can save ~20 000 NOK.
So, WWYD?