Yeah, it’s probably more of a city car/commuter. A road trip would be a little annoying
Not a top seller for sure. It is more a fashion statement than competitor on stats.
Not a fashionista but I would be surprised if someone bought a Fiat as a fashion statement
Well, I mean, compared to the Bolt. I really like the Bolt, but it’s not the most stylish thing. The Fiat is fashionable (imo), it’s got some of that retro appeal. I know a woman who bought one precisely because she thinks it’s cute.
This is maybe competing more with the Mini EV, which has an abysmal 114 mile EPA range. I only skimmed the article, but I am guessing the Fiat won’t qualify for the US federal tax credits? Because if not, that would tip the scales towards a Bolt or Model 3 even - which is $33k after the tax credit.
I haven’t seen any safety stats, but don’t think I would feel safe driving a car this small in US where everyone else is driving massive vehicles.
So I’m not an expert on safety ratings, but it seems that with modern frames and the 26 airbags that seem to be fitted to a lot of cars, small cars have gotten quite safe. And in particular, the Model Y (more midsize than compact) is an IIHS Top Pick+. The Model 3 was for 2022 but seems to have fallen off. I did a bit of research when I got my Y and determined that it did look to be quite safe, although I suppose there’s something to be said for conservation of momentum and all, I don’t want to tangle with a Hummer EV.
Of course, I drive a Vespa some of the time, so I may have a slightly higher risk tolerance than some, lol.
That is why I prefer a nimble car.
I used to drive a Miata, and injury stats published by IIHS show it has much better than average injury stats. Having nimble handling and good brakes avoids a lot of accidents.
Here is the 2017-2019 data for mini sports cars:
The most recent period 2019-2021 shows similar results
My current ride, a VW GTI, also has much better than average injury stats.
Of course if a small vehicle gets hit by a ginormous vehicle at speed it will be on the losing end, but that’s not statistically what happens most of the time.
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That’s a good website. Interesting that for Personal Injury, small 4-door compared favorably to mid-size 4-door and large 4-door was the worst of the three.
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https://electrek.co/2023/08/10/volkswagen-delaying-id-buzz-california-electric-camper/
If I’m sticking to an ID Buzz camper, seems likely I’ll be waiting for the aftermarket outfitters to pull it off as VW hasn’t figured out to deal with weight restrictions in Europe. In the land of monster SUVs I doubt that will be much of an obstacle
I think it’s more like this: Being lighter than virtually every other car means you don’t have the mass to damage other vehicles and occupants.
The stats for large SUVs are much better than average too (except for the Dodge Durango). Having a lower power to weight ratio means you aren’t zipping in and out of traffic very much and causing accidents.
PIP and MedPay are first party coverages
Point acknowledged, but most of the money is in the price of BI and PD liab
The Miata is also way below average in BI and PD, but that’s a completely different but worthy argument.
Interesting read.
Probably should compare with plug-in hybrids.
Also, weighted-average the uses. The miles will be 99% commuting with home-charging and 1% stupidly taking the car on a trip longer than its range (stupidly, until that giant Tesla charging station is completed in Coalinga, for that SF to Disneyland trip).
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Or even regular hybrids.
Plug-in hybrid is the more interesting comparison. Regular hybrids are just ICE with modified mpg. Plug-ins can take advantage of lower-cost electricity for short commutes/regular average daily use, but have ICE for longer distance travel. Downside is lower efficiency (dragging that ICE powertrain everywhere you go).
Technically electric, so…
Perfect corridor. Not too mountainous (like LA to SF).
Too bad it’s in Texas. Guessing it gets shot down as too woke.
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If the cost is significantly less than CA is seeing, it could be a possibility. If the CO2 savings are measured against 100% ICE transportation then I’d say it’s misleading. It would be a lot of concrete and steel. Short haul electric aviation might even be feasible by the time it is finished. That would be significantly lower cost and CO2 burden than HSR.