How far will it go on a charge?
About 30 to 35 miles after the batteries have been cycled about 15 to 20 times.
How long will the batteries last?
About 3 to 5 years.
How much do the batteries cost when it’s time?
Each battery is currently $200 each X 6 batteries plus installation time of about 2 hours @ $90/hour = $1200 for batteries plus the $180 for installation is $1380 +tax
How fast does it go?
This car will go a maximum speed of 25 mph. By law, a licensed driver can drive it on any road that is posted at 35 mph or less. This car will not go faster and is not designed to go faster than 25. If you want a faster car that is a Medium Speed NEV, this is not the car. Zenn is currently working on a design for a MSNEV and they believe that it should be ready by November of 2007 or May of 2008. This car cannot be “tweaked” without some serious retrofitting which is not included in the price.
Why can’t I go faster?
You need to get over this and remember that this is a very specific car designed for someone who will be happy with 25 mph. Currently, the law sets a limit on the speed of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles that is 25 mph. Some states, like Montana and Washington have passed or are in the process of passing (like WA) a change that would allow SOME vehicles to go up to 35 mph.
Can I get one that has more seats?
Nope. It is what it is. This car is manufactured in France as a gas-powered car. They sell the chassis to Zenn Cars without an engine, gas tank or transmission. In Toronto where Zenn converts them into electric cars, they work with the existing chassis design. This allows them to work on the electric propulsion system of the car rather than need to tinker with the “car” parts aspect that has been the downfall of so many other NEV manufacturers who need to design everything (and still avoid patent restrictions).
How much does it cost to recharge this car for 8 hours?
Based on $.08/KWh, for a period of 8 hours, the charger for this car only needs about $.30 worth of electricity to recharge the batteries fully. If the car averages 30 miles, that’s a penny per mile for the electrical energy. Pretty efficient, huh?
Where can we get these fixed?
The warranty on this vehicle is a one year (from receipt of the car), bumper to bumper warranty that has limits. The specific limits are listed in the warranty declaration that we can provide to you upon request. If your car needs to be repaired for electrical problems, Pacific Power Batteries can pick up and deliver your car from you (provided it is within 50 miles of our store) and deliver it to MC Electric, the authorized repair facility, for a nominal fee of $200 and deliver it back to you as quickly as possible.
Why would I buy this car?
Because it is a first step to making a different choices in your lifestyle. This is a car that is designed for relatively short commutes in most types of weather. It is front wheel drive and can have chains applied but, generally speaking, it is a rain and weather ready car that will be a reliable, low cost way of getting around your neighborhood or getting you to work. It’s a great way to start making a change in the way that you consume energy.
How much does this car cost?
The website www.zenncars.com says that it is about $15,500. This is not exactly true due to the fuel surcharge that is not posted, the number of cars ordered by the dealer at a time, and the number of accessories that you would like to have on the car. Generally speaking, with WSST + another tax of .3% for buying a licensed vehicle, you can plan on about $17,000.
How do I order one?
Step one is to select the model and accessories (yes, they are a little limited). Then the color (Dark Blue, Royal Blue, Sage, or Silver). Once you are ready, you will be asked to place a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the cost of the car. Then, after about 4 to 6 weeks, (or less if there is one in stock locally), your car will arrive from Toronto. We will either deliver it to you (remember the 25 mph speed limit?) or you can drive it home when you pay the balance, the taxes and the $75 licensing fee.
What else is there to it?
Well, when you get the oil changed… oh wait, there is no oil! Or when you get your transmission serviced… oh wait, there is no tranny! OK, we would like to see the car at the 6 month stage for a 15 point check up (basically a battery test and terminal tightening) plus other car related issues. There really isn’t much else that can go wrong! You will be covered by your warranty for one year.
Finally:
If you are convinced that this is the right car for you, then you simply need to prepare to buy one with a 50%, non-refundable deposit on the car. Yes, that is your commitment to buy the car. Then we will order it for you and it should arrive within 4 to 6 weeks. It’s that easy!
