A trendy family SUV
Q: I have a question that doesn’t seem to have been answered yet. I bought one of the first Kona EVs even before the federal rebate, which shows how much I believe in the importance of taking concrete action for the environment. I’m also on my second lease of an Audi Q7, which expires after four years in the fall, with only 35,000 km on the clock. I mainly use it as a family vehicle, so apart from the occasional big outings with our three teenagers, my wife drives it for small everyday errands (schools, groceries, etc.). It is important to have a seven-seater vehicle, especially to provide children with the necessary space. Here is a question for you: where is the offer for seven-seater electric or hybrid cars, particularly on the side of luxury manufacturers, apart from Tesla whose price of a Model X seems very high to me and the rear seat, rather decorative? Which model can you recommend? — Patrick G.
A: Currently, Mercedes, Tesla and Rivian offer seven-seat SUVs, but these are aimed at the financially affluent. A few days ago, at the New York Auto Show, Kia lifted the veil on the EV9 which could certainly interest you. Its price is still unknown, but, according to some sources, Kia could offer its entry-level model (a rear-wheel drive) under the $65,000 mark. Hyundai will also offer its version (Seven) in a few months.
Autonomy and security
PHOTO ANDREW KELLY, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Q: Several months ago, I made the decision to purchase the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which seemed to me to be the most interesting electric vehicle to come according to my criteria (range, tailgate, retail price, safe in winter) . But now, the order form is long overdue and the competition is interesting. The launch of the Ioniq 6 made me realize that an SUV is not a must, as long as my criteria are met. A sedan allows greater autonomy, that speaks to me. Speaking of autonomy, we go further without all-wheel drive, according to my readings. So, my big question, do I choose the traction of a four-wheel drive or the extra range (of about 50 km) with a two-wheel drive? I also notice that several models will switch from traction to propulsion. In the snow, what should I expect? In summary, what is your opinion for an electric car in Quebec, an integral or a vehicle that is 50 km more? I identified the Polestar 2 2024, which seems very interesting to me, although a little above my starting budget. — Roche G.
A: The aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) is very important with the advent of electric vehicles. Even more than a traditional model (read gasoline). Air resistance largely determines the range of such a vehicle. However, this is where the central issue lies. The aerodynamic imperative which encourages to design low and slender cars as is the case of the Ioniq 6 is however placed in front of another obligation: that which imposes to raise the bodies to house the batteries under the floor. As for the workout mode, it depends on where you live and your activities. That said, properly grounded propulsion does not pose any real problems due to the weight and distribution of it on an electric vehicle. Also note that there are a number of tractions among electric vehicles (Nissan Ariya and the future Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox, for example). If you want the best of both worlds (all-wheel drive and autonomy), we suggest that you pay particular attention to the size of the tires. These have a great influence.
sun, sun
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
Prius with a roof made of solar panels
Q: Tell me, wouldn’t the integration of solar panels on the roof of electric vehicles be a solution in order to acquire greater autonomy with the batteries? I guess someone must have thought of that before. — Michael A.
A: The idea exists, but is not taken up very much by Canadian automobile distributors. For example, south of our borders, the new Prius offers, for an additional US$750, a roof made up of solar panels. According to its manufacturer, this increases the range by an average of 3 km per day, provided the vehicle is under the sun.
The spare wheel is conspicuous by its absence
PHOTO RICHARD A. BROOKS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
The Nissan Leaf
Q: I’ve owned a 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus since September 2022 and I’m very pleased with it. All its components meet my needs and furthermore, driving an electric car is child’s play… except in the event of a puncture. The vehicle is sold without a spare tire and without a tool to change a tire in the event of a puncture, only a temporary repair kit is in the rear trunk. Obviously, this causes a lot of inconvenience. Could I get a spare tire and outfit my spare tool box? Or is there a reason (unknown to me)? Is it because I can’t lift the car with a jack-up? Or is it another trick for vehicle dealers to fill their pockets, knowing that the towing will be done at home since our good old neighborhood mechanics know little or nothing about electric cars? — Suzanne DL
A: Let’s get some facts straight. It’s possible to lift your Leaf, and you can also afford a spare tire, but that one might get in the way. That said, the lack of a spare tire isn’t unique to electric vehicles alone, far from it. Why sacrifice the spare wheel? To reduce consumption (petrol) or increase range (electric). Depending on its size, a spare wheel weighs between 10 kg and 20 kg. In addition, its disappearance makes it possible to create a new storage space, to increase the capacity of the fuel tank or even to more easily install the additional battery that a model with hybrid motorization requires, for example. A good step for the environment. But what about security? Punctures are becoming increasingly rare and many of them could have been easily avoided by making sure to respect the pressure, for example. If we believe the tire manufacturers, these punctures occur on average five times in the life of a motorist. Currently, just over 50% of new vehicles produced worldwide have no spare tire. Instead, there is instead a tire sealant. This cannot help you if the tire is notched or completely flat. In the latter case, it is important to note that some vehicles also offer an electric compressor to remedy this situation. Some, but not all.