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Yeah, it's a backup power solution - but an expensive one. Other, more task-oriented solutions exist. Natural gas generators are relatively quiet, and 14kW models can be had for under $4K. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q0KJII/ref=psdc_348967011_t1_B01M3P0OGA A few years ago, I picked up a...

If you have to ask the question, you probably already know the answer. As Michael mentioned, solar already helps level out the grid. Even when overcapacity happens; a generator comes offline or the electricity is sold (or even sometimes given away for free) to other states. The grid...

While it's entirely possible that someone out there installed a garage heater for the sole reason of keeping their EV battery in the "optimum" temperature range, I think most folks that have heated garages do so because they don't like freezing their ***** off. Put me in the latter category...

So, is a Soul EV your next EV?

Because it's likely that the battery's thermal management is working to either heat or cool the battery so the pack remains in an optimum temperature range for it's long term health. The battery's management may also be balancing the cells. This is normal. Welcome to the forum! Enjoy your...

No doubt that thermal management will kick in if/when ambient temperatures are a health risk to the battery. I just figure there's no harm in treating the the battery as if was an old Leaf with no BMS. In terms of temperature rise, I'm not sure if different L2 rates matter either but my...

Thanks, I think so too. I've read the optimum charging temperature range for lithium ion batteries is between 50-86F. I figure staying on the lower end of the scale allows for temperature rise into the middle of the range while charging, and puts less demand on thermal management. After 100K...

Just curious to get everyone's input on this. Winter is upon us, and our heated garage is set at a constant 54F. My goal is maximizing the battery's lifespan, and thus keeping it at the "best" temperature while parked. I don't leave the car plugged in all the time.

I think EVERYTHING else would need to change before "this" happens. I get the dog-head tilts just trying to explain what a kWh is.

Thanks for posting your review. In terms of power/acceleration I found the Soul EV pretty lackluster too but I think a lot of us tend to do the drag race thing on test drives which can yield an unfair overall bias to the car with the most power. For some, tire-shredding acceleration is very...

Further to Leftie's point, The OP does the community a disservice by posting a link that marginalizes the risk of purchasing a used EV. Used EVs are cheap for a reason. Some owners take care of their battery and do what they can to extend their lifespan, others could care less. The risk of...

Let us know how it goes. I was really impressed with it. If not for the high price of used ones (at the time), I would have bought it. I like that Kia was one of the few that chose to go with a heat pump instead of conventional resistive heating.

Well, for $300+ per month - it should be. No doubt Bolt EV leases will become more attractive as time goes by, but there's no denying the allure & magic of the $99 lease. Reminds me of deals on the Spark EV.

From the research I've done, making money with Uber is challenging regardless if you do it full or part time. I've read that the Uber fleet is valued at over $4B - a fleet that Uber has made absolutely no investment in...they put it all on the backs of their drivers. No damn way I'd offer...

That's good to know. On my car, I can set it to charge on L2 at "maximum" (up to 40 amps), 13, or 10 amps. I often vary the charge rate as my solar generation fluctuates from day to day. Perhaps I shouldn't...is charging at 13 amps (on L2) less efficient than charging at 40 amps?

Saw an ad from a Washington-based dealer offering $99 leases on the Soul EV. Based on other's experience...seems legit: http://www.mykiasoulev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=860 The Soul EV was the runner up in our shopping for an EV. As much as I love the Mercedes, if there was a way for a...

I knew there are inefficiencies involved in converting a kWh from the wall into a kWh stored in our EV battery - but didn't realize they can be over 10%. Is this typical?

Choosing the "right" car for Uber is all about being smart with the initial vehicle investment and minimizing operating expenses. That's all it is. The current crop of used 60-80 mile cars on the market would make terrible Uber cars. You're not making any money sitting at a charging station...

Michael is the board's resident expert on batteries, charging, and degradation. I use a lot of his tips myself. The science behind his advice is sound. You could also use hilltop mode to prevent charging to 100%. If you were returning the car after three years, it wouldn't matter, but for...

Hi, Narrower tires do tend to perform better in the snow. According to Tire Rack, you could use 205/55-R16 - however they still recommend going with a tire / wheel combo that the manufacturer recommends (listed on the driver's side door jamb). Reputable tire shops will only install the...