roastbeef

well, i ended up with a smart car. $1k down on the lease, state gives back $2,500. i'm allowed 10,000 miles a year, and its $86 a month for 36 months. it is full electric and fits my needs perfectly- its just for the gym and to go to work. fits in the driveway behind the m3 well. i know i don't look cool driving it, but i don't care. i'm already used to people pointing and laughing at the car. i wished things worked out for me in getting a fusion energi, but they are priced a little bit more than i am willing to spend at this time, and i don't need a full size car. maybe when i have a family or something. thanks rex. i have only been out to willow springs a few times, but i'm fully addicted (bought a set of track wheels/tires after my first track day). i'm waiting for the weather to cool down a bit. i'm hoping to make it up to thunderhill and laguna seca this fall.

thanks for the help guys. i've also been exploring the tax credit section of this forum and if i can get into a lease at zero down for a base model energi, i may just be able to get into an energi for "free" just based on the tax credit and fuel savings over daily driving my m3.

i'm not sure i have the patience to drive less than 75-80 on these socal freeways. if i did 55, someone would run into the back of me or i'd see a lot of middle fingers. no such thing as a country road here, but i get the reference. not sure about charging at work. i'd have to ask.

i rarely use the heater in my car, even during our socal "winters." mostly the defroster if the window is fogged up, but thats short term.

i appreciate the responses, thanks. i'm getting about 16mpg combined in my m3. the m3 is almost paid off and i'm thinking trying to weigh not having a car payment versus buying a fusion energi. the fuel savings alone would almost absorb the fusion energi payment, and would likely be worth reducing the wear and maintenance on the m. i haven't figured out how to calculate what it would cost to charge a fusion energi using socal's prices, but just googling our kwh costs, i'm thinking it is dirt cheap. also, socal edison (my power provider) offers the option of installing a separate power meter just for an electric vehicle for a discounted power rate.

thanks. the 20 mile commute is one way, so 40 miles in a day. what would you say is your combined (hybrid) mpg? i'm assuming it is different than mpge. from what i understand, mpge is strictly electric.

hello everyone, i currently daily drive my 2011 bmw m3. it is incredibly fun to drive, but i'm contemplating picking up a ford fusion energi to commute with to lessen the time my m3 spends on the road. i have done a fair amount of research, and if i am going to go the plug-in hybrid route, the fusion energi would be my choice. i know sometimes mpg or mpg-e ratings can be somewhat deceiving. i just wanted to ask a pool of actual owners what realistic mpg(e) i can expect on my ~20 mile city/highway commute. are the advertised charge times accurate? can i expect to get close to the 20 mile full electric range if i'm easy with the right foot? thanks for the help. i'm no stranger to auto forums, and i know people like pictures... here is a pic of my current ride.