I need some help finding the simplest but safe small EV for my parents in their 80s. They currently drive a massive old Mercedes E and S-class, but they don’t need such big cars, as sight and reaction times dwindle having such big powerful cars might get them into trouble. I’m looking for a small simple EV with the ability to lock things down and start every drive with consistent user selectable settings. Maybe limit the power, ensure the air conditioning is set appropriately every time and that the radio turns on to their station and with the volume at a good level. Basically so they just have to get in and press the go pedal, without worrying about messing anything up because the next drive will be back to normal again. For size I really like the Honda-E but I have taken them to two garages and both have been terrible experiences, where the salesperson tried to convince my parents that EVs were a dead technology and that they should buy a Hybrid until the Hydrogen cars come out. The longest journey they ever do is 100miles but mostly journeys are <50miles round trip. Anything with 130miles + would be perfect and give some cold weather/degradation buffer.
Is the Nissan Leaf sold in your area? That’s probably the perfect choice here, assuming it’s available. That, or the VW Golf-e?
Both are sold here, UK, I’m going to have a 2nd look at those I was just so despondent with the experience at Honda, I was hoping to find out if anyone had managed to lock down the interface on an EV to make the overall experience much simpler. My dad has had his car for 25 years so the controls are muscle memory.
I’d recommend something like a Renault Zoe over a Leaf for old people for one reason - the handbrake.
The handbrake in the Leaf is a pedal where the clutch normally lives. Even after driving for some time, I’d instinctively move my foot over it when approaching roundabouts, etc. As for the few times I pressed it accidentally, well, I’m glad there were no cars behind me.
Ooh that is a good bit of information, my mum’s current car has a foot operated handbrake but she hates it! That instantly crosses the Leaf off the list.
Ah. Unfortunately I’m not very familiar with the UK’s auto market (currently living in the States), so I’m sorry I can’t be of much more help. But I’m not aware of software modifications on the UI for any car, to be perfectly honest.