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.
A car with the ability to lock down the interface for children/elderly probably does not exist.
I would check out the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet bolt if those are available.
Dealers are always going to try to talk you out of buying an EV from them. They make their money doing maintenance and oil changes on cars they sell, EVs have no maintenance, so they see them as bad for business. You have to pick out the exact car you want on their lot, write down the VIN number, then go in and tell them that is the car you want to buy. If they try to switch you up just start walking out. Be firm.
I’ll go further and say that a “simple car” for people who are 80 shouldn’t exist. They should stop driving at this point.
I agree some people should stop driving, but we do have tests here to ensure they are safe. The reality is when people live in places with poor public transport and the nearest hospital 25miles away giving up driving can mean giving up a lot of your freedom. If they are going to drive I’d like to see them do it in a modern car with all the collision avoidance and pedestrian safety technology rather than a 5m long two tonne lump of German steel.
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.
Nissan leaf.
