Howdy all. Been a few months since I checked in here. I still don't have a job lined up for next year yet, but it's looking quite likely that I'll be in Portland, Denver, or possibly Medford/Ashland, as I have interviewed or will interview imminently in all of these places. In two out of those three locations I think I'll be continuing to drive an electric car for the foreseeable future!
Portland - no EV. I'd revert to my prior dirty-hippie state and go carless. There are plenty of Zipcars where I'd want to be, and I could commute via streetcar and then aerial tram! That'd be
sweet, and a transit pass is a hell of a lot cheaper than even a frugal EV with tax credits. Looking into it a bit further, actually, my hospital ID would get me free streetcar rides! and the tram is always free. A
totally free commute wins, hands down.
Denver - assuming our current LEAF did ok the first winter shod with snow tires, I'd probably buy a new optioned-up SV when our current SL's lease ends in August 2015. Buying new anew would be only a little more expensive than buying used, because there is not only the Federal tax credit, which was factored into my current lease, but also an additional up-to-$6k (!) Colorado state tax credit as well.
Medford/Ashland - If we end up here, I'd live in Ashland and would be working in Medford on most days. I'd also have two years in town before I found out whether I was making partner or would be searching for a new job again. Therefore I'd opt for a two year lease, probably a Spark EV or a LEAF SV. (I'd go cheap for the S since the lack of the heat pump heater wouldn't matter much in this climate, but the lack of cruise control on the S would drive me insane.)
8)