Electric car preferences in a family

In the south of Mulhouse, at Frédéric's, there is today a second Renault Zoé and a third Tesla, but it is the Smart ForTwo ED cabriolet that arrived eight years ago that is the most appreciated electric car in the family.

Early introduction to electric vehicles

In September 2012, Frédéric wanted to accompany a friend to a dealership for the purchase of a Scenic diesel. There, he tested a Renault Twizy and found it great for his short daily commute. A salesperson suggested he could get a Renault Zoé with full options for the price of the Twizy.

Financial incentives for electric cars

With the help of 5,000 euros from the Alsace region and a 7,000 euro ecological bonus, Frédéric was able to buy a Renault Zoé Intens version for around 11,000 euros. He became one of the 500 Alsaciens who benefited from this regional measure.

Twizy and early issues

Frédéric also ordered a Renault Twizy, which arrived in December 2012. His brother-in-law had previously taken a Renault Zoé, but encountered the famous problem of breakdown on the Continental motor due to weak bearings.

Zoé's reliability and after-sales support

After seven years, Frédéric replaced his Zoé with a Zoé 135 50 kWh. He appreciated the battery rental formula, but faced a motor breakdown after six years. Renault covered 90% of the invoice, and Frédéric found their after-sales service exceptional.

Exploring Tesla Model 3

In 2019, Frédéric discovered the Tesla Model 3. He rented one for two weeks, allowing the family to validate that electric vehicles were suitable for long trips. He later bought a Model 3 with an NMC battery and an Intel processor, upgrading it a year and a half later.

Current electric car fleet

Frédéric's household fleet now includes a Tesla Model Y and a second Renault Zoé. They have two reinforced Green'Up sockets, two 7 kW chargers, and a 12 kW electric subscription. They also have 7 solar panels and a 4 kW battery.

Smart ForTwo cabriolet's role

Frédéric bought a 2014 Smart ForTwo cabriolet in 2018 for 7,500 euros. He values its open-top design for its sound and freedom, and his children use it similarly. The car has experienced few breakdowns over 12 years.

Driving experiences and challenges

Frédéric finds the Smart ForTwo easy to drive and park. However, it is often mistaken for a small car, leading to aggressive driving from others. The car's open-top design allows for unique experiences, such as transporting a fig tree.

Children's driving experiences

Frédéric's children learned to drive on electric vehicles. They passed their automatic transmission licenses and later learned manual transmission. The Smart ForTwo has been a key car in their driving experiences.

Maintenance and battery issues

The Smart ForTwo has had some maintenance issues, including a failed 12 V battery and a recent breakdown. Frédéric finds the maintenance at a Mercedes dealership expensive and unsatisfactory, as he has not been able to obtain a battery health status.

Autonomy and future plans

Frédéric notes that the Smart's autonomy has decreased, especially in winter. He is considering a replacement, such as the Fiat 500e or the new Renault 4 E-Tech Plein Sud. He is interested in the revival of the micro-city car and hopes for a cabriolet version of the new Smart ForTwo.

Future goals and reflections

Frédéric is considering an off-grid solar solution or a V2G system for his home. He also plans to take the train more often due to his company's move near a station. He appreciates the flexibility and freedom offered by his electric vehicles.