So much for a Nissan Leaf!

[charlz]

I looked at the Leaf last year some time. Once you add in the charging station costs it really doesn't pencil out. You can charge without the dedicated charging station but you may or may not reach full charge before the next morning depending on when you plugged it in.

What I would like is a cheap NG powered vehicle as there is a NG station not too far from my work. Used NG Honda Civics carry quite the premium though, way more than I would want to pay for a used vehicle.

 

[kiotiken]

The rumor is that they're going to double the battery from 24 KWH to 48. While that doesn't necessarily double the range, it should come close and more than enough for me to buy one as a daily commuter. I'd love a Tesla model S, but they're about $8K more in Canada and fairly pricey to start. If the Leaf has a 300+ KM range (shouldn't be a problem with a 48 KWH batt.) and I only drive 80 KM on a normal day and maybe 120 KM at max, it makes a lot of sense since it costs 1/10 to drive, no more oil changes and far less maintenance.

 

[davrow]

I've been driving electric for 11 years. First the 2002 Toyota RAV4-EV, now a 2011 Th!nk. The RAV had better range, I could drive to our folks house 100 miles away, charge there overnight and drive home. The Th!nk only gets 70 miles per charge. Both max out at about 70MPH.

But it is strictly my commuter car, 16 miles per day (8 each way) with any lunchtime trips needed. I charge 2 or 3 times a week, not every night. And this has worked, as I say, for 11 years. If I need range, I take my wife's minivan.

It will never pay for the extra I paid by saving me at the pump. But I love driving electric.

 

[Soundguy]

just pull a super spall utility trailer with a genny on it and some cables.

2 different Leafs, different colors, different days, barely holding 35 mph on a 5% grade. Today, outside temp was about 45 degrees, the car had headlights on, probably heater, too, draining the battery even more. It's 30+ miles to Portland. A recent report said that at 20 degrees a Leaf loses 43% of it's range. Today's driver probably went to Portland, maybe some errands and found himself barely making it home. Can't just pull over and pour in a gallon of electricity.

My humble opinion is that an all electric car is a stupid idea, except maybe if you live a lifestyle that keeps you within a few miles of home.

OTOH, Toyota is set to introduce a fuel cell powered car later this year. Zero pollution, no coal fired power plants needed to charge your car while kidding yourself about saving the world. Just need to pour in hydrogen and emit water vapor. The problem with a fuel cell powered car is getting the hydrogen, but that was a similar problem with gasoline in 1900. Once a network of stations exists, fuel cell power will be good! Gotta wait awhile, though.

 

[jhobbie]

As the new guy here I thought I would pipe in. I have a 2011 Leaf. It is the best car I have ever owned! Yes the range is an issue in the winter but it is fine if you pay attention. It really is nice to not have to buy gas! I work 30 miles from home. I can charge at work(240) and at home(110) if needed. After the payment for the car and the higher insurance I still save 20-40 dollars per month over my old gas bill! O and its quit fun to drive!

 

[Soundguy]

wow.. 20$ a month savings and you can't make an extended trip.. or extended evac in an emergency with no or unknown utility availability, like in the case of a disaster. Last big hurricane inmy area left us without power 2-3 weeks. ...having an electric vehicle woulda (BEEP)ed for sure during that time!

hmm.. sign me up! er.. no.. wait. I'll take the 900m range i have in my diesel f450... And I can brag that I don't have to buy GAS either

 

[jhobbie]

wow.. 20$ a month savings and you can't make an extended trip.. or extended evac in an emergency with no or unknown utility availability, like in the case of a disaster. Last big hurricane inmy area left us without power 2-3 weeks. ...having an electric vehicle woulda (BEEP)ed for sure during that time!

hmm.. sign me up! er.. no.. wait. I'll take the 900m range i have in my diesel f450... And I can brag that I don't have to buy GAS either

Did I mention I have 3 cars, 2 motorcycles, 4 tractors? I'll be OK!:thumbsup:

 

[Bob77064]

Just my opinion, the battery technology is not where it needs to be yet. Hopefully it will improve.

 

[Soundguy]

Did I mention

No you didn;t

 

[PapaPerk]

Toyota Prius still wins! Perfect blend of green and common sense. If its a little small for you the Camry hybrid is very nice!!