Nissan Leaf

[chasineyes]

Can some experts weigh in please...I had a discussion with my neighbor who wants one for commuting. I'm trying to steer him away since I don't think my research has been done in winter climates. My main reasoning was leaving when it's -20 and sitting in trafic with heater running and lights on etc.. I would guess this would have a HUGE impact on your distance?

I think in this climate, it seems way to risky unless you work in your town. He would have a commute from Shakopee to Edina. Not easy during rush hour or "incidents".

THoughts...

[Jeremy airjer W]

The EPA tests

Quote:

Winter, urban stop-and-go, traffic jam: 62 miles

Speed: Average 15 mph

Temperature: 14 degrees

Climate control: On

Though the average speed is only 15 mph with stop-and-go traffic, the 14-degree temperature means the heater is doing a lot of work so you spend considerable time and energy heating your car rather than moving forward. Despite these conditions, it would still take more than 4 hours to run out of charge!

[CJH]

He's probably fine. Shakopee to Edina isn't really that far (I use to live right in the middle). If it was a longer commute, then it might be iffy. Lots of people have reported the range to be less than what Nissan is claiming, but its based on so many variables, its hard to say.

Unless he really doesn't want to burn gas/oil (whether environmental or political), an inexpensive car the same size (hatchback) will be cheaper in the long run and can be used whenever. A Nissan Versa (which gets 30/38 MPG) starts at $10,999, while the Leaf starts at $27,700. No way he would ever make up $16k in gas.

With the Leaf you really have to manage the charging cycle/time. If you just get home and the battery is depleted and you have an emergency, better hope the spouse is home with another vehicle.

Cool car, just a very limited application.

[chasineyes]

With the Leaf you really have to manage the charging cycle/time. If you just get home and the battery is depleted and you have an emergency, better hope the spouse is home with another vehicle.

Not to mention if you forget to plug it in before bedtime!!! I really don't get it either. Just saturday we went to Afton Alps and it was 45 miles, I probably couldn't have used my new $30000 car for that trip?? Seems like a waste.

[jeffreyd]

or when that big storm hits and knocks out the power used to recharge the car. Seems like it might need to be proven a bit more in your climate.

[CJH]

Exactly. Normally if you run out of gas, you can fill a gas can and away you go. If the Leaf run out of juice you need a tow truck. And if the power is out when you get home, then you aren't driving to work tomorrow.

Again, cool car/idea, very limited application. The Chevy Volt solves this problem but is about $10k more (although the price is expected to go down next year). its a little larger as well, again making it a little more practical for all around use.

[jeffreyd]

the thing i wish they would come up with is a solar charger for the battery operated cars that i could drive here in az. With 487 days of sun each year ( yes i know 365) it would never be dead.

[CJH]

the thing i wish they would come up with is a solar charger for the battery operated cars that i could drive here in az. With 487 days of sun each year ( yes i know 365) it would never be dead.

A solar panel powerful enough to make a dent in the amount of energy is needed to power a car is a long ways off. Even in AZ!!