We are close to leasing a LEAF SV, and just wanting to be sure we've thought through everything as we transition to an EV. Would love any feedback/thoughts!
Some basics:
- We live in the SF Bay Area so there are many public chargers nearby. We plan to install a Level 2 charger in our garage (probably the 30A AeroVironment one; looking at Bosch too but concerned about reports of overheating/fire?) and live a couple of blocks from our local Nissan dealer, so should have Level 3 access there if needed. We drive 10-15 miles a day on average (4-5K miles a year). We belong to a carshare and can get non-electric cars there for longer trips, and already rent for long-distance travel. So I think we're covered on it being a reasonable fit for our driving patterns and on charging/range. Sound right?
- This will be our only car, replacing a 2001 Prius. We need to put two small children in car seats and one big dog in the cargo area. From my research and from our visits to the dealer, looks like this is feasible. (We will be taking our dog for a test ride soon to be sure he fits!) Anyone have any personal experience with similar combos? Warnings or advice?
- Our dealer has said that 2015 models are expected in sometime in the next month or two. I know there aren't huge changes expected, but is it a good bet that there may still be some decent lease deals on the 2014 stock once the 2015s are on the floor? Our timing is flexible--we'd like to be in the new car by the end of the year, but are open to doing it sooner if our best options for good lease deals may be in the summer rather than at the year's end. Just not sure how Nissan typically rolls on this, or if it's not especially relevant for leases anyway. We are doing a three-year lease and do not expect to buy the car at the end of the lease, so less concerned about the residual than about the monthly cost and downpayment.
- And last but not least (though not sure this is the place to ask!)--we've looked at but ruled out pretty much all of the other EVs or plug-in vehicles out there, mostly for cargo space issues (won't accommodate dog, since most of the hatchbacks are too shallow). Only one still in serious contention is the Prius Plug-In; while we would likely buy this one, the lease is less than the LEAF lease right now and might make sense, and we're coming off of a very good experience with the first generation Prius. With the major Prius revision planned for 2015, there might be some good deals on the 2014s once the 2015s are released. Anyone have any experience with the LEAF vs. the Prius Plug-In? Pros and cons to each (apart from the major system differences of true EV vs. hybrid EV)?
Thank you!!
Some basics:
- We live in the SF Bay Area so there are many public chargers nearby. We plan to install a Level 2 charger in our garage (probably the 30A AeroVironment one; looking at Bosch too but concerned about reports of overheating/fire?) and live a couple of blocks from our local Nissan dealer, so should have Level 3 access there if needed. We drive 10-15 miles a day on average (4-5K miles a year). We belong to a carshare and can get non-electric cars there for longer trips, and already rent for long-distance travel. So I think we're covered on it being a reasonable fit for our driving patterns and on charging/range. Sound right?
- This will be our only car, replacing a 2001 Prius. We need to put two small children in car seats and one big dog in the cargo area. From my research and from our visits to the dealer, looks like this is feasible. (We will be taking our dog for a test ride soon to be sure he fits!) Anyone have any personal experience with similar combos? Warnings or advice?
- Our dealer has said that 2015 models are expected in sometime in the next month or two. I know there aren't huge changes expected, but is it a good bet that there may still be some decent lease deals on the 2014 stock once the 2015s are on the floor? Our timing is flexible--we'd like to be in the new car by the end of the year, but are open to doing it sooner if our best options for good lease deals may be in the summer rather than at the year's end. Just not sure how Nissan typically rolls on this, or if it's not especially relevant for leases anyway. We are doing a three-year lease and do not expect to buy the car at the end of the lease, so less concerned about the residual than about the monthly cost and downpayment.
- And last but not least (though not sure this is the place to ask!)--we've looked at but ruled out pretty much all of the other EVs or plug-in vehicles out there, mostly for cargo space issues (won't accommodate dog, since most of the hatchbacks are too shallow). Only one still in serious contention is the Prius Plug-In; while we would likely buy this one, the lease is less than the LEAF lease right now and might make sense, and we're coming off of a very good experience with the first generation Prius. With the major Prius revision planned for 2015, there might be some good deals on the 2014s once the 2015s are released. Anyone have any experience with the LEAF vs. the Prius Plug-In? Pros and cons to each (apart from the major system differences of true EV vs. hybrid EV)?
Thank you!!