adric22 said:
Just finished the survey. Yes, I noticed they were very clear about the 150 EPA rated miles in many of the questions.
One thing I found difficult to answer about the charging was they did not make a distinction between level-2 charging and DC fast charging. They just asked "how long would you expect it to take" As such, I answered most of those with the presumption that I'm charging on Level-2.
Ditto on the 150 EPA miles.
As for your latter point, yes, that was also VERY confusing for me. I don't exactly know if they're referring to DC FC or L2 w/those. I also answered assuming L2 (~30+ amps @ 208/240 volts) for all of them except Nissan/Infiniti dealer. I at least have a basis of comparison since I have the 6 kW OBC and use EVSEs capable of that.
They should've broken it out about L2 vs. DC FC.
(Haven't had time to read all the responses to this thread yet.)
braineo said:
L2 are useless, L1 are better for 8 hour parking at work and much cheaper. DCQC Chademo are game changers for a metro area. 20 minute for 80% charging can't be beat.
I disagree about L2 being useless. It's not very useful w/a 3.3 kW OBC for topping off or gaining some range unless you're parked for a long time, as it's so slow. Yes, workplaces should have a mix of L1s and L2s.
I use (free) L2 at work and it's plenty fast for me in most cases (short commute).
I've sometimes used some free L2s at http://www.plugshare.com/?location=7989" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; while either on the way home (I'll stop and read emails or surf the net on my phones) or I'll charge there and walk over to the Chipotle to eat. I'd only do that if I'm not going working in the next day or if for some reason, I don't have enough juice to make it to work the next day (e.g. long side trip after work). 6 kW OBC rocks!
As for CHAdeMO and DC FCing, well, yeah, if you regularly take trips where it'd help and you can find a reliable and available DC FC along the way. I've used my CHAdeMO port a whopping 1 time in the 6 months I've had my Leaf and it wasn't a great experience (already posted about it). And, the the DC FC at the closest dealer to me (same place I'd gone where I'd used their DC FC) has been down for weeks. I could use one at say Boardwalk Nissan if I went up to SF, but I've heard of lines of 5-7 Leafs long!