jamesh
Member
Thought I would do a "One Month Review" of my 2013 Nissan Leaf. This seems like as good a place as any for that.
I purchased my Leaf in the South Bay (San Carlos), but live in Auburn, so my first drive was a long one at 183 miles (all with quick chargers). I have put over 1k miles on the car this first month, including another long drive (186 miles) to Donner & Tahoe City then back (all L2 chargers). No real range anxiety thus far, though I have hit VLB twice and VVLB once (never turtle mode). Living in Auburn and working in New Castle (5 miles away), I will likely only charge the car a 2-3 times a week (no workplace charging available). Sometimes I will make trips into Rocklin/Roseville and even Citrus Heights, but no problems with range with 95% of my driving. Fortunately, when I attend a SacEV meeting, they have charging available (could make it, but it would be tight).
Driving Impressions: My last few cars have been a 2002 CRV, a 2003 Subaru Baja, a 1995 Geo Tracker and a 1989 Nissan truck, so needless to say, this car drives, handles and feels better than anything I have ever driven (or rented). The quiet, smooth drive is addicting and the size works well for my family of four.
We LOVE this car. We have had several comments from others when hearing of the range, stating that it might make a good 2nd vehicle, but I always tell them it is actually our primary vehicle as it will be the main car driven in our family (my wife drives a company car for work and our 2nd car is currently a CR-V). Part of my five year plan is to purchase another, longer range EV when the prices drop on the longer range models (say, purchasing a 2017 or 2018 in 2019 or 2020). Might consider a lease, but I have never leased and prefer to own. Solar is also part of this plan, though my wife thinks that it may be 7 years off the house needs some repairs/upgrades first. :roll:
My Pearl White, 2013 SV (light grey interior) came with QC/LED upgrades.
I added tinted windows
LED bulbs to the hatch and overhead light
A Curt trailer hitch (for my bike rack)
Removed all the "Zero emission" badges and replaced them with "Electric" on the rear and "100% Electric" on the doors.
Ordered DMV plates (yet to arrive) that read "OFFGASS"
Still tossing around the idea of Caltrend seat covers, but that will have to wait.
Also, I would like to install a back up cam, but will wait until I find someone (who come recommended) to install the OEM camera.
Currently charging with an EVSE Upgrade, but when I upgrade the circuit from 30 amps to 40 or 50, I will grab a Clipper Creek as they are just a couple miles from us.
One more note: I am jealous of those who are averaging 4.5+ miles per kwh. Living at 1500' in the Sierra Foothills, I have a tough time reaching 4.0 mile per kwh. Also, though the Leaf is one of the slowest EVs, it still tops most vehicles off the line, so every now and then, at a stop light, I let people see what an EV can do . Once a Prius challenged me, so I smoked it. Good times. ;-)
James
I purchased my Leaf in the South Bay (San Carlos), but live in Auburn, so my first drive was a long one at 183 miles (all with quick chargers). I have put over 1k miles on the car this first month, including another long drive (186 miles) to Donner & Tahoe City then back (all L2 chargers). No real range anxiety thus far, though I have hit VLB twice and VVLB once (never turtle mode). Living in Auburn and working in New Castle (5 miles away), I will likely only charge the car a 2-3 times a week (no workplace charging available). Sometimes I will make trips into Rocklin/Roseville and even Citrus Heights, but no problems with range with 95% of my driving. Fortunately, when I attend a SacEV meeting, they have charging available (could make it, but it would be tight).
Driving Impressions: My last few cars have been a 2002 CRV, a 2003 Subaru Baja, a 1995 Geo Tracker and a 1989 Nissan truck, so needless to say, this car drives, handles and feels better than anything I have ever driven (or rented). The quiet, smooth drive is addicting and the size works well for my family of four.
We LOVE this car. We have had several comments from others when hearing of the range, stating that it might make a good 2nd vehicle, but I always tell them it is actually our primary vehicle as it will be the main car driven in our family (my wife drives a company car for work and our 2nd car is currently a CR-V). Part of my five year plan is to purchase another, longer range EV when the prices drop on the longer range models (say, purchasing a 2017 or 2018 in 2019 or 2020). Might consider a lease, but I have never leased and prefer to own. Solar is also part of this plan, though my wife thinks that it may be 7 years off the house needs some repairs/upgrades first. :roll:
My Pearl White, 2013 SV (light grey interior) came with QC/LED upgrades.
I added tinted windows
LED bulbs to the hatch and overhead light
A Curt trailer hitch (for my bike rack)
Removed all the "Zero emission" badges and replaced them with "Electric" on the rear and "100% Electric" on the doors.
Ordered DMV plates (yet to arrive) that read "OFFGASS"
Still tossing around the idea of Caltrend seat covers, but that will have to wait.
Also, I would like to install a back up cam, but will wait until I find someone (who come recommended) to install the OEM camera.
Currently charging with an EVSE Upgrade, but when I upgrade the circuit from 30 amps to 40 or 50, I will grab a Clipper Creek as they are just a couple miles from us.
One more note: I am jealous of those who are averaging 4.5+ miles per kwh. Living at 1500' in the Sierra Foothills, I have a tough time reaching 4.0 mile per kwh. Also, though the Leaf is one of the slowest EVs, it still tops most vehicles off the line, so every now and then, at a stop light, I let people see what an EV can do . Once a Prius challenged me, so I smoked it. Good times. ;-)
James
