sparky said:
gsleaf said:
Any idea how efficient the heating is for those? Do they have heated seats like the Leaf?
Seat heaters are included.
I really enjoyed the RAV4 EV I drove for a weekend. If it were available when I bought my LEAF I would have gone RAV4. It's a much more solid vehicle. Although it's a conversion, Tesla's power train fits so well into the chassis, it seemed purpose built to me.
The range was a solid 100 mi on the freeway. I can easily see getting 150 miles in a pinch. Sport mode is right on the edge of what seems safe with such a suspension; it really moves.
It's heavy and not as aero and measured about 20% less efficient. On a route I know well, my LEAF delivered 3.9 mi.kWh compared to about 3.1 on the RAV4.
Looking forward to TonyWilliam's write-up.
The power in sport mode is almost nutty. I had the left front suspension in full wheel hop while spinning the crap out of the tires (and torque steering that gives you a quick 20 degree change in heading :ugeek: ).
I have driven about 90 miles, and the GoM is ROCK SOLID!!! Never hunting around for the distance. Thank you Tesla for schooling the "guys with 17 years of EV experience". Currently, after a "range" (Tesla speak) or "extended" (Toyota speak) charge (our 100%), I have about 1/3 energy still remaining on the gas gauge. I think I can drive this thing 120 miles EASY. I really, really like not coming up short every day, and planning trips around pathetic 16 amp charges in LEAF. With Rav4, it's 6.6/7.2kW at virtually every public L2, and 10kW (40/42amps) at RV parks with OpenEVSE portable and a simple NEMA 14-50P.
Tidbits- won't hold speed in cruise control in B mode (similar to ECO, without screwing with the accelerator pedal sensitivity... Regen increase only). The normal regen is weak, and B is similar to ECO mode. The good news; no herky-jerky regen like BMW (although I'd like a B2 and B3 with increasingly more regen).
When walking ul to the car, it will automatically unlock the door. Pushing the door button then relics the car. Very frustrating coming from Nissan / Infiniti cars.
The is not automatic transmission "creep", nor do I see a way to select creep (like Tesla).
There is an irritating loud beeping inside the car when the gear selelctor is in reverse. I would find that noise maker and disable on day one. There are no outside noise makers (VSP on LEAF) or backup chimes / beeps.
No guidelines on reverse camera. Nissan did a great job on this.
I like charger time scheduling, I think. I put in the timer, and it started charging as soon as I plugged it in. I have no idea what I did wrong.
Passing power is way better at highway speeds. It doesn't "hit the wall" at 45mph while accelerating. Steering is not as twitchy, with less power steering boost. It feels solid. I don't like the steering wheel feel, compared to 2012 LEAF with "natural" bumps at 10 and 2 o'clock for your hands, but way better than 2011 LEAF plastic steering wheel. I don't think it is heated, however.
No charging stations in the Navigation. I don't think this is bad, because I carry an iPad with far more up to date info. But, it is an oversight.
More car wind noise, including tires. Not bad, just more. Tires look like "real" Yokohama tires, not cheap recycled Ecopia's.
No volume control knob (aka Tesla "feature"). I don't like it. Headlights are good, but still incandescent bulbs for high beam.
Idiotic refueling port at the existing gasoline port. I enjoyed trying to walk around the car with the handle sticking out the side. Brought to you with the "Frankenplug" mentality (they wanted it to fit where gasoline goes... apparently that's a benefit for EVs). There are two little lights in the window above the charger port. I don't know exactly what they indicate, but presumably something similar to our three dash blue lights.
Tailgate opens from left to right. You have to stand in traffic to open when parked on side of road. Great for Japan and England with right hand drive.
Preliminary data:
75mph - 2.8 m/kWh
70mph - 3.1
65mph - 3.3
60mph - 3.6
Über secret rolling hill test results : 78mph peak vice 81mph for LEAF. Unfortunately, we're not making a completely valid test, since the Rav4 weighs more, but it is surprisingly close. With a 1 foot square box on top of LEAF, it went 73mph. Toyota says 0.30 Cd, and Nissan says 0.29 Cd for LEAF (but with much smaller flat plate area).
Did I mention this thing hauls butt? I can't even imagine what a $7000 more expensive car with the same motor at "normal" power will do (154 hp (115 kW) max, peak torque in Sport Mode: 273 lb.-ft., peak torque in Normal Mode: 218 lb.-ft. vs 300hp+). Range will be greater in Model S with the same 40kWh battery pack and 0.24 Cd.