Recent content by Valdemar

Making tradeoffs is a part of our lives. I'm trading off superior EV drivability for peace of mind.

Sold my Leafy today after 12 years and 194k trouble free miles, well, except for the crappy battery that needed replacement. I appreciate the technology but decided I needed a break from EVs, current plan is to enjoy the convenience that ICE offers until it becomes illegal in the state of CA. I...

Yup, it worked out okay. Bought a new front drivers door from a wreck yard, perfect color match. After that accident had a couple of minor fender benders not our fault, so got more insurance money in my pocket :) The car is banged up a bit but drives okay, I don't really care at this point...

If memory serves I first noticed the noise around 120k, it has gotten louder over time but for the last 20-30k has been more or less without changes, I got used to it and don't pay attention to it anymore. It comes from the reduction gear/motor area definitely not from CV joints. That said, it...

Closing in on 180k miles with the original oil, no major changes in the gear noise levels.

Installed a new Costco 51R today the old school way, the dashboard clock was reset that was the only downside I can tell so far. The battery bracket is a bit too wide for the new battery but seems secure enough. Battery voltage is 12.5V so not much higher from the old battery but I checked and...

Perhaps but mine lasted almost 10 years, and I could probably push it even longer. I did nothing special.

Alright, to the Costco I go then. I always thought it was odd so many owners had to replace batteries early, Leaf batteries are supposed to live easy and long life. Perhaps battery charging varies some from car to car, and cars on the sub-optimal end kill the batteries early.

Getting some odd codes in the DTC log lately, today the brake warning light came on when I powered the car on which I think logged U1000, C1A70, C1A62 codes. I power cycled and the warning lights cleared. Measured 12.2V at the battery terminals with the car off. There is a noticeable needle drop...

The bonding plate recall maybe?

If there is demand for EVs the traditional manufacturers will ramp up their efforts to make them. Yes Tesla is leading in the niche today, but if EVs go mainstream will they be able to maintain this leadership? More compelling EVs are on the horizon, Nissan Ariya, Volvo XC40 recharge. Ford Mach...

The main competition is backed by Ice business. If they have to pull their EV offerings from the market it will be because of low demand and not because they went under, low demand for EVs would not be good news for Tesla as well.

More than today it seems.

I suppose so, but EVs first need to grow beyond their niche status before that level of options can be offered.

Says someone who lives in PNW. Move to LA or Phoenix and your opinion might change.