HoustonFlier
Well-known member
Ever wonder why the Leaf has an “old style” like gear shifter?
(I thought about posting as debate topic, but it is more my wish as a suggestion.)
The rational to keep something that looks like a "gear shifter" in Leaf was familiarity to “old fashioned” GAS cars, but to keep a feature of something EV tries to supplement seems incredibly anachronistic (EV is, after all, is change in the future of cars).
Because the “shifter” is simply an electronic switch for a power controller (like a relay), it can be any size, shape, or color; thus mounted anywhere.
Its current location is much better served to hold my smartphone, keys (no ignition key), or, dare I say, cup holders!
I was also surprised at the counter-intuitive operation of the shifter! I have handled a number of automatic and stick cars, even golf carts, and I found the shifter movement somewhat foreign. Of course I will adapt, but for the first few times I had to pause and think about what to do.
My ideal “shifter” would be just to right of “start” button, prominent and easy to ID, perhaps a short lever (the Toyota Sienna minivan has it right up on dash for example, and some 50’s car even had Push-Button shifters!!).
The ECO mode button is better on steering wheel, as driving environment could change unexpected, keep it under thumb.
Parking brake location:
That one I do not understand fully its operation. Electromechanical?
American cars have a step on/off pedal parking brake. I think that is viable.
Alternative is lever to side, rather then the large switch currently installed.
Other opinions?
(I thought about posting as debate topic, but it is more my wish as a suggestion.)
The rational to keep something that looks like a "gear shifter" in Leaf was familiarity to “old fashioned” GAS cars, but to keep a feature of something EV tries to supplement seems incredibly anachronistic (EV is, after all, is change in the future of cars).
Because the “shifter” is simply an electronic switch for a power controller (like a relay), it can be any size, shape, or color; thus mounted anywhere.
Its current location is much better served to hold my smartphone, keys (no ignition key), or, dare I say, cup holders!
I was also surprised at the counter-intuitive operation of the shifter! I have handled a number of automatic and stick cars, even golf carts, and I found the shifter movement somewhat foreign. Of course I will adapt, but for the first few times I had to pause and think about what to do.
My ideal “shifter” would be just to right of “start” button, prominent and easy to ID, perhaps a short lever (the Toyota Sienna minivan has it right up on dash for example, and some 50’s car even had Push-Button shifters!!).
The ECO mode button is better on steering wheel, as driving environment could change unexpected, keep it under thumb.
Parking brake location:
That one I do not understand fully its operation. Electromechanical?
American cars have a step on/off pedal parking brake. I think that is viable.
Alternative is lever to side, rather then the large switch currently installed.
Other opinions?