Any Nissan Leaf drivers here?

[Tilpots]

Singapore.

Here we arguably have the most expensive cars in the world. It's the government's way of limiting traffic on a small island. That small size and the consistent temperature (32C down to 26C at night) all year round would make Sg ideal for electric cars.

But cars here are a status symbol. I doubt the Leaf would get a look in, and it would cost over $100K. The Tesla would be more popular I think.

We are big on electric scooters (the stand up type) and bicycles. So perhaps cars might catch on one day.

That's a serious price tag. It's inky been a few days but the more I drive this thing, the more I see it's the future, not a fad. It may take a while, and the auto and oil industries may fight like hell to stop it, but we'll be living in an EV world soon enough. There's just way too many benefits for an educated society to ignore.

 

[bgd]

That's a serious price tag. It's inky been a few days but the more I drive this thing, the more I see it's the future, not a fad. It may take a while, and the auto and oil industries may fight like hell to stop it, but we'll be living in an EV world soon enough. There's just way too many benefits for an educated society to ignore.

I can only agree with that. There are a few barriers to overcome, both technically and socially, but I too think EV is the future. Or I hope so.

 

[FandR76]

We bought our Leaf (2013) in early May, so we've had it almost 6 months, and we've got about 5,500 miles on it so far. So far we are beyond happy with it. It is not our "primary" car that we'd take on long trips, but is intended for those WalMart, church, friends, gymnastics, etc trips. An unexpected pleasure is how fun it is to drive (I am not a driving enthusiast), and how quiet it is.

Believe it or not, we have not noticed any change in our electric bill; in fact for a couple of recent months the bill was less than the same month last year. We have an active home, with kids and activities, so the bill varies a lot, but the point is that I don't notice any increase, and we are not on any special power company plan with EV rates. We DO notice the significant drop in our gas station purchases, and I have to do my windshield at home because we never go to a gas station. We used the 120v cord for the first month or so (level 1 charging) and it takes 8 to 18 hours depending on how far down the batteries are. We then bought a level 2 charger that uses your household 240v (similar to your electric dryer circuit) and it charges in 2 to 4 hours. There are level 3 chargers out there that can charge in a half hour, but they take 480v 3-phase power.

I am conscious, though, of how I'm treating the battery, just as I'd be concerned about a gas engine in very hot or cold climates. I was looking for a Mac app similar to the Leaf Spy app to give me more info than the dashboard gives. An interesting video on Li-ion batteries is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxP0Cu00sZs
So we always use the 80% charge option built into the Leaf, and only charge to 100% when needed. And we let the batteries cool for a few hours before charging if we know we're not going to be needing it any more that day.

So there is our experience so far! I hope I can find a Mac or iPhone app similar to Leaf Spy. Have fun with your new car!

 

[Tilpots]

^^ Thanks for the post! I never thought about washing the windshield. Haha. I guess I'll have to Wash at home now too. I haven't even glanced at a gas station!

The Leaf Spy app looks cool but it says it's not intense for the 2015, plus you have to buy the OBD connector. How much was that? Also, how much was your home charger? Thinking about getting one, but because it's so expensive and I'm only on a lease, I can justify it yet.

Also, will watch the video ASAP, but the 2015 doesn't have the 80% charge option that I'm aware of. Need to look into that. I've only charged to 100% once, the other times in the mid 90%'s. Guess I should watch the vid.

 

[FandR76]

Don't worry, I was a little slow on the uptake too regarding the windshield... I was driving along one day and was a little irked at my kids for not washing it while filling up, and that's when it dawned on me. There are some things you just don't think of.

I haven't bought one yet, but the OBD adapters aren't too much according to posts I've seen on the Internet, like $20 - $50. It appears, like anything, that some are better than others, so it is worth researching. I don't have the app either since I don't have an Android; hence my looking around. I didn't know about the app not working on 2015. Interesting... I saw a post that this last July Nissan has blocked third party apps from getting in to some internal settings in the car; I'm not sure if or how it affected the Leaf Spy app. Some settings are more for review (battery condition, battery temperature, etc) while others affect the car's performance, apparently. Again, I'm on the learning curve here.

I'd be surprised if you don't have an 80% setting; but I know ours is kind of buried in the various menus. Based on your first post, it sounds like you would do well with just an 80%, and based on that video it would do your car really well too. So it's worth checking into. Of course the first few weeks we suffered from KWH anxiety, which I think is a pretty normal feeling, but like any other tool, we have become pretty comfortable with knowing our boundaries. We are in the Carson City Nevada area, so there aren't a ton of public charging stations, but there are a few. Oh, BTW, those public charging stations (so far) are free. Sign up for the ChargePoint (or whatever it's called), swipe the card they send you, and you get free fill-ups. Even if it did cost, the going rate per mile of one fourth the cost of gasoline (or less). I made a little Excel calculator; if interested let me know.

I bought a Clipper Creek HCS-40 level 2 unit. The actual charger itself is built into the Leaf, I have a 6.6KW on mine, so this is more properly termed a controller. The car talks to the controller and when the car is done it tells the controller to shut off. I'm also happy with this Clipper Creek unit; very quiet, no bells and whistles, much smaller than some others on the market. Altogether, including shipping, it set me back $624.06. I've heard that, starting just a month or so ago, that Nissan is giving new customers a level 2 unit with the car. That would be nice...

 

[rhp2424]

Thanks!!! I got the 2015 model and I don't believe it has the ability to stop at 80% now. Not sure why, but it seems like a lot of people live that feature. Don't know why they pulled it.

I have gone to the mynissanleaf site quite often. Extremely helpful so far. I called my electric co today but didn't like the guy I dealt with so I'll call again tomorrow to see if they have any programs or specials. Haven't gotten a home charger yet and unless a utility or the dealership offer me one for a low/no cost, I probably won't get it. So far the trickle cable has worked as intended.

Any other tips or advice?

Glad to hear you found that other site. I hope you've had good luck with the electric company since your first call. I know it took me a few calls because back in 2012, my insurance and the electric companies had a hard time knowing anything about EV rates and their policies.

I really can't say enough good things about the Clipper Creek. They have quite a few options and their customer service was very helpful with picking out the exact one I needed. They even talked me out of the more expensive one as it just did not provide anything more than what I actually needed. I believe they have them for just a few hundred dollars.

That is weird about the 80% charge feature. I do wonder if it is buried somewhere and harder to find or if they really just eliminated the feature.

I have to do my windshield at home because we never go to a gas station.

I also ended up finding myself buying an air compressor to add air to my tires. With most gas stations charging money to use their air unless you make a purchase, it was more convenient to be able to just add air at home!

 

[Southern Dad]

Oh, and one last thing, check with your electric company. I am on an EV rate, and I find my electric bill has actually been reduced since we got the LEAF!!

That is excellent advice. I'm still on the EV rate structure. Use during the daytime is really high but use at night is really low so it really works out. My washer, dryer and dishwasher all have delay settings so that I can run them during the night.

I hope to get another EV soon but right now, I'm just in a hybrid Prius. I had the EV-1 (2nd Gen) for two years and a Chevrolet S-10 EV. But I really want a Nissan Leaf or if my numbers come in, I'll get a Tesla.

 

[Tilpots]

I'd be surprised if you don't have an 80% setting; but I know ours is kind of buried in the various menus. Based on your first post, it sounds like you would do well with just an 80%, and based on that video it would do your car really well too. So it's worth checking into.

That is weird about the 80% charge feature. I do wonder if it is buried somewhere and harder to find or if they really just eliminated the feature.

Found this thread about the 80% setting. Looks like it is gone and some say it's not an issue while others say it's an EPA thing. As its a lease for me, I'll probably just charge to 100% more often. It'll be interesting to see how this actually plays out down the road.

 

[FandR76]

Interesting thread that you found, thank you! Although the EPA theory is possible, I suppose, I doubt it. Nissan had some class action lawsuit filed by people in Arizona, and I doubt Nissan wants to repeat that experience, so if charging to 100% is detrimental to battery life they would still have the 80% feature. But we do know that battery technology, especially these lithium batteries, is advancing quickly. I'd bet that the new Leafs have batteries that can handle 100% without problems. Within reasonable heat range, of course. If it's really hot outside I'd avoid charging when possible, but sometimes life must go on, so damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! And as you say, you've got a lease, so any potential problems are many years removed from you. But for us who are buying for life, I wish I had an iPhone app.

 

[GnrlyMrly]

I leased a 2015 Leaf last month. My previous car was an Audi A3 so I was a bit hesitant to give up that performance. As others have mentioned, the Leaf is a joy to drive. I drive with it in Eco mode 95% of the time but when I do take it out of Eco mode it's almost scary with all the instance torque. If you've got a way to charge it frequently and can afford $250 a month, it's a no brainer. I got mine with the quick charge option for $0 down and $279 a month for 24 months. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you guys may have!

 

[Tilpots]

I leased a 2015 Leaf last month. My previous car was an Audi A3 so I was a bit hesitant to give up that performance. As others have mentioned, the Leaf is a joy to drive. I drive with it in Eco mode 95% of the time but when I do take it out of Eco mode it's almost scary with all the instance torque. If you've got a way to charge it frequently and can afford $250 a month, it's a no brainer. I got mine with the quick charge option for $0 down and $279 a month for 24 months. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you guys may have!

Congrats! I usually drive in B and Eco mode too. When I turn iff Eco, my daughter calls it Turbo. It feels like the takeoff on a roller coaster. Fun!