Rapidly changing infrastructure updated
Based on a review of our most popular content, we seem to have a high level of interest in two things – LEAF availability and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. That said, we have updated our “How can I find a charging station for my LEAF?” article.
Right at the top of the article linked above, you will now find a highlighted box with links to five charge map locators. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but it does offer a pretty good place to start. Also, if you have a smart mobile phone – iPhone, Blackberry, Android or the like, likely there is an EV charging map app available. Search your app site for more info on that.
One other thing – not all Nissan stores seem to be offering the same LEAF charging policy. It may be worth a phone call or two prior to making your purchase commitment to a specific dealer to find out about their charge dock usage policy if you think that you may need to use their facilities. While Nissan (the parent company) has provided guidelines to the dealerships, each dealership is an individually owner operation and can set their own equipment usage policies.
I have 5400 miles on my LEAF in 99 days so far. The single biggest challenge for me, and I imagine plenty of other LEAF owners, is the lack of charging infrastructure. I live and work in the Los Angeles area and find the J1772 EVSE installations stagnant. Whether it’s Chargepoint or Blink or other private enterprises, the lack of expansion has hampered my ability to travel beyond the range of my own garage. It’s very frustrating. I have been fortunate to have level 2 charging at my work. Recently, I acquired an AVCON receptacle (very rare) and use a short length of cable to a J1772 plug to take advantage of the numerous legacy EVSEs still in service, which are very slow to being replaced. This adapter lends to better access across town to charge my car, often at better locations like malls, etc. I personally have never used the Nissan dealership EVSEs because they are usually located in areas where sitting around a showroom floor just isn’t goinna happen…
Tom, thanks for the feedback. Also, it sounds like you are exactly the kind of driver that would have been able to benefit by a 6.6 kilowatt (kw) onboard charger, vs. the 3.3 kw charger that Nissan chose for the model year 2011 and 2012 LEAFs. Many of us simply do not drive enough to need the extra opportunity charging capabilities offered with the faster onboard system, but clearly, many would benefit. Naturally, all improvements come at a cost. We would need to research the cost factor, but it seems that Nissan may want to study their market very closely over these first couple of years to determine whether the additional cost would be willing to be borne by the addition of this feature. Our guess is that when production of the (what will likely be the) 2013 model begins in Smyrna, TN, we will see the inclusion of the 6.6kw unit.
Yes…a faster onboard charger would be my preference. But you do need access to the juice around town…
In time, Tom… in time.