Today, I have been going back and forth about a number of different topics that I wanted to write about. I spent some time reading some posts in a forum that I hang out in. And I posted some replies there in response to some of the things that I read. But, mostly, it made me think about something that has been missing on my blog. Interactivity.
As anyone can see from looking at my posts, Living LEAF was started up just about a month ago or so. I have actually been pretty pleased with the readership that we’ve gained in this time. And while we have received some comments from some of our readers, my hope was that this would be a more interactive site. I have thought of incorporating a forum (and may still at some point in the future), but the comment facility certainly provides for a certain level of interactivity. So this is where you come in.
What do you want to know about the Nissan LEAF?
My idea in creating the site was this – I have a reservation on the Nissan LEAF, and I know others that also have reservations on the LEAF. But I have never owned an electric vehicle before. Where can we go to find reliable information? I wanted Living LEAF to be a source of reliable information, not internet scuttlebutt. But… I only know what I am interested in about this all new car. What are you interested in? This is your opportunity to let us know. We will keep this post on our home page and give you an opportunity to tell us what you are looking for about this great new car as it gets closer to ordering time for some of us. The last I heard, August orders will happen the last week of August (the 27th or 28th as I recall).
The Nissan LEAF is an exciting vehicle, with great potential. But there is also a lot that we don’t know. So what can we do to help you in your search for information about the LEAF?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Leaf Guy,
I have been reading your posts for about a month, so I must have stumbled on to your site as you were getting started. I find the sight to be very informative and valuable. Thanks and keep the information coming.
Here is one thing I am concerned about. In the San Jose Mercury News over the weekend, they ran a small article stating that electric cars were not a good vehicle to purchase since they would depreciate faster than a vehicle with a gas engine. The cars with gas engines will run for 10 plus years where the electric car will only last at most 8 years and cost $11,000 to replace the battery. Since I take very good care of my cars, I figured that after 8 years, getting a “new” car for only $11,000 with updated battery technology was a bargain. What are your thoughts?
John P
Great observation. Look for my post!
Dear Ernie, (Leaf Guy),
I like your site because it does attempt to, and most often does, get answers to LEAF questions from people who seem to know. I find this refreshing. I belong to another LEAF website which I like and I use it for interactivity. I tend to look to your site for insite into issues and more thoroughly researched topics and answers. Keep up the good work!
Frank:
Welcome to Living LEAF! And thank you for your kind comments. As I often say to my wife “The Google is a wonderful thing!” Too often though, when we go out and search, our findings leave us just more confused due to the lack of well researched information. I appreciate your confidence in our abilities to bring you useful information. We’ll do our best to continue in that vein.
I like to see some UPDATED information on the state and local incentives associated with lease or purchase of a Nissan LEAF.
Specifically, I am in Arizona and the HOV Access has great appeal.
The Nissan reference to the HOV Access Incentiveexpired on July 1, 2010.
What is the currrent status of this access.
The Registration Tax Incentive is still in place (quite substantial).
The use of Car Pool parking is still in place.
The use of HOV Lanes is confusing, at the moment.
SilverLEAF, Welcome to Living LEAF! Let me do some digging and see what I can find out for you.
I also really appreciate this site. The information you’ve provided seems to be based upon diligent research, and contains more facts and fewer opinions.
I believe you live near me in North County SD; so….let’s make an agreement: whichever one of us gets his car first will contact the other, so we can take a look at it & share info. It looks more and more as though mine won’t be in hand until March/April. Mine will be a red SL.
Neil, I think you’ve got a deal!
How about an article on the cost of SDG&E rates to charge a Leaf. The cost appears to be very high relative to other areas of the country. Why are rates higher in San Diego? Also what is the best strategy with respect to charging the Leaf. Wait until it has little left or constantly top it off. Or something in the middle of these two approaches. If you use a level 3 charger, should one not charge it to 80% but somethig less to promote the health of the battery.
I have a couple of questions about the Leaf that I have not seen answers to yet.
The battery warranty was recently announced as 8 years/100k miles, but what is the warranty on the rest of the car?
The 0-60mph acceleration time is rumored to be around 10-11 seconds (not so great). However, I’ve read that the 0-40mph acceleration on the Leaf is excellent (it levels off after that). So what is the time it takes to accelerate 0-40mph and how does that compare to other vehicles on the road now?
What do you have to do to get one of those free chargers that Ecotality and the other companies are supposedly giving away? Is that only going to be available in California or will they be giving these away in other areas as well?
Hi Grant, and welcome to Living LEAF! Nissan has not announced what the warranty is on any aspect of the LEAF other than the battery yet. With first orders coming up the end of this month, we should know soon.
While Nissan has released no acceleration numbers, this video gives a glimpse. Notice that the driver had to correct his steering input on pulling into the road. That would imply that initial acceleration was stronger than he expected. Nissan has said 0-30 MPH performance is equivalent to a V6 Internal Combustion Engine (ICE).
The EV Project is the source of the free home charging stations. They have agreed to provide 1,000 free home charging stations in each of these five initial launch markets – Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Phoenix/Tucson, and some cities in Tennessee. More information is available at their site. If interested in applying for the program, click the “Sign Up” link.