instead charge to 100% each time. So does that mean my battery pack will age prematurely, eventually making the car unsuitable for my daily needs? Well it’s really too early to tell. But what I am rather hoping is that it’ll take at least 5 years to find that out, and by then a replacement pack of the same size, maybe with more density (and therefore more effective range), will be available for only a fraction of what the OEM pack costs today. Even if it’s not, assuming the pack only degrades by a limited amount, I should still be able to accomplish what I need to do daily with only small inconveniences, like maybe recharging while parked at work during the day or maybe more use of the ECO mode. In any case, all that is just about
Photo Courtesy of Michael Walsh
the way I drive when I need to get to work and back. When I don’t have far to go, or even when I do have a distance to drive but know that there is going to be a proper charging opportunity at my destination (and by proper I mean 240 volts or better), I’m more inclined to have some fun, and am pleased to report that the LEAF is a more than capable adversary in fast flowing traffic. Which, truth be told, is the way I really prefer to drive it. So what’s the bottom line? Well, Nissan has delivered a fully electric and well equipped family hatchback, for not a massive amount of money when you consider how technologically advanced it is. It will meet the daily driving needs of most people as it stands right now, and even more when a robust
charging infrastructure is finally in place. Plus it’s fun to own and drive. Is it perfect? Not completely. Many think that it should have come with 6.6kW charging, which would mean recharging in half the time of the 3.3kW system Nissan eventually chose. And, of course, there are those who feel that the initial range claims were a bit disingenuous, and that Nissan should have built the car good for 100 miles under just about any driving conditions. All I can say for myself is that I’m thoroughly enjoying my time in the LEAF, and will continue to savor the experience of finally being able to have my very own electric vehicle. It’s been a long time coming for me, but was well worth the wait!
NOV/DEC 2011
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