Turning Over A New LEAF
“What do you mean “Get out!”? I want this car now!”
Back on April 20, 2010, I placed my reservation order for a Nissan LEAF – the first 100% electric mass-produced car in the world. Yes, back in the beginning of the automobile, there were more electric cars on the road than gasoline-powered cars. But this is the first by a major car manufacturer and I’m excited to eventually own one. My estimated delivery date is August 2011.
At the end of our California Disneyland trip in October, we drove from Orange County into Century City (near Los Angeles) so I could be one of the first to test drive the LEAF.
Visual LEAF
Before I go into my excitement of the test drive, let me give you a quick photo tour of the LEAF on display.
The back of the silver LEAF
The engine and charging plug
The roomy back seat
Lots of room in the hatchback
Main panel that shows charging stats
the simple gearshift
the navigation and radio console
I didn’t get a photo that showed the navigation console, but the above screen – when driving – shows maps, where you are at, all of the GPS coordinates and other details about the car. It’s really quite detailed.
Charging Station
the charging station that gets installed at your home
The above photo shows what one of the charging stations looks like that you install in your garage. It’s about $2200 installed and some states offer to pay for half that cost. A full charge with one of these 220 volt babies takes about 8 hours. The LEAF can go about 100 miles on a charge, which is more than what I drive in three days. You can also charge it with a standard 110 volt outlet, but at double the charge time.
It’s Drive Time
They are waiting for us eager drivers
This is it. My first time driving a LEAF. I was excited to get behind the wheel. We were able to actually take it out on the road [couldn’t video the drive, for obvious reasons]. Basically, it was out on Santa Monica Blvd and circled around the mall and back. The feel of the car was like any other car. Acceleration was quick and powerful. I was able to pass a car and merge into traffic without any hesitation. I felt empowered while driving the LEAF. Turning and handling was exact and no feeling like I was hampered in any way, shape or form. If I was hooked just reading about this car, the drive sealed the deal.
the only photo I took while driving the car
I got a little sad having to bring the car back. I wanted to drive it more and further, but alas the Nissan guy in the passenger seat told me he would have to hurt me if I did that. I tried to explain how Kramer did it in that Seinfeld episode, but he was having none of it, even if he did chuckle a bit.
Another view of the charge panel on the dashboard
I Want One Now
How excited am I to get a LEAF now? Very excited. But even though I was one of the first 20,000 on the reserved list, I don’t live in one of the five states that are getting the LEAF first [California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Tennessee]. I talked to several people both at the test drive event and online and am told by August of 2011 I should be able to pick up my LEAF. I ordered the silver SL model, which adds the ability to do a quick 30 minute charge, bringing the battery up to 80% capacity.
So what’s all this going to cost? Before any tax breaks or incentive dollars, the LEAF is $33,000. Pretty pricey for a simple car, but it’s so worth it to me. To be on the cutting edge of a new form of transportation.
My wife, myself and my daughter – all smiles after a test drive in the LEAF
I can’t wait.
About The Author
Some early congratulations, Marty!
Thanks. Patiently waiting till August.
Yes but can you park in a tiny Old Sacramento spot without scratching it? 😉
HA! Oh, I’m sure it would fit just fine… *snicker*
I am so excited for you! August seems far away but time always passes so quickly that it will be here before you know it (my daughter and I just had a discussion about that dumb phrase “before you know it”…if it means quicker than you expect, why wouldn’t people just say that?)
Yes, before I know it, it will be August.
Nice ride!
It is a pretty cool car.
This makes me very happy. The price doesn’t seem outrageous, especially if it saves gas money. Do you know about how much it costs to fully charge compared to filling up a comparable gas tank?
I think cost wise to fully charge it is around $3, based on average electricity costs and if a lot of that charging happens at night when the per kilowatt cost is lower.
That’s cool. I’m sure you’d still save money in the long run as I can’t imagine the increase in your electric bill would be *that* much compared with what you’re saving every month not having to buy gas.
Now, if only you could get an electric Scutah 😉
I don’t think the increase will be largely significant. And the savings in gas will be nice.
I am so so so so excited for you. I wish you didn’t have to wait so long!
Are you going to install one of those chargers in your garage? You have to, right?
Yep. The charger installation will be part of the whole process. Very excited.
So if we hold bLEGOcon in SLC, will you give us all rides?
Oh for sure. We may have to charge it before the end of the day, but everyone rides for free.
Nice, I really like the Leaf and think it has great potential. Another car I had not heard of before just the other day is the Aptera, I guess they are having problems getting it approved a car since it only has three wheels, but it can reach up to 350 miles per charge. And the best part is you can plug it straight into a regular old 110 outlet (220 option is available for faster charging as well). I can’t wait to see this Leaf in action though…..
I thought I had heard of that car when you mentioned it.
http://www.aptera.com/
I can see the approval taking longer due to the 3 wheels. The LEAF also has the option of charging from any 110 outlet, just longer charge times. I will be seeing the LEAF again this week in Vegas.