Plug-In Vehicles—Ready for Prime Time?: Page 4 of 4

As a 2012 Nissan Leaf owner with 13 months of operation, I would like to provide some feedback to your thoughtful article.
These factors should be measured before your purchase:
- As the battery ages, the range will decrease. How much depends on many factors, such as do you charge to 100% or 80% (80% better), less frequent charges (more frequent better), and temperature (West coast better, Arizona, in particular for high temp, and of course extreme cold temps (sub freezing temps). After an initial loss of about 10% after the first year, the loss is not as dramatic. The range loss can can add up to 30% by the end of its life.
Note: I have not seen a noticeable loss after 13 months of operation in the state of TN.
I suggest you calculate your range to/from work, allow for a lunch drive, and an after work drive (shopping). My calculation was 42 miles. I then went to the Nissan dealership to test drive that range, using a mix of city and interstate (75 MPH) driving. My results left me with a 37 mile range on my indicator (4 bars left out of 12).
- More frequent charges are healthier for the battery. Best to not have more than three bars of charge. The life of the battery will decease when near empty and fully charging.
- Use the 80% charge to increase the life by several years. The owners manual does not recommend more than one Fast Charge per day (too much, too fast)
Important note: I average 4.8 M/kWh(160 MPGe) summer/ 4.3 M/kWh (134 MPGe) winter. I used 34.02 kWh per gallon of gasoline in my calculations.

Corrections:
- A comparison of the Leaf to the Versa, is not a fair comparison. While the look of the body is similar, that is about it. The Leaf drives and handles like a premium car, ie Altima. The interior space of the Leaf, is far more than the Versa. However, the interior is smaller than the Altima in leg room and hip room.
I would suggest the comparison be more towards the Altima 2.5 SV, fully loaded at $25,000. A comparison to an economy car is not appropriate, as the Leaf is designed as a premium car, with all the bells and whistles. So the difference, after the incentives in my state, TN, is about $2,000. $4,000. in a state which offers no cash incentive. Not even close to $16,000. stated Test drive the Versa, then the Leaf, and you will see.

- Your article states a "maximum" range of 75 miles for the Leaf. This is not correct. Nissan touts 100 miles "average", and a "maximum" of 138 miles assuming all the best conditions; 38 MPH, temperature 70F, road condition level, no air conditioning or heat, and minimal accessories. The EPA provides a 75 mile "average" economy. This would be more accurate when using the AC or heat, and driving at interstate speeds. I see the 75 miles in range when using the interstate and AC for my commute. When I take the 40 MPH roads, my range increases significantly, due to less drag and more regenerative energy. As one would expect, my commute time increases by 5-10 minutes.

BTW, Nissan offers two years of free towing if you run out of juice, to help reduce range anxiety. They also provide two years of "Carwings" Satellite service where you can see details of your car's efficiency and use, and remote controls.
I have a Prius, in case of operating long distances. Guess how many times, in the last year, I have used the Prius to go to a location outside the range of the Leaf? A whopping "0" times!

Regards,
Joe