Last week I did a test ride in the 2014 Nissan Leaf SL with Derek Parker of Leith Nissan in Apex, NC. What a great experience! Quiet, smooth, no gas or oil, and no emissions! Now that is green living!
During my visit, Derek discussed the pro's and con's of Leaf ownership and how many people purchase their Leaf as a second car and how it quickly becomes their primary car. Additionally, besides little to no upkeep, owners enjoy the savings of not having to pay for gas (charging the Leaf is estimated at about 1/4 the cost of a tank of gas currently).
On downside of ownership, the initial cost of investment can be rather steep (see cost below). The Nissan Leaf is not a sports car and it's range is limited to commuting less than 84 miles per charge and can vary depending on driving conditions and battery life. So the Leaf is not ready for long cross country trips or going faster than 90 miles an hour.
Cost
Currently, the cost of a Nissan Leaf ranges from $30,000 to $38,000. However, depending on your tax situation and your location you may be eligible for a $7500 tax deduction toward lease or purchase as well as additional state or local incentives. For more information, be sure to check out: http://www.pluginamerica.org/incentives
EPA Range Estimates for Nissan Leaf
2015 Leaf - 84 miles
2014 Leaf - 83 miles
2013 Leaf - 75 miles
2012 Leaf - 73 miles
2011 Leaf - 73 miles
Cool Features
On this particular Leaf, there are four cameras that create a bird's eye view as you are parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. The cameras are mounted on front, rear and each side mirror to create this illusion.
The shift for Reverse, Neutral and Drive settings is very similar to a mouse you would use for your computer.
There is very common sense layout of steering wheel and dash. The speedometer is right in line of driver's sight making it easy to know how fast you are going at all times.
Battery Life
The Leaf features Lithium-Ion battery packs that require an annual check up at a certified Leaf dealership. These types of batteries are known for their low maintenance, potential for higher capacities, expense to manufacture, and how they are affected by temperature fluctuations.
Every LEAF is covered by a New Vehicle Limited Warranty providing: 36-month/36,000-mile basic coverage (whichever occurs earlier); 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain and electric vehicle system coverage (whichever occurs earlier); and 96 months/100,000 miles Lithium-Ion Battery coverage (whichever occurs earlier).*
(*Nissan Leaf website)
Website Resources
Nissan Leaf Website
NC Clean Energy Technology Center EV Info Page
EPA Green Vehicle Guide
Autobloggreen.com
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Other Views of Leaf
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| Plug in panel at front of car |
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| Rear storage including Bose Speaker and charge cord carry case |
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| View of drivers seat from passenger side |
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Are you thinking about purchasing a Nissan Leaf or have more in depth questions? If so, my contact is Derek Parker at Leith Nissan in Cary, NC. His phone is 919-589-0029 and email is dparker@leithnissan.com Be sure to mention you saw this blog post or #GreenLivingwithDerek.
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Rick
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@apexgardner (Twitter)
http://apexlazydogblog.blogspot.com/
