Chicagoland area

[redLEAF]

I talked with a person in charge of the Illinois rebates. The rebate does NOT apply to leases, only purchases. You get a 10% rebate on the MSRP of the vehicle without any accessories or options included. The rebate will not exceed $4000, which our MSRP for the Leaf shouldn't hit anyway. She said that the rebate is still in force, but payments may be processed later and later due to the state's financial problems. You can currently expect to wait about 6 months from the time you file your paperwork to get the rebate.

I hope that is helpful. The Illinois rebate nudged me in my decision to buy rather than lease.

Confirms what I got back from IL EPA contact via email above -- if you read on their site no where does it mention leases being excluded but rather it uses the term 'purchase' several times so this clarifies it -- I'm going to try one more approach with another IL EPA contact as you may know that in IL when you lease a car, you pay for the entire transaction's (purchase price versus trade if any) sales tax, not just the sales tax on the lease 'value' like in other states so why wouldn't the rebate also cover leases? This seems logical but never know in IL, especially with the financial condition we're in ... if this other contact confirms purchases only I'll post it here as well.

 

[redLEAF]

I got an email opening up my dashboard for quotes just minutes after talking to CS about my Home Assessment tab not working.

There are still issues. It seems that the assessment form chokes on Discover cards (I called Discover and they said they didn't even see the request coming through), but works fine with Master Card.

Anyway, long story short:

2012 Red LEAF SL
Assessment scheduled for September 19th
Quote requested from Libertyville Import Center



Ammana just called me back about my quote (Customer Relations - Internet Sales)
I told her I would be stopping by the dealership on Tuesday for scheduled maintenance of my VW Beetle.
She said I should meet with Jeff Bogdala (Nissan Product Specialist) while I am there.

Let us know if they go below list price, doubtful I know but you never know, my own assessment is scheduled for 9/9/11; not sure if I will ask for a waiver on this whole 240V 'charger' but as cancelling the appointment does something funny to my 'order', I put in the request back in, having the ability to faster charges would mostly be nice to have as we won't be driving many miles per day (we have other vehicles for longer distances) but I can see Nissan being insistent that you need one.

 

[redLEAF]

I talked with a person in charge of the Illinois rebates. The rebate does NOT apply to leases, only purchases. You get a 10% rebate on the MSRP of the vehicle without any accessories or options included. The rebate will not exceed $4000, which our MSRP for the Leaf shouldn't hit anyway. She said that the rebate is still in force, but payments may be processed later and later due to the state's financial problems. You can currently expect to wait about 6 months from the time you file your paperwork to get the rebate.

I hope that is helpful. The Illinois rebate nudged me in my decision to buy rather than lease.

Confirms what I got back from IL EPA contact via email above -- if you read on their site no where does it mention leases being excluded but rather it uses the term 'purchase' several times so this clarifies it -- I'm going to try one more approach with another IL EPA contact as you may know that in IL when you lease a car, you pay for the entire transaction's (purchase price versus trade if any) sales tax, not just the sales tax on the lease 'value' like in other states so why wouldn't the rebate also cover leases? This seems logical but never know in IL, especially with the financial condition we're in ... if this other contact confirms purchases only I'll post it here as well.

Well the jury may still be out on this issue ... feedback from the Manager of IEPA:

Mary’s answer is correct. The Alternate Fuels Act does refer to eligibility based on the “purchase” of the alternate fuel vehicle, and the rebate shall go to the “owner.” However, I am asking the question again to our legal department.

Darwin Burkhart, Manager
Clean Air Programs
Division of Mobile Source Programs
Illinois EPA


From: xxx
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 10:56 AM
To: Burkhart, Darwin J.
Subject: FW: IL incentive -- is Nissan LEAF eligible?

Mr. Burkhart,

Do you agree as well on the exclusion of leased EV's as per Mary Cruse's comments below?

The only reason I'm following up is that as I've leased cars in IL in the past and the state requires you to pay sales tax on the full purchase value of the car versus taxing just on the value of the lease, I would have thought that similarly the IL EPA would include leased cars.

I also looked over the form that I would fill out to request a rebate and it doesn't state specifically that leased cars are excluded so I wanted the right interpretation before deciding on whether to lease or buy the car outright.

My only concern is of course this technology is so new I'm a bit hesitant to purchase the vehicle but do not want to be excluded from this great incentive if leasing is indeed excluded.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best regards,

xxx

 

[redLEAF]

Nissan LEAF comes to Chicago !!!

Just got the email -- looks like it will be at Soldier Field (by the lake front):

*drive electric tour dates and hours may vary from those of the event/venue dates and hours.
Friday, August 26: 9am-8pm
Saturday, August 27: 9am-8pm
Sunday, August 28: 8am-4pm

address
East Museum Parking Lot
1252 South Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

the drive electric tour will be located in the East Museum Parking lot located just north of Soldier Field off of Museum Campus Drive.

parking: ‘drive electric tour’ guests should park in the Soldier Field North Garage, standard parking rates apply.

Instructions: If you exit Lake Shore Drive at 18th Street, turn east after exiting and follow the road just past Soldier Field on the left will be the entrance to the North Garage. If you exit off Lake Shore Drive and head east on McFetridge Drive take a right at Museum Campus Drive; the entrance to the North Garage will be the next available right turn. Note signage on the street to guide them.

public transportation options
CTA Bus Routes 130 & 146 have stops on Museum Campus.

https://drivenissanleaf.com/event/eventdetails.aspx?eid=9

 

[chijayhawker]

I've reserved my drive time for the Leaf tour at Soldier Field for Saturday, the 27th, morning at 9 - hopefully see some of you there. I've sent my request for quote to Steve Berman, the Leaf specialist, at Bill Kay's Nissan, Downer's Grove. He called me back very quickly and seemed quite aware of the whole process. I didn't have much time to talk to him, but he's saying he can't give me a price quote until I have the home assessment done, which I'm a little concerned about as I am anticipating that he's not going to work with me on the price - I'm a pessimist. I've arranged my home assessment towards the end of September. Knowing now that the IL rebate doesn't apply to leases might change my whole plan and I might have to back out. Plus news about my employeer yesterday didn't necessarily make me think I should getting myself into another financial obligation, regardless of type, so there might be an orphan Leaf sooner than later in our area. I've also got a thing for the Cayenne red...

 

[redLEAF]

I've reserved my drive time for the Leaf tour at Soldier Field for Saturday, the 27th, morning at 9 - hopefully see some of you there. I've sent my request for quote to Steve Berman, the Leaf specialist, at Bill Kay's Nissan, Downer's Grove. He called me back very quickly and seemed quite aware of the whole process. I didn't have much time to talk to him, but he's saying he can't give me a price quote until I have the home assessment done, which I'm a little concerned about as I am anticipating that he's not going to work with me on the price - I'm a pessimist. I've arranged my home assessment towards the end of September. Knowing now that the IL rebate doesn't apply to leases might change my whole plan and I might have to back out. Plus news about my employeer yesterday didn't necessarily make me think I should getting myself into another financial obligation, regardless of type, so there might be an orphan Leaf sooner than later in our area. I've also got a thing for the Cayenne red...

chijayhawker -- I signed up for 10:30 am on the same day so may just miss you -- as long as you have the 'home assessment' scheduled on the Nissan site he should be able to provide you a quote -- my 'preferred' dealer has already and my assessment isn't until 9/9 -- doubtful the quote would be below list but you never know. I'm reading with interest on other threads within this forum about the whole thing with how much AV charges for these fast charge connectors (scheduled through Nissan) and may eventually ask for a waiver to just use the trickle charge cord that comes with the car based on how we plan to use the LEAF. Verdict is still out on the lease/buy IL rebate but knowing lawyers, it will probably be limited to just purchases -- we both would have at least 60 to 90 days until the car came in so perhaps this will change in our favor as I would lean towards a lease due to how new the tech is on these -- sorry to hear about your employer but these are still uncertain times besides the fact that the state of IL is broke as well --

 

[bigtlb]

Nissan LEAF comes to Chicago !!!

Just got the email -- looks like it will be at Soldier Field (by the lake front):

...

Thanks for the notice! I didn't get an email, but was very interested.

I signed up for Saturday at 11:00am.

 

[bigtlb]

My order has been confirmed!

Liberty Imports

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1114&p=117800#p117800

No Discounts

Chicago tax of 9% is going to hurt.

 

[redLEAF]

My order has been confirmed!

Liberty Imports

http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1114&p=117800#p117800

No Discounts

Chicago tax of 9% is going to hurt.

Congrats, especially the color choice; on a side note I'm checking on the 'how to' with IL SOS on registration as in IL they have a special EV plate (has an 'EL' suffix) as the 2-year fee is only $35 versus the $99 annual for 'standard' passenger plates it's yet another incentive that IL has put into place (besides the 10% MSRP rebate) for EV's. I've also asked if they offer it as a vanity plate but still as there is only a few hundred (at most, a few Tesla's and conversions) EV's in IL it will be a low number series. I doubt the series has gone above '400 EL' but could be wrong.

 

[bigtlb]

... I'm checking on the 'how to' with IL SOS on registration as in IL they have a special EV plate (has an 'EL' suffix) as the 2-year fee is only $35 versus the $99 annual for 'standard' passenger plates ...

Let us know any details and 'how to's you find out!

 

[dutchinchicago]

What is everyone thinking about doing for charging infrastructure. I was planning to use the nissan recommended installed and have schedules an assessment but doing some research I have been reading some bad things about them.

They seem to be charging ridiculous installation prices.

I need to install the charger inside my garage on the opposite wall from where my electricity panel is. I have plenty of free slots in the panel. My garage is finished to the wiring needs to go behind the dry wall. My wife did some google searches and she found many people being charged north of $5000.

What are the alternatives in Chicago if the Nissan quote turns out to be ridiculous?

 

[LeafinThePark]

What is everyone thinking about doing for charging infrastructure. I was planning to use the nissan recommended installed and have schedules an assessment but doing some research I have been reading some bad things about them.

They seem to be charging ridiculous installation prices.

I need to install the charger inside my garage on the opposite wall from where my electricity panel is. I have plenty of free slots in the panel. My garage is finished to the wiring needs to go behind the dry wall. My wife did some google searches and she found many people being charged north of $5000.

What are the alternatives in Chicago if the Nissan quote turns out to be ridiculous?

There are alternatives...if you look in the EVSE/charging equipment forum you will find plenty of options. I am only familiar with the ClipperCreek charger, which I know would be very straightforward to wire in your garage. At last check it was selling for $995

I would think you could get an electrician to come out and run wire (you will likely need at least 10 gauge wire...8 would give you more options to upgrade in the future). You will to put in a 2 pole breaker in the panel and have a box installed on the other end. The charger than is tied into this box. I would be surprised if it came in over $1000 for the installation.

 

[redLEAF]

I've been researching this topic on this forum and elsewhere; I've also signed up for the $100 assessment (otherwise would not have been able to order the car, and besides I'm curious enough to see what the AV-related quote comes in at) and may simply ask for a waiver from Nissan to use the trickle charger in the short term -- we have multiple cars and don't at least initially have the need to do an entire recharge overnight. Our garage has the main electrical box on the back wall and it has space for another 40 AMP breaker as well as a short run along one wall where we could mount the 'charger' appliance so perhaps not as complex as yours -- I happen to like Ford's approach on its plug in model for the upcoming Focus EV (not excited about using Geek Squad as installers but the price is right). We had upgraded our electrical service years ago from 100 to 200 AMP (as well as have the electrician run a 240V outlet for the electric dryer, reason for the upgrade in service) so I think going the route of a 'plug in' appliance unit is probably the best way to go over a 'hard wired' unit that would need to stay with the house if we moved. Now as to what specific unit and/or electrician, none decided yet but as we both have at least 3 to 4 months now would be a good time to check further -- one thing you may also want to do ahead of time (if you haven't already) is check with alternate electrical service companies in getting a fixed rate over ComEd's variable rates -- mine is locked into 6.6 cents/KwH for the next 18 months.

 

[davewill]

I've been researching this topic on this forum and elsewhere; I've also signed up for the $100 assessment (otherwise would not have been able to order the car, and besides I'm curious enough to see what the AV-related quote comes in at) and may simply ask for a waiver from Nissan to use the trickle charger in the short term...

You may as well ask for the waiver. AV adds a HUGE amount to every install quote. Even prewired installs come in at $2200. Much better to buy an EVSE (lots of choices in the equipment section, the SPX Power Express and EVSE Upgrade are the cheapest choices) and have the install done by a local electrician.

 

[redLEAF]

Special request to IL future LEAF owners ... I've tried several times to call the IL SOS Vehicle Services Division today (perhaps Fridays are just busy) and am constantly getting a busy signal (number is (217) 557-0717) in order to get the scoop on how to take advantage of the reduced plate fees (they are $18/yr or $35/ 2 years for 'EL' suffix plates versus standard $99/yr for ICE's) as well as ask if they offer a vanity plate option -- may possibly drop in to a SOS facility but thought I would put this out there in case someone has been successful in getting through -- granted the car is still at least 3 to 4 months away for us but expect to get this aspect, the 'charger' and the IL rebate question addressed well ahead of when the car arrives. I'm sure if I went into a Currency Exchange (yes, we in IL have a different way to get our plates here) they would say something like they don't make them, etc., etc. and it's doubtful the dealer's are quite prepared (although they may surprise us). I'll try again between 8am and 10am and 2pm and 4pm (as per a prerecorded message on the main number) but perhaps someone else will get lucky and post it here. Ahh, understaffed government offices, got to love them!

 

[bigtlb]

I've tried several times to call the IL SOS Vehicle Services Division today...

Any luck on getting information redLeaf?

Also, has anyone been able to find out about any discounts for city stickers?

So far, in reading the current Chicago municipal code, I can only find a reduced price city sticker for NEVs. I guess that means I will be stuck buying the regular $75 sticker.



Maybe we should start a list of city sticker prices?

 

[bigtlb]

Just for the record:

“Electric Vehicle Plates”
625 ILCS 5/3-805
Effective Date: 07/21/2010
Public Act: 96-1135 House Bill: 4717
Synopsis:
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the owner of a motor vehicle of the second
division weighing 8,000 pounds or less propelled by an electric engine and not utilizing motor fuel,
may register the motor vehicle for a fee not to exceed $35 for a 2-year registration period.

 

[redLEAF]

Just for the record:

“Electric Vehicle Plates”
625 ILCS 5/3-805
Effective Date: 07/21/2010
Public Act: 96-1135 House Bill: 4717
Synopsis:
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the owner of a motor vehicle of the second
division weighing 8,000 pounds or less propelled by an electric engine and not utilizing motor fuel,
may register the motor vehicle for a fee not to exceed $35 for a 2-year registration period.

No question that it's law, the question is how one goes about getting it -- nowhere on the SOS IL site does it even mention this other than showing a picture of the 'EL' plate -- was away late last week (again) so will try contacting this week -- Nissan updated my delivery page to indicate my Red SL will be coming during the month of November (+/- 15 days) so still have plenty of time

 

[chijayhawker]

Thanks for the info about the cheaper plates. Didn't know about that one. Anyone else dealing with Bill Kay Nissan? I was called Friday night by the dealership, and they were supposed to call me some time over the weekend to discuss the quote, but they never did (of course I didn't call them either, but whatever). Just curious if they are trying to sell to anyone else over MSRP.

I was curious to see how many are attending the Drive tour at Soldier Field. I'm going to be there early on Saturday.

 

[bigtlb]

redLeaf, thanks for your efforts with DMV. I just wanted to post the statute information to make it easier for others to reference.

Also, I decided to follow up with Chicago to make sure I didn't miss anything in my reading of the municipal code and vehicle stickers.

So, I sent an e-mail to the city clerk:

Unfortunately, not at this time. There was legislation submitted a few months ago by 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno regarding hybrid type vehicles and associated sticker fees, but nothing has been passed as of today (8/15).

Thank you.

Office of Chicago City Clerk

BTW: My estimated delivery date is still pending.

Hope to see something soon.