SteveInSeattle
Well-known member
The Leaf is not, and was never intended for all consumers. Period. It will appeal to many, but how many is unknowable at this stage. A lot of that will depend on reputation for dependability. It is the perfect car for me-- I am not defensive if you say it isn't for you.
Clearly if range technology improves the target market will widen. Adding more batteries at the current weight and cost makes no sense.
People are emotional about their decisions-- psychology has identified this for decades. Cognitive Dissonance theory predicts that if I chose the Leaf I will distort my perception and want to think more highly of it after that decision. An example is if I rate the leaf about 51/49 over the Focus EV-- but then buy the Leaf-- my rating is likely to go much higher after I make that choice and it will now be 80/20, for example.
On the other hand, we all know what forum behavior is like-- so we should take the highly emotional posts in stride.
And my final thought is this: I met a guy at the Seattle meet-up a few months ago who was planning an 85 mile R/T daily. If I had an 85 mile commute every day I am pretty certain I would NOT consider a Leaf. Even if it can handle that now, and that is not clear, with expected battery degredation he will soon reach a point where range is no longer adequate. And, if it wasn't for all of the push and pull on this issue I am not sure that would be obvious.
Clearly if range technology improves the target market will widen. Adding more batteries at the current weight and cost makes no sense.
People are emotional about their decisions-- psychology has identified this for decades. Cognitive Dissonance theory predicts that if I chose the Leaf I will distort my perception and want to think more highly of it after that decision. An example is if I rate the leaf about 51/49 over the Focus EV-- but then buy the Leaf-- my rating is likely to go much higher after I make that choice and it will now be 80/20, for example.
On the other hand, we all know what forum behavior is like-- so we should take the highly emotional posts in stride.
And my final thought is this: I met a guy at the Seattle meet-up a few months ago who was planning an 85 mile R/T daily. If I had an 85 mile commute every day I am pretty certain I would NOT consider a Leaf. Even if it can handle that now, and that is not clear, with expected battery degredation he will soon reach a point where range is no longer adequate. And, if it wasn't for all of the push and pull on this issue I am not sure that would be obvious.