Thinking of buying an EV, been thinking of it for a long time. Just started test driving some of the models out there, considering the Leaf. Will use it for my daily commute during the week. Most important question is will it do the job for me throughout the year? My daily commute is 50 miles, 80% on a major highway. Pretty much flat terrain in the Sacramento area. High temps in the summer 105+, cold temps this winter down to around 28F, but more often in the 40's with windy rain. Will the Leaf get me to and from work every day throughout the year without any problems? I'm currently driving a Prius for this commute and my max and min MPG figures vary by 20%, with a high of 58 MPG and a low of 46, and MPG totally dependent on weather. If I assume 75 mile range for the Leaf (I drive easy, no lead foot), would it be reasonable to estimate I'd be getting a range of around 65+ miles in the winter months during bad driving conditions and upwards of 80 miles under ideal conditions? Or is that overly optimistic? I have to pick up my kids on the way home from work and don't want to ever worry about running out of charge on the way home during the cold, windy, rainy days we get during the winter months here in northern CA.
Thanks for any feedback!
Thanks for any feedback!