I agree that an L3 would be very useful on the peninsula however, I think a couple of issues should be brought up here:
First, L3 does not promote hanging around to shop but L2 does. I think the PT business community would better support L2 locations with the knowledge that users would stick around to shop and enjoy what PT has to offer.
It is important to realize that L2, in that it keeps patrons around for a while, can be a problem if there aren't enough of them. I would hesitate to go to PT during the busy season if there was only a couple of L2 stations. With the growing number of Leaf's in Puget Sound, on a nice sunny warm weekend,
I would have to spend more time than I can afford waiting for a charge. In that regard, the L3 would be best—even at a premium hourly rate. Also, with L3 there is the distinct possibility that the charger will be used by those who are just "passing by" on the way to Sequim or Whidbey or beyond—further bogging down the charge schedules for those who actually want to spend time in PT.
Secondly, if L3 is considered, it should be realized that the cost for the underground and electrical work is much more than that required for and L2 installation. So yeah, the Nissan L3 sounds good but what is the end cost?
What's the solution? I think it might have to be a small sub-network of charging locations—perhaps an L3 should near the highway to satisfy those going further with the several L2s in DT PT to satisfy those who want to hang around.
However it ends, I too will be happy with anything and look forward to the day I can take the Leaf to PT.
GaslessInSeattle said:
I agree with Brad, even just one L3 would make it a real destination. L2 is nice for opportunity charging but not realistic for long distance refills. We'll be happy with anything, don't get me wrong, but L3 would be much better!
bradleygibson said:
Just a thought-- unfortunately, we'd need more than a couple hours on an L2 if one came in from Seattle and wanted to make it back...
Still, I love the thought of visiting the Peninsula with an EV.
Nissan offers a $10K L3 EVSE (or is planning to). I wonder how much support you'd get from the EV community toward the purchase and installation of one of these--if you are interested, try a posting on http://Kickstarter.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and letting folks know your plan by sending out the link to your initiative--I'd contribute to such an effort; I wonder if enough people would also do so to make it worthwhile?
You'd also enjoy a lot of press for being an early L3 adopter.
Just a couple of thoughts,
-Brad