bobsfreeleaf :
First, congrats on the new LEAF. And thanks for sharing the photos. I am really impressed with the interior; so much more nice than the 2012. My ICE has black leather interior and I wish now that I had waited a few months to lease my LEAF and I could have picked up a 2013.
Anyway, I have been trickle charging my LEAF as my sole charging source since I got it in December 2012. I use the Panasonic unit that came with the car - and I employ a 25' 10AWG extension cord for convenience when i need to pick up a few extra KWh while parked at work. I do that maybe once a week or so. Generally, I have no problem getting to work and back home. It's a 50-mile round trip commute. I have been experimenting with my drives; watching the dash-meters, setting trip timers, and checking carwings a lot lately...
My commute is in the Upstate area of South Carolina, cool winter weather, no snow, moderate hill, conservative driving habits. I have two choices for my commute and have been testing them for efficiency ; (1) 49 miles of interstate @ 63mph + 1 mile of side roads at 45mph. Results are averaging ~3.8 miles/KWh, trip time is 30 minutes. Leave the house on 80% charge, return home with one bar.
(2) 50 miles of side roads @ 45mph. Results are ~4.3 miles/KWh, trip time is 40 minutes. Leave the house on 80% charge, return home with two bars.
Two months into my LEAF driving and I am finally free of any range anxiety. Also, I have plenty of time at night to charge on L1 to 100% if I choose to. And I do occasionally.
An important Note is that there are many many variables and so its really impossible to compare two different LEAF driver's results.
While I do not have a NEED for L2 charging, I am interested in having that option. So, here is what I did...
Found a brand new, unused, un-opened Panasonic L1 unit, still in the wrapper and in the black case, for sale on EBay. I purchased that unit (got it yesterday) and I am going to send it in for the EVSE Upgrade.
My understanding, based on the smart people here on this forum, is that i should expect an increase in my charging efficiency going from L1 (~85% eff.) to L2 (~87% - 90% eff.) and since the charge time is less, it will equate to less charging cost for me. Not much, but every little bit helps.
As you are the owner of a 2013 LEAF, please keep us posted on how everything works out for you!