Statistics:
Picked up: 1/27/2012
Report Date: 2/27/2012
Miles: 1,027 miles
Average Speed: 33.9 MPH
Elapsed Time: 30.1 Hours
3.4 miles/kWh
Estimated cost savings over Subaru WRX: $72
EVSE: Life on a the trickle charger was OK. There were 2-3 times when we got home too late to charge for the next morning's commute. Also a hassle to pack and unpack the trickle cord. Have had the GE WattStation for a week or so now, and it is nice. Sort of large and pricey, like most, but figured the 30 amps might come in handy some day.
RANGE: When we ordered the Leaf we knew that our commute would be near the practical limit. The roundtrip without any errands is 44 miles with all but 8 miles or so on the Interstate at 75mph. If only the workplace were more accommodating, there would be less range anxiety.
AM Commute: Most mornings were cold (10-25F) with an elevation loss of 1,000'. Generally took three bars to get to work. Loved the heated steering wheel and the ability to pre-warm from the charger.
PM Commute: Coming hope was warmer (20-35F), but had to climb back up the hill. Generally took about 5 bars, but somehow there was an additional bar or two gone, generally leaving 2-3 bars.
LIKES:
Traction control worked great. I am spoiled by Subaru AWD, but I had no trouble getting around. Much better than older front-wheel drive cars without traction control.
Steering wheel heater! I want to add this to all of my vehicles!
Seating for five, headroom, bluetooth for multiple phones.
Smooth, brisk acceleration.
The power/regen meter is OK.
Brakes and regeneration seem to transition smoothly.
Quiet. Smooth and quiet.
DISLIKES
Dashboard/instrumentation: Too many distractions and not enough ability to customize.
I would like to set a default screen (I like the energy consumption screen).
I knew I would hate the digital speedometer, but it is worse than I had feared. Give me a needle.
I don't like the prominence of the tree counter. A kWh remaining would be way more useful. Hide the tree in a center screen menu.
Climate control. I want to control the climate! Sometimes I just want a vent.
You can download your handset phone list, but only save five.
Expensive
WEIRD
Body styling. Would prefer something less distinctive and it seems like my Subaru has loads more cargo space on a similar wheelbase.
Nav system/XM Radio in a car that only goes 100 miles on a good day? Would have preferred the Level 2 EVSE included instead.
The little amber light in the ceiling that comes on with the headlights. I guess it illuminates the shifter?
Picked up: 1/27/2012
Report Date: 2/27/2012
Miles: 1,027 miles
Average Speed: 33.9 MPH
Elapsed Time: 30.1 Hours
3.4 miles/kWh
Estimated cost savings over Subaru WRX: $72
EVSE: Life on a the trickle charger was OK. There were 2-3 times when we got home too late to charge for the next morning's commute. Also a hassle to pack and unpack the trickle cord. Have had the GE WattStation for a week or so now, and it is nice. Sort of large and pricey, like most, but figured the 30 amps might come in handy some day.
RANGE: When we ordered the Leaf we knew that our commute would be near the practical limit. The roundtrip without any errands is 44 miles with all but 8 miles or so on the Interstate at 75mph. If only the workplace were more accommodating, there would be less range anxiety.
AM Commute: Most mornings were cold (10-25F) with an elevation loss of 1,000'. Generally took three bars to get to work. Loved the heated steering wheel and the ability to pre-warm from the charger.
PM Commute: Coming hope was warmer (20-35F), but had to climb back up the hill. Generally took about 5 bars, but somehow there was an additional bar or two gone, generally leaving 2-3 bars.
LIKES:
Traction control worked great. I am spoiled by Subaru AWD, but I had no trouble getting around. Much better than older front-wheel drive cars without traction control.
Steering wheel heater! I want to add this to all of my vehicles!
Seating for five, headroom, bluetooth for multiple phones.
Smooth, brisk acceleration.
The power/regen meter is OK.
Brakes and regeneration seem to transition smoothly.
Quiet. Smooth and quiet.
DISLIKES
Dashboard/instrumentation: Too many distractions and not enough ability to customize.
I would like to set a default screen (I like the energy consumption screen).
I knew I would hate the digital speedometer, but it is worse than I had feared. Give me a needle.
I don't like the prominence of the tree counter. A kWh remaining would be way more useful. Hide the tree in a center screen menu.
Climate control. I want to control the climate! Sometimes I just want a vent.
You can download your handset phone list, but only save five.
Expensive
WEIRD
Body styling. Would prefer something less distinctive and it seems like my Subaru has loads more cargo space on a similar wheelbase.
Nav system/XM Radio in a car that only goes 100 miles on a good day? Would have preferred the Level 2 EVSE included instead.
The little amber light in the ceiling that comes on with the headlights. I guess it illuminates the shifter?