HXGuy said:
[My breakdown over 6 days looked like this...
5/14/2012 46.4
5/15/2012 33.8
5/16/2012 11.4
5/17/2012 74.2
5/18/2012 38.1
5/19/2012 59.7
The more I think about it though, the more the Leaf doesn't seem right for me and my wife. I love the tech part of it and the money savings vs the other cars we are considering but I was paying attention to my driving yesterday and if I'm really honest with myself, I like to drive pretty quick. I had to go out to Chandler (which the Leaf wouldn't be able to do in one charge anyway from where I live, it was 94.4 miles roundtrip, basically all freeway) but more importantly, I was doing 80-85 most of the way which is how I typically drive on the 101 along with a lot of other people. I tried for a while to go 65-ish and it felt like I was crawling along. In my current car, I get worse gas mileage than the EPA estimates because of my driving style so who knows how I would do in the Leaf.
With any EV you're going to have to slow down to get better range. It's the nature of the beast. But your driving habits sound like mine pre-EV. I sold my Honda S2000 convertible for LEAF down payment and solar panels on the house. I live in central Phoenix and actually still have some property in Chandler. For me to Phoenix and Chandler and back is about 50-60 miles RT and I actually plan on doing that this Friday in the LEAF. I can make it on 80%, but your drive sounds farther. If you do get an EV, your driving habits will change and you'll get used to adjusting in order to maximize that range. There is also a Quickcharger not far off your route at Toyota Riverview.
However, based on the small sample above and hearing your other concerns, I think a Volt would be better for you. I just bought one of those, too.
You would still mostly be on electric and you would not use much gas. My 3rd day with the Volt I got 41 EV miles (Phoenix to Sun Lakes and back) most of which were highway with A/C and driving at 65-70 mph. 0% financing on the Volt through the end of the month, too; lease rates are crazy low as well $250-$350/month depending on options.