dougcpa wrote:
We do have charging stations at work on the KCPL network which is currently free, but my understanding is they will begin charging some $ amount next year. But it does mean I can top off or in an hour or so get 15 to 20 miles back on the battery before going home.
So I'm looking for some real-world feedback from fellow KC Leaf commuters on what range hits they see in our coldest and hottest months?
Also, I would hope to be able to use this car before requiring a new battery for four years. Not sure what kind of hit the battery will take basically being charged twice a day (once at work, once at home).
Re-read your post (did you edit, or are my reading skills flagging in old age?!!)....
The post 4/2013 batteries are getting good press. You could do this if you can *reliably* charge at work. I have been charging at St Lukes Plaza daily. I am actually charging mostly at work, and freeloading!!! I don't charge at home on a typical night. So I get nearly 40 miles round trip on my aging 10 bar (about 78%) bats, at 80% charge and usually get back to work (where I charge) with 2 or 3 bars, 1 bar on bad days.....
Here another caveat: Those free KCP&L charging stations -- I fear they may create some workplace tension over time. At St Lukes, the Volts, plug in Fusions, plug in BMW, are using the parking slots as their own personal parking slots. The plug in cars are not even plugging in. Just parking in the slots for "EV Parking".....
Now, I am sure that work places will vary in their ability to navigate the intricacies and etiquette of sharing charging stations. I am bothered that one day soon I will arrive at work and not be able to charge because the spots will be filled with plug in hybrids.
In the end, driving an older Leaf or other limited range EV entails some sacrifice. If you do this just cause the used Leafs are cheap (which they are) then you will hate the experience. If you do this partially out of a sense of fulfillment that you are also doing the right thing to advance technology and be good to the planet, then they are a very fine car.....
2016 SV 30kwh, 2014 Blue Prius, 2011 Silver Prius, 2005 Subaru Forester X, 1965 F-100
8.2KW GridTie Solar
Sold 2012 SL 42k miles, 10 bars, 12/15/16 for $5999
Kansas City MO