BC2BC Mexico to Canada via Electric Highway June 12-20, 2012

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TonyWilliams

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 19, 2011
Messages
10,107
Location
Vista, California USA
Link to 3nd annual BC2BC-2014

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BC2BC-2012 Return Rally Tracking Link Here

Today, June 12, 2012, we start day one of a 9 day odyssey from Mexico to Canada in our 100% electric car, the Nissan LEAF. This car was designed and intended to be a short range, around town car, but with some basic charging station infrastructure, and a little luck, we will be able to drive this 73 mile (118km) US government rated (EPA) vehicle over 1600 miles (2500km) on the West Coast Electric Highway.

Some time later this afternoon, a brand new black 2012 LEAF SL, serial number 20782, will start at the city of Tijuana, Baja California Norte, Mexico, and end at my home in San Diego. A very easy first day of only about 33 miles (54km), but a great chance to check that our preparations are all in order. Tomorrow will be approximately 250 miles !!

Follow along with us on Twitter at "QCpower", or find our blog at http://www.QuickChargePower.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. If your device (Apple iPhone, iPad, etc) can't see that without Flash, then TRACK ME HERE

Tony Williams is an unemployed airline pilot and electric vehicle aficionado who lives in San Diego, California. He enjoys taking things apart, and sometimes putting them back together, usually not working the same way as when he started. The car he is driving is his second Nissan LEAF; his first one has already gathered 25,000 miles in the first 13 months of ownership. He loves to drive!


******************
June 20 Update:

Totals, Mexico to Canada: 8 days, 5 hours

Total miles for the trip: 1887

Miles per day average: 1887 / 8.2 = 230 miles per day

Maximum miles in one day: 375

Total gasoline burned: 0

**************

The final tally for Washington state:

June 20, 2012
Oregon / Washington border: 10:05 am
Washington / British Columbia border : 11:16pm

13+11 hours enroute

**************

The final tally for Oregon state:

June 19, 2012
Oregon / California border: 7:25am
Washington / Oregon border : 7:25pm

12+00 hours enroute

*****************

The final tally for California state:

June 12 - June 18
Baja California / California USA : 6:16pm estimate
California USA / Oregon border : 7:30pm estimate

6 days, 1+14 hours enroute


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TonyWilliamsLEAFmexico2Canada1.jpg


******************
VFR Flight Plan
******************

Nissan LEAF 100% Electric Car
Tijuana, Mexico to Vancouver, Canada

June 12 through June 20, 2012

Over 1600 total miles on the:
http://westcoastgreenhighway.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Route:

Baja California Norte, Mexico
Tuesday, June 12:
----- Tijuana - Nissan Dealer, Xavier Villaurrutia 9950, 22320 Tijuana Baja California Norte +52 (664) 683 4311

California, USA:
33 - San Diego, my house near Poway [Blink L2]

33 miles

Wednesday, June 13:
----- San Diego, my house near Poway [Blink L2]
67 - Laguna Beach - 547 Forrest Ave [Chargepoint L2]
10 - Newport Beach - 1151 Newport Center Dr [Chargepoint L2]
20 - Cypress - 6400 Katella Ave [Eaton DC]
Alternate: Los Angeles – Church and State Restaurant, 676 Mateo [Blink DC]
52 - Malibu - 23555 Civic Center Way [Clipper Creek L2]
45 - Ventura - 460 E. Harbor Blvd [Chargepoint L2 $$]
Alternate: Camarillo - Mike M's house for booze and laughs [his dryer NEMA 10-30]
34 - Santa Barbara - 4770 Calle Real [Blink L2]
31 - Solvang - 1556 Mission Drive [Chargepoint L2 $]
---- Solvang, Holiday Inn Express, 1455 Mission Drive, 805-688-2018 [RON only] reserved*

259 miles

Thursday, June 14:
---- Solvang, Holiday Inn Express, 1455 Mission Drive, 805-688-2018 [RON only] reserved*
---- Solvang - 1556 Mission Drive [Chargepoint L2 $]
55 - Pismo Beach - Air Park Drive, numerous RV parks with: [NEMA 14-50]
14 - San Luis Obisbo - Target, 11990 Los Osos Valley Rd [Clipper Creek L2]
18 - Morro Bay - RV Park, 1700 Embarcadero 805-772-2722 [NEMA 14-50]
Alternate: Morro Bay - LK Private residence [L2]
30 - San Simeon - Hearst Winery, 442 Slo San Simeon Road, 805-927-4100, POC: Geraldine [Dryer NEMA 10-30]
38 - Lucia - Lucia Lodge, 62400 California 1, 831-667-2391 [120 volts]
26 - Big Sur - RV Camping, 47000 Highway 1, Phone (831) 667-2322 [NEMA 14-50] reserved*

182 miles

Friday, June 15:
----- Big Sur - RV Camping, 47000 Highway 1, Phone 831-667-2322 [NEMA 14-50] reserved*
54 - Watsonville, 275 Main St #400, [Blink L2]
60 - Palo Alto - 660 Stanford Shopping Center, 650-617-8202 [350green DC]
----- Private residence [RON only] reserved*

114 miles

Saturday, June 16:

----- Private residence [RON only] reserved*
----- Cupertino - Electric Automobile Association, Silicon Valley Meeting
10am - 12noon, 19483 Pruneridge Ave, HP Oak Room, next to the main lobby of Building 48

----- Palo Alto - 660 Stanford Shopping Center, 650-617-8202 [350green DC$$]
10 - Belmont - Volkswagen, 600 Clipper Dr [Blink DC]
76 - Santa Rosa - Nissan, 1275 Santa Rosa Ave [L2, maybe Blink DC]
63 - Ukiah - Super 8, 693 South Orchard Avenue, 707-468-8181 [AV L2] reserved*

149 miles

Sunday, June 17:

----- Ukiah - Super 8, 693 South Orchard Avenue, 707-468-8181 [AV L2] reserved*
68 - Leggett (half way point) numerous RV parks [NEMA 14-50]
52 - Redcrest - RV park, 707-722-4396 [NEMA 14-50]
39 - Eureka - 2 "C" Street [Chargepoint L2]
14 - Trinidad - numerous RV parks [NEMA 14-50]
71 - Crescent City - numerous RV parks [NEMA 14-50]

244 miles

Monday, June 18 or Tuesday, June 19:
----- Crescent City - numerous RV parks [NEMA 14-50]

Oregon, USA:
46 - Obrian - Lone Mountain RV Park [NEMA 14-50]
37 - Grants Pass, Oregon - Exit 58, 1995 NW Vine Street [AV-DC]
Alternate: Ashland, Oregon - Exit 14, 2373 Ashland Street [AV-DC]
Alternate: Point, Oregon - Exit 33, 1510 East Pine St [AV-DC]
20 - Wolf Creek, Oregon – Exit 76, 100 Front Street [AV-DC]
23 - Canyonville, Oregon – Exit 99, 130 Creekside Rd [AV DC]
27 - Roseburg, Oregon - Exit 125, 227 NW Garden Valley RD [AV DC]
26 - Rice Hill / Oakland / Sutherlin, Oregon - Exit 148, 621 John Long Road [AV DC]
26 - Cottage Grove, Oregon - Exit 174, 1570 Gateway Blvd [AV DC]
21 - Springfield / Eugene, Oregon - Exit 195, 840 Beltline Road [AV DC]
81 - Marion - Outlet Stores, 1001 Arney Rd NE [L2]
Alternate: Halsey, Oregon - Exit 216, 32180 Highway 228 [AV DC]
Alternate: Salem Oregon - Exit 256, [AV DC]
Alternate: Woodburn, Oregon - Exit 271, [AV DC]
28 - Portland, Oregon – Exit 1, Fred Meyer store, 3030 NE Weidler St [Blink DC]
Alternate: Portland, Oregon – Exit 299B, World Trade Center, 26 SW Salmon Street [JFE DC]
Alternate: Portland, Oregon – Exit 299B, 633 SW Montgomery St [Eaton DC]
Alternate: Wood Village, Oregon – WalMart, 23500 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, 503-492-9041 [Blink DC]

332 miles


Tuesday, June 19 or Wednesday, June 20:
-----Portland, Oregon – Exit 1, Fred Meyer store, 3030 NE Weidler St [Blink DC]

Washington, USA:
Alternate: Vancouver, Washington - Exit 11, Safety Rest Area [AV L2]
Alternate: Ridgefield, Washington – Exit 14, 6370 N. 1st Circle [now AV L2, future AV DC ?]
Alternate: Kelso, Washington - Exit 36 or 39 [not open yet Av DC]
49 - Longview, Washington - 700 7TH Avenue, Nissan dealer, 360-423-4321 [L2]
46 - Centralia, Washington – Exit 82, 817 Harrison Avenue [AV DC]
21 - Tumwater, Washington – Exit 101, 6131 Capital Blvd SW [AV DC]
64 - Seattle, Washington – Exit 167, John St & Westlake Ave N [Blink DC]
65 - Burlington, Washington – Exit 229, 448 Fashion Way [AV DC]
25 - Bellingham, Washington – Exit 255, 222 36th St [AV DC]
19 - Custer, Washington - 3063 Creasy Rd [AV L2]
8 - Blaine, Washington - Exit 269, Safety Rest Area [AV L2]
Alternate: Blaine, Washington - 200 Peace Portal Drive, across from Chevron on west [AV DC]

British Columbia, Canada

5 - White Rock - Iguana Beach Grill, 14985 Marine Drive, 604-726-3641

288 miles

June 20, 2012

SEATTLE – LEAF electric car owners gathering




Pre-Departure Checklist:

Passport, driver license, insurance, AAA card
Tow strap, threaded attachment fixture
Jumper Cables
200 feet extension cords
20 amp breaker for various brand electric boxes
Panasonic EVSEupgrade.com, gazillion adaptors
Quick 220
J1772 extension
Spare tire, jack, lug wrench, tire plugs, air compressor
Garmin GPS
Spot GPS tracker
Gid meter, prototype LEAFscan
Maps
Sleeping bag, tent, flashlight
Money, charge cards, cell phone, iPad, MacBook Pro
Canon video camcorder, GoPro, chargers, storage media
100k ohm modified plug for generator GFCI spoof
Goped(s)
Golf clubs
Electronic Safety Flashing Arrow
Rain Jacket
Walkie talkies
 
TonyWilliams said:
So, Oregon is easy!!! I can get from the Mexican border to Burbank somewhat easily. So, over the Grapevine to Oregon looks like a real challenge. ...
Well, thanks to Randy we know that the coastal route works easily up to SLO, and I'd bet that you could find enough RV parks and other charging along the coast to get up to the Bay Area. Over to Sacramento should also be doable. The challenge is going to be from there up I-5 to Oregon.
 
davewill said:
TonyWilliams said:
So, Oregon is easy!!! I can get from the Mexican border to Burbank somewhat easily. So, over the Grapevine to Oregon looks like a real challenge. ...
Well, thanks to Randy we know that the coastal route works easily up to SLO, and I'd bet that you could find enough RV parks and other charging along the coast to get up to the Bay Area. Over to Sacramento should also be doable. The challenge is going to be from there up I-5 to Oregon.

Ya, that's what I'm thinking. Plus, after that, I plan to drive to central Montana. Then back to San Diego. I need a list of RV parks.

I'm not sure if adding miles to go out to SLO will be to my advantage, unless I worry about getting run over on the 5 or 99 highways in the central valley. I'll bet it adds a bunch of miles.
 
I would suggest highway 101 north (not 5) up to San Francisco, then head to Sacramento.
Check all the Rabobanks and Walgreens along the way.

Going north (from Sacramento) on 5, some hotels have RV hookups...
(In Red Bluff on highway 5):
3650476465_f431b81a5c_b.jpg

Those 'Powerhouse' pedestals all have 240V NEMA14-50...
 
TonyWilliams said:
davewill said:
TonyWilliams said:
So, Oregon is easy!!! I can get from the Mexican border to Burbank somewhat easily. So, over the Grapevine to Oregon looks like a real challenge. ...
Well, thanks to Randy we know that the coastal route works easily up to SLO, and I'd bet that you could find enough RV parks and other charging along the coast to get up to the Bay Area. Over to Sacramento should also be doable. The challenge is going to be from there up I-5 to Oregon.

Ya, that's what I'm thinking. Plus, after that, I plan to drive to central Montana. Then back to San Diego. I need a list of RV parks.

I'm not sure if adding miles to go out to SLO will be to my advantage, unless I worry about getting run over on the 5 or 99 highways in the central valley. I'll bet it adds a bunch of miles.
101 is further but a lot more interesting drive and (I think) easier to drive slower, and the Tesla chargers at Rabobanks have apparently all been converted to J1772s now. You can find RV parks with 50 amp service either route, but except at Patterson I don't think you are going to find any motels in the San Joaquin Valley with L2. Hwy 99 in the San Joaquin Valley will have a large number of Nissan dealers in cities, but I-5 not much of anything except the occasional RV park. Stockton to Sacramento you're good, with dealers/Walgreen's/what have you along the way.
 
I'm biased toward 101, too. In fact, I wouldn't cut over to I-5 at Sacramento, but stay on 101 all the way up to the border, with the exception of missing Mount Shasta, it is a much more interesting drive toward the coast.

South of San Francisco, 101 adds 70-80 mi (one charge)
North of San Francisco, 101 adds another 70-80 mi (one charge)

Even sticking to the beautiful Oregon coast only adds about 40 miles (easily made up for by the slower speeds), but I'm sure you don't want to miss all those lovely quick chargers on I-5 through Oregon. If you stay on 101 through the north coast in California you won't hit I-5 until Grants Pass and you will miss the first two QCs in Oregon which has more impact on elapsed time than the distance difference.

Are you sticking to stock charging and quick charging, or are you taking a portable QC with you?

Howdy
 
Nissan of Santa Rosa (not far off Hwy 101) is very close to having a DC Quick Charger soon (two more weeks?). Maybe it will up and running in time for your trip. Also let us know what activities are nearby while you charge. Many others wait for you to blaze the way.
 
Phoenix said:
Nissan of Santa Rosa (not far off Hwy 101) is very close to having a DC Quick Charger soon (two more weeks?). Maybe it will up and running in time for your trip. Also let us know what activities are nearby while you charge. Many others wait for you to blaze the way.

Woo Hoo ! That will be handy. I thought about getting our pals at Nissan involved and loosening the locks on that juicy DCQC they have in Sacto. But, this tidbit may keep me on the coast route.
 
Re-post below from my last weekend's trip.

101 would be a far longer drive, than taking "Old HWY 99", which shadows 1-5 to Oregon.

If I make it to Ashland before June, I'll post RV park charge reports on Recargo.

A year after picking up my LEAF and driving it home from the Bay area, I finally made the trip back.

530 miles over 3 days, all on L2. I took my previous Route south, charging at public J 1772s, with charges in Chico (I made it to the Chico EAA meeting, and the while-you-recharge Sierra Nevada brewery tour and free tasting, is worth the trip in itself), Woodland, Vacaville, and San Rafael, my overnight destination, 251 miles in total. Sunday I made my way to Lafayette, where I added a few bars, then returned to Vacaville for the night, about 93 miles. To my regret, I didn’t have the time to risk a side trip to the San Ramon DC.

From Vacaville, it’s about 185 miles to my home, along the I-5 corridor, (driving mostly on what is left of old highway 99) with stops at Williams and Corning, using my 16 amp upgraded EVSE at RV parks.

At the end of the first day I was dreading the return trip, but old 99 turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Much lower level of traffic than on the eastern route, with far less obnoxious drivers. Apparently it’s driven mostly by locals, who manage to simply pass slower vehicles, rather than forming ICEV-tailgating-caterpillars, which made the two lane “new” 99 and 113 route a nightmare.


If you want to drive at or below the speed limit, to add range per kWh, take “old” 99.

I also think that well-run RV parks are often superior to public J1772s for required BEV charging, as opposed to opportunity PHEV charging, where L2 opportunities are few and far between.

I had back-up charge points for the entire trip lined up, and needed them twice at public J1772s, one being ICED, and one out of order.

The two RV parks both wanted my business, and I was happy to pay their modest fees. (will post details at Recargo soon).

Both said I would be welcome to check in before closing hours, and come and go as I pleased, or just take a nap (in fairly secure and quiet locations) till my charge was complete.

Next trip I will probably leave in the afternoon and recharge overnight on L1 at a motel (I checked out the charge opportunities at several in Williams), requiring only a few hours of L2 to make it to the plethora of J1772s at Vacaville.

No real drama. I turned over 9,000 miles during the trip, with no detectable range loss. LEAF NAV, unfortunately, does not contain all of the roads used, and old 99 has been rerouted and renamed in so many places, I’d suggest you try it during daylight, at least the first time.

I never even saw the LBW, as my longest leg between charges was the 89 miles from home to Chico.

Edit: I actually did see, LBW, and drove a few miles past VLBW, as planned, when I made the familiar 51+ mile last leg from Vacaville to San Rafael Saturday night, having started with only 7 bars.

I kept written logs, which along with CW, will allow me the confidence to reduce recharge times, by charging to between 70% and 90%, at both Williams and Corning, rather than charging to 100%, next trip.

Yes, you will need patience headed into North California in a LEAF, but if you have the time, there is no need to wait for DC, IMO.

I hope to make a trip to Oregon, and link up with the DC (I-5 Green Highway) corridor soon.
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3319
 
Interesting stuff. Two things not currently in my arsenal is the J1772 "extension cord" (where can I get one of those?) and the 20 amp / 240v motel air conditioner plug.
 
smkettner said:
Build your cord here:

http://www.stayonline.com/custom_power_cords.aspx

You need NEMA 6-20 male, L6-20 female.

They also have premoulded L6-20 cords to 50' if you make an adapter. I have a 100' custom build, works great.

I don't think we're talking about the same thing. I have 200 feet of extension cords with L6-20's powering my upgraded to 16 amp Panasonic EVSE.

I'm talking about an L2 EVSE that is blocked by an ICE and the only way to get it to my car is with a J1772 extension.

Also, I need an LED left arrow to flash on my back window.
 
TonyWilliams said:
I'm talking about an L2 EVSE that is blocked by an ICE and the only way to get it to my car is with a J1772 extension.

I have never found one already made up, however I think one could build an extension cord with these parts.

http://www.tucsonev.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
KJD said:
TonyWilliams said:
I'm talking about an L2 EVSE that is blocked by an ICE and the only way to get it to my car is with a J1772 extension.

I have never found one already made up, however I think one could build an extension cord with these parts.

http://www.tucsonev.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's another:

http://modularevpower.com/AdapterBox1.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

How about a good source for an LED flashing arrow?
 
TonyWilliams said:
smkettner said:
Build your cord here:

http://www.stayonline.com/custom_power_cords.aspx

You need NEMA 6-20 male, L6-20 female.

They also have premoulded L6-20 cords to 50' if you make an adapter. I have a 100' custom build, works great.

I don't think we're talking about the same thing. I have 200 feet of extension cords with L6-20's powering my upgraded to 16 amp Panasonic EVSE.

I'm talking about an L2 EVSE that is blocked by an ICE and the only way to get it to my car is with a J1772 extension. ...


(For amusement only. Do not attempt.)

76.jpg
 
Between King City and Stanford Mall I'd suggest Rabobank in Sallinas and Gilroy Premium Outlets. I know the Outlets would work beautifully, with two EVSEs that are available 24 hours and very lightly used, a motel a few steps away, and a wide variety of restaurants within half a mile, not to mention 135 stores. I haven't checked out Rabobank in Salinas, but I'll try to run down there soon to verify it.

Ray
 
According to the AAA Coast and Valley map, here's the distances LA-SAC via the different routes:

I-5: 388 miles

I-5 & S.R.99: 395 miles

U.S. 101, I-680 & I-80: 501 miles

If you do opt for the San Joaquin Valley route, I'd definitely recommend 99 rather than 5. I had a look at Woodall's 2011 RV camping book yesterday (updated yearly) at a local library, and there are far more RV parks along 99. In addition, the cities are nicely spaced, typical 55-60 miles apart, so you can make them on the freeway at 80% if you keep it to 55 or maybe 60. Along 99 you have the option in several areas of taking side roads that parallel 99, such as SR 43 and Santa Fe Ave.

In mid-June you're almost certainly going to want A/C whether you take 99 or 101 (King City tends to be the hottest point in Monterey county), and I'd definitely invest in a set of window shades for the back window and one side of the car.

There are Nissan dealers in Bakersfield, Visalia, Selma, Fresno, Merced, and Modesto along 99, although I have no idea if they have chargers or not.

North of Sacramento you've got plenty of options a least up to Red Bluff, taking 99/70, I-5 or Old 99 (per edatokrun's post). Are you trying to see how quickly you can make the trip, or are you willing to take more time to make it more scenic?
 
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