dmacarthur said:
I will agree that the Leaf is not a Tesla, and Bjorn is VERY complimentary of the Tesla trip he took, but the Leaf is perfect for my needs and I am wagering that its lifetime costs will be less than a Teslas, given my use and needs.
I don't doubt for a moment that a new LEAF can be good value given the right context, but that context is pretty narrow:
1. LEAF bought on the cheap
2. Another ICE is not owned to cover the LEAFs limitations
3. In general, LEAF not placed in warm+ climate
4. Consumer demands of the LEAF does not take a jump up
5. No reliance on FC network
6. Consumer bought enough battery reserve to cover 2 sigma degradation for 10 years
7. Clear intent to keep the LEAF until EOL to avoid depreciation
OK ... until we remember what fraction of the buying population do not have a clue what most of the above is about and +/- decide based on a low monthly payment and then rationalize a poor choice as they learn the LEAFs limits and issues.
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As an aside, I personally find (6) to be easier said than to live with. While our LEAF meets the criterion, I still find it unsettling to watch the battery degrade by the month. Just the fact that I (and others here) check our batteries so often says something quite negative about the LEAF. In a way, it is an admission of doubt. And on some days, I cannot help but wonder if the entire exercise does not have a taint of masochism to it. After all, when it comes down to it, a car is an appliance and not a lifestyle. Starting every month off with a lash of bad news cannot be good for the soul.