UPDATE
[as reported last November to the list, my new job is taking me from
Oberlin to Case Western Reserve University, a one-way distance of 41.5
miles. This is, of course, NE Ohio, so weather is a concern. A used Leaf
can be obtained for around $10-11,000. Is this possible?]
I have test-driven a 2015 Leaf S on my commute today. Arrived at the
office with 44 miles remaining range on the guessometer. This model
displays all the battery capacity bars, a consideration in my selection.
This works for me. I believe I'm about to have a new EV grin.
Caveats and considerations:
There are five level 2 charging spaces, offering 3kW, available
convenient to my office. There are two charging spaces near my home in
Oberlin, unmarked but at least 3kW, possibly 6kW. Both ends of the trip
are adequately supplied, so the distance requirement is easily within
the Leaf's capacity. Further, there are DC charging spots offered at
random Walmarts between the two endpoints, should one have to hunt for
backup or extra range. This model does have the 6kW charger.
Today, while February, the temperature starting out was 54F. No cabin
heat or defrost was necessary, and the seat heater was determined to be,
if anything, too warm. I might need warmer socks. I recognize the
climate will have an impact, but I believe I can afford to lose range
for comfort and still make the trip work.
I did not feel terribly inconvenienced by selecting both the
regenerative braking and eco modes when I set out. I did drive for
perhaps 20 miles at 70mph, while being passed on the left by folks at
even higher speeds. I can learn to live with that ;-)
There was exactly one BMW i3 available on the used market within 250
miles of me, and for rather more money than the Leaf. A couple months of
looking didn't turn up a single VW e-golf. For the difference in price,
I can easily afford to instal a 240v outlet in my garage and have the
convenience charger modified for 240v operation or install some other
charger at home.
Plus, my wife drives a Honda ICE and has a shorter commute, so if
conditions suggest range is too short, we can swap. I will strive to
keep this from happening too often ;-)
Cal Frye
[email protected]
Oberlin, OH 44074
"In physics the truth is rarely perfectly clear, and that is certainly universally
the case in human affairs. Hence, what is not surrounded by uncertainty cannot be the
truth." -- Richard Feynmann (1918 - 1988).
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