Electric Test Drive

I had the chance to test drive the Nissan Leaf www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car  some time ago.  The Leaf is an all electric car designed from the ground up to be electric rather than converting a current model like Ford http://www.ford.com/electric/focuselectric/2012/ has done with the Electric Ford Focus.  I think main difference between the two approaches is that they didn't have to make design comprimises to fit batteries into cargo space. 

My fist impression of the Leaf was that it's a "real"  car.  It's about the same size as a regular compact like the Sentra, Corrola or Civic.  The back seats are actually much roomier than the aforementioned models.  It felt like you are sitting higher in the back than the front but both felt very comfortable.

Because it was a windy rainy day of the test drive, I didn't really get to experience the "quiet" of the electric drive system, there was just too much weather noise.  What I did really notice was how fast it responded to flooring it.  It has great acceleration when you put the pedal down.  I merged onto the Lakeshore effortlessly bring it up to 80kms in no time.  Of course the down side was watching the battery charge getting eaten up much quicker.  With the indicators of charge and usage you can very quickly adapt your driving habits to being the most efficient.

The only thing I didn't like about the car was the small rear window but that probably isn't much different than some other regular gas powered models out there. 

Overall I was very impressed with the technology and can imagine how it would very quickly become just a normal car that you happen to have to plug in when it's sitting in the driveway.  I certainly wouldn't miss stopping at the gas station! 

Now I'm really charged up to get an electric car! 

Comments

[moncler jackets sweden]

Nice, and thanks for sharing this info with us.Good Luck!

[duane]

Thanks for the comment Leisa,
I agree that the small back window was a pretty minor issue. As far as downsides go it wasn't much.
I'm hoping to test drive the Chevy Volt soon and am excited to see what each manufacturer will bring to the "elecric" table. :-)

Duane

[Leisa Dreps]

Hmm, is the small rear window a big concern for you? Some people may find the size quite adequate. Well for what it's worth, I admire the technology used to make electric cars cheaper and more practical for everyday use.

[Timesheet]

fuel additives has been tested under the SAE J1321 II and achieved a 13% increase in economy while reducing Nox emissions by 40+%(EPA 511 tests).They are no metallic additives or naphathalene.Lot of people using it for several months now and have had good results.

[kb]

When you pay maintenance costs on these cars, gasoline engines is the best way to go for your buck.

[Flyinev]

It's great to here a positive response to such an important product of the present and future. We are not on the verge of electric car technology, but rather in the thick of it, as it advances every passing day.
Don't forget about all who also convert gasoline cars. That's a whole different growing market, where you can find state of the art and there are vehicles with high craftsmanship and practical use to them.

[duane]

Thanks Laurence, that is cool!

Electric cars could be less hassle than gas if this was eventually adopted everywhere.

[Laurence C]

Check this - amazing technology: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14183409

[Organic Soap]

I am a regular visitor of your blog. I heard about this technology from my friend. Now I got information from you. Thanks for sharing.