Cal,
Great that you are considering an EV !
You have detailed this pretty well. If you are buying a used Leaf, say
2011 model, it will probably be down to 9 bars capacity or will be soon.
I suspect, in winter, you might see your range drop below 50 or less
miles on a full charge. Still should be adequate, considering you have
41 miles. But you will need to ensure a complete, full charge before
your return trip. It sounds like that is doable. Just want to point it
out.
I'm basing this on my 2011 Leaf experience. Since I'm doing mostly
hilly, stop & go city driving my range is likely less than what you will
get at 70mph on the freeway. The power consumption gage is usually
around 2.5 miles / kwh in winter. We have more modest temps than you.
So, in that respect, you would get poorer mileage.
Also, you need to take into account power used for the heat and defrost.
I recommend doing some more research to see what other people get in
your area. How many miles / kwh. Maybe even how many kw the heater and
defrost take once up to temp.
Peri
------ Original Message ------
From: "Cal Frye via EV" <ev@lists.evdl.org>
To: "Cal Frye" <c...@calfrye.com>; "Electric Vehicle Discussion List"
<ev@lists.evdl.org>
Cc:
Sent: 24-Feb-17 11:05:32 AM
Subject: Re: [EVDL] Cal's OH EV : Leaf recommendations?
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
c...@calfrye.com
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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