Lots to consider
The LEAF is like a breath of fresh air, but like any deep inhalation you might take while in the city, you're bound to catch a whiff of something not so pleasant.
To become a LEAF owner, there's an entire process to go through. For more info, look up the details regarding the LEAF on Nissan's website. As an FYI, all of the fees associated with getting a LEAF (excluding the charging station) are included in the car's purchase, should you be so lucky...
Then, there's pricing. The LEAF starts at $38,395 for the SV model. An extra $1,600 will get you the tested SL version. For that kind of money, kit levels are complete. You get navigation, room for five, power everything, satellite radio, intelligent key, and far more.
Once you do get your hands on your LEAF, there are many guidelines you will need to be mindful of including (but not limited to) the batteries. The list of situations to avoid is surprisingly large and includes refraining from storing a vehicle in temperatures below −13 °F (−25 °C) for over 7 days. Another important note to remember is that you must allow the battery charge to drop below at least 80% before charging.
Despite the LEAF's limits, it is a phenomenal car. My time at the wheel made me into a believer. EVs do have their place in our car fleets but they, for the vast majority of urban-centre dwellers, are not enough to function on a daily basis.
Believe the hype
I'm certain that the technology will change for the better in the near future, and we will have makes like Nissan and Mitsubishi to thank for being bold enough to deliver.
The LEAF is worthy of the hype, and you should want to own one. I wish that I had had more time with the car as there is so much more to learn from living with an EV. It all comes down to adapting ourselves to the car, and it is far easier than I anticipated. Bravo Nissan.
The LEAF is like a breath of fresh air, but like any deep inhalation you might take while in the city, you're bound to catch a whiff of something not so pleasant.
To become a LEAF owner, there's an entire process to go through. For more info, look up the details regarding the LEAF on Nissan's website. As an FYI, all of the fees associated with getting a LEAF (excluding the charging station) are included in the car's purchase, should you be so lucky...
Then, there's pricing. The LEAF starts at $38,395 for the SV model. An extra $1,600 will get you the tested SL version. For that kind of money, kit levels are complete. You get navigation, room for five, power everything, satellite radio, intelligent key, and far more.
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| The LEAF starts at $38,395 for the SV model. An extra $1,600 will get you the tested SL version. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Once you do get your hands on your LEAF, there are many guidelines you will need to be mindful of including (but not limited to) the batteries. The list of situations to avoid is surprisingly large and includes refraining from storing a vehicle in temperatures below −13 °F (−25 °C) for over 7 days. Another important note to remember is that you must allow the battery charge to drop below at least 80% before charging.
Despite the LEAF's limits, it is a phenomenal car. My time at the wheel made me into a believer. EVs do have their place in our car fleets but they, for the vast majority of urban-centre dwellers, are not enough to function on a daily basis.
Believe the hype
I'm certain that the technology will change for the better in the near future, and we will have makes like Nissan and Mitsubishi to thank for being bold enough to deliver.
The LEAF is worthy of the hype, and you should want to own one. I wish that I had had more time with the car as there is so much more to learn from living with an EV. It all comes down to adapting ourselves to the car, and it is far easier than I anticipated. Bravo Nissan.
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