A few weeks ago I highlighted the Top 10 Things I’d Change on The Nissan Leaf. So by way of balance, and before the new model appears, here are the top 10 things I’ve loved during my first six months with the car.
1. Cost to Buy
The 3 year PCP deal we got doesn’t even come close to paying the depreciation on the car. It’s been a very inexpensive way to try out an EV.
2. Cost to Run
Even better than that, the running costs are incredibly low.
Here’s an extract from my spreadsheet for last month’s total ‘fuel’ costs for the Leaf. £17.29 for 634 miles = 2.7p per mile.
That’s an approximation because it ignores the free charges I’ve had with our Solar System. You can get that lower too using Economy 7 if it suits your lifestyle. £0.00 for Road tax too 🙂
3. Solar Charging
Related to point 2 above, I love the whole idea of charging my car from my Solar array. There’s something increibly satisfying about plugging your car in during the brighter summer months and literally driving on sunshine.
4. Accommodation
The Leaf is deceptive, it’s a much bigger car than it looks and can carry a family in comfort.
The boot is great too and holds much more than you’d imagine. It’s been a real workhorse too, with the seats folded flat it’s done many runs to the recyclying centre over the last few months.
5. Comfortable, Serene Driving
I think most of us will agree that once you’ve driven an EV going back to an ICE vehicle is chore.
I had to fillup and drive a loaner diesel the other day. It’s amazing how soon you forget about smelly fingers, changing gears and vibrating vehicles.
6. Door Locks
Keyless go is great, but putting little buttons on the door handles is even better. You don’t even have to take your key out of your pocket get in, a small but very useful feature that I love.
7. Cruise
Part of the advantage of an EV is the simplicity of the drive train. This makes it much easier for manufacturers to add things like Cruise control. It’s one of those features that becomes hard to live without once you’ve had it.
8. Sound System
The Tekna’s Bose upgrade ads a bit of oomph. Just need to keep the teenager from maxing ot the bass setting everytime I look away.
9. Tekna Wheels
The Leaf is never going to be a looker, but for me the Tekna wheels are the single best visual update you can do to the car.
They are hideously expensive though if you try to add to the Acenta. A more affordable option is a set of Juke rims.
10. Instant Torque
The Leaf is no Tesla, but it’s reasonably fast from 0 to 30.
I drive in ECO mode so the magic button on the floor beneath the throttle pedal gets the odd poke and it feels like fun 🙂
Have I missed your favourite thing about the Leaf? Let us know in the comments below.
2 Responses
Being able to turn off the pedestrian warning whistle. Used to love creeping up behind people in car parks and hitting the horn….
Cruise that can brake is pretty cool too!
I’m not a fan of the 17 inch wheels though, they give a harsh ride on the poor roads we have in England, and tyres cost twice as much as the 16 inches.