Considering a Nissan Leaf - sanity check please?!!

Benny_Cake

Hi folks,
I'm hoping to change the car later this year and I'm quite taken with the idea of going electric, particularly given the PCP options with the Nissan Leaf at the moment. Gadgets and new tech are a bit of a vice for me so I want to make an informed decision - I thought I'd run over some of my needs in a car here so that you can tell me if I'm crazy or not! Primary appeal would be the greatly reduced running costs and maintanence, as well as the benefits to the environment. It would be our only car, my wife doesn't currently drive.

I currently drive a 10 year old Mondeo diesel which has been a reliable enough lump of metal but is definitely showing it's age. It's cost me quite a bit in maintenance in the last year and with road tax costing around the 700 euro mark, it's just too expensive to run, nor do I need a car of that size. My daily commute is 50 km (round trip), I also take a spin to Dublin city centre most weekends (80km round trip) and call over to my parents every other weekend (100km round trip). A few times a year we go to stay with my in-laws in North Tipp - about 120km door-to-door. My understanding is that the range on the Leaf would be perfectly adequate for these trips, with the exception of a drive to Tipperary but there are fast charge points on the M7 at Monasterevin and Portlaoise anyway so I've no problem with the idea of pulling in for a coffee for 20 minutes. I live in Naas and I know there is at least one fast charge point there as well.

Usually we might go away for a weekend once or twice a year, but no more than that. To be honest, if I was taking a break that involved a lot of driving I'd be prepared to consider hiring an ICE if I felt that the charging infrastructure wouldn't support making the trip in a Leaf.

I would always have ruled out going electric until the range reaches 300-400 km (I'm sure it will sometime in the next few years, hence why going the PCP route seems like a good idea). I actually use the car quite a bit, but when I thought about it I realised that my longest journeys aren't all that long. Any thoughts?

toadfly

Sounds perfect to be honest. You really won't have to rely on the public chargers at all with those distances, if you get a granny cable you can charge at the in-laws.

My commute is 85km a day, mainly motorway and I do it no issues most days. But then I don't like to drive like a granny. If it's particularly windy I may need a top up, or I just avoid the motorway on the way home and made it no problem.

Longest journey I've done without a stop is Galway-North Mayo, 120km in a 2012 so the newer model you will get more out of. Ive been to Cork, Mayo & Dublin airport in mine several times from Galway, the public chargers are a bitch but the odd time I do longer journeys its worth it for the cheaper day to day running costs. I save around €150/month since changing from 1.4 diesel.

Any questions, just ask.

homer911

and Nissan are doing a €4k scrappage deal at the moment..

Benny_Cake

toadfly wrote: »

Longest journey I've done without a stop is Galway-North Mayo, 120km in a 2012 so the newer model you will get more out of. Ive been to Cork, Mayo & Dublin airport in mine several times from Galway, the public chargers are a bitch but the odd time I do longer journeys its worth it for the cheaper day to day running costs. I save around €150/month since changing from 1.4 diesel.

Any questions, just ask.

Quite reassuring that using one over longer distances is feasible, not that distances in Ireland are ever extremely long. Have you had problems with public chargers? One of the complaints I've seen a bit of is that chargers are out of service, or that standard cars are parked in charging bays.

homer911 wrote: »

and Nissan are doing a €4k scrappage deal at the moment..

Only saw that this week. Unfortunately, scrappage or no scrappage, I just don't have the finances at the moment - sods law! It'll probably be towards the end of this year before I do.

Sabre Man

You will probably get more feedback on https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishevowners/ if you're on Facebook.

You may also want to consider the Renault Zoe.

H.E. Pennypacker

homer911 wrote: »

and Nissan are doing a €4k scrappage deal at the moment..

Unfortunately they're not including the Leaf in that offer:

"Available on Micra, Note Juke and Pulsar Models only"

http://www.nissan.ie/offers/new-vehicles/nissan-scrappage-%E2%82%AC4000

Edit: This implies otherwise but its still not official:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=94060593&postcount=42

mcgarrett

H.E. Pennypacker wrote: »

Unfortunately they're not including the Leaf in that offer:

"Available on Micra, Note Juke and Pulsar Models only"

http://www.nissan.ie/offers/new-vehicles/nissan-scrappage-%E2%82%AC4000

Edit: This implies otherwise but its still not official:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=94060593&postcount=42

They are offering the 4k scrappage on the Windsor Motors site.
Have a daily commute of 160kms with an option of charging while at work. Seriously considering but just not sure if I'm asking for trouble down the road when it clocks up big mileage.

Cleveland Hot Pocket

H.E. Pennypacker wrote: »

Unfortunately they're not including the Leaf in that offer:

"Available on Micra, Note Juke and Pulsar Models only"

http://www.nissan.ie/offers/new-vehicles/nissan-scrappage-%E2%82%AC4000

Edit: This implies otherwise but its still not official:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=94060593&postcount=42

They've added it
There is even a finance example online for the scrappage deal for the leaf.

I love the Leaf. Have it a week now and I wouldn't go back to petrol or diesel as my daily driver again.

We do have the diesel for the really long trips if I think charging will be unconvenient.

I do about 133kms a day and would get away with a10 min fast charge but top up a bit more until I get the home change point. Currently charging of the portable evse (aka granny lead)

The Chevy bolt with a claimed 200 miles range is due next year if you want to hold off until then though 50 Kms round trip power day is perfect for the Leaf. Even if you decide to keep it after pcp it should last you a long time.

shanemkelly

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Am going in this afternoon to have a chat about the PCP so might fling the sums up here if anyone's interested...

BTW, serious credit to Mad_Lad on his postings! Very informative & interesting. Best of luck with your Leaf!

reboot

Sabre Man wrote: »

You will probably get more feedback on https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishevowners/ if you're on Facebook.

You may also want to consider the Renault Zoe.

myrenaultzoe.com and chat to Dexter

Benny_Cake

shanemkelly wrote: »

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Am going in this afternoon to have a chat about the PCP so might fling the sums up here if anyone's interested...

I'd be interested in hearing how you got on!

Still very much on the fence myself. As I got some expensive work done on the car at the end of last year (dual-mass flywheel - at least EV's don't have those!) I'd like to get some more use from it. I always buy second-hand and if I don't go the EV route that's what I'll do this time.

sgalvin

I have been looking at this over the past few days and I'm finding it harder to say no.

Current have a 2003 1.8 petrol Mazda 150,000 miles, was looking for an automatic but came across this offer on the leaf.
My commute is 70km return 5 days and my wife takes it on Saturdays @100km.
Car isn't used for anything else as my wife's car is bigger for all the kid stuff

Current
tax is when paid 6 monthly €700/year
Spending €50/week on petrol €2,500/year
Timing belt/clutch/brake discs/surprise breakdown will be €500/year
Allow depreciation / car replacement €750/year
Servicing 1 major/1 minor €300/year
TOTAL €4,750

New LEAF
Tax €120/year
Service €100/year
Repayments €389x12mths (5 year term) €4,700 year
Insurance is lower by €120/year
Elec estimate €250
TOTAL €5,050


So for €300/year I can have a new car!
And
After the 5 years I'm up €4,700/year!

It's nearly self financing or am I missing anything?


Whilst I have always bought used cars for economic reasons, I don't think it applies here.
Look at the used prices for a 2012 leaf!
As a global product and sold in big(ish) numbers you would think that most faults would be ironed out.
There really isn't much mechanically to go wrong no clutch, dmf, timing belt, gear shift, starter alternator, turbo etc, yes there is a motor but is one rotating part.

I always see the economic arguments put against a modern diesel model with a figure of 4-4.5 l/100km which is the official fuel consumption figures. My wife has one of those and real world fuel consumption is about 2l/100km higher when driven normally (not fast not slow)

I have driven the fluence ze and was impressed with it. The best price I saw from a dealer for a 2012 was €11k (half new price) +€6k battery rental over 5 years brings it up to the same price. The lack of a fast charge, parts availability and the never ending lease might make it worthless after 5 years.


Thoughts or am I mad?

I'm finding I would need to be at a change point by 100 Kms or 60 odd miles in the cold spell we're having lately. That's at speeds of about 80-100 Kms. if work install the change point then I really won't have any restrictions with speed.

Markcheese

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I'm finding I would need to be at a change point by 100 Kms or 60 odd miles in the cold spell we're having lately. That's at speeds of about 80-100 Kms. if work install the change point then I really won't have any restrictions with speed.

If you have a granny cable do you need anymore than a socket - depending on where you park, it could be on a lamp post ..

sgalvin

sgalvin wrote: »

I have been looking at this over the past few days and I'm finding it harder to say no.

Thoughts or am I mad?

You won't save money buying a new car but you can save money towards the repayments by the cheap electricity costs and motor tax and savings on servicing.

I wouldn't buy any car over 5 years and went on pcp over 3, electrics are evolving at a rate which would prevent me buying a new one over 5 years. if the Chevy bolt is as good as GM claim and does offer 200 miles range I might trade in the Leaf. Depends on the car.

5 years is a long time to keep the current gen electrics. the kia soul ev is probably the best out there at the moment but kia Ireland decided the Irish people
would not have the interest and didn't even advertise it's existence of put up a register your interest in their website. Instead they decided for the Irish people what we want our don't want.

The soul was tested s having 100 miles range at 100 kph at 2 0 degrees c.

Markcheese

With the pcps doesn't a lot come down to the guaranteed value at the end of the lease- and the milage limits? How do they factor in battery condition ?

They don't factor battery condition.

If you do less miles they you pay a lot less than probably I do.

With pcp you pay interest and deprecation with hire purchase or bank loan you pay interest on the full amount of the loan but at least you own it at the end. I don't want to own the Leaf because I know much greater electrics are only 1-3 years away, the Chevy bolt coming next year according to GM worth a claimed 200 mile range.

The gfv is your balloon which you should have enough value in the car to go to a new contract if it's in good condition. You will end up paying for another 3 years. Or pay the balloon and is yours.

Benny_Cake

Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies, it's been an education. Still a while away from making a move, but would like to book a test drive or two.

I want to consider all options, so I'm prepared to consider the Zoe as well. I know that the Zoe has a great charger for the SCP points, but in terms of the fast charger network - how well is it catered for (what long distance driving I do tends to involve the M7 - it would be useful to be able to fast charge to J14, Midway or Roscrea for example).

Benny_Cake

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies, it's been an education. Still a while away from making a move, but would like to book a test drive or two.

I want to consider all options, so I'm prepared to consider the Zoe as well. I know that the Zoe has a great charger for the SCP points, but in terms of the fast charger network - how well is it catered for (what long distance driving I do tends to involve the M7 - it would be useful to be able to fast charge to J14, Midway or Roscrea for example).

No rush, take your time and make sure you know the limitations of the current gen electrics.

If you check the Ecars charge point map, look at the fast charge points marked in blue and it should say dc and ac that should mean the fast chargers are equipped for the Zoe.

Zoe indeed, has a terrific on board charger, the most advanced of any EV in the world, including the Tesla's !!!

Dexter1979

Benny_Cake wrote: »

I want to consider all options, so I'm prepared to consider the Zoe as well. I know that the Zoe has a great charger for the SCP points, but in terms of the fast charger network - how well is it catered for (what long distance driving I do tends to involve the M7 - it would be useful to be able to fast charge to J14, Midway or Roscrea for example).

Midway has a AC fast charger. J14 is a 22 kW unit which will give you half the speed. Compared to a Leaf it's a heck of a lot faster, even if you have the 6kW optional extra on the Leaf. Never been to Roscrea but I believe it's a triple standard fast charger.

I'm due to go to Dublin early March and last time I charged in Urlingford and J14. On the way back I left Dublin airport on a full charge and made it to Portlaoise. Then had to charge in Urlingford again since Cashel was out but made it all the way home (110km) with 20km range remaining. Drove a bit slower to preserve battery. Had to as there was no real place to charge. Fermoy might have been an option.

It's in one of my video blogs. youtube .com / dexie1979

Zoe is a great little car and a different beast compared to a Leaf.

Benny_Cake

Dexter1979 wrote: »

Midway has a AC fast charger. J14 is a 22 kW unit which will give you half the speed. Compared to a Leaf it's a heck of a lot faster, even if you have the 6kW optional extra on the Leaf. Never been to Roscrea but I believe it's a triple standard fast charger.

I'm due to go to Dublin early March and last time I charged in Urlingford and J14. On the way back I left Dublin airport on a full charge and made it to Portlaoise. Then had to charge in Urlingford again since Cashel was out but made it all the way home (110km) with 20km range remaining. Drove a bit slower to preserve battery. Had to as there was no real place to charge. Fermoy might have been an option.

It's in one of my video blogs. youtube .com / dexie1979

Zoe is a great little car and a different beast compared to a Leaf.

Think I've seen your video blogs Dexter - very informative and it looks like a fun car to drive!

Just wondering what the dealer experience has been like for Zoe drivers? I've seen a few posts on various forums praising the car but giving out yards about the experience of dealing with Renault dealerships. I'm in Naas but the local Renault dealer doesn't advertise the Leaf so if I could find a good dealer to do a test drive with in the Dublin area, that would be great.

ei9go

sgalvin wrote: »

I have driven the fluence ze and was impressed with it. The best price I saw from a dealer for a 2012 was €11k (half new price) +€6k battery rental over 5 years brings it up to the same price. The lack of a fast charge, parts availability and the never ending lease might make it worthless after 5 years.


Thoughts or am I mad?

Saw a post on one of the EV forums from a dealer in IRL saying that they had sold a Fluence for 5500 Euro.

Nearly every Renault dealer has at least one thats abandoned out the back because they are unsaleable due to the battery rental and no fast charger.

There is one up on the roof in H&H Motors in Waterford.

Dexter1979

Dexter1979 wrote: »

I left Dublin airport on a full charge and made it to Portlaoise.

Are the charge points in Dublin Airport capable of more than 3 Kw ? Do you have to book them ?

Do you know if the fast charger in the Topaz on the way out of the airport is active yet ?

Markcheese

ei9go wrote: »

Saw a post on one of the EV forums from a dealer in IRL saying that they had sold a Fluence for 5500 Euro.

Nearly every Renault dealer has at least one thats abandoned out the back because they are unsaleable due to the battery rental and no fast charger.

There is one up on the roof in H&H Motors in Waterford.

Does anyone on here know what they're like to drive? Range ect . Very little info on renault Ireland's site .

Markcheese

Markcheese wrote: »

Does anyone on here know what they're like to drive? Range ect . Very little info on renault Ireland's site .

To be honest, you'd probably make money on the Fluence by selling it's electronic components, especially the battery !

The battery would make a very nice storage system for a wind or solar system for someone who would like to live off grid and avoid energy costs and taxes.

To buy the Fluence EV you'd seriously have to think about the fact you can't fast charge and if you can live with a range of about 60 miles in winter.

It would make an ideal 2nd run-a-bout for doing the short trips that's bad for petrol and diesel cars. 60 ish miles isn't too bad really for someone who just does school and shop runs mainly.

5-6 K for a car that costs a fraction of running a petrol or diesel car isn't a bad deal either.

sgalvin

I spoke to a dealer last month and they were looking for €11k for 2012 with small miles +€1,200 battery lease for 16,000 km/yr
On 5 years that's €17,000
A new leaf (albeit a basic one) is not much more on scrappage and I would think be worth more in 5 years time.

Plenty in the UK at 5-6k but must have UK address and credit history to take out the battery lease there.

Unless they are genuinely offloading them now.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

To be honest, you'd probably make money on the Fluence by selling it's electronic components, especially the battery !

The battery would make a very nice storage system for a wind or solar system for someone who would like to live off grid and avoid energy costs and taxes.

To buy the Fluence EV you'd seriously have to think about the fact you can't fast charge and if you can live with a range of about 60 miles in winter.

It would make an ideal 2nd run-a-bout for doing the short trips that's bad for petrol and diesel cars. 60 ish miles isn't too bad really for someone who just does school and shop runs mainly.

5-6 K for a car that costs a fraction of running a petrol or diesel car isn't a bad deal either.

sgalvin

sgalvin wrote: »

I spoke to a dealer last month and they were looking for €11k for 2012 with small miles +€1,200 battery lease for 16,000 km/yr
On 5 years that's €17,000
A new leaf (albeit a basic one) is not much more on scrappage and I would think be worth more in 5 years time.

Plenty in the UK at 5-6k but must have UK address and credit history to take out the battery lease there.

Unless they are genuinely offloading them now.

I would rather lease the whole car than the battery.

The mid spec Leaf is a lot better from 132 on if you could get a decent one 2nd hand and go with the PCP option on that.

See how much it would cost you per month with the mileage you choose, you'd be surprised how little it would cost if you can provide a decent deposit.

Only thing is the balloon which I won't have to pay because I intend to hop into the gen II with more range but think about this if you want to have to pay it or not.

PCP isn't for everyone.

Dexter1979

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Think I've seen your video blogs Dexter - very informative and it looks like a fun car to drive!

Thank you and yes it is. No emotions were faked during the filming of those episodes

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Just wondering what the dealer experience has been like for Zoe drivers? I've seen a few posts on various forums praising the car but giving out yards about the experience of dealing with Renault dealerships. I'm in Naas but the local Renault dealer doesn't advertise the Leaf so if I could find a good dealer to do a test drive with in the Dublin area, that would be great.

The dealer experience varies greatly. Renault are not pushing Zoe hard enough and most dealers I have seen don't have anything prominent other than a few leaflets that explain that the car is electric. I got my mudflaps fitted and spoke to 2 people looking at the Zoe Zen model they had and none knew that the car was electric.

Take one out for a spin if you can. I took both the Leaf and the Zoe and they are very different.

Benny_Cake

Dexter1979 wrote: »

The dealer experience varies greatly. Renault are not pushing Zoe hard enough and most dealers I have seen don't have anything prominent other than a few leaflets that explain that the car is electric. I got my mudflaps fitted and spoke to 2 people looking at the Zoe Zen model they had and none knew that the car was electric.

Take one out for a spin if you can. I took both the Leaf and the Zoe and they are very different.

Seems to be a running theme regarding dealers. Electric cars are potentially disruptive to a long standing business model, particularly the uncertainty regarding resale values and the fact that they should require less ongoing maintenance than a petrol or diesel car. That might explain the ambivalence. Obviously that isn't an issue for Tesla, who don't sell through dealers.

I'm hoping to take the Zoe for a spin tomorrow

Irish dealers don't want to re-train their staff and spend money on new equipment for what they see is a very small number of electrics sold nationwide never mind anywhere near their garage. I'm betting this is one reason Kia Ireland decided not to import the Kia soul EV, their excuse of course being they don't feel Irish people will be interested in it. They didn't even advertise it on the Irish website. If people are buying the Leaf then surely they'll buy the Soul EV ?

Benny_Cake

I went to a Renault-owned dealership today to see the Zoe.

They couldn't have been less interested. I was told over the phone that I could take a test drive but when I arrived the car hadn't been charged and the charger was out of commission. The car itself was hidden where nobody could see it. The salesman asked me about my daily commute (25km each way) and told me that the Zoe wasnt very practical and hadn't sold well (I wonder why?!). He then did his best to steer me towards a Clio. The Clio is a nice car but not what I came to see. The impression I got was that the Zoe is viewed as an embarrassing hassle. The shame of it is that it's a lovely little car, and from what I've read it's a pleasant car to drive with a versatile charger.

I was fairly browned off at that stage. To avoid a wasted journey, I stopped at the Nissan dealership down the road and the contrast was incredible. The staff obviously love the Leaf and several people were looking at it when I arrived. The salesperson I spoke to started by being honest about the type of person that EV's don't suit. Once I told him about my car usage pattern he showed real enthusiasm for the car, explained the finance options and let me take it for a test drive.

The Leaf is a fine car and very pleasant to drive, and I'm definitely giving thought to taking the plunge. I think the Zoe has the edge on external looks and the charger, I definitely got the sense that Nissan are 100% behind the Leaf and that they'd work to resolve any issues.

You should have asked the dealer why they lack the interest in selling the Zoe ?

Who are they ? name and shame. I always tell dealers I'm very active on EV forums on the internet, it makes them a bit less uninterested.

Barlow Nissan in Kilkenny are terrific and much much better than Belgard Nissan, the sales guy Paul in Barlow Nissan Kilkenny was terrific couldn't have been more interested in selling the leaf. He even met me twice with the loaner leaf in Carlow which was well out of his way both for me to pick it up and drop it off, I couldn't have asked for more really.

If you are interested in buying a Leaf PM me and I'll give you his details.

Benny_Cake

Deleted User wrote: »

You should have asked the dealer why they lack the interest in selling the Zoe ?

Who are they ? name and shame. I always tell dealers I'm very active on EV forums on the internet, it makes them a bit less uninterested.

Barlow Nissan in Kilkenny are terrific and much much better than Belgard Nissan, the sales guy Paul in Barlow Nissan Kilkenny was terrific couldn't have been more interested in selling the leaf. He even met me twice with the loaner leaf in Carlow which was well out of his way both for me to pick it up and drop it off, I couldn't have asked for more really.

If you are interested in buying a Leaf PM me and I'll give you his details.

It was a dealership owned by Renault in South Dublin, not sure what the policy on naming and shaming is here (I'm sure people can figure it out from this post anyway)! I got the impression that it wasn't just the salesperson I was dealing with in this case, but that the dealers were disinterested. Renault have put a huge amount into EV's yet a Renault owned garage doesn't have a working charge point and hides it's flagship EV away? Although they did have a Twizy in a prominent position! I asked the chap I was speaking to if he'd driven the Zoe and he mentioned that they had some training on it a year or so ago, and promptly changed the subject back to the Clio.

Of course none of this reflects on the Zoe itself, it wouldn't be the first time that a great product was let down by lousy marketing/salesmanship (I owned a Commodore Amiga back in the day!). I haven't heard great things about Renault customer support generally but I may give another Renault dealership a chance.

Actually I tried the Leaf at Windsor on the Belgard Road and I'd give them top marks for knowing everything about the car and being interested in selling it. Two other potential customers were asking about it while I was there.

Benny_Cake

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Actually I tried the Leaf at Windsor on the Belgard Road and I'd give them top marks for knowing everything about the car and being interested in selling it. Two other potential customers were asking about it while I was there.

I don't think there is a restriction to naming a bad dealer ?

I disliked Windsor Belgard and I didn't like that they never called me back and found them condescending. But perhaps you got a different sales person.

Benny_Cake

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I don't think there is a restriction to naming a bad dealer ?

I disliked Windsor Belgard and I didn't like that they never called me back and found them condescending. But perhaps you got a different sales person.

You're probably right, it was Renault on the Belgard Road.

Honestly, I found Windsor Belgard just fine to deal with. Very busy dealership though so I can see how there might be a tendency to not follow up with people,although it's not an excuse.

Regarding the Leaf, I'm just wondering what you think of the 6.6kw charger Mad_Lad, is it worth getting?

Benny_Cake

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Regarding the Leaf, I'm just wondering what you think of the 6.6kw charger Mad_Lad, is it worth getting?

Well in 3 weeks of owning the Leaf the 6.6 kw charger has saved me twice from needing a fast charger, you can put back 50% in about 2 hrs. Easing the burden on the fast chargers that are not so fast in winter. And I got to say, it was nice to hop into the car and drive off without having to drive to and wait at a fast charger.

It's €900 extra and only 25 PM extra on PCP for me over 3 years. I think if paying for a new car then 25 PM extra is not a lot to spend for the extra convenience, imo, better to have it than want it, especially if a fast charger is down.

Benny_Cake

Deleted User wrote: »

Well in 3 weeks of owning the Leaf the 6.6 kw charger has saved me twice from needing a fast charger, you can put back 50% in about 2 hrs. Easing the burden on the fast chargers that are not so fast in winter. And I got to say, it was nice to hop into the car and drive off without having to drive to and wait at a fast charger.

It's €900 extra and only 25 PM extra on PCP for me over 3 years. I think if paying for a new car then 25 PM extra is not a lot to spend for the extra convenience, imo, better to have it than want it, especially if a fast charger is down.

Cheers Mad_Lad. That's pretty much what I was thinking. I don't expect to need fast chargers too often, but if I was stuck at one and in a jam the 6.6kw would allow me to charge up enough to make it to the next FCP without losing a day. There's an SCP near my in-laws in Templemore - currently marked as out of order on the map, but if it's ever sorted it would probably allow me to drive home from there on a single charge.

delthedriver

Be careful what you wish for..............

I am your reality check !!

Seriously , do you really want to drive a Nissan Leaf at this stage in your life?

Sure electric vehicles may be the future, however live in the present .!:)

Benny_Cake

delthedriver wrote: »

Be careful what you wish for..............

I am your reality check !!

Seriously , do you really want to drive a Nissan Leaf at this stage in your life?

Sure electric vehicles may be the future, however live in the present .!:)

I don't know what you mean by "this stage in your life" (in my mid-late 30s btw)! A car is purely a utility for me rather than an end in itself. I've never bought a new car, never been able to afford it or justify it but I'm prepared to reconsider that if it delivers savings in other areas (fuel, tax, etc) and an EV does that. A Leaf may not be the world's most exciting car, but hey, I'm driving a ten year old Mondeo at the moment and the only exciting thing about that is when I go to the garage to find out what the latest problem will cost me!

Obviously EVs aren't for everyone, I just posted this thread to find out if they were for me.

delthedriver

Benny_Cake wrote: »

I don't know what you mean by "this stage in your life" (in my mid-late 30s btw)! A car is purely a utility for me rather than an end in itself. I've never bought a new car, never been able to afford it or justify it but I'm prepared to reconsider that if it delivers savings in other areas (fuel, tax, etc) and an EV does that. A Leaf may not be the world's most exciting car, but hey, I'm driving a ten year old Mondeo at the moment and the only exciting thing about that is when I go to the garage to find out what the latest problem will cost me!

Obviously EVs aren't for everyone, I just posted this thread to find out if they were for me.

I think you have all the info you need and are on the verge of making a significant purchase. Sincerely I wish you well with your new car and hope you enjoy many years of safe motoring.

Best Wishes,

d.:)

Benny_Cake

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Cheers Mad_Lad. That's pretty much what I was thinking. I don't expect to need fast chargers too often, but if I was stuck at one and in a jam the 6.6kw would allow me to charge up enough to make it to the next FCP without losing a day. There's an SCP near my in-laws in Templemore - currently marked as out of order on the map, but if it's ever sorted it would probably allow me to drive home from there on a single charge.

Yeah two Carlow charge points have been down for a few weeks also. In fact if you look at the charge point map there are a lot of AC points out of service, there must be a shortage of parts.

Ecars have a FB page people should go there and ask them what's the story, the more people that complain the better.

But if there is a standard charge point near your in-laws then you will get about 50% charge in 2 hours. You may have to pay for parking though, or you could get the granny cable and run an extension lead from a socket at the house ?

delthedriver

delthedriver wrote: »

Be careful what you wish for..............

I am your reality check !!

Seriously , do you really want to drive a Nissan Leaf at this stage in your life?

Sure electric vehicles may be the future, however live in the present .!:)

A leaf to me is a lot better than, say, a Golf tractor diesel, the Golf is seriously over priced for a tiny car with a lot less spec than a Leaf top spec.

What I save over all, compared to the Prius, a 60 mpg car including electricity pays half the repayments on the Leaf on PCP.

I've nearly 3,000 Kms in just over 3 weeks on the Leaf so it's do as much as the prius did, and for the rarer long trip, 150 miles + I'll just take my partners car.

I would not drive a petrol or diesel car again even having to charge over lunch at a fast charger while I'm waiting for work to install the charge point. But I honestly don't care about leaving work to sit in the car for 20-30 mins having lunch and watching a bit of netflix.

reboot

Benny_Cake wrote: »

I don't know what you mean by "this stage in your life" (in my mid-late 30s btw)! A car is purely a utility for me rather than an end in itself. I've never bought a new car, never been able to afford it or justify it but I'm prepared to reconsider that if it delivers savings in other areas (fuel, tax, etc) and an EV does that. A Leaf may not be the world's most exciting car, but hey, I'm driving a ten year old Mondeo at the moment and the only exciting thing about that is when I go to the garage to find out what the latest problem will cost me!

Obviously EVs aren't for everyone, I just posted this thread to find out if they were for me.

I know exactly where you are coming from and your frustration with Renault dealership is felt,here also.I recently gave them little out of ten in a recent Renault customer survey.The survey kept asking about an oil filter. My frustration is really with Renault but they don't talk to us early adaptors Several things to bare in mind, first its the Renault/Nissan association that came together to produce Leaf and Zoe. The dealers make 4% on a sale,know little about EVs and some don't want to. They have to hit an EV target or Renault will not be happy with them. I know of a dealership that was asked to fork out 10k for a charge point, some NIE earth complication,(Elephant in a room) I know little about the Leaf but people seem to like them in the Republic where there is still limited choice of EV.
As far as Zoe goes at 18 months into the project I am happy to have leased it,I may look at the BMW i3 next year, but can't see myself going back to petrol.
Hope this is of some help, if not a man will be along soon to correct me. Thanks.

I think it was a major mistake for Kia not to import the Soul EV in Ireland, I would have bought it. It's got the most range of any affordable EV at this time. It would have been nice if they even inform people it exists on the Kia Ireland website and have a "register your interest" option so they know if people show an interest.

The Soul EV is a very good EV that should be on Irish roads.

Benny_Cake

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yeah two Carlow charge points have been down for a few weeks also. In fact if you look at the charge point map there are a lot of AC points out of service, there must be a shortage of parts.

Ecars have a FB page people should go there and ask them what's the story, the more people that complain the better.

But if there is a standard charge point near your in-laws then you will get about 50% charge in 2 hours. You may have to pay for parking though, or you could get the granny cable and run an extension lead from a socket at the house ?

Ah, that explains all the purple spots on the ESB map. I think that the slightly faster charger would be of more use than the granny cable. Less chance of tripping people up But I can see how I get on.

Thanks again for all the advice folks!

Benny_Cake

So, I went and ordered a Leaf today. SV version with a 6.6kw charger as advised by others. It includes the cold pack which I didn't particularly want but I would have been waiting for months for one with the faster charger in black otherwise.

I think I've informed myself pretty thoroughly of the advantages and disadvantages of EV's in general and the Leaf in particular at this stage. I wanted the 6kw charger as it would make the SCP network more useful. I can imagine the Zoe drivers sniggering at that, but in the end I preferred the interior of the Leaf, along with not having to lease the battery. As I mentioned the dealer experience was radically different as well. No question that the Zoe is a fine car all the same.

It'll be my first brand new car and the first car I've had to take on some debt for so I had a few sleepless nights over that, but in the end I went for the 3 year PCP. It gives me the reassurance that if the car doesn't work out, I can trade it in a few years for an ICE, or hopefully, the next version of the Leaf. Overall, I'm really looking forward to getting it.

This forum has been a wealth of information so thanks all, no doubt I'll have more questions in the coming week.

Excellent Benny well done , you won't regret it !

Regarding the 6.6 Kw charger, you'll be glad you went for it for the sake of 25 Quid a month or so extra over 3 years.

I've used the 6.6 Kw charger at the slow charge points 3 times now and have got a decent charge in an hour.

The PCP also suited me as I can hop into the new model or any model ev with greater range when the time comes and the monthly payments are a lot lower than if I went for a bank loan or normal finance.

What mileage are you doing again ?

Benny_Cake

Deleted User wrote: »

Excellent Benny well done , you won't regret it !

Regarding the 6.6 Kw charger, you'll be glad you went for it for the sake of 25 Quid a month or so extra over 3 years.

I've used the 6.6 Kw charger at the slow charge points 3 times now and have got a decent charge in an hour.

The PCP also suited me as I can hop into the new model or any model ev with greater range when the time comes and the monthly payments are a lot lower than if I went for a bank loan or normal finance.

What mileage are you doing again ?

I set 20,000 km as my annual limit, although it's not a huge deal if I go over it slightly. PCP was the only affordable option for me.

It's definitely put my mind at rest to get the faster charger, even if it's just for a situation where a fast charger wasn't working and I needed a boost to get me to the next one.

Really can't wait to get this car!

I'll be close to the mileage limit by just driving to work 25,000 Kms per year so the Diesel will take over if we need to do the really long trips. The leaf will be doing the most mileage per year !

I enjoy every minute in the car, especially when I get the chance to have fun.

I got to work today with 58% battery , I usually get to work with 45% remaining. So less time on the fast charger today when I charge over lunch. it was a lot milder this morning when I got into work and I drove a bit slower when I released it was Saturday and there would be no traffic, I think it's Tuesday, shift work messes with your head !

Benny_Cake

Deleted User wrote: »

I'll be close to the mileage limit by just driving to work 25,000 Kms per year so the Diesel will take over if we need to do the really long trips. The leaf will be doing the most mileage per year !

I enjoy every minute in the car, especially when I get the chance to have fun.

I got to work today with 58% battery , I usually get to work with 45% remaining. So less time on the fast charger today when I charge over lunch. it was a lot milder this morning when I got into work and I drove a bit slower when I released it was Saturday and there would be no traffic, I think it's Tuesday, shift work messes with your head !

I'm lucky in that I'll only need to charge overnight for my commute, it's a straightforward 50km round trip. This will be our only car, my wife doesn't drive, so it may need to do the occasional longer trip. In fact we're going to Cork for the May bank holiday so that should be interesting!

I'll probably wait until the charger gets installed at home before picking up the car, although I'm not too far from the Naas Tesco fast charger and it seems to be dependable enough, even though it's a busy enough one.