My Nissan Leaf Experience after Owning Two Prius Models

I originally bought a 2007 Prius Touring edition - loved the combination of features, especially the brighter headlights and modestly improve handling. I drove it for nearly 25K miles over two years, not a single problem. Wonderful car, met my expectations fully. Sold it in 2009 when gas prices spiked and hybrids were in short supply. Couldn't turn down the price I was offered, which allowed me to swap into a 2009 Mini Cooper and put money in the bank on the deal.

Moved into a 2011 Prius after tiring of the Mini Cooper. It was a fun ride, but after the ride became challenging over time - short wheelbase, felt every pebble on the road. The 2011 Prius surprised me greatly. All of the little things that bothered me in the 2007 version were fixed in the 2011 model. Better range, stronger battery allowing for more extended runs on battery power only (nearly 2 miles on my ride to work), better power up the hills (ICE didn't turn on nearly as often). The interior was a bit better, but I wasn't a big fan of the "floating" shelf console design. After 2 years and 26K miles of driving again nothing at all to complain about. Avg. MPG during my ownership was a real 48.8, up over 2 MPG from the 2007 version. No repairs, just routine service. Fabulous car in every way.

But, and there is always a but, I became interested in a true EV and the Nissan Leaf was on my radar for 2 years. I drove it a few times, but each ride was limited to 5 miles or so - not enough to get the feel for the car (it was in short supply and dealers were not offering rides - I got my ride from the Nissan Leaf demo rides that were company sponsored). I liked the idea of it, but the 3.3KW charger was a VERY slow system that limited the car's flexibility for my needs. The heater was also an issue, it was essentially based on a toaster design - resistance heating and it really hurt the car's range. Those two issues were killers for me, not to mention the price.

Imagine my surprise when I tried out the 2013 model two weeks ago. The charger was upgraded to a 6.6KW version, cutting the charging time in half. The EV management system was updated as well, extending the range and improving efficiency. The stock range rose to over 80 miles, and that was real range, not wishful thinking. The car's electric heater was completely redesigned to a heat pump! The battery drain is far lower than the original, adding to the effective range. A/C is also worlds better and also far more efficient. All in all, the problems that kept me from the Leaf were no longer there. My daily commute is under 20 miles and my city is "green" with lots of free/low cost charging stations available 24/7. Add to all of that the price drop made available by shifting production to the US instead of Japan. I didn't want to buy the car, fearing resale value and battery depletion, and apparently Nissan realizes that. The lease I got was just over half of the initial prices offered in 2011.

The Leaf rides very well, batteries are low to the ground, and the ride is "firm" without being boring. The SV model, the middle level, offers all that I want and puts a smile on my face. That doesn't mean I don't love the Prius, nor does it mean that I won't buy another one at some point. The Leaf is still distance challenged ("range anxiety" is the term), but the 2013 is FAR better than the car that was released in 2011. Like the Prius the updates and changes are significant and makes the car a better vehicle. After considering everything I leased the Leaf and sold the Prius.

If your commute is short, and you want to experiment with a pure EV, the Leaf may be for you. Incidentally, I tried to buy a Prius Plug in, but they are still very limited and prices are typically inflexible. Add to that the rebates and other Leaf discounts and the Leaf winds up with a far lower monthly payment versus the plug in Prius, even though the cars are not all that far apart similarly equipped.

Again, not bashing the Prius -- I loved both of mine, but the Leaf is something different. And for me the difference is entertaining, and fully matches my driving needs.

 

I've owned the Leaf for two weeks as of today. Traveled 383 miles and my total electric use is $7.04, but some of that is at free public access stations. My range anxiety has greatly abated. Car is entertaining and fun at the same time. Different feel from the Prius with full torque available all the time. Acceleration 0-30 is better than the Prius, or at least feels stronger. That's very welcome in my daily commute. No problem holding 70 MPH on the highway, but range falls slightly. A/C very good, charging time very quick versus my expectations - the upgraded charger is well worth seeking out. I can control charging and A/C on my smart phone with a free Nissan app. No complaints at all - still on my Leaf "honeymoon".

I'm impressed, and you may be too. Still a Prius fan - after all the Prius isn't range bound and never let me down. I also tried the Volt, RAV4EV and the Ford Focus Ev - for me the Leaf beats all of them. I'd love a 85KW Tesla, but in the real world I strongly recommend the Leaf. Leases are very good deals.

Finally, if your commute is short, or if you can access 240 volt public chargers you may very well be perfectly happy with the standard 120 volt factory EVSE (a fancy name for battery charger). It works fine for me.

 

Agreed, ESVE is an acronym which is short for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment. I referred to it as a battery charger to shorten the post. Wsbsteven is correct, the charger is actually inside the Leaf - that's why I wanted the 2013 Leaf with the upgraded charger.

The EVSE is designed to safely pass through the power to the car's onboard charger. A Google search will help you find all you want to know on the topic.