(And eager to talk about it.)

Yep, I keep reaching for my key to turn off my new Leaf. But I do love that back-up camera (with guide lines) and all the real-time info that lets me know exactly how my driving affects my energy consumption.

What are other Leaf drivers learning about driving in the 21st century? I'm hoping to connect with other Leafs, online or on the ground (I'm in Seattle), to compare experiences and exchange tips.

Monday, July 4, 2011

4th Charge

I've now connected the car to the charging unit 4 times. The first time was a charge from @ 24 miles; the next two times were from @ about 50 miles. Today's time was from @ 35 miles.


The charge stopped at 11 out of 12 bars, although I didn't have it set for any limit. Don't know why.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Getting used to it...

Noticed something the last couple days. I'm forgetting that I'm driving an electric car. I'm  just jumping in the car and going. 


Feels nice.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Delivery Day





I was prepared for a June 6-11 delivery, but got The Call on Thursday, May 26, and was at the dealership the next morning at 9 a.m.


(The charger had just been installed that Monday and wasn't even okay'ed by the city when The Call came through.)


It was noon before we left, but, thanks to the helpful folks at Stadium, I understood enough about my new Leaf to be able to drive it home...and to find my way around the manuals and DVD over the next week(s).


Of course, with the sun out -- rare this Seattle spring -- we had to take the car out for pictures.


I had chosen the blue color when I first ordered my Leaf, but I'm glad I changed to red. After walking down the Greenwood Auto show last weekend, looking at all the red cars, I've decided that this is one great shade of red, ranging from dark leather to bright candy, depending on the light.


I was surprised how big the Leaf is. We don't have a garage, so my old Maxima had a car cover to protect it from birds and tree trash. Being a new car owner, I hauled the cover out for the first couple nights that the car was in the drive. That cover would have just fit if it weren't for the antenna


Most of the neighbors were amazed at how sporty the Leaf looks. They had expected a squat Prius profile. For me, a big plus is how the outside looks from inside the car. I have always liked the view from the driver's seat in Nissan cars, but the wide Leaf clearance is really nice.


Here's the Leaf at the end of our drive, where it will get its juice.
 

Charging....

I'm a new Nissan Leaf owner.
One month now.
Damn, but it's fun.


I have to admit that I'm not yet fully charged on all the bells and whistles, but I'm getting there. I love the feel of the drive; I love the way it moves; and I even find sitting in traffic on the 520 bridge rather amusing. I like sitting there, watching my mile-range improve while everyone else is using up gas in their idles. Not proper, I know, to enjoy all that exhaust — but, hey, it's a new experience.

I hope to link up with other Leaf owners (esp. in the Puget Sound area) to compare drives, exchange experiences with the learning curve, share tips and just gab about the cars. 

Right now, though, I'm going to unplug the car...and try to find the file where I put my pictures.