Comments on: US Electric Car Sales Have Increased 361% In 2013 So Far

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 04:17:00 +0000

I live slightly over half a mile off road in the Appalachian hills, my Versa was able to get out even when the driveway was covered in ice. We will see how the Leaf goes. I plan to drive about 130 miles a day in it for a couple years, charging at home and work/University.

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 04:13:00 +0000

The LEAF won’t work for me. My drive to the grocery store is over 100 miles and I’ve got 3.5 miles of unpaved road which isn’t plowed when it snows. I’ve got to have 4wd and more range.

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:51:00 +0000

I have spent hours posting on GCR, often hours every day.

I do my best to promote it. ON the numbers, it is complicated, but I averaged 270 a month in gas savings at 4 dollars a gallon (which it was very close to when I ordered my car). This number is actually probably better, I assumed an average of 40 mpg in my last car (I expect 30k miles a year). I was able to sell my last car, lowering the payment. In the end, I expect about 170 a month in savings. If living expenses were factored in (I would have likely moved otherwise), the saves are even greater.

You should get a leaf!

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:46:00 +0000

I’ve spent far too much time posting. ;o)

I think people like you are going to help drive the sales of EVs. Knowing someone who has one and is having good experiences is a great advertizement.
Have you thought about printing up a small sheet which explains how your LEAF is paying for itself?

Just a few numbers on how much you are saving/expect to save per year on fuel and maintenance over driving a similarly priced gasmobile. Last time I checked the LEAF, with the federal subsidy, was a thou or so cheaper than the entry level Camry.

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:22:00 +0000

How do you get “Top Commenter”? I am the top comment or Green Car Reports but I don’t get that lovely badge…

Everyone is like “That is an electric car? …How many miles a gallon does it get?” I like in Appalachian Ohio, I don’t think there is another Leaf in my region… Most people think it is cool and are impressed.

By: Bob_Wallace

Bob_Wallace — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:05:00 +0000

Randy, what sort of reaction are you getting from family/friends/co-workers to your LEAF?

Interest, disbelief, whatever….

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 02:45:00 +0000

People aren’t buying EVs because they make them feel special. They buy them because they are good cars. My Leaf literally pays for itself. People like saving money and, comparatively equipped, EVs are very cost competitive. The gas savings is free.

By: Randy

Randy — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 02:44:00 +0000

I hope this keeps up and we have a million EVs on the road by the end of 2015! I got my Nissan Leaf this years.

By: Adriano

Adriano — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:45:00 +0000

I think this is the main reason. US is lagging behind. But a lot of people doesn’t want it and to show they are not like the rest of US, they buy an electric car. My next car will also be hybrid, this is one way to say: “hey, don’t judge me, only because I am in a country with no respect, I am different”.

By: Frederik

Frederik — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 09:38:00 +0000

It is often said that the US is lagging behind Europe when it comes to green energy, but when it comes to electric cars, it seems like the US is actually ahead of us. With the exception of Norway perhaps.