There are many problems with cars. EVs are not exempt from some of these, as well as some of their own. I wonder about batteries, and I assume most people wonder about batteries, but that’s not the focus of this piece. Problems I have noticed with the 2015 Nissan LEAF I am reviewing on a long-term basis (some of which are perhaps aggravated by hot Florida weather) are:
- New car smell. Yes, the LEAF I drive still has this condition after 7 months. It is toxic, causes headaches, and is not pleasant. I cannot make a comparison to an electric BMW i3 (with recycled materials), as I have only test driven the BMW i3.
- Plastic pieces that break very easily are another unsustainable problem in the LEAF.
- It is not an autopilot-enabled EV yet.
- “Child-safety” doors. I’m not a fan of child-safety doors that lock kids in the backseat. I think it is safer for kids (and adults) to be able to open the doors if needed.
- It is very difficult to vacuum it completely or well. It’s hard to fully get under the seats and into various corners under there. A slightly more open design under the seats would be helpful with this.
- The charging port plug sometimes gets stuck. This has happened once when the salesperson or another employee at Nissan kept telling me that I did not unlock it. I had. He was wrong. They then had trouble getting it to disconnect as well.
- The navigation system is okay, but not great. It only gets one in the general vicinity of charging stations — not directly in front of them.
Related Stories:
Nissan LEAF Made From Recycled Clothes… And Freezers?
“Yes, This Is Definitely The Future… Gonna Be A Worldwide
BMW Is A Thoughtful Automaker — Comparing BMW i3 With Nissan LEAF
The Questions People Ask About The Nissan LEAF At A Charging Station
Caution: Things To Notice When Adjusting To An Electric Vehicle
8 Ways Life Has Changed Since Driving An All-Electric Car
Images by Cynthia Shahan
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