I’ve owned a new 62 kwh Leaf+ for nearly two months and just returned from a successful long road trip (family holiday). Because of battery gate I wonder if the Leaf is a bit unfairly maligned in some quarters regarding rapid charging, so thought I might report on my experience to offer a positive view.
We drove from County Durham to Devon in a day (400 miles), spent a week in the Westcountry before returning. On the way south, both rapid top-ups (Derby and Bristol) were at 40+ kwh. I accidentally ended the second one early and the unit wouldn’t restart again (Ecotricity) so decided on a third top-up at Exeter. Only Exeter services was busy and the Polar unit at Exeter racecourse was blocked (locked entrance gate, very annoying). The guessometer said 36 miles range for a 32 mile journey to Plymouth so we cut the speed back to 50 mph to rein in a few extra miles. The third rapid charge of the day in Plymouth was restricted by the car to about 20 kwh with the battery temp. icon showing approx. three quarters fully hot. Plymouth isn’t brilliantly endowed with EV chargers, but I was able to start the home journey (a week later) with a full charge. We only required rapid top-ups at Bristol and Derby again and both were close to full speed. So my very non-scientific finding is that on a warm summer day, driving at a constant 70mph (when traffic allows), it’s only the third rapid charge that is restricted by the car somewhat.
In terms of range, the journey south into a slight headwind, gave the equivalent of just under 200 miles per full charge and just above 200 heading back north with a similar wind behind. Most driving was on the propilot at 70 mph so the range was a pleasant surprise, especially as aircon was used from time to time too. The propilot is great and really does help with driver fatigue and I appreciated the e-pedal on narrow Devon lanes properly for the first time too.
So, all in all, a lovely holiday and a very positive EV experience. Of course, my Leaf+ ownership is still very early days, but I do think it’s a good car and definitely a match for ICEs on longer journeys. More dealerships are pricing it below £30k, which means it compares very favourably with the similar ranged Kias and Hyundais. I hope more prospective buyers are attracted to it.
We drove from County Durham to Devon in a day (400 miles), spent a week in the Westcountry before returning. On the way south, both rapid top-ups (Derby and Bristol) were at 40+ kwh. I accidentally ended the second one early and the unit wouldn’t restart again (Ecotricity) so decided on a third top-up at Exeter. Only Exeter services was busy and the Polar unit at Exeter racecourse was blocked (locked entrance gate, very annoying). The guessometer said 36 miles range for a 32 mile journey to Plymouth so we cut the speed back to 50 mph to rein in a few extra miles. The third rapid charge of the day in Plymouth was restricted by the car to about 20 kwh with the battery temp. icon showing approx. three quarters fully hot. Plymouth isn’t brilliantly endowed with EV chargers, but I was able to start the home journey (a week later) with a full charge. We only required rapid top-ups at Bristol and Derby again and both were close to full speed. So my very non-scientific finding is that on a warm summer day, driving at a constant 70mph (when traffic allows), it’s only the third rapid charge that is restricted by the car somewhat.
In terms of range, the journey south into a slight headwind, gave the equivalent of just under 200 miles per full charge and just above 200 heading back north with a similar wind behind. Most driving was on the propilot at 70 mph so the range was a pleasant surprise, especially as aircon was used from time to time too. The propilot is great and really does help with driver fatigue and I appreciated the e-pedal on narrow Devon lanes properly for the first time too.
So, all in all, a lovely holiday and a very positive EV experience. Of course, my Leaf+ ownership is still very early days, but I do think it’s a good car and definitely a match for ICEs on longer journeys. More dealerships are pricing it below £30k, which means it compares very favourably with the similar ranged Kias and Hyundais. I hope more prospective buyers are attracted to it.