Tesla vs. Nissan LEAF

The #SKIman has over 10,000 hours in EV and EVSE technology, recently leased a Tesla Model X, then two months ago bought a 2013 Nissan LEAF with just 59,000 miles. He affectionately calls the LEAF "Towncar" as even with just 36 miles of range on the 11 year old battery pack, it is perfect for all trips in and around town.

Comparisons

Did I ever tell you about my dream of owning a Jaguar XJ Sedan? It was 1980 and I was working for a local newspaper selling "display ads" to businesses. Attending the local branch of Kent State University, doing the Mr. Mom thing. Who knows, maybe the 1983 film was based on my life?

Probably not. But YEARS later I would finally own a Jag. A 1990 Vanden Plas XJ6 sedan. When it was new the MSRP was $48K or roughly $115K in today's dollars. I thought it was the perfect road trip car. With that straight 6-cylinder engine, it would move!

Well, when I leased the Tesla Model X SUV earlier this year for four months I found a better road trip car. Honest. Those Dual Motors and 100kW battery will move much quicker. With 7-seats instead of four.

Then, I get this great buy on 2013 Nissan LEAF "S" with only 59K miles, like new, but with half the battery range "gone" so to speak. The problem is that new the LEAF and its 24kW battery only had 75 miles of range! But as I mentioned, it is the perfect vehicle for running around town.

So, let's compare

Roughly the Jag Vanden Plas and the Tesla Model X are comparable. A person looking to buy one of them might truly consider the other for purchase. The price is not too dissimilar. The comfort level is very similar. I could on but you get the idea, right? FYI: the XJ series in no longer made.

This weekend I drove a friend's X out to a Harvest Festival at the Amish Door Village where the "Touch a Truck" organization was displaying some very cool trucks. Also on hand, Food trucks, inflatables, outdoor markets, and horse-drawn wagon rides were as well. And thi X on display.

This meant I had to park the LEAF in New Phila, drive the X out to #WilmotO to the event for a few hours then drive it back. Then drive the Towncar home. Hence the background for this post.

Although the XJ6 Jag is no longer produced, I compare mine to the Tesla X favorably. But the "tech as a vehicle" of the X offers a whole new level of comfort and sophistication. Computer-driven route planning to include nearby Superchargers (over 26,000 Tesla charing posts in the USA) complete with mileage and timing ("You will arrive at XX:XX with XX State of Charge") is impressive.

But what about getting back into the LEAF?

The lack of sophistication was obvious. Very much so. The stiffer tires without padding inside the tire was obvious. The plastic "everywhere" inside while looking good and fitting well, was, well, it was platic.

Unfair

Yes. A very unfair comparison. However... was it?

Consider all the negative press that EVs get. Have you stopped to think why? Some of it is valid, in a few cases, very much so. And yet...

The bottom line: What is your Goal? Your mission for your next purchase?

"Too few people think." —Earl Nightingale

Need a "work car" for 10 to 30 miles each way five or six days a week? The LEAF is perfect. Remember, it is a GREAT Towncar. I am getting 4.2 miles per kW driving around town. If your electricity was $0.20 per kW that is $24 per month for the 500 miles a month we drive it. In our Jeep at 14.6mpg around town, with gasoline at $3.19 this morning, that would cost $109 per month. Plus oil changes, filters, etc.

How would you like to say $80 or more a month? That is a $1000 a year.

Reconsider the modern EV.

But as is always the case, your mileage may vary.

P.S. My new dream car? The Tesla X Plaid. In tesla-speak, "plaid" is the fastest version, paying tribute to the movie "Spaceballs." And just like in 1980, I have a picture of my dream car on the wall in my home office.