Just like in the Prius, although even better in the Leaf, this is THE BEST CAR for napping children. You can let the a/c stay on, and sit for hours (I sat for 2 hours today while my son napped waiting outside Lowe's to do my returns while I finished reading a library book.) The car only "runs" when it needs to and uses VERY little power - unlike a gas or diesel car. If you have napping children, or need to idle a lot, get a hybrid or EV. The Prius sometimes would jiggle a bit when the engine kicked on - not so with the Leaf! The a.c kept the car nice and cool even though I was parked in full sun.
I also called ChargePoint today and she told me the Thermostat Error on the Quick Chargers should go away on its own after the cable cools. I am not convinced though, she could not give me an estimate how long that would take in full sun, outdoors, on an 80 degree day. (I gave her options, "Is it closer to 1 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours.") I then started to explain Newton's Law of Cooling - I even uttered those words! Ha! I then decided that data is out there - I will just have to look for the temperature that triggers the alarm. (Anyone know this? Find this?)
Lastly, I got my QuickPoint charge cards in the mail. They will be handy if my cell is ever dead and I need to charge. I activated them. They have an RFID chip in them. (You can also use a credit card with an RFID chip in it if your cell is dead.)
Now on to wall charger. I need to install a 20 Amp charger at home. I am looking at this model:
http://www.clippercreek.com/store/product/hcs-40p-30a-240v-charging-25-cord-nema-14-50-plug/
It is in theory, portable. (If you go somewhere where someone has an electric dryer.)
There is a DIY group,
http://emotorwerks.com/products/online-store/product/show/44-customizable-juicebox-an-open-source-level-2-15kw-ev-charging-station-v8-9-shipping-now-starting-july-21-2014
However, it seems like perhaps pre-assembled is better and then it costs the same as the Clipper Creek. An electrician is coming in the AM to give me bid for running a dryer plug to my garage. My husband (who is NOT an electrician) seems certain he could do it. Stay tuned for the bid.
And yes, I can mail someone my cable that came with the Leaf and convert it for $400. However, I would no longer be able to charge from a standard outlet. I feel like I should keep the possibility for charging from a regular outlet since they are so prolific.
Next project: Get pricing info for installing a 40 amp charging station (not a Quick Charger) at my work! Given their new sustainability initiative and new administration, the timing is good! I work at a non-profit, so federal tax incentives are not going to entice them . . .
New to EVs? Here is a map of ChargePoint stations:
In St. Louis, here are the ones that are listed. (Remember, the three at BJC garage are not "listed", so there are more out there . . . )
Where do you think St. Louis needs more chargers? Post below.
Stats from today:
- average "mpg": still 3.9 miles per kWh.
- miles driven: 77 miles
- charges at stations: ZERO
- ChargePoint cards activated: 2
- How much I am lovin' the car today on a scale of 0-10: 9.5 :)
