EV CONFESSIONS: EPISODE 3 - NISSAN LEAF TO PRIUS PLUG-IN

EV Channels Review

In this episode of 'EV Confessions,' Ramon shares his early experiences with electric vehicles, starting with a 2012 Nissan Leaf SL. He highlights the financial incentive of a low monthly lease payment as a key driver for his initial adoption of an EV, finding it cheaper than his existing gasoline car. While he appreciated the Leaf's technology and quick acceleration, the limited 100-mile EPA range, which was further reduced by AC usage in the summer, presented challenges. Charging infrastructure was also a concern, with home charging and free Nissan dealership charging being primary options, though he noted the slow speed of Level 2 charging and a warning against frequent use of 480V DC fast charging due to battery degradation. A significant road trip from Lancaster to Long Beach, approximately 90 miles, required a lengthy hour-long stop for charging. After the two-year lease, Ramon opted for a 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-in, appreciating its hybrid nature and 11-mile electric-only range, though he found its acceleration less immediate than the Leaf's. He expresses a continued interest in EVs, particularly an electric truck like the Rivian R1T, and laments Toyota's lack of a fully electric Sienna or Prius.