EV Trip Reports
As the title suggests, this section is devoted to our experience driving an electric vehicle (EV). In late 2014, we leased a Nissan Leaf, a mass-market EV with an official range of 84 miles. In late 2016 we bought a 2017 Chevy Volt. When the lease expired on the Nissan Leaf in the fall of 2017 we leased a 2017 Chevy Bolt EV. We sold the Volt in the spring of 2018 when we downsized to one vehicle. We now drive electric only. In the fall of 2020 we returned the Bolt to GM at the end of the lease and bought a 2020 Bolt.
I-5 Over the Tejon Pass with EV Express DC Fast Chargers
By
Paul Gipe
The trip was in part to visit a friend and in part to test the performance of two new DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) in the Tejon Pass.
Return to Bird Springs
By
Paul Gipe
We arrived with 55% charge remaining as opposed to last year’s 51%. We returned home with 34% State of Charge, slightly more than the 32% SOC during last year’s trip.
EV Trip Report: Bakersfield to Palm Springs
By
Paul Gipe
Wherein we again learn the importance of avoiding dependence on a GPS, on the value of paper maps, and on driving conservatively.
Bakersfield to Paso Robles Raises Questions on Energy Estimates
By
Paul Gipe
In late October we tried a new route from Bakersfield to Grover Beach where we visit a family friend. . . The new route pushed the boundaries of what our 2015 Nissan Leaf is capable of—and our tolerance of range anxiety.
Star-Crossed Trip: Bakersfield to LAX & Return
By
Paul Gipe
Wherein I learn some important lessons: Don’t get overconfident with an EV; Don’t believe LA valets about their knowledge of EVs; The value of quick charging; Plan carefully; and—as always—allow plenty of time.
Stats on a Star-Crossed Trip: Bakersfield to LAX & Return
By
Paul Gipe
I’ve pulled the statistics out of the article Star-Crossed Trip: Bakersfield to LAX & Return and put them here.
