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.
Nissan Leaf Range Calcs from Tony Williams Tabular Estimator
By
Paul Gipe
This tabular estimator is based on Tony Williams Nissan Leaf Range Chart. This simple spreadsheet uses Williams’ estimates of how much electricity a Nissan Leaf consumes in level, steady-state driving and in climbing and in descending based on his driving experience.
EV Trip Report: Tehachapi Revisited
By
Paul Gipe
My meeting to discuss Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Kern County was canceled, leaving my day free. So I turned to Nancy and suggested we drive our 2015 Nissan Leaf to Tehachapi for lunch. Nancy’s dependably game for another EV adventure and off we went.
EV Trip Report: Bakersfield to Los Angeles & Return
By
Paul Gipe
On Friday 22 May we embarked on our Electric Vehicle (EV) adventure to Los Angeles via the “Grapevine” to take in a concert of the LA Philharmonic and visit friends.
EV Trip Report: Bakersfield to Kernville
By
Paul Gipe
As part of our continuing exploration of the Nissan Leaf’s range, we took a one-day get-a-way and drove up to scenic Kernville deep in the heart of the southern Sierra Nevada.
EV Trip Report: Bakersfield to Grover Beach and SLO–550 Miles in a Nissan Leaf
By
Paul Gipe
On 5 March Nancy and I undertook our first true road trip in our 2015 Nissan Leaf. Our destination was Grover Beach and ultimately San Luis Obispo.
500 Miles in an EV—Some Observations
By
Paul Gipe
We recently completed a 550-mile trip to Grover Beach and San Luis Obispo from Bakersfield in our Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle (EV). It’s not as far as many have driven, but it’s far more than most owners of EVs. That was one observation we came away with after the excursion.
