Re: Nissan Leaf
 

If we're talking ugly, I give you the Fiat Multipla....

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

I think it looks pretty smart; not overdesigned and no overbearing design cues.

That said I would never buy an electric only vehicle; the lack of range and time to recharge kills it for me, not to mention the inability to tow/haul stuff.

A hybrid pick-up, with a diesel engine, is the cat's meow .

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Or the Pontiac Aztec or the new Lexus fullsize SUV.
Lexus Mulls New Seven-Seater SUV, Possibly Named TX, by 2015

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Those are both ugly, yes.

Nothing comes close to the Multipla, though. It is by far the ugliest, most bulbous monstrosity ever connected to four wheels.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Lot's around here, a good mix of everything on the road. Same with WA and CA, always a good amount of smaller efficient cars on the road.

There are large trucks and SUV's still, but I wouldn't say there are more of those on the road here based on what I see, now there are above average amounts of BMW's, Mercedes, Porsche, and other luxury brands compared to most area's I have been to, but a lot of money and foreign money in BC especially from Asia, so a lot of luxury cars on the road here.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

true. But everyone I know who ever had one absolutely loved it.

There are loads of Leafs (leaves?) around Austin so I looked up recharge points and they are everywhere. I think Austin is quite a good city for an electric car since it is a relatively small city and public transport is pretty much useless. According to the Austin city website (electric and water utility part) electric vehicles would be suitable for about 80% of the population and they are certainly putting efforts in that direction with rebates and cheap electricity for charging the cars.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Overall, it's hard to disagree, but the Megane is still ugliest for me in the "ugly rear end" category.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

True.

So, imagine a hybrid with Megane rear end and Multipla front-end.

Sort of like a modern day Edsel.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

You need some new friends. I recommend quality people, who know something about cars, like Nutek, Sultan, Markonline, and, er, me. :nod:

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

As long as Dodge continue to make Viper's, Charger's and Challenger's why on earth would you want a horrid lectric car?

Live long and guzzle gas!

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Vipers and Challengers maybe, but Chargers?? They are horrible to drive.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Thank you for the insight, but my real point was gas guzzling beasties vs nasty lectric cars

Insert Aston Martin, Bentley, Lambos's, my old Cortina, anything in the drink fuel bracket!

:thumbsup:

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

An old friend lives in a townhouse development in Los Gatos about 25 miles from Tesla's factory in Fremont.

Each unit has two covered parking spaces -- however none are directly adjacent to the units. When built, lighting was installed in each set of parking spaces. Later, it was proposed that automatic doors of cage type would be installed. It turned out that although there was sufficient wiring for the lights, it was insufficient for the motors on the door openers!

Of course, now several owners want to have 240v charging stations. The homeowners association says "on your nickel," cabling underground, and it has to be permitted by the city.

One of the problems with electric vehicles is lack of infrastructure. The same is true for CNG or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Oh I dunno - I think the Nissan Juke gives it a run for its money!

http://i67.tinypic.com/2iuvs6h.jpg

Re: Nissan Leaf
 

Electric might see more success if the car makers spent more time to quickly get infrastructure in place.

We got our new lease today for the new building we are moving to, and they specifically say no use of the outlets in the parking area for electric vehicle charging or other charging of personal items and the outlets in the common areas are not for resident use.

Our current place has no outlets at all in the parking area.

I know some new condos in Vancouver have electric in mind, but those are pricey condos and luxury tower types and those who buy those can afford Tesla's.....


One of the hotels I patrolled in Whistler last year had a Tesla charging station in the garage, but I never did see a car there, I was only there 3 days a week and only 10 hours, so not much, but still thought I'd see one..

I did see a couple Nissan's, always had to unplug them as they were "stealing" electricity and the parking garage owners didn't permit electric car charging (other then at that 1 Tesla station at the 1 hotel garage.)

People don't seem to think plugging into an outlet they are not paying the electricity for is okay, may seem petty on the parking lots owners but why should they foot the electric bill? Overtime it would add up if multiple cars were doing it everyday.