Any Model S depositors also reserve a Leaf?

[efusco]

Over at Priuschat one member thinks that many of us have also put down a refundable $99 deposit on a Leaf as insurance in case there are major delays or the Model S falls through completely. Thought I'd see how many here will admit they did.

I did...it's plan C. Plan A is the Model S by late 2011 or early 2012--if it is clear it will be delayed more than a year more than that I could see getting the Leaf as a "place holder". Plan B, if the Model S falls through completely, is a PHV Prius, and Plan C the Leaf.

Anyone else?

 

[AnOutsider]

nope, I think I'd go for a volt first... In any case, there's more to the Model S than just it being fully electric that attracted me to it

 

[efusco]

nope, I think I'd go for a volt first... In any case, there's more to the Model S than just it being fully electric that attracted me to it

It was my sense that most Model S reservation holders would feel that way, the individual at PC thought it was more about getting an EV, any EV...

For me it has to suit my family, and at 5 seats and a size nearly identical to the Prius the Leaf would work as a commuter, but I definately prefer the Model S....just wanna have a backup plan.

I really have little interest in the Volt now mostly b/c it's not a good EV or a good touring vehicle, it's sort of a mishmash of both...and ultimately seating only 4 it's not an option for my family of 5.

Their new Voltec MPV5 concept would, however, work...but it'll be a while before we see the likes of that in the US.

 

[Iz]

For me the Leaf's range is too low. My door-to-door work commute is ~ 62 miles round trip. Factoring in trips to the gym, home depot, supermarket or visits to mom in NYC or a run in central park and I have good reason to panic. This is also compounded by temperature, driving habits and speed.

The whole Tesla story and allure of Model S are just too inviting to consider another EV. I'd be heartbroken if TM does not come through

 

[OwlsCat]

Me, too...

I'm not planning on getting any other EV except the Model S. It appeals to me mostly because it doesn't feel like a compromise to drive electric. I don't have to sacrifice luxury, range, or styling, and I like having my cake and eat it, too, by not pooting out any exhaust. I like being virtuous, but I don't want to suffer!

 

[mnx]

nope

You can count me in the no crowd as well. If the model S gets delayed substantially etc. I'd be learning towards finding a used roadster.

- mnx

 

[steve841]

The Leaf is ugly as can be and super small. The Volt is marginally better looking and larger.

Tesla hit the nail on the head with the Model S .... now if the damn thing was only being built

Hurry up and wait is the story of my life!

 

[efusco]

Steve,
While asthetics are individual, I think the leaf is average in appearance. But it is definately not "super small" it seats 5 (to the Volt's 4-in a VERY tight back seat) and is comparable in size, or a bit bigger than, a Prius-which is far roomier than most people think--plenty for my family of 5 anyway.

And the Volt back seat:

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Would admit that I did some research on the Leaf lately and signed up to be notified if and when I can put down a deposit. A Leaf is more than enough for my family of 3 and the range (even a more realistic 80 miles) is good enough for the daily commute and school run.

However, I'm still in love with the Model S for the looks (I describe it frequently as the Electric "Jaguar-XF-lookalike") and the uniqueness. I do want to support Tesla's cause as well against the big guns.

So there, no deposit on the Leaf! :smile:

 

[steve841]

The Volt is 2" longer, an 1" or so wider, has an actual trunk (not a hatch to nowhere). Yes they are both small .... However, I think that Nissan claiming 5 passengers is a bigger stretch than calling Obama a capitalist.

And yes, to me, the Leaf is as ugly as the Smartcar. JMO.

 

[Cobos]

The Volt is 2" longer, an 1" or so wider, has an actual trunk (not a hatch to nowhere). Yes they are both small .... However, I think that Nissan claiming 5 passengers is a bigger stretch than calling Obama a capitalist.

And yes, to me, the Leaf is as ugly as the Smartcar. JMO.

I'll agree that the Leaf isn't exactly pretty. Except for that it seems you've got no experience with hatchbacks (or socialists for that matter). The curvature of the hatch in most hatchbacks means you can actually fit big items into the rear cargo area in contrast to a trunk.

I'll agree that for most compacts fitting 5 adults is possible but not comfortable. Actually most big cars like the Ford Crown Vic are still not very comfortable if you are 3 people in the backseat. So I've got not problems Nissan selling the Leaf as a 5 passenger car, as that's what it can carry, though noone would go roadtripping with 5 people in it.

Cobos

 

[efusco]

The Volt is 2" longer, an 1" or so wider, has an actual trunk (not a hatch to nowhere). Yes they are both small .... However, I think that Nissan claiming 5 passengers is a bigger stretch than calling Obama a capitalist.

And yes, to me, the Leaf is as ugly as the Smartcar. JMO.

The Volt is longer b/c it has to accomodate an ICE as well as the electronic stuff under the hood. The hood of the Leaf is tiny, so passenger room is going to be roomier. And an inch wider outside dimensions are pretty irrelevant depending how you design the interior and how thick the doors are and such.

And I'll take a hatch back ANY day over a trunk, it's so much more flexible for what you can carry.

Look, I love the looks of the Model S and it's still a high #1 on my list of choices, but unfairly bashing is all I'm trying to get stopped here. The Prius, if you've ever been in one, is quite roomy for a "small" car. I've managed my family of 5 in mine for the past 6.5 years and 99k miles. I don't expect that the actual passenger space of the Model S will be much bigger (a little more hip room would be nice though).

 

[efusco]

I'll agree that for most compacts fitting 5 adults is possible but not comfortable. Actually most big cars like the Ford Crown Vic are still not very comfortable if you are 3 people in the backseat. So I've got not problems Nissan selling the Leaf as a 5 passenger car, as that's what it can carry, though noone would go roadtripping with 5 people in it.

Cobos

The Leaf (and the Prius) are mid-sized vehicles, not compacts.

 

[Cobos]

The Leaf (and the Prius) are mid-sized vehicles, not compacts.

Are you sure ?
I've not seen any actual size data for the Leaf, but I've always figured it had about the same size as the VW Golf? The Golf is what we call a compact. Though the actual size of the compact or Golf class has grown with the Golf from Gen 1 Golf to todays Gen 6 Golf. So if in the states you've used absolute figures then I guess the Golf might be approaching mid-size territory.

**
After looking a bit at Wikipedia it seems like the leaf is 4445mm long and 1770mm wide. The Golf MK6 is 4199mm long and 1779mm wide and the Ford Focus hatchback has a dimensions length 4337mm and width 1840mm. Both the Focus and the Golf are compacts but they are a bit shorter than the Leaf but at the same time wider. So it seems the Leaf is a mid-size car but just a very small one (or a big compact car).

Cobos

 

[efusco]

Cobos,
This class size is determined by interior space, not external dimensions. The Prius absolutely is mid-size. No interior dimensions for the Leaf have been released, but the exterior dimensions are comparable and I would expect the interior would be too for marketing if nothing else.

 

[woof]

It's a "C Segment Vehicle" (whatever that means), and is similar in roominess to Prius and Insight:

Link to mynissanleaf.com forum

 

[Lush1]

I haven't seen an EV other than the Model S that interests me. If the Model S doesn't make it I would be more inclined to look at the Lexus hybrids. The HS Hybrid costs roughly $35,000 and has EPA estimates of 35/34/35 mpg, an RS Hybrid can be had for $42,000 with 30/28/29 mpg estimates, or probably closest to the Model S in size and luxury there is the GS Hybrid for $57,000 that gets 22/25/23 mpg. The GS has pretty weak mileage numbers but I think of it more as a muscle car masquerading as a hybrid. There is also the LS Hybrid for $109,000 with 20/22/21 mpg ratings but that's big bucks and low milage. I live in downtown Philadelphia and city traffic here is horrible and any ICE gets miserable mileage so a hybrid would be a reasonable alternative for me if I can't get the EV of my dreams. Maybe by mid 2012 or 2013 there will be additional offerings either on the road or nearly ready for release but the Model S just has no direct fungible competition yet.

 

[TEG]

ct200h coming soon too...

Press release
Probably 35-45MPG.

 

[vfx]

Nissan is also developing an Infiniti BEV.

 

[AnOutsider]

The car I have right now is a gas guzzler, so I'm not on board so much for the green factor as the "new tech" factor. To that end, if the Model S doesn't materialize I won't be settling for a hybrid, but another sedan that's stylish, powerful, and fuel-efficient as an afterthought (as long as I can get mid 20's and above)