Nissan Leaf Electric Car Running Costs v Petrol Hatchback HD

In 2011 http://www.sust-it.net reported the arrival of the Nissan LEAF on our shores, now there are over 7,500 LEAFs on UK roads (2014). We took-up Nissans 7-day test drive offer to see if the claimed 2p per mile fuel cost, really added up. At the dealers we where given an enthusiastic overview of what it’s like to drive an electric vehicle, then a quick trip around the block to show us the details of the controls. As my wife hadn’t driven an electric car before – or an automatic – this was invaluable. Once behind the wheel it was business as usual, albeit a little more quietly. Monday, school run to the bus, commute to work, and a short trip to Guides in the evening. Tuesday – much the same again. What was a real treat is getting into a warmed car, as you can schedule the LEAF to turn-on the heater while its connected to the mains, before you start your journey; a real joy on a freezing cold morning. Wednesday, the same again with a trip further afield in the evening, all whilst grabbing charges during the day. Thursday, after school club meant an evening pickup. Friday was normal routine. Apart from getting used to charging the car, which is no reaI hassle. I can’t say we missed having to fill-up at the garage! The weekend involved the supermarket run and visiting friends, a normal weeks running around I’d say. How did the costs compare to our normal frugal petrol hatchback? We did 300 miles – electricity cost 5p* per mile, compare that to our Greenline Citigo, which normally averages 56 miles per gallon, that’s 9p* per mile You could possibly get the Leaf near 2p mile if you where charging on a cheap overnight tariff. What’s our verdict? It’s fun to drive, roomy, fantastic performance, well-built and easy to control – once you’ve got used to the foot operated parking brake and all the techy twiddly bits. Downsides? Poor visibility, due to screen pillars, difficult to judge size when parking and not very supportive seats! Is it green? Yes! If you’re charging from a green tariff, pretty marginal from carbon emissions prospective if not. Certainly wins hands down compared to diesels as there’s no tailpipe NOx emissions. Is the Leaf a real alternative to an internal combustion engine? Yep, if it’s your second car or you only ever do short trips. Going further a field can be a little disconcerting, due to the unreliability of charging stations. Hopefully the infrastructure will improve. The Nissan LEAF is, in our eyes, a real winner and a future classic, for-sure! * Electricity is calculated at the UK Average Electricity Tariff of 15.2p per unit February 2015, mains emissions at 0.49023 kg CO2 per kWh (Source: DEFRA). Petrol £1.10 per litre February 2015.