Jeff GeerlingSep 4, 2025

I bought the cheapest used EV, and just posted a video going over my experience with my first EV.

*And* why I don't think an EV isn't the right option for most car owners in the US (at least not yet).

Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQQtFnLefqw

And a blog post, if you're more textually-inclined: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/i-bought-cheapest-ev-used-nissan-leaf

Show threadAti
@geerlingguy Something a little more modern, that has 50-60 kWh net battery capcity at least NOT 29kWh and that charges 10% - 80% in 25min every time NOT 45min on a first charge and 2 hours on every consequtive time (because of 60C battery with no cooling) .... would change a lot. With the likes of eNiro / Kona EV / VW cars / Stellantis cars you always charge at 80kWh per hour. With Leaf it is 45kWh per hour at first fast charge of the day and maaaaybe 15kWh with hot battery 💁‍♂️
Sep 4, 2025 at 5:36pmMastodon for iOS
Show threadJeff GeerlingSep 4, 2025
@ati1 my gen 2 plus has 60 kWh batter I think? And will do 55 kW fast charge, still a lot less than more expensive EVs
Show threadAtiSep 4, 2025
@geerlingguy This bigger battery makes it a bit better for no charge / single charge trips. But still close to nothing on long trips couse of no active battery cooling system. Once battery gets hot (after 1st fast charge) you only get 25kW charging power or so (from 2nd "fast" charge onwards) That's why in Bjorn Nyland 1000km challenges 40kWh Leaf is capable of around 60km/h average speed (charging included) 60kWh battery only betters it to 65km/h, modern ones do 90km/h and top ones > 100km/h
Show threadAtiSep 4, 2025
@geerlingguy So maybe choosing sth more modern and sometimes just a little bit more expensive would suit more ppl (like here in EU used, compact, Leaf sized Citroen eC4 does around 85km/h average in 1000km challenge and is in 60kWh Leaf price range). Not to mention top ones like Ioniq 5, EV6, Teslas.... VWs 95 - 100km/h average (charging included). That is really close to gas cars. And a whole different planet than Leafs 65km/h.