Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Living LEAF
Is the Nissan LEAF right for you?
e-NV200 to be tested in Tokyo – again
by on July 14, 2013
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| Nissan e-NV200 |
Testing will provide additional feedback for 2014 launch
The e-NV200 will be Nissan’s second global electric vehicle (EV) with its commercial launch next year. The e-NV200 uses the LEAF drivetrain, although the chassis is unique to the van. The gasoline version of the NV-200 has already launched in the US. The first time that we wrote a significant story about the e-NV200 was two years ago in July of 2011 (found here). That was also a Japan based test, in that instance with the Japanese postal service. Since then Nissan has worked with several companies globally including British Gas, AEON Retail and Saitama City. This real world feedback is crucial to provide useful information in tailoring the vehicle to meet the needs of the commercial market. Other e-NV200 articles can be found by putting e-NV200 in the search box on the right.
A careful reading of the paragraph above will note that Nissan is now proclaiming this a commercial launch in 2014. We read that to mean that this vehicle will not be available to retail customers, but we will need to investigate this further as this was just announced in Japan on Friday. With one of the largest expenses to fleet operations being fuel, we see the move to EVs as being a potentially sound business decision. Many delivery route type companies have a consistent, predictable driving range that could easily be accommodated by an electric van.
Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i-MiEV drivers will be able to charge their vehicles in 30 minutes or less (up to 80% battery capacity). Currently, it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to charge a LEAF on a Level 2 (240 volt) charging system.
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| MP Off Grid Living Page - http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/p/off-grid-living.html |
ABB’s First US-Based Fast Charger for Electric Vehicles
- See more at: http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/2013/07/off-grid-ev-project-nissan-e-nv200-to.html#moreWednesday, July 10, 2013
With the onset of many Americans coming to a realization that the #EV movement/#rEVolution is REAL, We have BREAKING NEWS:It's True.
Many different types of Drivers are learning the advantages of Electric Vehicles.
Tesla Motors and Nissan have unveiled Dynamic additions to their charging networks:
>>Tesla is to offer free #OffGrid type solar charging stations free to use for Tesla Owners. Also recently unveiled Battery Swap Stations...
>>Nissan recently announced plans for 100 Quick Charging/DCFC Stations at Nissan Dealerships.
There is a real surge in ownership of EV's.
I am one of them (Proud owner of Nissan LEAF SL). My #EV has the Quick Charger port built in next to the 6.6 kWh Charging port.
We Madison LEAF owners are very excited to hear about the addition of #DCFC Chargers in our area (Madison, Milwaukee). http://www.facebook.com/groups/MadisonLeafers/
As a member of the blink Charging Network, I am looking forward to their upgrades as well.
We came across this article from ETECH Labs on LinkedIn and thought it explains the DCFC Charging Upgrades.
Check out our EV/OffGrid Living Page:
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| http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/p/off-grid-living.html |
- Nissan To Add Electric Vehicle Quick Charging At More Than 100 U.S. LEAF-Certified Dealerships - engadget
Quick charge units can recharge Nissan LEAF to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
So far, the active chargers in the program have been popular. Since the pilot began, about 5,600 charging sessions have taken place, with each location averaging about 4.5 sessions per day. That figure has been steadily on the rise as awareness has increased. Over the period of June 21-July 1, the number of charging sessions increased about 12.5 percent compared to the previous two-week period.
Installation of new chargers will begin in east coast markets, starting this summer. By April 1, 2014, Nissan expects to have quick chargers installed and operational at 100 additional dealerships.
Nissan's charging partner AeroVironment will supply the quick chargers and will provide installation services for nearly all of the new quick charging units.
2
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Thursday, June 24, 2013
>We found this on LinkedIn Emergency Managers group. A great thread and an eye-opening account of personal experience.
Check out our Bug Out Bag articles for reference:
_MP>>
The Risks You Don’t Think of: A Plea to Pack a ‘Go Bag’
- 06.14.13
- 5:40 PM
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/06/the-risks-you-dont-think-of-a-plea-to-pack-a-go-bag/
Photo: OnlyAnEgg, CC/Flickr
What
if you had 15 minutes’ notice to leave your home, and you didn’t know
when you’d be coming back — or what shape your home would be when you
did?
Could
you find your key documents, medications, ID, devices, cables? Sturdy
shoes, suitable clothing, stuff to comfort your kids and control your
pets? Mementos, valuables, things you couldn’t live without? While
trying to stay calm, keep your family calm, and figure out what’s going
on?
I
ponder this, sometimes, as an academic exercise: when I’m watching
horrific tornado footage, or wondering how far inland a tropical storm
is going to come. I’ve lived on a hurricane coast (Texas) and in a
tornado alley (Minnesota), and I thought regularly about preparedness
while I lived there. But now I live mostly in Atlanta, and sometimes in
inland Maine, and my rare thoughts about preparedness extend mostly to
keeping documents in a fireproof safe and making sure the flashlights
scattered around the house have good batteries.
Last
night I learned how shortsighted that was. TL;DR: All’s well, my house
didn’t burn down, and I got a useful reminder about how you can be taken
by surprise. Read More: http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/2013/06/72hr-kitbug-out-bag-review-plea-to-pack.html
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Urban Survival Gardening on SitPrep
http://www.underwoodgardens.com/3415/russian-dacha-gardening-homescale-agriculture-feeding-everyone/
Russian Dacha Gardening – Homescale Agriculture Feeding Everyone
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| http://www.underwoodgardens.com/3415/ |
There are a growing number of conversations and discussions taking place around the country, in person and online, about a highly important emerging question – how are we going to feed ourselves with a growing population, diminishing resources and a challenging climate?
We see news reports of crop devastation from droughts, floods and other weather related impacts around the world. There was a world-wide food shortage in 2008, causing a sharp spike in wheat prices that started a series of governmental overthrows in the Middle East. Clearly, food is important in a way that many have not thought about here in the United States. We didn’t experience much in the way of price spikes in 2008, but if we look, there is clear evidence that we are experiencing our own price increases; they are just in a different manner.
The prices for food, when compared to a couple of years ago, have risen significantly, even here in America. Our food system is complex, with major food companies and distributors absorbing the brunt of price increases and passing them along in increments, instead of all at once, so that we are not as aware of the increases in food prices. With a severe drought across most of the country in 2012, and winter moisture levels significantly below normal for this year (2013), more crop failures are predicted along with higher prices.
It is natural that this conversation is beginning to happen. In venues ranging from upscale coffee shops to rural diners to governmental meetings, more and more people are asking, “How are we going to feed ourselves?” The conversation more often than not becomes some form of commercial vs. small scale agriculture, with both sides speaking passionately about the benefits of their systems and judiciously pointing out the shortcomings and detriments of the other systems. It becomes an either/or argument and is a great example of false dichotomy.
Read more at underwood gardens.com
EV Update: Nissan LEAFtops Kelley Blue Book's latest 10 best 'green' car list - latimes.com
Great News for the LEAF!!!For a True EV Experience and a Tremendous Commuter/City Car, the Leaf fits the Bill.
Our "study" of the '13 Leaf SL showing improvement in "mileage".
At 1500 miles:
4.1 m/kWh
87 projected GOM
Winter/Cold Temps skew numbers lower by 10%.
Madtown EV Enthusiasts, check out our Off Grid Living Page:
NEW EV BLOG COMING SOON!!!
In
the end, it was a very close call, but the less-expensive and
longer-ranged 2013 Nissan Leaf edged out a best-ever field of
competitors to win top honors on Kelley Blue Book's newest 10 best "green" cars list.
"We
went round and around on which car would be No. 1," Jack Nerad, KBB's
executive editorial director and executive market analyst, said in an
interview.
"It was a very difficult choice," Nerad said of the decision to put the Leaf just ahead of the Tesla Model S sedan, which came in at No. 2.
Kelley Blue Book's 10 best 'green' cars for 2013 - latimes.com
"It was a very difficult choice," Nerad said of the decision to put the Leaf just ahead of the Tesla Model S sedan, which came in at No. 2.
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No. 2: Tesla Model S |
Kelley Blue Book's 10 best 'green' cars for 2013 - latimes.com
"We went with the Leaf because it was so much improved, with a lower price and better battery range," Nerad said.
The 2013 Leaf has a range of 75 miles. Its mpge, or miles per gallon gasoline equivalent, ratings for city/highway/combined, respectively, were 130/102/116.
Overall, Nerad said, there has never been a better green car list, noting that in some previous years, there were so few green offerings that some high-mileage, conventionally powered cars had to be added.
Not so this year. "This year we had an embarrassment of riches," Nerad said.
The U.S. won the battle of the automakers, with five on the list, compared with four for Japan and one for Europe.
The Tesla Model S didn't win, but the Palo Alto-based company's employees might be assuaged by KBB's description of it as "the electric car most likely to gain mainstream success."
As in previous years, these are hardly the most affordable cars on the market. Most were in the $30,000+ range. The Tesla S was most expensive with an MSRP of $71,070.
The two exceptions were the Leaf, which can be had for $22,000 "after the $7,500 federal tax savings," KBB said, and the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The rebate helped the Leaf edge out the Jetta Hybrid (No. 7, $25,790) for affordability.
Ford Motor Co. and Toyota had special bragging rights. Ford got three vehicles on the list: the Lincoln MKZ (No. 10), the Ford C-Max Energi (No. 6), and the Ford Focus Electric (No. 3).
Toyota had two -- the Avalon (No. 9) and the Prius Plug-In (No. 5).
Rounding out the Top 10 were the Chevy Volt (No. 4) and the Honda Fit EV (No. 8).
ALSO:
A regulation that could reduce California gasoline prices
More husbands than wives lie about traffic tickets, accidents
Toyota says it will expand Kentucky factory to produce Lexus model
Copyright © 2013, Los Angeles Times
http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/2013/01/off-grid-nissan-leaf-project-preface.html
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2013-Nissan-Leaf-solar-panel |
Get your EDC Supplies/Tools/Blades @ Our New e-Commerce Site:
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http://www.blogtalkradio.com/usaebn/2013/06/13/gear2survive
Mobile Solar Power Blossoms In Arizona | EarthTechling
http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/p/off-grid-living.html
Mobile Solar Power Blossoms In Arizona
In the aftermath of Sandy, mobile solar power – both on a fairly big scale and the cell-phone charging level – came to the rescue of some powerless residents.
Now an Arizona company is promoting a pretty and pretty spectacular version that’s apparently lightweight enough to transport in a small car. The 18-panel device folds up and unfolds like a nyctinastic flower and the idea is that it can be used to power an electric vehicle, home appliance or whatever here in the developed world, while providing for more basic needs in less privileged places.
image via Monarch Power
With Govt. Pilot Programs and Start-Ups for convenient, efficient EV Charging Stations popping up all over the States,
Most of which are currently Free or Nearly Free,
What's the next excuse?
_MP
Lower Electric Vehicle Prices from GM and Nissan
For those of you who always wanted an electric vehicle but the near $36,000 price tag was a deal-breaker: your time has come. Nissan took the first step, announcing last month an 18 percent price cut, bringing the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) from $35,200 to just $28,800. That’s still a lot of money, but brings the entirely electric vehicle into a more reasonable price range for many people.Depending on your state’s tax credits, combined with the feds, you may be able to purchase a Leaf for around $18,800. This is for the lowest model, the “S”. The higher-end models, the SV and SL, also saw price drops – although less significant. The SV dropped 10 percent to $31,820 and the SL dropped 6 percent to $34,840.
The most impressive and optimistic factor here? The prices are being dropped not because of new Federal tax incentives, not because of outsourcing but because the economics allow the prices to drop. IE: the market has sustained these vehicles to a point that manufacturing costs have dropped. Bummer for people who rushed out and bought the $35,200 “first edition”. Hats off to those folks who paved the way for the rest of us.
Shortly after Nissan’s announcement, the manufacturer of the Leaf’s only major competitor, GM, announced a similar price reduction in their “electric” Volt. For those unfamiliar, the volt can run on electricity for a period of time, then kick into gas mode for extended distance. Depending on your driving pattern, this is the next best thing for someone wanting an all-electric ride that also needs a longer driving range.
GM did not announce the exact price cut, but promised “thousands” off the original price. In a clear attempt to not be outdone by Nissan, GM followed suit. We have yet to see the exact price, suggesting GM was caught off guard and needs to crunch the numbers. They indicate advances in battery technology and electric motor designs are allowing them to sharpen the pencil on the price.
What’s driving this price change? I’m no economist (read: D+ in macro economics in college), but US electric and hybrid sales rose 73 percent in 2012. According to http://cleantechnica.com/2013/01/21/major-drops-in-price-ahead-for-nissa... " href="http://cleantechnica.com/2013/01/21/major-drops-in-price-ahead-for-nissan-leaf-and-chevy-volt/" target="_blank">Clean Technica, sales are expected to rise 14 percent in 2013. The former statistic makes clean vehicles the fastest growing sector of the American auto market. Remember when SUV’s were the fastest growing segment? Me too, and I grin with delight to think of such a significant paradigm shift.
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http://madtownpreppers.blogspot.com/2013/01/off-grid-nissan-leaf-project-preface.html
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2013-Nissan-Leaf-solar-panel |
Wow,
We were just discussing the Detroit Auto Show and the new 2013 Nissan Leaf Rollout.
Rumors about production setbacks at the Tennessee Plant, May/May Not be like the Japanese Upgrade, rumors
I personally am done Chasing Rumors and Ghosts.
Go to the Owners Blog, Listen to People. Trust Them.
The Nissan Site Owner Blog: Read it. Make a decision that affects more than your morning commute.
Consider it an payment to Mother Earth for the Superfund Site we call this Spaceship Home.
On must think seriously how to get to Work and School and back.
Ok,
Now buy an electric car, NOW.
There are roughly 125,000 Vehicle Rebate Credits available through the Dealership.
Upgraded Efficiency, Better Handling 89 kg Less Mass, Improved Insulation, Heat Pump replaces Elements for Heat.
Tax Return.
Buy $300 worth of solar panels, ****Project Off Grid Nissan Leaf****, plug it in when not in use, charge a Backup Battery Bank.
Never buy Dirty Oil Again.
Now, here comes the complaints and opinions: If you are not one of the roughly 2000 owners in the US, then you heard Rumor.
Consider it an payment to Mother Earth for the Superfund Site we call this Spaceship Home.
There is an Answer.
Choice is Yours.
Now it's on you.
-NS
>Multi Media Services
>>Off Grid Nissan Leaf Project
Nissan Announces Huge Price Reduction for 2013 Leaf
Last week, Nissan issued a press release announcing the improvements it had in store for its 2013 Leaf EV. Among those improvements were an additional, less expensive trim level, an extended range, and a better charging time. Though the Japanese company did not include pricing details simultaneously, many inferred that a price reduction would be in order because the Leaf and its battery are now being manufactured stateside in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Today, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan announced pricing for the 2013 Leaf. In doing so, they confirmed that there would indeed be a price reduction for the next model year. The Japanese automaker is also claiming that the price reduction will make the 2013 Leaf the least expensive five-seater EV available to North American consumers.
According to yet another extremely long press release from Nissan, the 2013 Leaf will be available beginning at an MSRP of $6,400 less than the starting MSRP of the 2012 Leaf. Further, all three trim levels of the 2013 Leaf will have MSRPs lower than the cheapest 2012 Leaf. The 2012 Leaf currently has a starting price of $35,200 before any applicable federal or state tax credits, whereas the highest trim level of the 2013 Leaf—the SL—will have an MSRP of $34,840. The mid-level trim—the SV—will be priced at $31,820, while the base trim—the S—will start at $28,800.
After the $7,500 federal tax credit Leaf owners qualify for, the price of the 2013 Leaf EV will fall to $21,300. Further, if you qualify for California’s state tax credit of $2,500—you’re looking at only $18,800 for a 2013 Leaf S. Keep in mind, however, a destination fee of $850 dollars is not included in any of the above prices, nor are any tax, title, and license fees. You can read the press release in its entirety here.
This post was contributed on behalf of Hendrick Nissan Kansas City.
http://www.treehugger.com/science/
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2013 Nissan LEAF Gets Massive Price Cut (-$6,400)
© Nissan
New Entry-Level Model Almost 20% Cheaper than 2012 Model
This was not unexpected. In fact, a few months ago I wrote about Nissan's intention to create a new, improved and less expensive entry-level model of the electric LEAF. But it's still a welcome development: The 2013 Nissan LEAF electric car will now come in a new entry-level trim with an MSRP of just $28,800, which, after federal and state tax credits (depending on where you are), can mean you actually pay around $19,000. This compares very favorably with the MSRP of the 2012 base LEAF, which was $35,200, but this isn't exactly apples to apples since this more spartan trim didn't exist previously.According to Nissan, this price drop makes the LEAF the least expensive 5-seat electric car in the US.
© Nissan
2013 Nissan LEAF Trim Levels
The 2013 LEAF will now be available in three different trims:- LEAF S for $28,800.
- LEAF SV for $31,820.
- LEAF SL for $34,840.
Here's how Nissan describes the different trims:
The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, the LEAF S, LEAF SV and LEAF SL. Standard features include 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage and 3.6 kW onboard charger. Other standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, power windows with driver's window one-touch auto up/down, power door locks with auto locking feature, remote charge door release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM/CD with MP3 playback capability and a 12-volt power outlet.
LEAF SV models are upgraded to 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a 6.6 kW onboard charger, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, energy saving hybrid heating system, an upgraded 6-speaker sound system, 7-inch color LCD display, Pandora® link for iPhone users, Nissan Navigation system with CARWINGS telematics and B-mode setting for increased regenerative braking. At an MSRP of $31,820, the 2013 LEAF SV represents a $3,380 savings over a similar 2012 model.
LEAF SL adds leather-appointed seats, 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels, DC 480V fast charge port, automatic on/off LED headlights, fog lights, photovoltaic solar panel rear spoiler and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. At an MSRP of $34,840, the 2013 LEAF SL represents a $2,410 savings over a similar 2012 model. (source)
© Nissan
The 2013 LEAF will be made in Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Powertrain output is 107 horsepower, with 187 lb-ft of torque, and energy is supplied by a 48-module lithium-ion battery that is also made in Smyrna. Because of aerodynamics improvements, the 2013 LEAF should have a longer driving range than the previous version, though the official EPA numbers aren't out yet. The Japanese version claimed a 14% improvement, but the US testing cycle is different.
© Nissan
© Nissan
No word yet on availability, but it shouldn't take too long.
Via Nissan
See also: 2014 Infiniti Q50 to Come in Hybrid Version
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