Скачать или смотреть Charge and drive: A Brooklyn Park man’s electric commute

Paul Wicklund drives from Brooklyn Park to Chaska to work five days a week. He might think about traffic or weather, but he doesn't concern himself with finding a gas station on his drive.

That's because his car doesn't need it. He drives a Nissan Leaf EV, which is all electric.

"We have saved a tremendous amount of money over having a gasoline-powered vehicle," says Wicklund. "The savings alone by not running gasoline can be substantial."

Wicklund estimates the 18,000 miles he's put on the car have only cost him $140 in electricity costs. Compare that to getting 25 miles per gallon and buying gas at $3.20 per gallon, those 18,000 miles would cost $2,304.

"The best part of the car is when you park the car at night and when you get up you are ready to go, you don't have to stop and fill it up, it's fully charged and ready to go," says Wicklund, who leases his car for $299 a month.

Wicklund did upgrade the outlet at his house, so he can fully charge his car in about four hours during the summer and a bit longer in the winter. When he gets to work, his employer lets him plug in so he's fully charged for the trip home.

"Even at coldest temperatures, even at half–battery, I'm able to make it to a charger easily without chance of running out of electricity," says Wicklund.

Wicklund also points to several free charging stations around the Twin Cities at Kwik Trip gas stations, dealerships and even the Mall of America that allow people to charge should they run low on power during a commute.

Wicklund can monitor his battery levels on his smart phone. He can also start the car or call for roadside assistance if needed.

There is one downside to his electric car. "You aren't going to be able to drive to Chicago or go up to the cabin with it," says Wicklund. "It's strictly a commuter car."

So, you have to stay within the 100-mile range in-between charges. Treat it like you have 100 miles until empty on a gas-powered car.

"It's made for commuting and if you can stay within the 100 mile range, this car will work for most of your daily needs," says Wicklund. "This car is very nice. It's been very reliable and I really like it a lot."

The 2015 Nissan Leaf starts around $29,000.

Shannon Slatton, reporting
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