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I highly recommend Nissan Leaf. I can't speak so much about new ones (though I doubt Nissan's philosophy has changed much), but my 2013 Leaf works just fine. As

I highly recommend Nissan Leaf. I can't speak so much about new ones (though I doubt Nissan's philosophy has changed much), but my 2013 Leaf works just fine. As another commenter pointed out, there are independent garages that can work on them and you can do after market changes. Electric cars in general are not all that complicated; I think the shortage of independent mechanics has more to do with the historical rarity of electric cars. The mechanics will come as the cars come. Unlike most other makes, Nissan also now has more than a decade of experience manufacturing electric cars. In my opinion, it shows.

kiwidrew 5y ago
2nd this. In addition, it's easy to obtain the service manuals for the older Leaf models (up to around 2018). The design of the Leaf is very similar to other Nissan vehicles, so working on the car's non-drivetrain components is easy. The electric drivetrain itself has proven to be very reliable so far.
secabeen 5y ago
Just be very careful when buying a used leaf that has any chance of having spent time in the southwest. The OG leafs have no battery temperature management, and many of had their batteries baked in the Arizona sun.
outworlder 5y ago
I'll vouch for the Leaf too. Drawbacks are: really hot climates will mess up the battery due to lack of active cooling. Really cold climates require the cold weather package for the battery warmer. Nissan doesn't really have a good story when the battery needs replacement - but maybe third party shops will by then. If you do have QuickCharging, it uses ChaDeMo, which is dying. But it's still commonplace and will be for a while. Other than that, I don't think about maintenance (maybe tire rotation and cabin filter?). No need to think when the next oil change is due. Registration renewal doesn't require a smog check. No OTA updates (both a blessing and a curse). It works as a normal vehicle for all intents and purposes, minus gas stations.
- goodcanadian 5y ago
  Nissan doesn't really have a good story when the battery needs replacement - but maybe third party shops will by then. Battery replacement is technically quite easy. The main issue is the availability (or lack thereof) of replacement batteries.

kiwidrew 5y ago

2nd this. In addition, it's easy to obtain the service manuals for the older Leaf models (up to around 2018). The design of the Leaf is very similar to other Nissan vehicles, so working on the car's non-drivetrain components is easy. The electric drivetrain itself has proven to be very reliable so far.

secabeen 5y ago

Just be very careful when buying a used leaf that has any chance of having spent time in the southwest. The OG leafs have no battery temperature management, and many of had their batteries baked in the Arizona sun.

outworlder 5y ago

I'll vouch for the Leaf too. Drawbacks are: really hot climates will mess up the battery due to lack of active cooling. Really cold climates require the cold weather package for the battery warmer. Nissan doesn't really have a good story when the battery needs replacement - but maybe third party shops will by then. If you do have QuickCharging, it uses ChaDeMo, which is dying. But it's still commonplace and will be for a while. Other than that, I don't think about maintenance (maybe tire rotation and cabin filter?). No need to think when the next oil change is due. Registration renewal doesn't require a smog check. No OTA updates (both a blessing and a curse). It works as a normal vehicle for all intents and purposes, minus gas stations.

goodcanadian 5y ago
Nissan doesn't really have a good story when the battery needs replacement - but maybe third party shops will by then. Battery replacement is technically quite easy. The main issue is the availability (or lack thereof) of replacement batteries.