2020 Nissan Leaf SV Plus: Where to Charge Your Electric Car

Disclosure: The 2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*

Hey Sassy Peeps,

Although I own a gas vehicle, I am always very intrigued to see what’s new in the EV world.

In the past, when driving an electric car, I made it point to only go to COMPLETELY FREE public charging stations. Which is cool, if you have 4 to 6 hours to kill. It has been about a year or so since charging a Nissan Leaf and my time is a lot more limited.

So when I found out that I would be testing the 2020 Nissan Leaf SV Plus, I was interested to learn ALL the ways Leaf owners can charge their electric car.​​​​​​​

Keep reading to find out what I discovered…

Where to Charge Your 2020 Nissan Leaf SV Plus

Charging your Electric Car from Home

Having a dedicated home charger installed makes charging sessions from home convenient and inexpensive. Per www.energy.gov, most EV owners do 80% of their charging at home. Additionally, based off the national average of 12.6 cents/kwh, to fully charge an electric vehicle with a 100 mile range depleted battery, would cost about the same as operating an average central air conditioner for six hours. 

Yes, there will be an upfront cost for the device/installation process, but by installing a home charger you will definitely save time and money over time.

Per www.fixr.com:

•  The average cost range is between $850 and $2,200, with most people paying around $1,200 for a 240-volt outlet, charger, and wall-mounted system.

In my opinion, having the ability to plug your vehicle into an at home charging device overnight, and waking up to a fully charged car is worth every penny.

Charging at Work

Many companies have taken steps to install charging stations for staff and visitors.

Most are lower level COMPLETELY FREE public charging stations. However, having the ability to top up your charge while visiting a location or getting a full charge during work hours​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ is such a great perk and very convenient.

How to use: Simply pull up to the charging device and plug in. In a matter of seconds, the vehicle will start charging. #SuperUserFriendly!

Charging at Public Destinations

Whenever, there is a charging station available, you will find that most EV drivers plug-in to a chargepoint whenever they park to stay topped up. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Depending on the location, you can start charging by: ​​​​​​​​

• Plugging in (Slower/Free Charging Station)
• Downloading the app of the available charging station and pay with credit card (Sign up/Pay with credit card/rapid Charge)
• Contactless card ​​​​​​​

On this particular day I used a Level 3 EVgo at Town Center Boca Raton Charging Station.

Session Details…

• Public charging station: Level 3
• Per minute: .35 cents
• Minute: 45:15 minutes
• Total kWh: 28:96
• Total charge rate: $16.85

EVgo Charging Station Receipt:

NOTE: Some stations come equipped with several different devices, such as this one.

Charging at a Service Plaza ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Although EV’s are offering longer ranges, you may find yourself needing a rapid charge.

Say for instance, you are traveling a long distance and the remaining battery range won’t get you to your final destination, or perhaps you lost track of your remaining range. No need to worry, there are several service centers along different freeways that are now equipped with fast chargers.

For example, Florida residents now have a new way to stay charged along Florida’s Turnpike. FPL EVolution program allows EV drivers to power up at newly installed fast-charging ports at service plazas from Fort Drum to Pompano, and other major highways across the state. These publicly accessible Level 3 chargers offer an ultra-fast charge, charging a battery to near-full capacity within an hour or less, depending on size of battery.​​​​​​​

FPL EVolution Charging Station Receipt:

Session Details…

• Public charging station: Level 3
• Minute: 51 minutes
• Distance: 80.42
• Total kWh: 19.30
• Total charge rate: $5.79

In MOST cases the faster the charge the more expensive the fees. However, as you can see the FPL Evolution Level 3 Charging Stations are a lot less expensive than other Level 3 Stations.

If you notice, I charged at the Evolution Station a few minutes longer than the previous station and paid ten bucks less. #YayEvolution

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​More about Florida Power & Light Company’s – FPL EVolution program

• EV drivers can power up at newly installed FPL EVolution fast-charging ports at service plazas at major highways
• These publicly accessible ultra-fast chargers are user-friendly and charges a battery to near-full capacity within 30 minutes.
• FPL EVolution was designed to accelerate the use of EVs in Florida by increasing the number of charging stations in the state by 50%.

Watch FPL Spokesperson and I discuss FPL EVolution Fast-Charging Stations.

NOTE: Some stations charge by kilowatts and others by the session. The free stations are lot slower than paid stations. Although Level 3 chargers are a lot faster, the fees are a lot more.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2020 Nissan Leaf Specifications

The 2020 Leaf comes in five trim levels: S, SV, S Plus, SV Plus, SL Plus

LEAF S

• Starting MSRP:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ $31,600​​​​​​​
  • As low as $24,100, after potential Federal tax credit on qualified Nissan LEAF
• 40 kWh Battery, 147 Horsepower, 236 lb ft of Torque
• Safety Shield 360 
• Nissan Intelligent Key
• e-Pedal 

LEAF SV

• Starting MSRP: $34,190
  • As low as $26,690, after potential Federal tax credit on qualified Nissan LEAF
• 40 kWh Battery, 147 Horsepower, 236 lb ft of Torque
• NissanConnect EV with Navigation & Services
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 
• Voice Guided Navigation

LEAF S PLUS

• Starting MSRP: $38,200
  • As low as $30,70, after potential Federal tax credit on qualified Nissan LEAF
• 62 kWh Battery, 214 Horsepower, 250 lb ft of Torque
• Quick Charge Port and Portable Charge Cable (120V/240V EVSE)
• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning

LEAF SV PLUS (Vehicle tested)

• Starting MSRP: $39,750
  • As low as $32,250, after potential Federal tax credit on qualified Nissan LEAF
• 62 kWh Battery, 214 Horsepower, 250 lb ft of Torque
• Nissan Door to Door Navigation
• NissanConnect EV Services with Remote Start Charge and Climate Control
• 17″ Alloy Wheels

LEAF SL PLUS

• Starting MSRP: $43,900
  • As low as $36,400, after potential Federal tax credit on qualified Nissan LEAF
• 62 kWh Battery, 214 Horsepower, 250 lb ft of Torque
• ProPILOT Assist
• Intelligent Around View Monitor
• Leather appointed seating + Bose premium audio

Perks of an Electric Car

• You don’t have to worry about Gas
• No emissions
• Yay no oil changes
• No tune-ups
• HOV lane access
• Preferred parking
• Quiet cabin

Nissan Leaf rebates, tax credits & incentives

Depending on where you live and your personal tax situation, you may qualify for potential Federal, state, and city tax incentives like the New Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit of up to $7,500 just for driving fully electric. Click below to see tax incentives that you may be eligible for. 

What do you think about the 2020 Nissan LEAF SV PLUS and electric cars in general? Inquiring minds would love to know your thoughts.

For more information about 2020 Nissan LEAF click HERE!

Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!