Author Archives: lukefrugalev

As extensively discussed, charging availability (or lack there of) is a big concern amongst EV shoppers, less known, is that a similar fate might be in store for gas-cars. According to industry reports, the number of gas stations is dropping, particularly in large metro-areas as developers eye gas stations for their next condo project. ForContinue reading “Is the gas station doomed?”

Just east of Toronto sits Brimacombe, for those of us living in the east end of the city, you can get to the hill in as little as half an hour. For me its about 90 km, but its proximity is hard to beat, for the “close-to-the-city” ski-hills, it has one of the bigger verticalsContinue reading “Brimacombe”

When shopping for a new (or a new to you) EV, range appears to be top of mind for many shoppers. However, looking at long road trips, charging speed is much more important in determining how long it will take to go from here to there. Eventually your battery will run low and thus someContinue reading “Why charging speed is more important than range”

Situated a little north of Barrie, horseshoe resort is easily reached from Toronto, even in an older EV. Its quite a treat located only 120 km or so North of Toronto. There is ample charging along the way, I did this trip in my 2015 Nissan Leaf, so I stopped for coffee in Aurora, andContinue reading “Horseshoe resort”

I got a set of roof-racks on my 2018 Nissan Leaf, mostly as a cheap way to make the kids more comfortable on our adventures. Recently I found myself driving a rented “mid-size” SUV, family skis and all. To my surprise, the ski’s proved just as awkward to place inside the SUV as my trustyContinue reading “Why are roof-racks a good idea?”

Ferris Provincial park sits in the town of Campelford about 190 km east of Toronto. Its an easy drive that I have done in both my 2015 Nissan Leaf and 2018 Leaf. A lovely summer camping trip over a weekend, with plenty to do. Hiking in the park, paddling and exploring the town of CampelfordContinue reading “Ferris Provincial Park”

Electric vehicles (EVs) generally have a much simpler transmission than traditional gas cars. So much so that usually very little maintenance is required. Even so, changing the reduction gear oil is a simple project that can net about a 10% improvement in efficiency. I recently changed the reduction gear oil in my 2018 Nissan Leaf,Continue reading “Reduction gear oil change”

One of the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara falls is a must on many bucket lists. Its only 130 km from Toronto so well within reach of many EVs. Lots of charging is available in Niagara falls, and along the way. Several wineries dot the Niagara falls area, not to mention lots of historicalContinue reading “Niagara Falls”

With teenagers in the house, Ive started to wonder if its time to get something a little roomier than my 2018 Nissan Leaf. The Nissan Leaf is surprisingly spacious for what is billed as a small city hatchback. I have sat in the back seat on numerous occasions and at 6 ft 3 inches, IContinue reading “Growing the leaf?”

About 250 km east of Toronto along Hwy 401 you will find a city rich in history. Fort Henry offers any history buff such as my son, a view into life in the late 1800’s as Canada was being born. Getting there in my 2018 Nissan Leaf was easy as there is ample charging alongContinue reading “Kingston”