Author Archives: lukefrugalev

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”

Last spring, used EVs were selling like hot-cakes. Gas prices were at an all time high, and my trusty 2018 Nissan Leaf which I bought in 2020 was selling for about 10-15 k more than I bought it for. This fall, things look a little saner, at our 35k price cap, the Nissan Leaf isContinue reading “Fall 2022, used EV survey”

Even with a 2015 Nissan Leaf, there is no need to miss out on camping. The Leaf’s cavernous boot provides ample space for a comfortable family camping trip. Balsam lake sits about 150 km North-East of Toronto in the Kawartha lakes region. We stopped for a hike half way through the drive at the BillContinue reading “Balsam Lake”

As we have extensively discussed, taking my Nissan Leaf around Ontario is no problem these days. Some planning is required, and there have been times where you have to be very careful with your speed, lest us run out of juice before the next charger. As DC fast charging starts to become more ubiquitous, thankfully,Continue reading “The optimum road trip speed”

Much ink (digital and otherwise) has been spilled over the impact of electric vehicles on the grid. While its true, EVs do consume electric power, usually from the grid, there is a lot of flexibility in when you charge your EV. In fact, if you follow our recent discussion on when exactly to charge yourContinue reading “Will EVs kill Ontario’s power grid?”