This weekend we had the fully electric Nissan Ariya to get us around. Two days, two brunches, and the ending of both days with struggles at the charging station.
The 2024 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ E-Force is an attractive car inside and out. I especially appreciated the minimalistic aesthetic of the interior cabin. It fell in-line with what I believe an electric vehicle should look like, as the future of automobiles. So roomy and spacious that feels it like you are within a SUV, but is actually a sedan. In fact we got so comfortable with the front seats, that fully reclined, that we even took a nap as the car charged.
And you can get even more space with the ability to move the centre console forward and backwards. Back to allow for more leg room and more adjoining space between the driver and the passenger. Or forward for more arm and elbow support, plus more direct access to to the cup holders and bin.
There is even a discrete hidden drawer that drop downs from the centre dash and opens with a push of a button. It can even be used as a miniature counter or table when its lid is folded down.
Like all the other buttons, this one too is integrated seamlessly into the wood grain finish. A chic presentation and what really elevates the Ariya. This falls in line with the fully electric wheel and seat adjustment, which also includes lumbar for the driver.
Although as the passenger, I was not missing any comfort from an already very upright and ergonomic seat. I felt my posture improve with it. Interestingly, you have the ability to adjust the seats all way up to the ceiling, with the top of the head rest just kissing the car’s roof.
I also really liked the rear view mirror with its bevelled edges, it reminded me of an infinity pool.
As for the way it handled, the 2024 Nissan Ariya was a smooth ride. Quick to access power and great on the brakes. When hammered down on, you didn’t feel any jerking to stop. This was one of the smoothest braking systems that we have encountered.
What we struggled with was the charging. We don’t have access to a power source at home, so rely on community pumps with time limits. The closest fast charging hydro pump is constantly busy and it limits users to 40 minutes at a time. By the week’s end we were at 39% and needed a top up. So between two chargers, across two days we got to 98%.
However, getting it to charge was the challenge. Mind you, we didn’t read the manual or googled any instruction; and as always, try to figure things as we go. So we got stuck quick charging in increments of 3 minutes at a time, and having to restart the whole process each time. Then trying to figure out how to unlock the charging cord from the Nissan to restart it. This had us spending 2 plus hours at the pump, exchanging the would-be savings for our time.
In short, I will continue to love the idea of a fully electric vehicle and all that it signifies and offers. However, without regular access to daily charging the savings are not worth the work and time needed to wait for the pump and at it.