The Wrap-Up: Our New Leaf Tells the Story of National Drive Electric Week

I don’t know how long I was on the lot. It could have been few weeks, or a few days. I was one car among many other cars, like one Leaf on a whole tree, without much to do. But on September first, two gentlemen came and took me on a great adventure. The first of many. We went from Chicago to Milwaukee to Madison to Eau Clair and finally stopped in Minneapolis. I got to hyper-mile, drafting off other cars to save energy. You have to consider these things when you’re an electric vehicle on 430 mile trip. We stopped a lot; I saw small towns, big cities and acres and acres of farm land. But we made it back just in time for National Drive Electric Week, an event all about me (and other EVs).

When we finally got to Minneapolis I got a break, to rest and recharge my batteries after a super long trip. I saw my new home, not as busy as Chicago, but with lots of lakes and green and very NICE people.

After a few day’s rest I went on a different kind of adventure, out to Bethel, Minnesota. I cruised past Anoka and through Blaine, having so much fun zipping around I almost got lost. Don’t worry I figured it out! This is where I had my new wrap put on. Don’t get me wrong I love my paint job. With the wrap, though, I felt like whole new car, bright orange with a shiny white logo on the side. Not to toot my own horn, but I look REALLY awesome.

The next day was Ramsey Happy Days, the first day of a busy National Drive Electric Week. Ramsey Is a small town, but they know how to celebrate summer. Connexus Energy put on an electric vehicle car show, where Tesla’s Cadillacs BMWs and other Nissan Leafs gathered together to show off our different drivers. Folks were even taking pictures and videos with me in my new wrap. At the end of the day I even got to be in a parade, feeling fancy I lead a long line of super cool EVs.

On Sunday me and a bunch of other EVs hung out at Como Park by the lake, while our owners talked all about us, and answered people’s questions. I have to say, people just couldn’t help but check me out opening my doors and complimenting my new wrap. How far can I go on one charge? Over 100 miles. How long does it take to charge me up? About 3 hours on a level 2 charger. How much do I cost to drive? About 3 cents a mile. How much do I cost? Not as much as you think.

I took the day off on Monday, but on Tuesday I was right back at it, hanging out with the cool kids in a Hy-Vee parking. The Hy-Vee in Oakdale opened up a new Supercharging station so the place was packed with Tesla’s and their drivers who just stood around telling stories about us.

In the end it was a great few days, and I wish I could have seen more. I for sure wouldn’t say ‘no’ to being in a parade again! This is just the beginning of my time in Minneapolis, so stay tuned, and if you’re out and about lookout for me the bright orange Leaf. Stop by and say ‘hey’ If you feel like it!