Enterprise car rental has for long been at the forefront of letting consumers have a feel for the latest in automotive technology. True to their customer centered corporate culture, Enterprise is now making available the all New Nissan Leaf electric car at the Tyson's Corner Locations, specifically, the Springhill Rd. office.
The car rents for $49 a day, a bit steep, but hey, you don't have to buy gas! There is a charger in the trunk that works fine with any household outlet plug. Otherwise, the Enterprise premises at Springhill Rd has a charging station. Across the street, Rosenthal Nissan of Tyson's Corner has a charging station at the entrance of the service bays. Both are free and more stations will be added in the area in the coming weeks. There are many other locations in Washington DC that offer charging options, some paid ( about $1 per hour for fast charging), but most offered as a courtesy. Google Nissan Leaf charging station.
The vehicle itself is a technological marvel. Customer Service Representative Tubbs made a quick but thorough review of systems in the car, showed me how the push button start works, and pointed out where the charging station on the right side of the building, just beyond the carport was. As I was the first to rent the car, she gave me emergency contact numbers in case I had any questions or got a problem.
A soft chime announces the car is coming online, followed by bright blue colors illuminating the three screens in this car. Everything is electronic, from the parking brake to the power steering, and windows. Furthermore, the vehicle has an awesome bluetooth phone system that is crystal clear, and very intuitive. All other controls like for the climate and radio were within reach and easy to use. The vehicle collects too much information giving the operator a very heightened situational awareness. Thank God most of the features are customizable so that the driver can avoid information overload and concentrate instead on the road while driving the car.
Acceleration was crisp, and surprising for an all-electric car, and the silence reminds one of the National Cathedral on a Monday Morning. You could hear a pin drop! (Remember to turn off the noise generator which alarms unsuspecting wildlife of the approaching car. It makes a high pitched sound that quickly tires the ears and may cause a headache long term). Otherwise, no surprises. The reassuring rattle of the gasoline engine has numbered days, at least in most metropolitan areas in developed countries where there is any respect of the environment.
The Nissan Leaf is the way forward. Tomorrow is here. Check out the NISSAN LEAF at the Enterprise office on Springhill Rd in Tyson's Corner. Ms Tubbs will be happy to help you, I am sure, and you won't be disappointed.
