Going EV isn't EZ

"Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com" (exage03040) 10/26/2020 at 17:53 • Filed to: Nissan, Nissan Leaf, EV

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But nowadays, instead of being able to drive the 120 km that 2013 Leafs could initially go on a full charge, Brander can’t get much more than 80 km. He has even become hesitant about turning on the heat or window defroster, since using those features require battery power and will reduce his driving range even further.

Brander always knew that batteries lose capacity over time, and he figured it wouldn’t be a problem getting a new one.

“The dealership where I bought the car said that in a few years, you can replace the battery for about $5,000,” said Brander.

“Nissan hasn’t been helpful. I’ve sent probably six emails to them,” said Brander. “They keep telling me to go to the dealership. I called my local dealership and they sent emails to Nissan Canada. Six weeks later, neither of us has gotten a response.”

Both dealerships told him that a new battery — if he can find one — could cost him at least $15,000, which would be more than he paid for the vehicle in the first place.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 18:00

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When contacted for comment, former Nissan CEO Carlos G hosn silently climed into a tuba case and shut the lid.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 18:02

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I see used LEAF packs up on FleaBay all the time, but always wonder how pooched out they are.

Everybody mumbles “recycling” when you ask about this, but it seems like a problem in the Top Secret Master Plan .

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 18:11

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The Nissan Leaf is a bit of a turd. From everything I’ve read, it has really poor thermal management (heating and cooling). There’s a list of 3rd party companies out there that will do battery swaps. I’m not surprised to see Nissan trying to skirt the issue.

That said, I still want to get a Leaf, and chop it to turn it into a tiny pickup truck.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 10/26/2020 at 18:13

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Yeah, one just won’t know if you’re getting a battery like his that only holds a 66% charge from new.

Things like this really seem like the cart was put before the horse in terms of long term issues with EV adoption.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 10/26/2020 at 18:15

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SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 18:32

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In casually shopping “used LEAFs” it seems there’s a short hand for how badly impaired the battery packs are— “still has 9 bars!”, but it seems to lack a certain precision.

I’d be ticked to spend thousands on a replacement only to find it was depleted 30-50%.

Mid Engine > BaconSandwich is tasty. 10/26/2020 at 18:48

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I saw a new Leaf last week, the thing is huge now. Like almost RAV4 huge, I was amazed. 

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish 10/26/2020 at 18:54

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Well you know people still don’t understand batteries when these posts are still common:

Help!

Car only mad e clicking noises when trying to start yesterday . Charged the battery and it shows 12.7V on the multi-meter so it’s GOOD . Swapped the starter but is still clicking. I triple checked the starter connections and grounds.

Is my engine SEIZED ? I’M LO SING MY MIND!!!

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 18:57

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Heh.  “Yes, your engine is seized and leaking toxic fluids.  Sign the title, leave it on the dash and we’ll send a hazmat team over tonight to deal with it...”

Longtime Lurker > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 19:57

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I think Dorman makes batteries for the US market.

But I think this would be when you Rio the battery apart and put new cells into it, but that would be more work tha n the average owner is willing to do. That I think that is more work than the average mechanic is willing to do.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > BaconSandwich is tasty. 10/26/2020 at 20:47

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It’s not that the Leaf has poor thermal management, it’s that it has no thermal management. The battery pack isn’t cooled at all. No liquid cooling, no air cooling, nothing. 

zipfuel > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com 10/26/2020 at 23:00

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Read an article recently about a guy in Montreal whose business is swapping new gen leaf batteries into older models. Turns out there’s a cottage industry doing it because the leaf packs do tend to degrade , definitely better to hit up the forums than the dealers.

https://nissanleafbatteryreplacement.com/