i'd be interested to see how well the batteries perform after a couple of years... i picked a new leaf for my sister a few years back, fully charged from the showroom the range was 110 miles i think, 2 years later the range was down to 75 miles... we didn't abuse the batteries as far as i know, occasionally using 1 hour fast chargers but normally using the 4 hour 7Kw charger at the house...
will have to follow you now, in the hope that you will report back in 2 years on how your batteries are doing...
nice car though, lovely to drive...wish i had one myself... maybe one day if i earn enough steem...
People aren't generally given good advice on the batteries. Aside from keeping them at a regular temperature (avoid freezing and avoid leaving the car out in the hot sun), you should aim to have the charge above 50% at all times and not go above 90% unless you need to for a long journey. Minimizing the amps while charging is also good, and avoiding using fast charges if possible.
If I buy my next car, it will be electric, too. And I will ask YOU for advice for handling it well.
Interesting information. I hadn't been aware that the care and feeding of the batteries was so unique.
i'll have to ask my sister if the people at the showroom told her that.. i don't remember any mention of keeping it between 50 and 90%... i think they advised us to use the standard charger to finish taking it up to 100% after the fast charger took it up to 90...
You're not given good advice on battery maintenance. In fairness, the 90% thing is relatively low importance. Discharging too much, temperature and amps all have a bigger impact than hitting 100% battery. All the same things apply to a mobile phone and laptop battery but nobody is told that either (and then people wonder why their phones lose charge over a year or two).
But it's also possible you just had bad batteries. If they deteriorate quite quickly they should be covered by warranty (they are for mine at least).
i know people who still run their phone battery flat before recharging, believing it will extend the life by avoiding shadows left behind... i guess that's just a relic from the old nicad days or something...oh well...
It is indeed, they had a concept called "battery memory". That was a very real thing, but doesn't apply to Li-ion batteries at all...
I was always skeptical about the advertised ranges on these vehicles. It just seemed too good to be true. How much does it cost to replace the battery on the Leaf?
Great story and post though.
i think a new battery is about £5000, could be wrong though... free if it's still in warranty i guess... i think the quoted milage is about right as long as you don't use the AC or heater on full blast... i used to drive from london down to brighton and would still have a bit of juice left when i got there...
Thanks.
So what would be the expected lifespan of the battery itself?
no idea on that one...