rawlins02
Well-known member
I've had my 2014 Leaf S for just over 2 months. Yesterday I used a fast charger for first time on an extended road trip. I was very surprised at how slow the rate of charge became after SOC reached about 75%. I started at around 25% and noticed I was gaining about 1% every minute or two. Went for a walk. 40 minutes later it had reached 78%. I noticed what I think was a rate of charge displayed on the machine. The value was decreasing, and I think it said 2 kW, down from 5 kW. I see from posts here and elsewhere that tapering is normal. After one hour the charge was at 87%. I get the feeling that level 2 charging at 6.6 kW is a better option at high SOC, in times when we need close to 100%. On a level 2 I can go from 40% to 100% in just over 2.5 hours. I wouldn't normally charge to 100%, but yesterday I was driving over 100 miles and really could have used the full charge. I may have been able to get the 70 miles to home, without having to charge again, if I could have fast charged to 100% on the fast charger.
So.....does it make sense to avoid trying to get above 80-85% on fast charge? Or am I missing something?
Good news is I'm getting around 70 miles on my 2014 S on highway driving (60-65 MPH) in 40 degree weather. Averaging about 4 mi/kWh. I think my battery can hold about 20 kWh.
So.....does it make sense to avoid trying to get above 80-85% on fast charge? Or am I missing something?
Good news is I'm getting around 70 miles on my 2014 S on highway driving (60-65 MPH) in 40 degree weather. Averaging about 4 mi/kWh. I think my battery can hold about 20 kWh.