schleppy
Member
I am going to be buying a used Leaf in the next few weeks (likely a 2014 SV). I have spent a lot of time on here reading through the stickies and posts, as well as reading the owner's manual. Coming from the Chevy Volt, which you can leave plugged in all of the time (because it doesn't charge past 80% ever), it sounds like you don't want to do that with the Leaf. Here are the "rules" I have surmised, all assuming a level 2 charger (I have level 2 at home and work):
- If you get home with more than 80% charge, you shouldn't plug in and "top off", especially if it is hot out. Only top off if you really need to.
- Leaving the car plugged in at 100% for more than a few days is a no-no. If you have to leave the car for an extended period, discharge to 80% or less and leave it.
- DC charging is fine, but be mindful of the outside temp and the battery pack temp. If it gets too hot, don't DC charge until the pack cools.
- Using the "trickle" charger as your only charger isn't recommended. Is it OK to trickle charge daily at work, but level 2 at home?
It seems that the way my daily commute will work (25 miles each way, mostly highway), I will arrive to work and home with far less than 80% charge, especially in winter. Will I be OK plugging in at both places and fully charging my pack twice daily? I really want to have as much range as I can to run errands after work, etc. I also would really like to leave the car plugged in overnight at home, especially in winter. I want to be able to remote condition the car off the house power, and leave with a full battery charge (I have a 7.2 kw Level 2 at home). Having to go outside during a storm to plug in would stink.
Also, where can I see the list from Nissan of what you should/shouldn't do in order to maintain the battery warranty (besides the annual check at the dealer)?
Thanks all!
- If you get home with more than 80% charge, you shouldn't plug in and "top off", especially if it is hot out. Only top off if you really need to.
- Leaving the car plugged in at 100% for more than a few days is a no-no. If you have to leave the car for an extended period, discharge to 80% or less and leave it.
- DC charging is fine, but be mindful of the outside temp and the battery pack temp. If it gets too hot, don't DC charge until the pack cools.
- Using the "trickle" charger as your only charger isn't recommended. Is it OK to trickle charge daily at work, but level 2 at home?
It seems that the way my daily commute will work (25 miles each way, mostly highway), I will arrive to work and home with far less than 80% charge, especially in winter. Will I be OK plugging in at both places and fully charging my pack twice daily? I really want to have as much range as I can to run errands after work, etc. I also would really like to leave the car plugged in overnight at home, especially in winter. I want to be able to remote condition the car off the house power, and leave with a full battery charge (I have a 7.2 kw Level 2 at home). Having to go outside during a storm to plug in would stink.
Also, where can I see the list from Nissan of what you should/shouldn't do in order to maintain the battery warranty (besides the annual check at the dealer)?
Thanks all!