evnow said:
One thing we should all realize is that in a compact car like Leaf there isn't much space for extra batteries. May be a few kWh more (30 ?) - but not for 85 kWh. I expect Nissan to add a REx at some point, like the i3.
Three things I'd like to point out -
1) the 2013 Leaf took out some volume from the battery modules' packaging. If they take out just a little more, they could probably fit a few more modules in the same envelope.
2) the Leaf has a very deep trunk. I would suppose that many people would be willing to sacrifice some of that depth for some extra batteries. Together with (1), you could conceivably get closer to 40kWh in the Leaf's frame.
3) points 1) and 2) are only considering today's battery technology. Batteries will improve in density and cost. I have to believe that by the third gen Leaf (2018 or so), if not sooner, the next battery will be available. It's anyone's guess as to how much much energy they will be able to fit in a Leaf. 50kWh? 60?
But you're absolutely right that there's nowhere near enough room for 85kWh. But does the Leaf really need it?