This is somewhat clear as mud.
Car: 2013 Leaf, 90K Miles. Phoenix, AZ (hot).
Battery: 6 bars, and about a 35 mile range.
Is this considered gradual or normal?
How low before "degradation" or "capacity loss" is considered a warranty-able claim under the 8yr/100K coverage?
If I get down to 3 bars, and 17.5 miles range -- is that bad enough?
How about 1 bar, and 5.8 miles?
I have a feeling there must be a point where there would be a valid warranty claim,
under the 8yr/100K coverage, that is not based on voltage, ability to reach speed, unable to move whatsoever, etc, but rather based on ability to drive a reasonable distance.
If you had range that was so low the car could only move a block before dying, and you dropped it off at the dealer, they'd likely have trouble moving the car around their lot. It would be difficult to classify that battery is actually "functional" at that point and just experiencing normal & gradual "degradation".
Short question, per the warranty booklet:
https://owners.nissanusa.com/conten...ides/LEAF/2013/2013-LEAF-warranty-booklet.pdf
LITHIUM–ION BATTERY COVERAGE
The Lithium-Ion coverage period is 96 months or
100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers any repairs needed to correct defects
in materials or workmanship subject to the exclusions listed under the heading WHAT IS NOT
COVERED. This warranty period is 96 months or
100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
At what point is a Leaf considered to have a "defect in materials or workmanship"?
Is it considered a "defect" that a battery "designed to last 10 years" does not in AZ heat?
Is it considered a design defect to not have a liquid cooled system fitted? Would Nissan acknowledge this is actually a workmanship issue (their engineering / marketing / business) team failure?
I get it, Nissan doesn't want to have a boat load of claims, and they will do whatever is necessary to weasel out of supporting customers, but this has, and will severely damage their future reputation and ability to market & sell electric vehicles, irrespective of "improvements" they claim they have made. https://electrek.co/2018/03/26/nissan-leaf-battery-pack-replacement-program/ (that didn't actually pan out as an improvement). They are not the only game in town anymore.
A quick look on Craigslist in Phoenix, AZ and you'll very very often find Leafs under 100K, and under 8 Years that have significant (>50% capacity loss.
Bottom line: Has anyone had success getting a battery replacement / repair under the 8yr/100K, due significant loss of range? If so, how?