Yanquetino said:
I am only guessing at this, but perhaps Nissan wanted to place the latch to open the charge lid where a driver wouldn't release it by accident with an errant finger, coatsleeve, purse strap, etc. I would imagine that, if the hatch opened while driving at freeway speeds, the sudden force of the wind could damage or break it completely off --just like could happen with a car's hood. Come to think of it, I can't remember if the charge lid has a secondary "safety" latch under the lip like a hood. I hope so, because such accidents do happen, even when the primary latch is placed well out of the way.
I know I'm replying to an old comment, but it reminds me of something that happened last month. Pulling into my driveway, I had popped the charge port latch in preparation for an opportunity charge. Then I remembered I had another errand to run. So I got back in the car and started off. The charge port door was unlocked but not open. A few minutes later, cruising down the highway, the charge port door flies open all the way! So I stop at the side of the road and press it closed, then continue on my way.
Ideally, the charge port door would unlock itself immediately after stopping and turning off the car, and then would lock itself after about 5 minutes. If the car is turned on, it would lock itself too. Press on the door to open it, press to close.