A few other notes (in no particular order) that I'm not sure have been mentioned previously:
1. Andy mentioned the values of each capacity bar and stated the first one does indeed represent 15% capacity loss, with each subsequent one representing about 6% (I can't remember the exact number from that old service manual, but it is correct).
2. Testing of the new chemistry was said to be about 80% complete. Not only does it involve keeping the temperature at 45C (Andy made a distinction that this was battery temperature and not necessarily ambient temperature) and a lot of quick charging. There was a side comment (from Billy I think) that quick charging is not that harmful to the battery, although
this recent study/article suggests otherwise.
3. There was a claim that a car "Better than the Model S" was in development.
4. Another local Phoenix member suggested I ask how are we to consider the LEAF an eco-friendly car if the battery, whose manufacturing emissions has been heavily criticized recently, needs to be replaced so soon. Andy basically said such criticisms are "BS" and that the old batteries are being recycled. They are also in negotiations with different companies to sell the battery for use in energy storage.
5. The Nissan crew arrived at the hotel in LEAF's.
6. Someone mentioned quickcharging and the accessibility issues at different dealerships. There seemed to be some agreement that ideally each dealership would have 24/7 access for owners, but there was also acknowledgment of the logistical challenges. Andy himself faced a quick charging accessibility issue in Japan. No solutions, but they did hear the concerns.
7. They do listen to our feedback. I believe the 2013 LEAF requires Carwings acceptance every 30 days? That was the direct result of feedback from the previous meeting.
I think ongoing discussions, feedback, and suggestions about the battery rental program will be heard and will help the evolution of it in the end. You still might not like the final product, but they're listening.
Several of these execs, including Andy, drive LEAF's and they have their choice of any in the product line (GT-R, anybody?) My impression was that Nissan was not only firmly committed to EV's, but also prioritizing making EV's accessible by keeping the price down. While I don't fully agree, I think I understand the position that they don't want to sell a $30,000 car and tell everybody, BTW - replacing the battery will cost you $17,000. Instead, they seem to by saying, if the capacity reaches a point where it is seriously affecting your usage, we have some programs in place to support you. Again, you don't have to agree or even like that approach, but I think Nissan knows a little more about marketing than all of us.