Mon Oct 31, 2016 12:00 pm
We understand your anger, but the way you are expressing it isn't going to do anything but hurt your case. Try to express yourself calmly even if you don't feel that way...
Now. A 2012 SL with what sounds like barely 11 bars of capacity should be able to go more than 40 miles in warm weather. 40 miles does sound about right for typical Winter weather, with less range if frigid outside. Here are some things you can do to increase your range:
* Inflate the tires to 40-42psi. The factory label suggests 36, but this is far too low.
* Use Eco Mode. I believe that this is activated via the shifter on your car - others will confirm or correct that. Eco mode, combined with gentler acceleration, will increase your range a bit.
* Don't drive faster than 60MPH unless you have to, and can afford to take a hit on range. The Leaf isn't very aerodynamic at highway speeds, and the faster you go, the worse your range gets. If you can drive 55MPH, do it.
We also suggest that you get the LeafSpy app, plus a bluetooth wireless error code reader that is compatible with your car - someone else can give you that info. This will let you read the car's actual capacity, and it will even estimate real world range for you. The 'Guess O Meter' on the dash isn't much help, and your Leaf doesn't have the State Of Charge display that later years have. Being able to see your actual state of charge and actual (estimated) range will help avoid you getting stranded again. You may also want to get a 240 volt charging station, as the car does charge only at the rate of 5% per hour on 120 volts.
That dealership sounds horrible, but not, unfortunately, unusually bad.
Scarlet Ember 2018 Leaf SL W/ Pro Pilot
2009 Vectrix VX-1 W/18 Leaf modules, & 3 EZIP E-bicycles.
BAFX OBDII Dongle
PLEASE don't PM me with Leaf questions. Just post in the topic that seems most appropriate.