Nubo wrote:I've read that certain batteries actually charge better at higher rates vs. trickle-charging. This is due to the way that some chargers determine the charging cutoff point. For consumer-type rechargeable batteries, a "smart charger" will usually use a combination of Delta-V (change in voltage over time), and DT/Dt (rate of temperature change over time). Changes in these values are interpreted as "signals" that the pack has reached a certain state of charge. At very low current levels, these "signals" can be harder to detect and the charger may have to fall back to it's fail-safe method of temperature cutoff, resulting in some degree of overcharging.
This info comes from consumer-grade cells and I have no idea if this has any bearing on the LEAF battery chemistry or charging algorithms.
The delta V and temperature bump are end of charge points for NiMH cells. They're charged with constant current up to the end of charge point. These methods are also used when charging the earlier EVs that use nickel metal hydride cells. So yes - there is absolutely an "EV" connection here - it just doesn't apply to the Leaf.
Lithium is charged with a 2-stage process of constant current then constant voltage - just like lead acid cells. Lithium doesn't get the 'float' stage that lead gets, and lithium doesn't get the 'scheduled overcharge' that some lead gets for cell balancing.
Lead acid batteries lose about 20% of their charge each month, so they are routinely 'trickle charged' at maybe 1-2A to keep them full. Lithium only loses about 3% per month so doesn't need the 2A tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

In a real sense, the Leaf's level 1 charge isn't a true 'trickle charge' as it's feeding about 5A into the pack initially.
