Many people do not appreciate the extra 700lb load you are carrying for the LIPO batteries in the LEAF. When accelerating
it works against you (costs energy) when coasting in regen mode it works for you. When driving on slippery winter roads it
works for you by providing extra traction. 700 lb is like carrying 3 passengers around all day and maybey a bag of salt in the
trunk. When driving on a bumpy road it helps smooth out the ride. The suspension must be heavier to handle the extra weight.
Having said all this, my experience in snow and slush is that I have better traction than most cars and rarely spin in takeoff
when using ECO mode. But beware, in deeper snow conditions (say 6 inches on the road or more) and going through a curve
at speed (70 kph or higher); if there is ice or slushy snow and salt slurry under the snow, you may go into a 4 wheel drift.
This has happened to me 3 times. Fortunately I let up on the accelerator and slowed as I hit the shoulder and got enough traction
to get her back on the road. You may not be so lucky.
Moral of the story is, slow down if you cannot see far ahead or if the road is slippery and there are any curves. The extra
weight of the car works against you if the wheels start to slip.
John