TickTock
Well-known member
After analyzing my Leaf for a full week and confirming that my car showed 80% lower capacity then a new car, my reduced capacity was described to the dealer technician by Nissan engineers as "consistent with normal battery operation/capacity." The technician was really helpful and spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. His own test confirmed that my range was 80.4% of the range of their demo when run side-by-side under the same conditions (39 miles driven + 35 miles remaining versus 39 miles driven and 53 miles remaining). Sent multiple logs to Japan for analysis, was asked to get more data, more people looked at them but finally the decision was made that there wasn't anything wrong with the car. Dealer isn't allowed to make any repairs or replacements without Nissan sign off so all I ended up with was the following explanation:
I cannot believe that my battery will not degrade any more then an additional 0.4% over the next 4.25 years (since 80 is expected and I am at 80.4) and I said as much but my only option now is to wait and watch it.
Although I have no doubt that I will still see further degradation over the next few years, I have not yet seen any. In fact, over the last few months my capacity has increased slightly (+6%) from when I first started monitoring (255 gids now versus 239 gids in October). So I'll be watching as summer comes along to see if the low was seasonal. Maybe at the 1 year mandatory battery inspection I'll learn more...
They (Earnhardt Nissan) didn't try to charge me anything despite providing a rental for the week so that was nice.
I also think it's nice how they appreciate a "conscious" owner (as opposed to all the unconscious owners they deal with) .
The engineers contacted me, this morning, with their analysis of your LEAF’s battery performance. It was their conclusion that the data we collected is consistent with normal battery operation/capacity; taking into consideration the number of charge cycles, age and regular use. When I questioned the varying results we found when your range/capacity was compared to our demo unit (@200 total miles on demo vehicle vs 11K on your LEAF) I was informed that the results were consistent with the more rapid decrease in battery performance that occurs during the first 6 months of service. At that point, engineering informed me that the rate of battery degradation levels out to minimal decreases. Long term capacity estimated at 80% after 5 years. I was able to complete the “Cell voltage loss inspection” with a result of 3696 mV and “No module requires replacement” result (I placed a copy of this result in your vehicle). According to TSB# NTB11-076a (copy also in your vehicle) for an average economy of 4.4 estimated range to 1 segment is 67-76 miles, which falls in line with the 35 miles remaining after the 38.8 mile test drive of your LEAF.
Thank you for your patience while we evaluated your range concerns and the detailed information you were able to provide. It is a pleasure to work with an informed and conscious owner. Your LEAF is fully charged, clean and ready for you.
I cannot believe that my battery will not degrade any more then an additional 0.4% over the next 4.25 years (since 80 is expected and I am at 80.4) and I said as much but my only option now is to wait and watch it.
Although I have no doubt that I will still see further degradation over the next few years, I have not yet seen any. In fact, over the last few months my capacity has increased slightly (+6%) from when I first started monitoring (255 gids now versus 239 gids in October). So I'll be watching as summer comes along to see if the low was seasonal. Maybe at the 1 year mandatory battery inspection I'll learn more...
They (Earnhardt Nissan) didn't try to charge me anything despite providing a rental for the week so that was nice.
I also think it's nice how they appreciate a "conscious" owner (as opposed to all the unconscious owners they deal with) .