RegGuheert is on the right track.
I put a volt meter in the acc outlet and told my wife to start watching how long it stays at 14.4 before it drops on here 20 mile commute. I have noticed that the 2 year old battery never seems to have a full charge. For the last 2 weeks she said it never stayed at 14.4 for more than a few minutes. Then suddenly today she said she left work and it stayed at 14.4 the whole way home. WTF???? Once in 2 weeks????
This charge profile is not going to work. I am willing to bet if anyone with a 2 year old battery or older would go have a proper load test done they would find the battery would not pass. Something is very wrong with the charging algorithm.
Now I have a few comments to add.
1. We know the onboard dc to dc charge system is not working
2. The original batteries in the 2011 2012 cars were manufactured in Japan and they are a much higher quality battery.
3. 99% of the batteries made in the US are Johnson Controls which are Junk! I am sure the Smyna plant is using one of these.
4. In the US only East Penn/Decka , Enyersys, Trojan, Concord and a few other make the highest quality batteries in the US. They are the ones who make the AGM batteries. I will not use anything from Johnson Controls. Delco used to be great until Johnson got them too.
5. Someone suggested a deep cycle style battery and I think that would be very wise if you can find one that fits.
6. Installing an onboard charger that puts out say around 5 or 6 amps hardwired to run during L1 or L2 recharge time would be excellent. (preferably a desulphater type) I am going to look into this along with a deep cycle battery. By the way Optima used to be great until Johnson Control bought them. Now they are hit and miss. (many only last 2 years) The old one in my diesel tractor is 14 years old but it was an original Optima
7. Do not wait for Nissan to solve your problem. I doubt it will happen.
8. The lithiums were a consideration but they need to be held at a much higher voltage than the leaf will give them so they are out. Show me a lithium that is 4 years old in a leaf and I will reconsider this one.
9. The only other option is to buy a cheap battery and replace it every 2 years.
My Two Cents
PS This is kind of what I am thinking. Wheelchair batteries need to be good. Amazon
VMAX857 AGM Deep Cycle Group U1 Battery Replacement for Interstate DCS-33H, DCS33H 12V 35Ah Wheelchair Battery
by VMAX Wheelchair
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Price: $104.99 & FREE Shipping
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by bargainshore.
1-L=7.7" W=5" H=6.1" . Screw in post Terminal. Float Service Life span of 5 to 8 years.
2-Superior custom built Military Grade Alloys. Maintenance free. No dangerous toxic gas release.
3-Sealed Non Spill able Non Hazardous Construction. Approved for air, ground and maritime transportation.
4-Warranty applies only if sold by an Authorized Seller. Amazon Authorized seller: bargainshore.
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