It might be useful to make version distinctions when discussing "the LEAF":
-We might call the 2011 and 2012 model years "LEAF V1."
-Models from 2013 forward (a year of major changes) we might call
"LEAF V1.5."
-The upcoming 150-200+ range LEAF we might call "LEAF V2" (unless
Nissan gives it some other unique moniker).
In addition, it would be useful to note the trim level, S, SV or SL,
since they have different standard features and available option
packages (for example the more efficient LEAF V1.5 heat pump feature is
not available on the S).
Consider LEAF V1.5:
In 2013 there were a lot of significant changes, some of which seem to
be based on user requests. They include things like:
-A direct percentage-of-charge readout on the dash.
-Changes to battery chemistry.
-Possible improvements to regen availability.
-Combining motor and controller under the hood while increasing trunk
space.
-An option for improved heater efficiency with a heat pump.
-Standardizing the cold weather battery heating option.
-An option to double level 2 charging speed.
-Ability to open the charge port from the remote.
-A handy light inside the charge port.
-Other improvements.
So LEAF V1.5 gained a combination of battery/drivetrain upgrades,
efficiency upgrades and convenience features. In those ways, it's a
different car.
Sometimes I read reports here about "the LEAF" that really apply to
previous experiences with LEAF V1, but don't necessarily apply in the
same way to LEAF V1.5. That could be confusing to anyone who doesn't
know the differences.
For example:
There have been complaints made here recently about the LEAF's
instrumentation, specifically the bars that indicate battery level.
In LEAF V1.5 that problem has been dealt with: A new and useful direct
battery percentage readout was added (the bars are still there but you
can ignore them).
So while it's fine to complain about LEAF V1's lack of such a feature,
obviously current LEAFs do not have that problem. (This change was
likely due to Nissan reacting to the many complaints about LEAF V1's
instrumentation.)
Another example:
On 3/25/15 7:07 PM, Ed Blackmond via EV wrote:
>The best I have ever
> been able to do with my Leaf was 81 miles.
It sounds like Ed's LEAF may be a 2011 or 12, a LEAF V1.
By contrast, for our 1.5 year old 2013 LEAF SV (LEAF V1.5): On warm days
we often get more than 5 miles per kWh, which leads to a range of
slightly more than 100 miles at 100% charge, quite an improvement over
Ed's best result.
On cold winter days we may only get 3.3 miles/kWH, sometimes more,
sometimes slightly less.
Background info on range: We drive in Eco mode (but don't hesitate to
floor it when necessary for max acceleration). We have varying terrain
with hills. We use mixed driving speeds on roads with typical speed
limits of 30-65mph, often 45 and above. We use heat when cold (any
combination of heat pump, heated seats and heated steering wheel as
needed) and AC when hot, otherwise vent fan or open window when it's
pleasant out. We sometimes use cruise control on longer stretches.
The difference between Ed's LEAF experience and ours could be any
combination of a variety of things, such as battery chemistry
improvements in LEAF v1.5; earlier use of regen in LEAF V1.5; the heat
pump option in LEAF v1.5; drive train improvements in LEAF v1.5; driving
styles; driving mode; climate; traffic; road conditions; terrain
differences; average speed; or ?
2013 is the last year that an 80% charging is selectable and we
generally use that unless we think we'll need the extra range of 100%.
Interestingly, our LEAF V1.5 gains back the first ring of regen at
around 98% charge indicated which is sooner than what I've heard
reported about LEAF V1. That could come down to battery chemistry
changes allowing modifications to battery management, which might also
lead to better handling of DC fast charging.
Cheers,
-Jamie
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