Bought a LEAF - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

dremd · 02-03-2016, 07:49 PM

I guess it doesn't qualify as a modification yet, but I would like to do a few things.
2013 SV I wanted the bigger trunk that the 2013+ cars get as well as the larger (6.6KW) and Heat Pump that the. SV/SL cars get 2013+ and I got what I wanted at what I consider to be a crazy good price.

I'm planning on doing smooth wheel covers and some sort of grill block, hopefully active.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for mods?

I'm considering a small (50 watt) solar panel on the roof just to keep the 12 volt battery topped up which is actually an issue on the LEAF.

The car arrives Sunday, but I've already got my Open EVSE built and hope to get it installed before the car gets here.

I know, I should post pictures.
Mostly I'm just excited:-)

Ryland · 02-03-2016, 10:10 PM

Get the Leaf spy pro smart phone app and an obd2 to Bluetooth adaptor.

It's a big car, bigger then I care to drivet to much, but being electric trends make up for that.
My parents have a leaf as their only car, the Ford Ranger truck they own might have been used for 1,000 miles last year, mostly by me.

dremd · 02-03-2016, 10:23 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention, I already have LEAF spy on my IPhone and PLX Kiwi BT LE (V3?).
I'm considering buying an old iPhone / iPod touch to leave mounted in the car. I'm not sure yet though.

I actually haven't been in a LEAF in a while, I'm 6'4" and regularly carry around enough stuff that people ask me how big my van is despite being in the Jetta Wagon, so big may be a good thing as it would keep down my ICE useage due to size.

dremd · 02-03-2016, 10:24 PM

Super glad to hear that your parents can get away with "just" a LEAF, it's encouraging for sure.

California98Civic · 02-03-2016, 11:06 PM

I'm a little jealous. I am at a stage where I would possibly get another car, electric. But my money is spoken for. But prices on gen1 Leafs are falling, I noticed. I guess the new longer range models, the collapse of gas prices, and the fear of slightly aged batteries are killing the Leaf resale prices. Bad news for early adopters.

Question: does the Leaf really have a grill to block?

james

dremd · 02-03-2016, 11:09 PM

LEAF does in fact have a grill. It is mainly for A/C / heat pump, but also for cooling the drive system (but not battery).
It is smaller than typical ICE, but it would help to block for sure.

Daox · 02-04-2016, 09:26 AM

Very nice. Looking forward to pics and more updates.

California98Civic · 02-04-2016, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dremd

LEAF does in fact have a grill. It is mainly for A/C / heat pump, but also for cooling the drive system (but not battery).
It is smaller than typical ICE, but it would help to block for sure.

Study-up on what would be safe for your components then. It is clearly not the same as an ICE. Maybe the motor will be less able to operate safely or without damaging wear on parts... How hot does that motor get?

Ecky · 02-04-2016, 11:53 AM

Probably not relevant for someone living in LA, but I ran a power outlet from the grille of my Insight through the firewall and into the hatch area, where I have a 120v electric heater. 4 hours before I wake up, a timer turns on my 12v charger, block heater, and electric heater to prewarm the cabin. When it's cool out, you might benefit from pre-warming the interior (or if you're clever, possibly even pre-cooling it).

Maybe a solar-powered cabin exhaust fan? The kind that mount in windows don't work very well, a custom job would be best.

dremd · 02-04-2016, 01:12 PM

150F coolant temp is where the fans turn on, I have the info for max allowable temperature, but totally can't remember what it is. There is a high temp shutdown, but I would like to stay well below that.
Traction coolant Temperatures are visible with LEAF spy btw.