Rapidgate: (not) fast-charging a Nissan Leaf

[RedDevil]

I stumbled upon this video about a drive with Nissan's e-NV-200 van:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c5LykE4J28

where Bjorn shows what causes Rapidgate (excess battery heat) and how hard it can be to get it cooled down again, as it doesn't do active cooling unless keyed on (???) even when charging... and still with active cooling it can stay hot anyway.

The new Leaf is very much like this in that aspect.
Something you'd have to check out if you are thinking about buying one, IMO.

More about Rapidgate:
https://auto.ndtv.com/news/new-nissa...candal-1833888

[oil pan 4]

That's only really going to be a problem if you use CHAdeMO.

For me to avoid charging or driving my leaf with more than 7 battery temperature bars there was about 2 weeks this July where I was reduced to driving the leaf every other day.
I work a funky 3 on, 3 off, 2 on, 2 off, 12hr schedule so I only work about 15 days out of the month. So it wasn't a big deal, say if I was trying to use the car 20 days a month then yeah.

I even reverted back to my 240v converted 12 amp nissan brick charger as opposed to my 16 amp after market charger.
I imagine the problem would be worse 6.6kw charging.

[redpoint5]

Meh, I don't know why people would punish themselves by taking an EV on a long distance trip anyhow.

The strength of an EV is having a full "tank" every day as you leave your garage, and performing all local driving needs. I'd simply trade my EV with someone who has a gasser for long trips if I didn't already own one.

[RedDevil]

But that was the point.
If you do expect to take the car on long trips or use fast charging regularly then you have to know about this issue.
If battery heat is limiting charge speed in Norway, guess what it does in a warmer climate.

[Piotrsko]

Norway Isn't always cold & snowy. Right now, today, there are people there wearing t shirts outdoors.

Seriously, how often do you take hundred mile + trips?

If I was all that concerned, I'd have a genset repurposed to recharge my pack out in the boonies, if I EVER went there in the ranger. The 250 does a better job running down unimproved roads than either the Golf or ranger.

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Norway Isn't always cold & snowy. Right now, today, there are people there wearing t shirts outdoors.

Seriously, how often do you take hundred mile + trips?

Did you see the video? Rain and cold? Still battery heat problems.
Yes, Norway can have mild days too. But it ain't anything like f.i. Texan summers.

I seldom take 100+ mile trips. 85 mile trips are frequent though and often with a return leg within an hour or two.
With my driving style I could live with the Leaf, but others might not.

If you do take long trips, like to drive fast or live in a hot climate then you should know about #rapidgate before buying a Leaf.

[Piotrsko]

Knew about rapidgate years before it became popular on that scientific phenomena you tube. What would you expect from a lack of battery cooling?

My co-workers whined about the batteries in their leafs all the time. I point to my volt pack with it's non issues but like I just said, I dont take the Golf off-road, and won't buy a leaf because it doesn't match my needs.

[samwichse]

Nissan is basically the only manufacturer making non-compliance cars trying to stick with air cooling.

And it shows.