Nissan Leaf

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Our 2015 Leaf keys needed new batteries a couple of months ago...

So your EV does have battery life issues :-)

Seems like this is one of those really dumb design issues that keep me from wanting to buy any new car, EV, IC, or hybrid. Cars had been using a darned good key design for longer than I've been alive: you put the key in the switch, turn it to start, turn again to stop, and you can't drive the car unless the key is in the switch, or remove it while the engine's running. Adding a non-powered RFID to that just adds some security. But now, keys that need batteries? That you could, accidentally or maliciously, drop out the window while driving down the road? No thanks!

[MetroMPG]

So your EV does have battery life issues

Har, har.

[NeilBlanchard]

As far as I know, the Prius RFID key has a long battery life. I don't know why all of them can't last 4-5 years. Our e-Golf chewed through its key batteries in just over 1 year; and we don't even use it much for remote locking, etc.

I like this type of key, but only when the batteries don't need frequent replacement. The only thing that makes it workable is to get the notice enough ahead to get replacement 2025 cells.

By the way, I have only owned 6 cars, and some of their keys did wear out, so much that I had to use the spare, if I didn't want to fight with it.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

As far as I know, the Prius RFID key has a long battery life.

A true RFID key wouldn't need a battery, since it's a passive device that uses the energy from the reader for its signal.

By the way, I have only owned 6 cars, and some of their keys did wear out, so much that I had to use the spare, if I didn't want to fight with it.

Yeah, I've worn out a key or two in my time, but I could easily get a replacement key cut for a couple of bucks. Now, from what I understand, getting a replacement or spare means going through the dealer and paying, if not an arm & leg, at least a couple of fingers & toes.

[gumby79]

^^^THAT IS PROVIDED the Manufacturer dusen't pull there normal antics of "it more than 10 years old buy a new one we dont stock parts for dinosaurs "

[freebeard]

When the VW SUV (Taiguana?) came out, at the VW club meeting the new owner said he lost the key and the replacement was $300.

You can get aircooled Beetle blanks as NOS at swap meets, or generics from local locksmiths.

[NeilBlanchard]

The 2025 battery costs about $2-3.

Some RFID items are "passive", but the keys for many new cars are not passive - but they are RFID.

[ME_Andy]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The 2025 battery costs about $2-3

... for a 5-pack from Amazon.

[NeilBlanchard]

I bought mine locally in a 2 pack.

[gumby79]

You have to consider that in today's society (this groop is an exception) most would have to have the car towed to a dealership to have a key battery problem resolved.