Questions about the Nissan Leaf

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by JSH

In Oregon the registration for an electric car is $306 a year OR $86 if you enroll in Oregon's fee per mile program called OReGO. With OReGO you are billed 1.8 cents per mile traveled on public roads in Oregon. If you drive less than 12,222 miles per year it is cheaper to sign up for OReGO.

(I've been an OReGO member since the trial started and it works fine)

Mmm, Oreos. That reminds me that my parents should probably sign up for that since they certainly travel less than 12k. They drive daily, but probably average 20 miles.

Regarding Leaf batteries; they are junk. Their environmental controls are all but non-existent, which is a necessity for EVs considering most other manufacturers implement it. My parents 9 year old Leaf is down to about 2/3 capacity. In the winter that can mean as little as 35 miles of range.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Mmm, Oreos. That reminds me that my parents should probably sign up for that since they certainly travel less than 12k. They drive daily, but probably average 20 miles.

Regarding Leaf batteries; they are junk. Their environmental controls are all but non-existent, which is a necessity for EVs considering most other manufacturers implement it. My parents 9 year old Leaf is down to about 2/3 capacity. In the winter that can mean as little as 35 miles of range.

Your parents is a 2012 then? That was before they made the change to improved "lizard" batteries.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by JSH

Your parents is a 2012 then? That was before they made the change to improved "lizard" batteries.

Yes, I didn't buy it like I had planned. Were it my decision they would be in a '13+ model (lizard in '14). I've read that the newer batteries also degrade quickly.

[oil pan 4]

Yep mine has a 2014 batt and it shows. Was at 12 bars from when I got it till about a year ago, still at 11 bars.
A 2 or 3 year older non lizard batt would be in far worse shape.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

Yep mine has a 2014 batt and it shows. Was at 12 bars from when I got it till about a year ago, still at 11 bars.
A 2 or 3 year older non lizard batt would be in far worse shape.

Well that's quite an improvement over the earlier packs.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Yes, I didn't buy it like I had planned. Were it my decision they would be in a '13+ model (lizard in '14). I've read that the newer batteries also degrade quickly.

If I was shopping for a Leaf it would be 2015 (all had lizard battery) and a SV trim for the 6.6 kW charger and heat pump.

My research shows that 2014 was a transition year for the lizard battery. Do you know how to determine which battery chemistry a 2014 has?

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by JSH

If I was shopping for a Leaf it would be 2015 (all had lizard battery) and a SV trim for the 6.6 kW charger and heat pump.

My research shows that 2014 was a transition year for the lizard battery. Do you know how to determine which battery chemistry a 2014 has?

At this point I've just about decided against a Leaf and am most focused on a Bolt.

I don't have a method of knowing what battery is in a '14, but assumed I would figure one out if I were ever considering one.

The most comprehensive model comparison resource I know of is here;

https://insideevs.com/news/325877/us...-buying-guide/

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

At this point I've just about decided against a Leaf and am most focused on a Bolt.

I don't have a method of knowing what battery is in a '14, but assumed I would figure one out if I were ever considering one.

The most comprehensive model comparison resource I know of is here;

https://insideevs.com/news/325877/us...-buying-guide/

For me it depends on the use of the car. The Leaf is cheaper but shorter range and much less fun. The batteries are suspect but cheap.

The Bolt is better in almost all ways but more expensive. If the battery ever did fail it is $16K. I didn't buy by Spark EV at the end of the lease because the battery was basically unsupported. The Bolt has the volume that it will likely be support but still expensive.

I might be in the market for a car again. My wife has a new job and it is in person and 20 miles away. We will have to decided if it makes sense to buy another car or just have one of us drive the campervan at less than 20 mpg.

[Piotrsko]

I'm under the mistaken impression that GM batteries are modular and based on common design blocks when using the same chemistry so are repairable. I do know in a Volt, everything exchanges physically.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

I'm under the mistaken impression that GM batteries are modular and based on common design blocks when using the same chemistry so are repairable. I do know in a Volt, everything exchanges physically.

The Spark EV changed batteries in 2015 and is a different LG cell than the one used in the Bolt. They are modular and bolt together so a battery could be repaired - if you could find replacement cells or used cells. Certainly possible but with only about 6000 Spark EVs made - split over two different battery packs designs, I doubt you will find much support. A dealer won't crack open a pack to replace cells so you would need a local expert.

From a CleanTechnica article:

• The Chevrolet Spark EV battery is made with 192 (2p96s) LG Chem cells, each cell is rated at 27 Ah and 3.75 V.
• the Chevrolet Bolt EV battery is made with 288 (3p96s) LG Chem cells, each cell is rated at 55 Ah and 3.75 V

Picture of a Spark EV battery module: