InsideEVs editor Tom Moloughney took a 2020 Nissan Leaf Plus SL out for a highway-speed range test. Filling the battery to 100% and driving to 1% state of charge, he saw a result of 185 miles in moderate conditions with the airconditioning on, and with only some light crosswinds. He averaged 3.4 miles per kWh. Check out all the details in his video:
I am looking forward to Tom's next runs with the Tesla 3 SR+ and Bolt. The 185 isn't too surprising, for not using the last 10% of the battery (the reserve), which would put total range around 200-205, which is pretty close to what carwow measured. I would like to see what moving the tire inflation up to 44, similar to what Tesla recommends on the same tire as the Leaf. I do like the overall concept of the 70mph test.
The 70 mph test is helpful because it measures the range people can expect while taking long trips, which is when range is especially important. It's complementary, though, and doesn't replace an EPA-type test, where you see some city and highway conditions combined.
I'd be interested in seeing a long range test that compares driving at 100kph compared to 110kph to show whether the time saved going 110kph is more or less than the time spent charging if you drive at 100kph, i.e. you've gone 10 more km in the hour but you have used more energy to do it and will require a longer charging time. It would be good to compare mountain and plains driving, too.
I would guess the extra 10kph is not worth it time wise versus energy usage, as you will use exponentially more energy to go that faster speed. The energy usage is not linear.
Both our Leafs show an average of 4.9 miles per KW. We however only drive 55mph or less on the freeway. The penalty for an inefficient aerodynamically designed econobox. However that said I love my Leafs. They have affordability allowed my wife and I to drive electric.
Tom’s results are consistent with what I get in my 2018 40KW Leaf on the freeway at 110 KPH. With the A/C on and the outside temp over 20 degrees Celsius I can get 5.5 KM/KWH, and up to 6.2 KM/KWH if the outside temp is over 30. Sent from my iPhone using Inside EVs