I just came across this thread as I was searching how Nissan handles replacing Leaf batteries that re still under warranty. Thought I would post my stats and general dissatisfaction. I have a 2017 Leaf, 30,000 miles. I have owned it for 2 years and 3 months. I have lost 3 bars. Granted - I do live in AZ. But this car is used for commuting, I don't use fast charging, and I really don't see what I could be doing that has made this battery degrade so quickly. I am so disappointed. This has not soured me on EVs in general - but definitely has on Nissan. And to boot - it has little to no value is I wanted to resell or trade in. I can't figure out why some energy hasn't gone into making this product better.
I attended an EV event yesterday that SRP was holding. There were about 10 different EVs there and all were owned by real people who allowed folks to test drive their vehicles and ask questions about ownership. The one EV that wasn't represented? The Nissan Leaf. Go figure.
Hi Pam, thanks very much for sharing your experience and I too am disappointed in your result and maybe I would feel exactly as you in the same circumstance. You mentioned nothing about any warranty repairs on the battery yet, so I am guessing either you've not yet hit the warranty threshold for action, have tried and not succeeded or have not tried to contact Nissan about this.
I still hold true to my general statement - most of the Leafs on the road are doing well and the vast majority of owners that I talk with, in person or on-line, absolutely love their Leafs. They realize some of it's shortcomings, however still love the brand.
Your example of an EV event is not uncommon, but not common either. The number of any brand of EV except for Teslas that owners bring to an EV event differs each time. I've been to a 3 of the same event that is held each year and each time, the number of cars and types that come out are different. Sometime more Leafs, sometimes not as much as an example. So I don't really believe that what you insinuate in your "no Leaf EV represented" statement is accurate as a whole to the entire EV landscape and ownership.
I certainly understand the shortcomings of the Leaf, however still recognize the value and importance this "Single-Best EV Model Sold To Date Globally" model has impacted the BEV marketplace. With well over 450,000 Leafs sold globally, there are always going to be some negative examples and unfortunate circumstances that occur. As with any car manufacturer period. To say that no car is immune from any issues is nonsense.
So while your particular case is not desirable, I am guessing you've not yet crossed the warranty threshold and are still within specified battery capacity limits. When I purchased my 2018 40kWh Leaf, I knew full well of the passive thermal management and cases where owners had issues and the history. Yet I still chose to buy it. Why? Because it meets my daily driving needs for now and into the future, even at a 66% battery loss. With 8 year warranty, I felt that when the battery degraded below the warranty threshold, I would get it fixed to stay at that level and it would still be a fine vehicle for my use and for my families use.
I'm hoping I don't loose 3 bars in 60,000 miles like you've stated, and I too don't really do many Fast Charges per year (about 5-10 per year), so I am expecting this car to last 8 years. That was my goal.
So while I feel for you and wish you best of luck in the future with your Leaf, as I am sure you do love your car, I don't think the picture you are painting of Nissan and the Leaf being a complete BEV failure and Nissan not providing a quality product, is accurate globally. Sure I can find many instances of unhappy owners and Nissan not doing the right thing to help them, however I can find even more of the same with all the other manufacturers - including Tesla. I know many unhappy Tesla owners as well as other brands. So your case is not unique.
