Leaf drivers complain of #rapidgate
News of the fast charging problems with Nissan Leafs has been spreading across the internet under the hashtag #rapidgate. To be exact, the drivers are complaining that the fast-charging significantly slows down after repeated uses over short time periods.
The scandal has implicated a fast-charging capability drop after repeated use over a short time, in some cases down to ca. 25 kW has been addressed by Nissan. The company stated that the charging slows due to a security feature, which are set up to protect battery from overheating. This prolongs battery longevity. The main reason for this is the lacking temperature management: a compromise had to be made to provide a larger battery capacity while keeping the size the same.
As our report recently detailed, the 2018 Leaf features a new electric motor, as well as a more powerful traction battery. The new battery has remained the same size as the original, and is still mounted in the floor. The main difference is a 40 kWh (gross) capacity boost, which is responsible for the charging issues. As with the previous battery model, 192 battery cells were installed, which allow for a larger range due to improved packaging, as well as an updated cell chemistry.
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