So tested several additional cables with the shortest being twelve inches. While there is an improvement your still getting disconnected frequently.
Definitely an issue with the head unit on android auto.
Tried this cable, exact same problem. All of my other cables work on other cars without issue. There's three components here: 1) Nissan Leaf, 2) Cable, 3) Phone. Given the 2 & 3 work without issue on multiple other cars, let's take a wild guess at where the issue is...
So far two issues for me:
2018 SL Canadian Version
1) Android Auto constantly disconnects for me. This can be a day wrecker when you're using Waze (or Google Maps) and it disconnects at a critical junction!
2) Driver window makes rattling noise when it's about 1/3rd rolled down.
Nothing in supply chain management is ever cut and dried. Capacity to order ratio sets pricing, as does relationships, and other agreements.
I remember years ago when working as a buyer for an OEM negotiating hard-drives and getting prices of 250MB drives for 10% more than a 120MB harddisk...
That offers a giant assumption about: warranty costs, manufacturing costs, etc.
It may turn out that the difference between the two packs is outstripped by simplifications of plant production. More options generally means more tooling expense, JIT expenses, etc.
It's just not that cut and dry.
I think all dealers make that claim. I know my dealer did as well, they did in fact get the first deliveries in the country though. So far I've counted out 16 cars that have gone in and out of that dealer. I work four buildings down so yes I stalk them :)
My dealer doesn't even want to give me an estimate on when I will get my Leaf. I put a pre-order in early January of this year. Either demand is sky-high on this car, or they have production issues.
You can also use an EVSE like a JuiceBox Pro or other connected EVSE's to charge to a preset limit. In my country most jurisdictions also offer a rebate on them.