SageBrush said:
Nice thread, seems worth it to try and revive ...
I have a 90 mile r/t in the 4 corners area of Colorado I plan to drive with a 2016 30 kWh LEAF. I know this may sound uniformed so hear me out and then tell me off ;-)
I would say it is possible with 30kWh pack. You need heat pump. It works extremely well down to freezing temperatures.
Battery does degrade slower in mild temperatures. I still have 90% left after 2 years and 40 000mi.
If you can get destination charging for those special cold days you are totally fine.
You must be prepared to drive at 50mph in bad weather. I've heard that people in US are really scared to do that on highway.
Or charge at destination. Or use ICE vehicle. Or follow a truck. Or charge at ChaDeMo for 5-10minutes.
At
50mph energy consumption is about 12-12,5kWh per 100km/62 miles. (or
17,5-18kWh per 90mi trip) in ideal conditions. Add 2 hours of heater usage, that is 2kWh. Add cold pack penalty 10% (2kWh). We get
22kWh of real juice. Out of ~27kWh on new pack.
PS. At
62mph energy consumption is about 17,5kWh per 100km/62 miles (or
25kWh per 90mi trip) in ideal conditions. Add 2kWh for heater and 2kWh cold penalty. We get
29kWh. That is not possible any more.
If you get 40kWh pack that will solve everything.
If you have urban miles then count energy/mileage like at 50mph speed.