My update on the red 2011 LEAF, serial #2244
I called and reported my car today. I've lost 15-18% capacity (as measured in actual performance; not the insane GuessOmeter, CarWings, or other methods), however the car still has all 12 capacity bars. I expect that first 15% loss of capacity bar to disappear any day. I no longer own it.
Case # 9077839
Serial # 2244
25,344 miles
Reserved: April 20, 2010
Ordered: Sept 30, 2010
Built: March 25, 2011 in Japan
Shipped: April 25, 2011 to Long Beach, California via "Hoegh Inchon"
Arrived: at San Diego dealer May 2, 2011 (Mossy Nissan Poway)
Delivered: May 3, 2011 with 4.5 miles
The car was never exposed to exceptionally hot climates, and probably only saw temps over 90F a few times. It was never left at 100% charge for any length of time. For storage, it was left at 50%. It frequently used the entire capacity of its battery to complete 2000 miles per month. It experienced turtle mode about 20 times. It was DC fast charged 5 times or less, all but one of those times at a Nissan provided AeroVironment charger while at the "drive event" in Del Mar, California!!!!
Almost forgot that the annual battery report, completed July 2012, gave me all 5 stars!!!! It's great to know that their consumer oriented report doesn't even consider available capacity or battery degradation.
Nissan LEAF customer service:
Phone 877-664-2738
Press 1, 2, 457253
Representative: Paul Smith
Here is the result of my last drive in the car:
I drove in 75F / 23C temperature, with no significant wind (note 1), at somewhat above sea level elevation to about 580 feet / 180 meters elevation in small San Diego hills, and started and ended at my house at 580 feet elevation.
100% charge with balanced cells start
4.0 miles (6.5 km) per kWh at mostly freeway 60-65 mph (about 100 kph)
58 miles (94 km) to LBW
65 miles (105 km) to VLB (while returning to my house)
69 miles (112 km) projected range based on extensive testing with
Range Chart development.
4 miles per kWh multiplied by 21 kWh of new battery available capacity = 84 miles (136 km) of new battery range.
The projected 69 miles that I drove is about 82% of expected performance with those specific driving conditions.
Note 1 - driving both directions tends to negate the impact of light wind. Wind over about 5-8 knots would need a small correction factor, even if driving both directions.